One World Observatory

The basics

Before heading up 1,268 feet (386 meters) to the main observation deck, check out the welcome video displays telling the story of One World Observatory and One World Trade Center’s construction. Several installations zero in on neighborhoods below and check out real-time footage of streets far below.

Standard timed-entry admission tickets are available, as are skip-the-line, priority “anytime”, and flexible tickets. Reserve your tickets in advance to enjoy a guided 45-minute highlights One World Observatory tour or combine your visit with stops at other top attractions such as the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the Statue of Liberty, or Ellis Island.

Things to know before you go

• Standard day tickets are by timed entry. Arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time.

• It’s best to allot 45 minutes to an hour for the observatory tower.

• The One World Observatory and its exhibits are wheelchair accessible.

• There is no coat or bag check; visitors cannot bring large backpacks or luggage inside.

• One Mix, the bar on the 101st floor, offers snacks with a view. Visitors cannot bring outside food inside.

How to get there

The One World Observatory is inside One World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan. The entrance is via the West Plaza located alongside West Street, at the northwest corner of the World Trade Center site. You can easily reach the tower by taxi, and a number of subway stops—including Chambers Street (A or C train), World Trade Center (E), Rector Street (1), Fulton Street (2, 3, 4, or 5), and Cortland Street (R or W)—are within short walking distance. The M20 and M55 buses also stop near the building.

When to get there

One World Observatory is open daily from 9am to 8pm much of the year, and until 10pm May through August. Last entry is 45 minutes before closing. Daytime visits afford sweeping panoramic views, while evening and nighttime visits showcase the city’s romantic twinkling lights. And after the sun goes down, so do the prices—nighttime tickets are half price.

Dining at the Top of the World

One Dine, the highest restaurant in the United States, is accessible only to One World Observatory ticket holders and requires advance reservations. The 101st-floor fine dining establishment serves a seasonal menu and offers craft beer, wine, and cocktails overlooking the main observation floor. For small plates and drinks, head to One Mix (no reservations required).

Is One World Observatory accessible to guests with disabilities?

Yes. One World Observatory is accessible to individuals with disabilities. For assistance, such as auxiliary aids or services, contact guest services before your visit. The observatory is also wheelchair-accessible, with a pickup/drop-off location along West Street. Service animals are welcome.

What is the best time to visit One World Observatory?

Enjoy sweeping panoramic views during the daytime, while in the evening and at night, you’ll see the illuminated cityscape. Plus, nighttime tickets are half-price. From sunset to twilight, you’ll encounter more tourists and higher prices. If you want to avoid crowds, plan to visit first thing in the morning.

How long can you stay at the top of One World Observatory?

While there’s no limit to how long you can stay at the top, you should allot about 45 minutes to 1 hour for your visit. This will allow you enough time to enter the observatory, watch the film at the Forever Theater, and take in the views. If you plan to eat at ONE Dine, a restaurant on the 101st floor, add another hour or so.

Is One World Observatory worth it?

Yes. One World Trade Center, which houses the observatory on floors 100-102, was built after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. On the way up to the observation deck, video displays recount the building’s construction, while several installations allow you to pinpoint neighborhoods and check out real-time footage of the streets below.

Can I bring a tripod to One World Observatory?

No. Guests cannot bring inside professional photo or video equipment, including tripods, lights, professional cameras, recording devices, and other amplification equipment. During the day, try to get your camera as close as possible to the glass to avoid reflections, and at night, set your camera down to take photos with a long exposure setting.

What can you see from One World Observatory?

While you’re more than 100 stories above the street, you’ll see 360-degree views of New York City and neighboring New Jersey, including landmarks such as the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and New York Harbor. Because the observatory is in Lower Manhattan, you can see the length of Manhattan stretching northward.

Ways to explore

Before heading up 1,268 feet (386 meters) to the main observation deck, check out the welcome video displays telling the story of One World Observatory and One World Trade Center’s construction. Several installations zero in on neighborhoods below and check out real-time footage of streets far below. Standard timed-entry admission tickets are available, as are skip-the-line, priority “anytime”, and flexible tickets. Reserve your tickets in advance to enjoy a guided 45-minute highlights One World Observatory tour, or combine your visit with stops at other top attractions such as the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the Statue of Liberty, or Ellis Island.

Accessibility

One World Observatory is accessible to wheelchair users and disabled visitors.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, handheld binoculars

What to wear

Wear whatever you’re comfortable in—the viewing deck is inside, so no need to worry about the weather.

Not allowed

Cash payments, non-folding strollers, pets, outside food or drink, smoking, tripods, luggage

Amenities

Restaurant and bar, restrooms, gift shop

Address

One World Observatory is located at One World Trade Center at the corner of West and Vesey Streets in Lower Manhattan. Driving is an option, but public transit, taxis and rideshare services, and guided tours with included transportation offer the easiest ways to get there.

Driving

Trying to drive through New York City’s busy streets is not recommended for tourists, and parking options around the landmark are often limited. It’s much more convenient to take public transit or a taxi.

Public transportation

To get to One World Observatory using public transportation, take the 1 train to WTC Cortland; the 2 or 3 trains to Park Place; the E train to World Trade Center; the R or W trains to Cortland Street; or PATH trains to World Trade Center.

Best times to visit

Visit One World Observatory early in the morning to miss the biggest crowds, or aim for sunset for the most picturesque views. Avoid overcast days if you can.

Best days to visit

Weekends and holidays are, predictably, busier times at One World Observatory. Try visiting on a weekday for a less crowded experience.

Best months to visit

Aim to visit One World Trade during the summer or autumn, when daylight hours are longer and better weather is likely—it’ll mean ideal viewing conditions.

Special events

The lead-up to Christmas—when One World Observatory’s seasonal event, ONEderland, is held—is a particularly festive time to visit. On June 2 each year, the landmark’s Tower Climb commemorates the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.