One World Observatory is located within One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
The observatory provides incredible 360-degree views of New York City’s renowned sites, surrounding waterways, and iconic skyline spanning 72 km (45 miles) in every direction.
From the fourth-tallest building in the World, you also see parts of New Jersey and Connecticut.
Along with other New York observatories, such as the Empire State Building, Top of The Rock, and Edge at Hudson Yards, the One World Observatory offers visitors the chance to enjoy some of the most captivating views in the World.
Steven Plate, the Director of World Trade Center construction for the Port Authority, had said in 2015, “You look out, and on a clear day, you can actually see the curvature of the Earth.”
This article shares everything you must know about the stunning views from One World Observatory.
Table of Contents
Views to expect from One World
In just 47 seconds, the One World Observatory elevator takes the visitors to the top of the building.
The Sky Pod Elevator is the fastest in the World.
On the way, in addition to spectacular views, visitors see a film called ‘Voices’ about those who created One World Trade Center.
A virtual time-lapse shows the evolution of the New York City skyline and beyond from the 1600s to the present day.
As the doors open, visitors find themselves in front of floor-to-ceiling window frames offering spectacular views of New York City that span all of the five boroughs, stretching into the neighboring states of New Jersey and Connecticut.
The One World Observatory is on the 100th, 101st, and 102nd floors.
More than 90% of the tourists book the Standard Ticket, which lets you skip the long ticket counter lines. Opt for the Priority tickets if you prefer to skip all the lines (ticket counter, security check, elevators, etc.). For a VIP experience, check out the Flex Package.
Best views from One World Observatory
If you want stunning views, the best time to visit the One World Observatory is just before sunset.
Reach the One World Observatory an hour before sunset to give yourself enough time to reach the top of the observation area.
If you stay long enough, besides stunning sunset views, you also enjoy the New York skyline after dark.
Related Reading
– One World Observatory or Top of the Rock
– Empire State Building or One World Observatory
– The Edge or One World Observatory
Visual Story: 15 must-know tips before visiting One World Observatory
View from Sky Portal
One World Observatory’s Sky Portal is a 4.2 meters (14 feet) wide circular glass disc that delivers a unique perspective, using real-time, high-definition views of the streets 100 stories below.
The Sky Portal looks as if it is suspended over the streets below, like the Ledge at Skydeck Chicago.
Visitors can walk on the beams and feel close to the people and traffic below the building.
Seeing the city through City Pulse
City Pulse’s interactive ring of high-definition monitors allows guests to view New York’s landmarks and neighborhoods in a way they have never seen before.
Tour Ambassadors, the ultimate New York City insiders, lead the session at One World Observatory’s City Pulse.
Their interactive presentations will connect you with famous landmarks and bring you deeper into the city’s neighborhoods, history, and culture.
View from the restaurant at One World
One Dine is New York’s most acclaimed view restaurant, offering an excellent opportunity to enhance your dinner plans.
High above Manhattan’s stunning skyline, you will enjoy first-class service and excellent cuisine.
Seats facing the Hudson River on the 101st floor are one of the most coveted places in New York.
Since One Dine restaurant is within One World Observatory, you need the One World Observatory tickets.
You can stop by for a cocktail, a quick bite, or make a reservation for a gourmet meal.
