More about: One World Observatory in New York: Tickets and Tours
The One World Observatory is located in the One World Trade Center and is the tallest skyscraper in New York (and the United States), paying tribute to the Twin Towers.
As one of New York's most popular attractions, booking your ticket to the One World Observatory in advance will save you a lot of queuing. If you don't know how to do this or how to choose between the options available, here's a hint about my favourites:
Types of tickets for the One World Observatory

Going up to the One World Observatory is one of the most impressive experiences you can have in New York, with 360º views from the top of the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere. Depending on your budget and what you're looking for, you can choose from several ticket options to suit every traveller:
- Standard ticket from £24 Access all three levels of the observatory and enjoy iconic views of Manhattan by booking your time slot in advance.
- Priority access ticket from £45 Skip the queues at the entrance and in the lifts and receive a £5 voucher to spend in the bar or gift shop.
- Flexible schedule and priority access ticket from £52 Go up whenever you want during the selected day, with priority access and a £15 voucher included.
How to buy tickets for the One World Observatory at the ticket office?

You can buy your tickets for the One World Observatory at the box office in the building, which opens at 9 a.m. In general, in New York, I don't recommend buying tickets at the box office, as you'll face long queues and will probably enter One World exhausted from waiting on your feet.
The best option is to buy your tickets online. Instead of waiting to buy your ticket at that time, you can go straight up and see life in New York begin as the day starts. You can also compare prices and rates for tickets to the One World Observatory and check if there are any discounts available for your visit.
New York Pass and other passes that include admission to the One World Observatory

If you want to see everything New York has to offer, a great option is to purchase a tourist pass. For example, the New York Pass includes admission to the One World Observatory among many other activities.
With this particular pass, you can choose between 1 and 10 days of validity for unlimited activities. I recommend it if you are one of those people who wants to squeeze the most out of their destination and not miss a thing.
In any case, there are also other passes available, and if you are considering purchasing one to complete your visit, I recommend that you check out my article where I compare each one: New York Tourist Cards
Are there guided tours of the One World Observatory?

Yes, there are guided tours of the One World Observatory, and they are an excellent way to get an in-depth look at one of New York's most iconic viewpoints. These tours are usually led by expert guides who explain the history of the building, the reconstruction process after the 9/11 attacks, and the architectural details of the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere. You'll also be able to identify the most recognisable landmarks in Manhattan, Brooklyn and beyond from high above.
One of the most exclusive ways to enjoy this experience is with a private tour of the One World Observatory. For around two hours, you'll tour the observatory accompanied by a guide who will tailor the tour to your interests and explain everything you see from above. The tour includes priority access, which saves you from queuing, and you can choose the hotel pick-up option for added convenience.
Where is the One World Observatory and how do I get there?

Most visitors tend to stay at the One World Observatory for around an hour. Tickets to the One World Observatory do not limit how long you can stay, so you can stay as long as you like. If you are visiting with children, it may take a little longer, as the interactive screens will keep them entertained for a while.
The One World Trade Center is visible from virtually anywhere in Manhattan. Its height, reflective glass walls and iconic silhouette make it unmistakable, so getting there on foot or by public transport is very easy. Located in the heart of Ground Zero, very close to Wall Street, you can walk there from almost anywhere in southern Manhattan.
- Metro: If you are staying a little further away, the quickest way to get there is by metro.
- City bus: keep in mind that the New York tourist bus also has a stop very close to the One World Observatory.
To better organise your itinerary and find out about distances, prices and public transport maps, take a look at this article on how to get to the One World Observatory in New York.
What are the visiting hours for the One World Observatory?

To help you plan your visit, please note that the One World Observatory is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. except in summer, when the skyscraper is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. You can visit the One World Trade Center every day of the week, all year round.
Visit the One World Observatory with children

Going up to the One World Observatory with children is something you won't regret, as there are activities specifically designed for them. In fact, for your visit with children, I recommend letting them play for a while at the:
- Sky Portal, interactive screens located on the floor that project images of life in New York under the One World Trade Center and give the impression of floating in the air.
- City Pulse, interactive screens showing presentations on icons of New York culture such as its famous cheesecake and various sports teams.
Check out this article if you want to find out more about things to do in New York with children to make your family visit to the Big Apple a success.
What will I see on my visit to the One World Observatory?

