One World Observatory is an observational deck on the 100th floor of the One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower.
One World Trade Center is the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center Complex in Lower Manhattan, New York City.
More than 2.5 million tourists go up the building’s high-speed elevators yearly to enjoy fantastic views of New York’s skyline.
This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets for the One World Observatory.
Top One World Observatory Tickets
# One World Observatory tickets
# One World Observatory’s Priority tickets
# One World Observatory Flex Package
Table of contents
- What to expect
- Where to book tickets
- How do online tickets work
- One World Observatory ticket prices
- One World Observatory: Skip The Line Ticket
- One World Observatory: Priority Skip All Lines Ticket
- One World Observatory: Flex Ticket
- Combo Tickets
- How to reach
- Timings
- How long does the experience take
- Best time to visit
- Food and drinks
- Best observation deck in New York?
- FAQs about the One World Observatory
What to expect
Get ready to elevate your senses at One World Observatory and take in the New York City skyline from over 100 stories above the streets – the highest point in the city.
The observatory offers panoramic views of the city skyline, including landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
The experience begins with an exhibit detailing the tower’s development, followed by a multimedia elevator ride that takes you on a time-lapse history of New York.
Once you reach the top, the three-story observatory offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and beyond.
The Sky Walk, which broadcasts real-time video onto the walls and floor, gives you a bird’s-eye view of the city below with the One World Explorer augmented reality experience.
Where to book tickets
Tickets for the One World Observatory are available to be purchased at the attraction or online in advance.
Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the attraction.
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.
Since these tickets are timed, booking online also helps you get your preferred time slots.
How do online tickets work
Go to the One World Observatory ticket booking page, select your preferred date, time slot and the number of tickets, and buy the tickets right away.
After the purchase, you will receive the tickets via email.
You don’t need to carry printouts.
You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone when you visit the attraction.
One World Observatory ticket prices
Standard adult tickets for the One World Observatory are available to visitors between 13 and 64 years old for US$44.
Tickets for senior citizens aged 65 and above can be purchased for US$41.
For children between six and 12 years, the tickets cost US$35.
On the other hand, priority adult tickets for the observatory can be purchased for US$54, and senior tickets cost US$52.
Priority child tickets are available for US$46.
The premium flex tickets cost US$65 for adults, US$63 for seniors, and US$57 for children.
Infants up to five years of age can get in for free.
One World Observatory: Skip The Line Ticket
One World Observatory’s Standard tickets offer the most value for money – they are the cheapest yet the most popular.
More than 90% of the users visiting this New York Observation Deck buy the Standard entry tickets.
This ticket helps you skip the line at the ticket counter and immediately get into the attraction.
However, this ticket doesn’t let you skip the other three lines – the line for the security check and the queue for the elevators to go up to the observatories and then get down.
Arrive quickly via the Sky Pod elevators, one of the fastest in the world, and enjoy special features such as City Pulse and Sky Portal.
The ticket gives access to all three floors of One World Observatory – Levels 100, 101, and 102.
Access a handpicked selection of dining establishments at ONE, ranging from casual cafe options to elegant fine-dining experiences.
Ticket price
Adult ticket (13 to 64 years): US$44
Child ticket (6 to 12 years): US$35
Senior ticket (65+ years): US$41
Infant ticket (up to 5 years): Free
One World Observatory: Priority Skip All Lines Ticket
Gain priority entrance to the tallest building in the Western hemisphere!
One World Observatory’s Priority tickets are also known as ‘Express Admission tickets’ because they help you skip all four lines at the attraction.
1. Line at the ticketing counter
2. Security check line (you fast track through this queue)
3. Line at the elevators to go up to the observatories
4. Queue at the elevators to come down and exit
Image: Tripadvisor
This ticket lets you access all the observatory floors – levels 100, 101, and 102.
Experience the One World Explorer – a virtual guide on an iPad, and receive a $5 voucher to use towards eating, drinking, or shopping.
