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Contents
Plan your visit to the iconic One World Observatory in New York
One World Observatory opening hours
- Opening hours: 9am to 9pm, every day (timings vary throughout the year).
- Last admission: 1 hour before closing time.
- Closed: One World Observatory remains open throughout the year.
Book your One World Observatory tickets
Best time to visit One World Observatory
The best time to visit the One World Observatory is during weekdays as it's less crowded than on weekends. Visit at sunset or at night for a unique and unforgettable experience as the city transforms into a sparkling sea of lights.
The observatory gets crowded with tourists during summer, so it's best to visit during spring and fall. However, if you enjoy chilly weather, winter might be the season for you.
Peak season: June through August
Low season: January to early March
Where is the One World Observatory?
The One World Observatory is located on the 100th to 103rd floors of One World Trade Center, New York. You can spot iconic landmarks such as the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and the Oculus nearby.
Address: 117 West Street, New York | Find on Maps
How to get to One World Observatory?
By public transport
- By subway: One World Observatory can be accessed through the subway on Line 1 to WTC Cortlandt, Lines 2 3 4 5 A C J Z to Fulton Street, Line E to World Trade Center, and Lines R and W to Cortlandt.
- By taxi: You can take an Uber or a Lyft to One World Observatory at any time in NYC. Drop off at the West Plaza, where you can get to the observatory by a short walk.
- By bus: You can reach One World Observatory by bus through the following routes: M55 to Vesey Street and Church Street, M55 to Liberty Street and Church Street, and M9 to Liberty Street and South End Avenue.
By car
Take the route via FDR Drive. Head southeast on E 42nd St toward Vanderbilt Ave and merge with FDR Drive. Continue onto Battery Park Underpass and stop at One World Observatory.
Parking facilities:
- SP+ Parking | Find on Maps
- 69 Warren Street Parking Corporation | Find on Maps
- Icon Parking at 25 Albany St. | Find on Maps
- Manhattan Parking Garage | Find on Maps
- Icon Parking at 233 Broadway | Find on Maps
What’s inside One World Observatory
Elevator ride
The SkyPod elevator ride at One World Observatory takes you to the 102nd floor in just 47 seconds! Inside the elevator, you witness a heart-pumping time-lapse about the evolution of NYC. As the elevator ascends, watch New York City evolve from its first settlements to the skyscrapers that we see today.
About the SkyPod
Indoor observation deck
Standing at a height of 1,268 feet, One World Observatory is the tallest indoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere. The observation deck covers the entire 100th floor of the building giving you panoramic views of New York and New Jersey. Spot iconic landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge, New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, and the East River from here.
About the One World Observatory Observation Deck
Global Welcome Center
At the Global Welcome Center, you'll have the opportunity to observe your place of origin being included in One World Observatory's guest registry. This incredible data is showcased on the world's largest curved indoor LED screen. Take a closer look at the screens and become part of this captivating presentation.
Sky Portal
Located on the 100th floor of the building, One World Observatory's Sky Portal is a captivating attraction. This 4.2 meters-wide circular glass disc creates the illusion of a ledge, providing an exhilarating experience. Through the Sky Portal, you'll enjoy a distinct and remarkable view of NYC, as real-time high-definition displays showcase the bustling streets below. It's an opportunity to witness the city from a whole new perspective.
More about One World Observatory floors
Horizon Grid
Experience the awe-inspiring Horizon Grid, a mesmerizing multimedia display that celebrates unforgettable moments, renowned individuals, and iconic landmarks visible from One World Observatory. Get captivated by this stunning showcase, which unfolds across an array of 145 screens. You're bound to walk away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world around you.
One World Explorer
Enhance your exploration of New York City's landmarks with the interactive iPad guide available at the observatory. This handy tool will provide you with fascinating facts and information about every landmark you can see from the One World Observatory. Immerse yourself in the experience and discover the hidden stories behind each landmark with the help of this iPad guide.
Forever Theater
Immerse yourself in a mesmerizing spectacle at the Forever Theater, where you witness a dazzling presentation about the vibrant city of New York. Set to thrilling music, this captivating exhibit awaits you on the 102nd floor. Brace yourself for an unforgettable finale as you catch your first glimpse of the awe-inspiring NYC skyline from the highest vantage point in the Western Hemisphere.
Know before you go
Facilities
Accessibility
Visiting with family
Rules & regulations
Dining
Stay
Nearby
Entrance
- Cloakrooms: There are no cloakrooms or storage facilities available onsite.
