One World Trade Center

The basics

One World Trade Center’s close proximity to Ground Zero, the Financial District, New York Stock Exchange, and 9/11 Memorial Museum makes it a perfect place to take in the views while on a tour of downtown sites. The center is open to visitors via One World Observatory, where a SkyPod elevator whisks visitors up 102 stories in 47 seconds to an observation deck and iPads offer an in-depth look at more than 40 New York City landmarks.

Travelers looking for One World Trade Center tours and tickets have options: Save time with skip-the-line tickets, or combine your observatory visit with a luxurious cruise around Manhattan, hop-on hop-off city tour, or entry to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.

Things to know before you go

• One World Trade Center is a must-see for families and first-time visitors.

• Book your One World Observatory tickets ahead of time to avoid disappointment; millions of people visit annually.

• Give yourself 45 minutes to an hour to enjoy the interactive exhibits within the observatory.

• One World Observatory is wheelchair accessible, and strollers are allowed.

• At 1,776 feet (541 meters) high, the One World Trade Center is significantly taller than the Empire State Building, which is 1,450-feet tall (440 meters).

How to get there

One World Trade Center is accessible via the PATH train, ferry, and 11 different subway lines. The closest subway stop is the Fulton Center, and the entrance is on West Street.

When to get there

One of the main reasons to visit One World Trade Center is the observatory’s panoramic views of the Big Apple, so plan your visit for a day when the forecast is clear. Observatory tickets are for a particular date and time, and it’s a good idea to show up at least 15 minutes early.

Dare to walk on the Sky Portal

Daring visitors can test their mettle with a walk across the Sky Portal. The 14-foot-wide (4-meter-wide) circular glass disc uses high definition footage of the New York City streets 100 floors below to make you feel like you’re walking on air.

Can you go inside One World Trade Center?

Yes, you can go inside the One World Trade Center. The skyscraper is home to the One World Trade Observatory, as well as a restaurant (One Dine) and bar (One Mix). All visitors must purchase a ticket to access the observatory, and it's recommended to do so in advance.

What is the best day of the week to visit One World Trade Center?

One World Trade Center is a popular destination every day of the week. Rather than book by day, do so by timing and conditions: You'll probably experience fewer crowds in the morning, and aim for a good-weather day when you're likely to have a clear view over the city.

Can you see One World Trade Center in a helicopter tour?

Yes, most helicopter sightseeing tours of Manhattan feature One World Trade Center, although it may depend on the helicopter tour you choose. Not only is it the tallest building in New York City, One World Trade Center is also the tallest in the country. It's hard to miss.

Are there restrooms at One World Trade Center?

Yes, there are restrooms available at One World Trade Center, located on all three levels of the observation area, and in the first-floor exit lobby (reached after departing the elevators). Note that restrooms are only open to those who have purchased tickets to visit the One World Observatory.

Can you see One World Trade Center by boat?

Yes, most boat tours will offer views of One World Trade Center. Located in Lower Manhattan, the skyscraper is the tallest in New York City, and it can be viewed on tours of the New York Harbor, from the Staten Island Ferry, and on some Hudson River tours.

What can you do inside One World Trade Center?

The One World Trade Observatory's top attraction is the 360-degree view it offers across the city. Beyond those vistas, visitors can eat and drink at the One Dine restaurant and One Mix bar, opt for a sunset viewing package with Champagne, and interact with the multimedia features on display.

Ways to explore

Plan at least a couple of hours to take in the bird’s eye views of the Big Apple from the top of One World Trade Center. Opened in 2014 to replace the Twin Towers, this silver mirrored skyscraper draws visitors to lower Manhattan with its lightning-quick elevators, which take just 47 seconds to rise 102 stories to the observation deck.

If visiting independently, book a skip-the-line ticket ahead of your visit to maximize time at this popular landmark. Many tours of downtown sites include a stop at One World Trade Center, alongside other local landmarks such as Ground Zero, the Financial District, and the 9/11 Memorial. Some neighborhood tours combine an observatory visit with a cruise around Manhattan, while many hop-on, hop-off bus tours stop nearby.

Accessibility

All areas of the One World Observatory are accessible to travelers using wheelchairs, and there are accessible restrooms. Service animals are permitted.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Credit card (cashless attraction), water bottle, sunscreen

What to wear

Layers, comfortable shoes

Not allowed

Food and drink, large bags, laser pointers, weapons, professional photography equipment, pets, smoking

Amenities

Restrooms, Wi-FI, gift shop, restaurant, café

Address

One World Trade Center is located at 117 West Street in Lower Manhattan. You can travel here by subway, bike, taxi, rideshare, or waterway. Some visitors drive, but traffic is always busy, and parking is expensive.

Driving

If you must drive, use a map app to find the fastest route to 117 West Street. Drivers can try their luck for street parking, which is extremely limited, or head straight for the nearest parking garage: SP+ parking at the Brookfield Place Shopping Center.

Public transportation

The subway is the fastest and easiest way to reach One World Trade Center via several lines: A or C to Chambers Street, E to World Trade, 2 or 3 to Fulton Street, R or W to Cortlandt Street, or 4 or 5 to Fulton Street. PATH service and waterway service from New Jersey are also good options.

Best times to visit

That depends. Book your ticket first thing in the morning if you want a quiet experience, or plan an early evening trip if you’d like to see sunset views.

Best days to visit

While weekends are slightly busier, this attraction is always popular. Visit on a weekday to experience the buzz of Lower Manhattan’s Financial District, as the area can be quieter at weekends.

Best months to visit

Spring and fall are the best months to visit One World Trade Center. Conditions on the observation decks are typically pleasant during April, May, September, and October.