Best Time to Visit One World Observatory in New York

Going up to the One World Observatory is always a great plan, but doing it at the best time has its trick... the colors of the city and the lights of Manhattan are very different throughout the day... How to choose? read on!

Isabel Catalán

Isabel Catalán

4 min read

Best Time to Visit One World Observatory in New York

Enjoying the views from the One World | ©Robert Bye

After getting your tickets to the One World Observatory, the next thing to know is the best time to go up and enjoy the New York skyline in all its splendor.

Depending on when you travel to the Big Apple, the seasonal weather or the time of day, keep the following in mind when going up to the observation deck:

Best time of day to visit One World Observatory

Sunset views| ©Dimitri Anikin
Sunset views| ©Dimitri Anikin

In case it is the first time you go to New York and you want to enjoy the city's skyline, it is best to book tickets to One World Observatory without queues in the afternoon, because from its observation deck you will have the opportunity to see how the last rays of the sun gradually fade over Manhattan as darkness gives way to the lighting of the small lights that decorate the monuments and buildings of the Big Apple.

It is a magical moment that you will not forget! In addition, it will allow you to enjoy the views of the city both day and night. It is undoubtedly the best finishing touch to an intense day of sightseeing in New York before leaving for dinner and going to rest to recharge your batteries for the next day.

Book your tickets for the One World Observatory without queues

The best time to avoid the crowds at the One World Observatory

Views from One World| ©Hellotickets
Views from One World| ©Hellotickets

When there are more people watching the One World Observatory is around 4 and 5 PM, as visitors go there with the idea of watching the sunset and the turning on of the city lights.

However, if you are not a fan of crowds, then I recommend you to get up early and go to the observation deck early (around 8 or 9 AM) as there are many advantages of going at this time:

  • The views of the sky and New York at first light in the morning are breathtaking.
  • You won't have to dodge tourists in your photos.
  • You will have the rest of the day free to walk up and down Ground Zero and the rest of the Big Apple.
  • You will be able to have lunch in the vicinity of One World.
  • You will have time to explore the Financial District.
  • You can also visit the 9/11 Memorial and the 9/11 Museum.

Book your tickets for the One World Observatory without queuing up

The best time of the year to go up to the One World Observatory

Visiting One World| ©Hellotickets
Visiting One World| ©Hellotickets

The best time to visit the One World Observatory is summer and autumn as the likelihood of rainfall is lower than in the other seasons and the days have more hours of sunshine and usually dawn clear. However, if you travel to New York in a cold and windy season or if a rainy day should arise, do not worry because the observation deck of the skyscraper is covered.

In any case, here's a tip: buy your tickets to the One World Observatory without queues a week or two before your trip to the Big Apple to check the weather forecast more accurately and choose a day with clear skies and plenty of sunshine to enjoy the views of the city.

Book your tickets for the One World Observatory without queues

The best time to take good photos from the One World Observatory

One World Trade Center at night| ©Robert Bye
One World Trade Center at night| ©Robert Bye

Enjoying New York from the heights is another world, a unique sensation that you will surely want to capture with your camera for the memory. If you are not a crack at photography, it is best to play it safe and take advantage of the day light to catch the New York skyline and all the monuments that have made it famous and that can be seen from here:

  • Downtown Manhattan Skyline
  • Statue of Liberty
  • Hudson River
  • Empire State Building
  • Brooklyn Bridge
  • East River
  • Manhattan Bridge

Another option is to go in the evening to the One World Observatory to immortalize the New York sunset sky, with that beautiful play of orange, pink and blue lights. In case you are not a photographer versed in night photography you can always use some tricks to help you take some nice images of the cityscape. For example:

  • Activate your camera's HDR mode.
  • Use the shutter release to avoid blurred photos.
  • Increase the ISO to 400.

Book your tickets for the One World Observatory without queuing up

The best time of the day to go to One World Observatory with children

Around One World| ©Hellotickets
Around One World| ©Hellotickets

If you are going to visit the One World Observatory with your family, the best time of day to do it is early in the morning because the kids will wake up with a lot of energy and will be more awake to go on a trip to this fantastic viewpoint in New York. In addition, you will avoid the afternoon crowds that can make the kids nervous.

Most people who visit One World Observatory are usually there for about an hour, although buying tickets to One World Observatory does not require you to stay for a certain period of time.

However, one hour is perfect for this activity with children as they will have a great time without getting too tired and then you will have the rest of the day to enjoy other family activities, whether it's going to a Broadway musical or an NBA game.

Book your tickets for the One World Observatory without queuing up

In short, the best time to visit One World Observatory

  • The best time of the day

to go

  • In the afternoon
  • Why?
  • To see the sunset over Manhattan
  • The best time of the year

to go up

  • Summer and fall
  • Why?
  • Clearer days and less rainfall
  • The best time

to take photos

  • In the morning
  • Why?
  • You will take advantage of the natural sunlight
  • The best time

to go with children

  • Early in the morning
  • Why?
  • They will have more energy to do the tour and the rest of the day to make other plans.