- Restrooms: Restrooms are available for use throughout One World Observatory. They are located on all three levels, as well as in the exit lobby on the first floor upon departing the elevators.
- Gift shop: You can visit the GALLERY at ONE WORLD, located on level 100, to view a varied collection of gift items for all ages.
- Restaurant: One Dine at One World Observatory serves gourmet cuisine with a variety of dishes to choose from.
- One World Observatory is fully accessible to people with disabilities.
- You can ask for any kind of assistance, including wheelchairs and hearing aids in advance.
- Kid-friendly restrooms and washrooms including baby-changing facilities are available inside the attraction.
- Strollers are allowed inside One World Observatory but ensure that you fold them up inside the elevator and the observatory areas.
- The onsite restaurant ONE Dine has a range of kid-friendly items on the menu.
- Visitors are responsible for their own belongings as there are no locker facilities available inside One World Observatory.
- Outside food and beverages are not allowed inside One World Observatory.
- Photography is allowed but make sure you are not carrying any tripods or heavy and large camera equipment.
- Baby strollers must be folded before getting inside the elevator and at the observation decks.
ONE Dine
This fine dining restaurant is located on the 101st floor of the One World Observatory. It serves gourmet cuisine on a seasonally inspired menu. Classic dishes include the Burrata Salad, Octopus, and Sea Bream. For the full food & bar menu, you can check here.
One World Observatory restaurant
Budget:
- Club Quarters Hotel World Trade Center | Find on Maps
- The Cloud One Hotel New York-Downtown | Find on Maps
Mid-range:
- The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel | Find on Maps
- Residence Inn by Marriott New York Downtown Manhattan | Find on Maps
Luxury:
- Conrad New York Downtown | Find on Maps
- Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown | Find on Maps
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum: The 9/11 Memorial & Museum honors the tragic events of September 11, 2001, which are still felt by both the people of New York City and the survivors of the attack.
- Empire State Building: The Empire State Building is one of New York City's most iconic landmarks. It is a 102-story architectural marvel in Midtown Manhattan with observatory points that provide a 360-degree view of the beautiful New York skyline.
- Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): The Museum of Modern Art is one of the top museums for contemporary art in the world and is home to more than 200,000 pieces by well-known artists like Frida Kahlo, Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, and others.
One World Observatory has one entrance located on the West Plaza. It is alongside West Street at the Northwest corner of the World Trade Center site and, is bordered by Vesey Street to the North.
Read more about the entrance and how to find itFrequently asked questions about One World Observatory
What is the best time to visit the One World Observatory?
If you're aiming for gorgeous views and a bit of elbow room, your best bet is to head up in the morning when the observatory opens or on a weekday. That’s when the crowds are lighter, and the skyline is crystal clear. But if you’re chasing that “wow” moment? Catch it at sunset to watch the city glow to life as the lights flicker on.
Can I visit the observatory at night?
Absolutely. Evening visits provide a spectacular view of the city illuminated against the night sky making it a truly unforgettable experience.
Are there any quiet or sensory-friendly times to visit?
For a calmer experience, aim to visit on weekday mornings just after opening. Crowds tend to increase around midday and weekends. If you’re sensitive to sound or light, the Sky Portal and Horizon Grid may feel intense—earplugs and sunglasses can help.
Is there a particular route for viewing all the exhibits?
You will start at the Global Welcome Center, then head to the SkyPod elevators and enjoy the ride up. Once at the top, you will make your way through the See Forever Theater, the main observation deck, and interactive exhibits like the Sky Portal and Horizon Grid. Save time to relax at ONE Dine before heading back down.
Can I bring a stroller into the observatory?
Strollers are welcome inside the observatory, though you may be asked to fold them on busy days.
Is there Wi-Fi inside?
Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the observatory so you can share your view with friends, or upload that skyline selfie in real time.
Is photography allowed?
One World Observatory is a great place for photo ops with an NYC background and you are encouraged to take photos for personal use. However, professional equipment and tripods are not permitted inside without prior authorization.
Can I bring food and drinks inside?
You’ll want to leave the snacks behind since outside food and drinks aren’t allowed inside. But don’t worry, there are great dining options at the observatory, including a sit-down restaurant with some seriously epic views.
Is there parking available nearby?
While the observatory doesn't have its own parking facility, there are several parking garages in the vicinity like SP+ Parking and Manhattan Parking Garage.
Is the observatory easily accessible by public transport?
Public transportation is a convenient option to get to One World Observatory with a train stop right at One World Trade Center and a bus stop just a 3-min walk away.
