Woolworth Building

The Basics

The Woolworth Building, which originally served as the company’s New York City headquarters, was the world’s tallest building for 17 years. Today it maintains a vintage charm that captures the elegance of early 20th-century design, and its spectacular lobby draws crowds of architecture admirers.

Many New York City sightseeing tours, helicopter tours, and architecture cruises pass by the Woolworth Building. To see the building’s lobby and lower level, you must book a guided tour. Pre-registration is required—walk-in guests are turned away—so purchase tour tickets in advance to ensure a spot.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Woolworth Building is a must for architecture and vintage-design enthusiasts, who marvel at the building’s ornate interior.

• The building is privately owned and is open to the public only with tour tickets.

• Thirty-, 60-, and 90-minute tours are available.

• The tour is open to visitors aged 10 and older.

• The lobby is accessible to wheelchair users, with elevator access to all areas of the tours.

How to Get There

The Woolworth Building is on Broadway between Barclay Street and Park Place in Lower Manhattan, a short distance from City Hall. The best way to get there is via subway: take the 4, 5, or 6 train to the Brooklyn Bridge–City Hall stop; the N, R, or W to City Hall; or the J, M, or Z to Chambers Street.

When to Get There

Small-group lobby tours are offered daily year-round. These are a great option if the weather is dreary or cold, though walking around Lower Manhattan is most pleasant in spring, summer, and autumn. Consider booking a weekday tour during business hours to avoid weekend crowds and commuters.

How to Visit the Brooklyn Bridge

When you step outside the main doors of the Woolworth Building and cross City Hall Park, you find the entrance to the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. The pedestrian pathway is clearly marked, and begins off of Centre Street. Walk the path up and over the Brooklyn Bridge, enjoy stunning views of Manhattan and Brooklyn along the way, and then explore the DUMBO neighborhood and Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Can you tour the Woolworth Building?

No, the Woolworth Building no longer offers public access to its lobby, and tours that go inside the building have been suspended. However, the building—which dates to 1913 and is a National Historic Landmark—can still be admired from the outside. Its architecture is worth a visit.

What do you see on a tour of the Woolworth Building?

Currently, tours are not being held of the Woolworth Building's interior, so visitors will have to make do with admiring its facade. That said, there's much to see from the outside. Once the tallest building in the world, the historic skyscraper offers neo-Gothic design with ornamental detailing and soaring heights.

Are kids allowed on a tour of the Woolworth Building?

No members of the public (of any age) are admitted on a tour of the Woolworth Building. Transformed into high-end residences, the building does not host tours of its interior at this time. That said, visitors of all ages can stop to admire its distinctive looks from the outside.

Is the Woolworth Building accessible?

Yes, the Woolworth Building is equipped with a number of high-speed elevators that make accessing its upper floors easy—at the time the building was unveiled, in 1913, they were the fastest in the world. However, the interior of the Woolworth Building is not open to public tours.

Are photos permitted in the Woolworth Building?

The Woolworth Building is not currently open for public tours, and so visitors are not able to access its famously ornate lobby for photos. That said, the building's exterior is no less impressive, and New York tourists are welcome to linger outdoors and capture photos of its facade.

Are there restrooms at the Woolworth Building?

No, there are no public restrooms available at the Woolworth Building. The New York landmark is no longer accessible to the public, and tours of its interior have been postponed indefinitely. However, there are a number of cafés and restaurants in its vicinity that offer restroom access for customers.

Ways to explore

Vintage charm and the elegance of early 20th-century design characterize the Woolworth Building, designed by architect Cass Gilbert. While the ornate interior is definitely something to see, the building is currently closed to both public tours and to walk-ins hoping for a glimpse of the lobby. The exterior, fortunately, offers plenty for architecture fans to take in.

Some New York City sightseeing tours, neighborhood tours, helicopter tours, and architecture tours pass by the Woolworth Building, offering some background on its fascinating history. While the building’s lobby and lower level have been open for guided tours in the past (with 60- and 90-minute options), those tours are currently not available; they may once again be offered, with pre-registration required.

Accessibility

When tours are available, the Woolworth Building lobby is wheelchair accessible with elevator access to all areas of the tour.

Age limits

In the past, tours of the Woolworth Building have been limited to visitors age 10 and older.

What to pack

Water bottle, sun protection for outdoor sightseeing

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, layers

Not allowed

Currently not open to the public

Address

The Woolworth Building is on Broadway between Barclay Street and Park Place in Lower Manhattan, across from City Hall Park. The best way to reach this landmark is by public transportation.

Driving

Driving in this area can be expensive and slow (expect traffic, sometimes gridlock). For those who still want to drive, you can try your luck with street parking or park indoors at a nearby garage, such as Icon Parking at 233 Broadway.

Public transportation

Take the 4, 5, or 6 train to the Brooklyn Bridge–City Hall stop, or the R or W to City Hall. Another option is riding the J, M, or Z train to Chambers Street.

Best times to visit

The best times to visit Lower Manhattan depend on what you’re looking for. To check out the work-week bustle, head to this neighborhood on a weekday, especially around lunchtime.

Best days to visit

Weekends can be much quieter than weekdays in the City Hall area, though if you go on a holiday weekend, the neighborhood’s attractions may be crowded.

Best months to visit

Spring and fall are ideal for long walks around Manhattan. To catch free cultural events, go in the summer—if you don’t mind the heat.

Special events

Nearby, the South Street Seaport often has outdoor happenings, especially in the summer. Check the calendar for details.