Is visiting One World Observatory worth it? Our Experience at the WTC Observation Deck
The sunset reflected in the World Trade Center and neighboring buildings. All photos by John O’Boyle / The Empty Nest Explorers
One World Observatory is the observation deck located at the top of the World Trade Center in New York City.
It is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and a symbol of resilience in the New York skyline.
The observatory offers 360-degree panoramic views of New York City, and visitors can see up to 45 miles on a clear day.
Most other NYC observation decks are located in midtown Manhattan, while the WTC is located in lower Manhattan. This location will give you great views of the Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
View of the Brooklyn Bridge from One World Observatory.
Debbie grew up in Jersey City and watched the World Trade Center go up in the 1970s. As a newspaper photographer, I unfortunately watched the buildings come down on Sept. 11, 2001. Luckily, I was also able to document the recovery and rise of the striking new building.
With all that personal attachment, it’s probably no surprise that we think One World Observatory is absolutely worth a visit.
Below, we’ll detail all the info you’ll need for a successful trip.
At the bottom of this post, I’ve included a gallery of my photos from the morning of 9-11 through the rebuilding of today’s building.
(Note - there is no mention of 9-11 at the One World Observatory, so don’t worry about being scared off by the history or having to explain the story if you have young kids. If you want to pay tribute to the memory of 9-11, there is the adjacent 9-11 museum and the free 9-11 memorial pools where the buildings stood.)
How do I get to One World Observatory?
The Oculus Transportation Center nest to the World Trade Center.
The main Observatory entrance is at 117 West Street (a major street that runs north and south). There is also an entrance through the Oculus transportation center, but that entrance can be hard to find.
As part of the World Trade Center redevelopment, NYC was able to redesign the subway lines in the area. So now the area is incredibly accessible via subway.
Subway
Lines serving the area include:
A and C trains to Chambers Street
E train goes directly to the World Trade Center
1 train to WTC Cortlandt Street
2 and 3 trains to Fulton Street
R and W trains to Cortlandt Street
4 and 5 trains to Fulton Street
Bus
The M20 bus stops near Vesey Street and North End Avenue
The M55 bus runs along Broadway and stops near Cortlandt Street
You can just tap your credit card to pay for both the bus and subway systems. It’s all very easy, well-marked, and safe. Don’t be afraid to use New York’s mass transit system.
You can read more on our blog post: How to ride the NYC subway, tips for visitors
PATH train
If you are coming from New Jersey, the PATH train from Newark, Hoboken, or Jersey City will leave you right at the WTC complex.
Driving
Driving in Lower Manhattan is very difficult, and parking is very expensive, so mass transit is the way to go.
The Brooklyn Bridge and World Trade Center. If you re looking for great places to photography NYC skyline check out our post: Best spots to photograph the NYC skyline
How do I buy tickets to One World Observatory?
One World Observatory offers a variety of experiences and price points.
The Standard Experience is currently listed as starting from $35.00, plus a booking fee of $3.50 and tax. This ticket includes timed entry to the observatory and access to all three levels, including the elevator experience and all indoor viewing areas.
The Combination Experience, starting at $49.00 plus a $3.50 booking fee plus tax. This ticket adds access to the iPad-based One World Explorer digital skyline guide. It provides detailed information about landmarks visible from each window. The ticket also includes a $5 coupon to shop, drink, or eat.
The All-Inclusive Experience, starting at $59.00 plus the $3.50 booking fee and tax, offers flexible arrival times, the iPad experience at a $15 coupon.
The VIP Tour, listed at $69.00 plus booking fee and tax, includes the best of the other tickets plus a 60-minute guided tour.
Pro tip - Instead of purchasing tickets through the official site, we highly recommend checking Get Your Guide. Often, the price will be less, plus their fantastic app allows you to organize all your tickets. We were fans before we became affiliates.
Check out the Get Your Guide ticket options here.
Note - This blog post contains affiliate links. If we recommend a product, activity, or hotel, we might receive a small commission if you buy or book from these links. This is done at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we have personally used or have thoroughly researched.
The One World Observatory is generally open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, but hours vary throughout the year depending on the season, holidays, and special events.
The Visitor Experience at One World Observatory
One World Observatory has done a great job enhancing your visit with interesting experiences along the way up to he top of the building.
Global Welcome Center
When you arrive, you’ll encounter airport-style security screening. Inside the Global Welcome Center, you’ll see a massive LED display that tracks the origin of visitors from around the world.