Ticket price
Adult ticket (13 to 64 years): US$54
Child ticket (6 to 12 years): US$46
Senior ticket (65+ years): US$52
Child ticket (up to 5 years): Free
One World Observatory: Flex Ticket
Buying this ticket for the One World Observatory promises a luxurious experience.
With the Flex tickets, you can arrive any time on the selected day – you won’t be bound to a time of visit.
Once you reach the attraction, this ticket allows you to skip all the lines and head straight to the observatory.
Get to explore NYC like never before with One World Explorer iPad.
Get a US$15 credit to spend on drinks, bars, restaurants, or souvenirs at the One World Observatory.
Ticket price
Adult ticket (13 to 64 years): US$65
Youth ticket (6 to 12 years): US$57
Seniors ticket (65+ years): US$63
Child ticket (up to 5 years): Free
Visual Story: 15 must-know tips before visiting One World Observatory
Combo Tickets
To make the most of your visit to New York, it’s best to plan ahead and book a combo ticket.
Take advantage of exclusive deals and explore the city’s top attractions near the One World Observatory, some of which are within a mile.
You can buy the One World Observatory tickets in combination with tickets for the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the Statue of Liberty, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the Empire State Building, the American Museum of Natural History, Top of the Rock, or the New York Tourist Card.
Combo tickets are ideal for large families, groups, or those on a budget holiday and can help you visit all major attractions by booking just once!
Avail discounts of up to 28% when booking these combo tickets.
Have you decided to explore the nearby attractions well? Find out everything about the 9/11 Museum and 9/11 Memorial before your visit.
How to reach
One World Observatory is situated in Downtown Manhattan, within the One World Trade Center, at the corner of West and Vesey Streets.
Address: One World Trade Center, 285 Fulton St. 45 fl. Street F, Manhattan, NY 10007. Get Directions
You can reach the One World Observatory by public transport or car.
By Bus
Take the SIM7, SIM9, or SIM77 bus to reach the Vesey St/West St stop near the attraction.
By Subway
The World Trade Center Station on the ‘E’ Line is closest to the One World Center observatory.
By Train
Get down at the World Trade Center station to reach the observatory. Take the path train.
By Car
If you are driving by car, turn on Google Maps and get started!
Choose between parking options around the attraction.
Timings
The One World Observatory is open on all days of the week between 10 am to 7 pm.
However, timings at the observatory are subject to change seasonally.
How long does the experience take
The amount of time you spend at the One World Observatory depends on the tour package you select.
On average, visitors spend around 45 to 60 minutes at the observatory.
However, you can stay longer as there is no time limit on the tickets.
Please note that the duration of your visit might be extended due to queues at the attraction.
Best time to visit
We suggest booking your tour on a weekday when the attraction is less busy for a more enjoyable visit.
Mornings and late evenings typically have fewer visitors, making for a more peaceful visit. It’s best to arrive at the One World Observatory when it opens at 10 am.
If you want to experience the best views, visiting just before sunset is the best option.
Besides the stunning golden hour views, you can enjoy the famous New York night lights after dusk.
Weekends and public holidays are the most crowded at the attraction.
Best time to take photographs
In the morning, it isn’t easy to take pictures of the Eastern side of the building, i.e., Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn North, etc.
At noon, the sun is not shining on you, making it the best time to take pictures from all sides of the One World Observatory.
If you are interested in photography, we recommend you plan your trip so that you are in the Observatory at noon.
One World Observatory at night
The best way to enjoy One World’s night view is to reach during sunset and stay till the skyline lights up.
However, only some have that luxury of time.
However, it is difficult to identify the buildings that form NYC’s skyline at night.
Food and drinks
Dining at the top of the World is a unique experience, and One World Observatory offers two restaurants.
One Dine – highest in the USA
One Dine, the highest restaurant in the United States, is accessible only to One World Observatory ticket holders and requires reservations.
The 101st-floor fine dining establishment serves a seasonal menu and offers craft beer, wine, and cocktails overlooking the main observation floor.
