TLDR: The 9/11 Memorial is free and open daily 8am to 8pm. The Museum costs $33 for adults and is open Wednesday through Monday, 9am to 7pm. Free admission on Mondays (book online at 7am). From the Wales Hotel, take the 4/5/6 train from 86th Street to Fulton Street. Allow 2 to 3 hours for a full visit.
What to Expect at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum sits at 180 Greenwich Street in Lower Manhattan, on the exact footprint where the Twin Towers once stood. It is one of the most important sites in New York City.
The memorial plaza is an eight-acre public space featuring two enormous reflecting pools. Each pool marks the footprint of one of the original towers, with water cascading down into a central void. The names of every person killed in the 2001 and 1993 attacks are inscribed in bronze panels surrounding both pools.
This is not a typical tourist attraction. It is a place of remembrance. Visitors tend to speak quietly, and the atmosphere reflects that. Plan your visit with that in mind.
How to Get There From the Wales Hotel
From the Wales Hotel on the Upper East Side, the trip takes about 35 minutes by subway. Walk to the 86th Street station and take the 4 or 5 express train downtown to Fulton Street. From there, it is a short walk west to the memorial grounds.
If you prefer, you can also take the 6 local train to Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall and walk south and west. Both routes work well. The express is simply faster.
For more on getting around the city from the Upper East Side, check out our transit guide.
The Memorial: Free and Open Daily
The outdoor memorial is completely free. No tickets. No reservations. It is open every day from 8am to 8pm.
You can walk the plaza, read the inscribed names, and stand beside the reflecting pools without spending anything. On a clear morning, the space is peaceful and deeply moving. The Survivor Tree, a Callery pear that was recovered from the rubble and nursed back to health, stands in the plaza as well.
Even if museum tickets are sold out, the memorial grounds alone make the trip worthwhile. Many visitors find the outdoor experience just as powerful as the museum.
Insider Tip
The memorial pools are free and open every day. If museum tickets are sold out, you can still have a meaningful visit walking the memorial grounds and reading the names. Dress respectfully.
The Museum: Tickets, Hours, and What’s Inside
The museum is underground, built into the original foundations of the towers. It is open Wednesday through Monday, 9am to 7pm. It is closed on Tuesdays.
Ticket prices are $33 for adults, $27 for seniors (65+), $21 for youth ages 7 to 12, and free for children under 6. Book your tickets at least two weeks in advance, especially during summer and around the September anniversary.
Free admission is available every Monday. Tickets for free Mondays are released online at 7am and go fast. Set an alarm and be ready to grab them the moment they drop.
Inside, the museum covers the events of September 11, 2001, the people who were lost, and the aftermath. Artifacts include structural steel from the towers, a damaged fire truck, and personal items recovered from the site. The audio and visual exhibits are intense. Some sections may not be suitable for young children.
Watch Before You Go
How Much Time Do You Need?
Plan for 2 to 3 hours total. The memorial grounds take about 30 to 45 minutes to walk. The museum takes 1.5 to 2 hours depending on how long you spend with each exhibit.
Some visitors move through the museum in an hour. Others spend three. There is no wrong pace here. Give yourself the time you need.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Arrive early. The grounds open at 8am and the morning hours are the quietest. By midday, especially on weekends, the area fills up.
Dress respectfully. This is a place of mourning for many people. Comfortable walking shoes are important since you will be on your feet for a while, but keep the tone of the site in mind.
Large bags are subject to security screening. Leave oversized backpacks at the hotel if you can. There is a bag check inside the museum.
Photography is allowed in most areas, but be mindful of other visitors. Flash photography and tripods are not permitted inside the museum.
What Else Is Nearby
The memorial is in the heart of Lower Manhattan, so you can easily combine it with other stops. The Oculus, the striking white transit hub designed by Santiago Calatrava, is directly adjacent. Brookfield Place is a short walk north along the Hudson River waterfront.
If you want to continue exploring the area, our neighborhood guide covers how to make the most of a full day out in the city from the Upper East Side.
One World Observatory is a few steps away at One World Trade Center. The 102nd-floor observation deck offers sweeping views of the harbor and the city below. Tickets start at $43.
Making It a Full Day Downtown
A good downtown itinerary from the Wales Hotel: take the subway to Fulton Street, visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in the morning, grab lunch at Brookfield Place or the Oculus food hall, then walk south through the Financial District to Battery Park for views of the Statue of Liberty from the promenade.
You will be back at the hotel by late afternoon with energy left for dinner. Our Upper East Side restaurant guide has options for every budget.
Stay on the Upper East Side
The Wales Hotel puts you on a direct subway line to the 9/11 Memorial. The 4/5/6 trains from 86th Street reach Lower Manhattan in about 30 minutes.
Check Available HotelsWe may earn a small commission if you book through this link. It doesn’t cost you anything extra.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 9/11 Memorial free?
Yes. The outdoor memorial, including the reflecting pools and inscribed names, is completely free and open daily from 8am to 8pm. No tickets or reservations are needed.
How much do 9/11 Museum tickets cost?
Adult tickets are $33, seniors (65+) are $27, youth ages 7 to 12 are $21, and children under 6 are free. Free admission is available every Monday with advance online booking starting at 7am.
How far in advance should I book tickets?
Book at least two weeks ahead, especially during summer months and the weeks around September 11. Free Monday tickets sell out within minutes of release.
How do I get to the 9/11 Memorial from the Upper East Side?
Take the 4 or 5 express train from 86th Street to Fulton Street. The ride takes about 25 minutes. From Fulton Street station, it is a 5 to 10 minute walk west to the memorial.
How long does a visit take?
Plan for 2 to 3 hours. The outdoor memorial takes 30 to 45 minutes. The museum takes 1.5 to 2 hours or more, depending on your pace.
Is the museum appropriate for children?
The museum contains graphic images and audio recordings that may be disturbing for young children. Children under 6 are admitted free, but parents should use their judgment. The outdoor memorial is suitable for all ages.
What are the museum hours?
The museum is open Wednesday through Monday, 9am to 7pm. It is closed on Tuesdays. The outdoor memorial is open daily from 8am to 8pm.
Can I bring bags into the museum?
Small bags are allowed. Large backpacks and oversized bags go through security screening. There is a bag check available inside the museum. Leave large luggage at your hotel.