Horizon Grid
Next, you’ll walk through the Horizon Grid, a multimedia display featuring 145 screens in a grid-like pattern. These screens display images and short videos related to life in New York City.
Foundations Room
The Foundations Room is designed to resemble a cave carved from bedrock, symbolizing the tower’s foundation
The SkyPod Elevator Experience
The elevator ride at the World Trade Center observation deck is one of the most memorable parts of your visit.
In just 47 seconds, it transports guests from ground level to the top floors while floor-to-ceiling LED screens display the history of New York City. The presentation traces New York’s history from marshland to today’s skyscrapers
See Forever Theater
When the elevator door opens on floor 102, you’ll be standing in the See Forever Theater. At the conclusion of the brief presentation, the screen lifts, and you’ll get your first glimpse of the magnificent view.
You’ll then be led to the 101st floor with its dining options - ONE Dine, ONE Mix, and Illy Caffè & Gelateria.
This floor will allow you to enjoy your food and drink with a fantastic view.
The main observation floor is floor 100. Here you’ll find floor-to-ceiling windows that look north, south, east, and west.
Debbie enjoying the view from the One World Observatory.
We visited the week before Christmas, and the observatory was much less crowded than expected. The other time we visited was in the middle of the summer, and the crowd was about the same. I think the large wrap-around floor can absorb a large number of people before it feels crowded.
We visited mid-afternoon, and since the sun sets early in December, we stayed until it got dark. It was fun to watch the sun set and the city lights come alive.
Our other New York City observation deck posts:
Frequently Asked Questions about visiting One World Observatory
How much does it cost to visit One World Observatory?
Ticket prices for One World Observatory typically start around $35 for a standard ticket, plus a booking fee and taxes. Other ticket options, such as combination, all-inclusive, VIP. The higher ticket classes add on items such as an iPad guide, food and drink credits, and a real-life human guide.
We highly recommend purchasing tickets from Get Your Guide. Check the prices, and you’ll see they usually offer tickets for less than the official site. Plus tier awesome app allows you to keep tickets in one place.
Check out the Get Your Guide ticket options here.
What is the best time to visit One World Observatory?
The best time to visit One World Observatory depends on your preference. If you visit in the morning, you’ll find it less crowded. We visited in the late afternoon and stayed until sunset. This allowed us to see NYC in daylight, at sunset, and at night.
How long does a visit to One World Observatory take?
Most visitors spend between one and two hours at One World Observatory. This allows time to experience the elevator ride, watch the presentations, and enjoy the skyline. If you are planning to dine at the restaurant or bar should add an extra hour or so.
Does One World Observatory have an outdoor observation deck?
No, unlike most other NYC observation decks, One World Observatory does not have an outdoor observation deck. All areas are indoors and behind floor-to-ceiling glass.
While it’s fun to get the breeze in your face, we didn’t feel restricted at the World Trade Center.
How fast is the elevator at One World Observatory?
The SkyPod elevator at One World Observatory reaches the top floors in approximately 47 seconds. During the ride, floor-to-ceiling screens display an animation showing the evolution of New York City. While watching the presentation, you barely notice you are riding in an elevator .
Can you see the Statue of Liberty from One World Observatory?
View of the Statue of Liberty at sunset from the World Trade Center.
Yes, One World Observatory offers wonderful views of the Statue of Liberty in New York City Harbor. It is one of the main features that sets the World Trade Center apart from the observation decks in midtown Manhattan.
Is One World Observatory good for kids and older travelers?
Yes, One World Observatory is suitable for both kids and older travelers. Your visit will be climate-controlled and accessed via an elevator. Interactive displays will keep kids interested.
Is One World Observatory connected to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum?
No, One World Observatory is not affiliated with the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.
Since the Observator is adjacent to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, we highly recommend visiting the memorial pools, if not also the 9-11 museum.
There are a lot of other attractions nearby. You can read about the area in our blog post: Visiting the attractions near the World Trade Center Memorial
This post was researched and written by John of the Empty Nest Explorers. You can learn more about the Empty Nest Explorers here
John’s photographs of 9-11 and the rebuilding of the World Trade Center.
Our other New York City travel blog posts:
One World Observatory is the observation deck located at the top of the World Trade Center in New York City.
It is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and a symbol of resilience in the New York skyline.
The observatory offers 360-degree panoramic views of New York City, and visitors can see up to 45 miles on a clear day.