Visiting the One World Observatory is not just about looking out over New York City from high above, it's also a complete experience from the moment you enter the building. The entire tour is designed to impress, excite and educate, from the state-of-the-art multimedia elevator to the enclosed observation deck with 360-degree views.
What you'll find inside
- Interactive Sky Pod elevators: They take you up to the 102nd floor in just 47 seconds. The walls are covered with screens that project an incredible time-lapse of New York's evolution from the 17th century to the present day.
- See Forever Theatre: When you reach the top, you'll cross a visual walkway with an immersive show celebrating the city's relentless spirit.
- Enclosed observation deck on the 102nd floor: Unlike the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock, the One World observatory is completely enclosed, offering a more comfortable experience in winter and a sense of security for those who suffer from vertigo.
The views from the One World Observatory
- Empire State Building
- Statue of Liberty
- Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge
- Hudson River and East River
- Downtown Manhattan and its skyline
Remember to make a mental list of what you would like to see before you go up. The excitement and magnitude of New York from the sky can make you forget some of the iconic sights.
Another way to enjoy the views: the helicopter tour

And if climbing a skyscraper doesn't appeal to you, but you want to enjoy the views of New York from above, you have other options such as taking a helicopter tour of Manhattan or visiting one of the city's many rooftop bars. But in my opinion, climbing a skyscraper is an impressive experience that you can't miss, especially on your first visit to New York.
Practical information for your visit to the One World Observatory

- Best time to visit One World: Thanks to its glass-enclosed observation decks, any time of day (and even any time of year) is a good time to visit. Sunset will treat you to spectacular colours in the sky; morning will offer you a clear, unobstructed view of the skyscrapers and the Hudson, and night is always special, with millions of lights on the skyline. If you can't decide, check out this guide on the best time to go up to the One World Observatory.
- How to avoid crowds: The busiest times at the One World Observatory are around 4 and 5 p.m., when visitors are getting ready to watch the sunset. For similar views to those in the evening and a less crowded experience, I recommend going at 9 a.m. (or 8 a.m. in summer), which will give you the whole day to explore the city you've just seen from above.
- What services does the building offer: The One World Observatory has a gift shop on the 100th floor and a restaurant on the 101st floor to end your visit with a break.
- Be careful with prices: Keep in mind that the One World Observatory is full of "traps" to attract tourists and make them spend extra money on interactive tablets for the visit, souvenir photographs, and things like that.
- What happens if the weather is bad: I recommend buying tickets for the One World Observatory a week or two before your trip to New York, when you can check the weather and choose the best day. Needless to say, if you go up the skyscraper on a clear day, you'll have spectacular views of New York, and if you go on a rainy day, the good thing is that the observation deck is covered, which is also an advantage if you go during a very cold or very hot season.
- Looking for flexibility? Keep in mind that if you haven't decided on a time yet, you can book flexible tickets for the One World Observatory.
Where to eat near the One World Observatory?

If the heights have whetted your appetite, you're in luck: an area as busy as Downtown Manhattan is full of places to eat, from the most luxurious and exclusive to the quickest and cheapest. The only question you'll have is which one to choose.
Take advantage of your time in the area to take a break, recharge your batteries and shelter from the cold or heat if you're visiting New York in winter or summer, and then continue exploring this area that has so much to offer.
Other recommended experiences in the One World Observatory area

The One World Trade Center is an unmissable part of Ground Zero and is linked to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, so booking a visit to the museum and memorial with admission to the One World Observatory is highly recommended, as you will be able to explore in depth an event in recent history that has marked the city like no other.
You will have the opportunity to explore one of the most interesting and unique exhibitions in the world, which tells the story of the attacks on the Twin Towers with objects rescued directly from the rubble. You can read about my experience here: 9/11 Memorial and Museum Tickets and Tours.
You can also book a guided tour of New York with admission to the One World Observatory and learn about the history of the city from an expert guide before admiring it from above.
Plan your visit to other skyscrapers in New York

In addition, New York has other highly recommended skyscrapers for seeing the city from above:
- Climbing the Empire State Building, an icon of the New York skyline, is a must on any first visit to New York, as it contains a piece of the city's history within its walls.
- And, of course, the Rockefeller Center, whose observation deck known as the Top of the Rock offers the best views of the city, including a spectacular close-up of the Empire State Building. In my experience, it's the best skyscraper in New York.
- The Edge, an innovative building with a spectacular observatory whose glass floor will allow you to see New York from a bird's eye view (literally). Made to test anyone's vertigo, be sure to read how to organise your visit here: The Edge Tickets and Tours.
If you want to be on trend and visit the city's most modern skyscraper, then consider going up to the new SUMMIT observation deck in New York: its architecture, innovative viewing platform and incredible location have already made it a favourite with many New Yorkers and visitors alike.
Comparison table of New York skyscrapers
- Empire State
- From £38
- Observatory: open air
- Floor: 86
- Views: Chrysler Building, Rockefeller Center, 5th Avenue and, in the distance, One World Building
- Location: Downtown Manhattan
- Book
- Top of the Rock
- From £37
- Observatory: open air
- Floor: 70
- Views: Empire State Building, Central Park and, in the distance, One World Building
- Location: Downtown Manhattan
- Book
- One World Observatory
- From 24
- Observatory: indoor
- Floor: 102
- Views: Wall Street, Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and, in the distance, the Empire State Building
- Location: Southern Manhattan
- Reservation
- The Edge
- From £30
- Observatory: open-air with glass floor
- Floor: 110
- Views: Empire State Building, Midtown and, in the distance, One World Building
- Location: West Manhattan
- Book