A complete guide to visiting the 9/11 Memorial and Museum

Why should I visit? 

This museum is one of the city’s most significant cultural institutions, providing a carefully presented account of the events of September 11, 2001, and their lasting impact. Beyond the historical detail, it provides space to understand individual stories, explore the wider context and reflect on how that day has shaped the world we live in.  

The 9/11 Memorial sits on the very spot where the Twin Towers once stood, tucked into the heart of Lower Manhattan. The outdoor memorial was created as a deeply moving tribute, with two vast reflecting pools marking the footprints of the towers and engraved with the names of those who lost their lives that day, and in the earlier 1993 World Trade Center bombing (February 26, 1993). 

Both are a meaningful addition to any NYC itinerary, whether you’re interested in modern history or simply want to remember and engage with this part of the city’s story. 

How do I get there? 

The Memorial & Museum are located at: 180 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10007  

It’s tucked into the World Trade Center site, near the Oculus and the One World Trade Center, so it's super accessible if you're already exploring Lower Manhattan.  

Subway  

• A, C, 1, 2 or 3 trains to Chambers Street: short walk 2 – 5 minutes. 
• 2 or 3 trains to Park Place: very short walk, 2 – 4 minutes. 
• E train to World Trade Center station: essentially right at the site, 1– 2 minutes. 
• R/W to Cortlandt Street: slightly longer but still walkable, around 7 minutes.  

PATH Train: 

• If you’re coming from New Jersey, the PATH train stops at World Trade Center. 

Buses 

• The M55, M20 and M22 all stop within about a 5–10-minute walk. 

How do I get in with my New York Pass?  

To visit with your New York Pass, you’ll need to book a timeslot in advance on the Go City Reservations Portal. It’s super simple and all the information you’ll need can be found in the Go City app. 

On the day, show your reservation to join the line at the correct time, and then have your pass scanned by the staff member checking tickets at the main entry. 

What is included with my entry? 

The Museum 

Intro film  

Your visit will start with a short film that gently but powerfully frames the day’s events and sets the tone.

Foundation Hall and Artefacts  

Foundation Hall contains some of the museum’s most significant structural elements, including: 

• The remaining portion of the original slurry wall. 
• The Last Column, a 36-foot steel beam signed by rescue and recovery teams during the cleanup. 
• The Survivors’ Staircase, one of the few above-ground elements of the original World Trade Center to survive the collapse, used by thousands of people to evacuate the South Tower. 

These pieces provide a tangible connection to the site and the scale of the events, allowing for quiet reflection. 

Photography is allowed in Foundation Hall, but try to be mindful of the reflective nature of the space. 

Historical Exhibition (main exhibition)   

This exhibition offers a detailed timeline of the day’s events as they happened, both in the air and on the ground. You’ll find a wide variety of displays, including: 

• Recorded voicemails, emergency services transmissions and radio communications 
• Archival news footage and TV coverage 
• Video and photographs from onlookers 
• Personal photographs and artifacts from the towers and recovery efforts 

Photography and video recording are not permitted in this section.  

The overall atmosphere is solemn and reflective; the content is intense, emotional and can be very upsetting, so we wouldn’t recommend taking children under 10 in this exhibit.

The Memorial 

The 9/11 Memorial surrounds the footprints of the original Twin Towers, honoring the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the 2001 and 1993 attacks. At its heart are the twin reflecting pools, each nearly an acre in size with waterfalls cascading down all sides, surrounded by bronze panels inscribed with the names of every victim. The names are arranged according to meaningful adjacencies, grouping friends, colleagues and loved ones together, and can be located using on-site kiosks or useful websites online, like the 9/11 Memorial Guide. 

The Memorial Plaza is lined with over 400 swamp white oak trees, offering a calm, park-like environment for reflection. The open-air space is fully accessible, with pathways, seating, and shaded areas for rest. 

Photography is allowed here, but again, please be mindful that this is a space for quiet reflection and remembrance.  

What facilities are there? 

• Restrooms: there are restrooms located throughout the museum. 

• Museum store:  you’ll find meaningful souvenirs, books and keepsakes. 

• Café: you’ll find this on the atrium terrace. 

Are there any optional extras?  

• Guided tours: expert-led tours providing deeper context, storytelling and historical insight are available for an additional fee. 

• Audio guide: available in multiple languages, audio guides offering detailed commentary can be hired on the day for an additional fee.  

Where should I go next? 

After visiting the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, you’re right in the heart of Lower Manhattan, so you’ve got plenty of options if you’re keen for some sightseeing. 

• One World Observatory – for skyline views. 

• The Oculus – the unusual architecture is worth a look, and the mall itself has some good food options if you’re looking for a bite to eat. 

• The Brooklyn Bridge – about a 10–15-minute walk from the memorial.  

• The Big Bus – stops nearby and is a great way to get back up to Midtown while sightseeing as you go! 

Before you go 

Visiting the 9/11 Memorial & Museum will offer you a deeper understanding of the events and their lasting impact. The museum and memorial together offer a thoughtful journey through history, human stories and remembrance. 

So take your time, move at your own pace and remember to be respectful of the space and those around you as you explore. 

Found this article useful?      

Why not read our complete guide to Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises or our Complete Guide to One World Observatory, all filled with visitor hacks and money-saving tips.   

With The New York Pass®, you can skip the stress and save big on Empire State Building tickets plus dozens of other must-see attractions, all with one easy-to-use pass.   

🗽 Don't explore the Big Apple without this   
💰 How much can you really save in NYC?