Hours: 12 pm to 8.30 pm
One Mix – for a spontaneous stop
For small plates and drinks, head to One Mix.
Besides the drinks, guests can enjoy shareable plates and thoughtfully sourced and crafted selections of burgers, sandwiches, seasonal salads, and bar snacks.
Reservations are not required; walk-ins are welcome.
Hours: 12 pm to 8.30 pm
Best observation deck in New York?
New York City has some of the most excellent observational decks in the World.
The top three are – One World Observatory, Empire State Building, and Top of the Rock.
With so many observational decks, tourists visiting New York get confused. Which one should they see?
Two of the comparisons which come up often are – One World vs. Empire State and One World vs. Top of the Rock.
One World Observatory vs. Empire State Building
At One World, the Sky Pod elevator with a digital time-lapse highlighting five centuries of New York City’s evolving landscape is breathtaking.
Seeing Forever Theatre™, an audio-visual experience that explores NYC’s skyline, is another perk here.
In the southern part of Manhattan, One World Observatory has excellent views of the Financial District below, the Hudson River and the East River, and Northeastern New Jersey (including Lady Liberty).
One World’s Explorer iPad is another fantastic way to enjoy the New York skyline, which you won’t find at the Empire State Building.
What’s more – from the One World Observatory, you can also see the Empire State Building.
The only thing that needs to be added to OWTC is an open-air observatory, which the Empire State Building has.
Our recommendation
One World Observatory is a better Observatory than the Empire State Building. Though the tickets to One World Observatory are a bit costlier than Empire State Building tickets, it is worth it. Buy Tickets.
Or, if you still favor New York’s oldest Observatory, buy Empire State Building tickets.
If you aren’t sure yet, check out a more detailed comparison between Empire State Building and One World Observatory.
One World Observatory vs. Top of The Rock
You can view the classic Empire State Building set against the Manhattan skyline from Top of the Rock.
You also have a relatively unobstructed view of Central Park from the Rock, which is unavailable with any other observation deck.
It also offers excellent views of the Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center, Bank of America Tower, Flatiron Building, Brooklyn Bridge, and the surrounding buildings in Midtown Manhattan and more.
Our recommendation
Both the Top of the Rock and One World Observatory are on par with each other.
You can choose either and walk out of the building delighted with your observational deck experience in New York.
Just that One World Observatory ticket prices are lower – you save some money. Buy Tickets.
Or, if you want to give Top of the Rock a try, book your visit now.
We recommend a more detailed comparison between One World Observatory and Top of the Rock if you are still deciding.
Tip: Free entry to Top of the Rock is part of the City Pass, the Explorer Pass, and the New York Pass. Check out the New York Passes.
FAQs about the One World Observatory
Here are some questions visitors usually ask before visiting the One World Observatory.
Yes, you can buy One World Observatory tickets online. When you buy them in advance, you save yourself a lot of time and energy. Many tourists don’t know this and get tired of waiting in long lines.
Yes, the observatory is fully accessible for wheelchair users, with elevators and ramps throughout the building.
There are no age restrictions for visitors, but an adult must accompany children under the age of 17.
Yes, photography is allowed at the observatory, but tripods and professional equipment are not permitted.
There is no official dress code for visitors, but visitors are advised to dress appropriately for the weather and for the occasion.
Visitors can choose between multiple dining options, including the One Mix Bar, One Café, and One Dine.
Visitors are allowed to bring bags inside the One World Observatory, but all bags are subject to security screening.
Yes, there is a gift shop located on the 100th floor, where visitors can purchase souvenirs and other items.
The One World Observatory is located on the 100th floor of the One World Trade Center building, which stands at a height of 1,776 feet (541 meters).
The Edge at Hudson Yards is the latest NYC observation deck to open for the public. Find out how The Edge compares to One World Observatory.
Sources
# Oneworldobservatory.com
# Newyorkpass.com
# Newyorkpass.com
# Tripadvisor.com
The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy.
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