One World Observatory
One World Observatory
4.5
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
There are a million things to experience in New York City, but there’s only one way to see them all at once. You can start by hopping a Sky Pod to the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. There, 102 stories up, find yourself face-to-face with New York’s iconic skyline. Maybe you’ve seen views of the city before, but never quite like this. Walk the three sprawling levels of the Observatory and discover surprises along the way. Drop into the café and grab a bite to eat. Step onto the Sky Portal and stroll high above the crowded streets. Take an interactive guided tour of the city with the help of our Skyline Concierges, available to answer any questions you might have about New York’s long and storied history. And don’t leave without stopping by the One Mix bar for a glass of celebratory prosecco and one last look toward the horizon. See for yourself why One World Observatory is truly An Experience Above.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Downtown Manhattan (Downtown)
How to get there
- Chambers St • 4 min walk
- Cortlandt St • 5 min walk
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See what travellers are saying
- Steph SBristol, United Kingdom94 contributionsViews from AboveWhen we visited New York some years ago, One World was still under construction so it was a must do for this visit. The structure itself is amazing, and it sits beautifully alongside the Memorial pools for the Twin Towers. It’s always incredibly sad to visit the site, because you know what occurred there but it is lovingly taken of. So as to the visit itself the elevator up is smooth and you honestly don’t feel as though you are moving at all, the only proof is your ears popping! When you get to the top don’t be talked into renting an iPad because they are out of date, cumbersome to hold and honestly majority of the sights you will recognise. Not needed at all. The views are of course incredible but because you’re behind glass you do get a lot of reflection and plan your timing if you can. When we visited there wasn’t too many people but it was still busy. All in all definitely a must visit but I think next time I’m in NYC I will try The Edge.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 9 October 2023
- The Trusty Trip Gal!England, United Kingdom243 contributionsWhat A View!Since I first visited back in 2016 I had always wanted to go up the Freedom Tower! This time I finally got to go up! We bought our tickets at the ticket office inside the building and was given the first time slot available. I was pleased that there was time slots as it spaced out the crowds a bit. You had to go through security which made me feel safe and then you head on into the building. It’s very futuristic! The elevator is amazing! It is surrounded by screens and as you go up it shows you how high you are, what floor you are on and how the city of New York built and changed over years! When you arrive at the top the view is revealed! It takes your breath away! What a stunning view! Probably the best view I have seen of New York! The only two downfalls for me is that I wish there was a outside viewing deck and that when we went to go down there was a massive queue for lifts which did make me question how fast we could get down in a emergency.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 October 2023
- sandyDore, United Kingdom106 contributionsGroupon buy and enjoyed visit!Bought tickets in Groupon for $22 each. Sadly it was a horrible rainy day with no visibility. SrFf happily chanced ticket for a different day when we arrived. Great views (inside behind CLEAN glass). Can’t see Central Park but you do get Brooklyn bridge. Decide which tower you want based on view. Only queue was to get through security and into lift but all moving so no real wait. Had about 30/45 mins viewing but you decide when to leave. Enjoyed our visit and would recommend.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 25 October 2023
- beth2822Sheffield, United Kingdom130 contributionsDon’t skip this attraction!Incredible experience! Was a bit nervous before as scared of heights and didn’t need to be! The lift experience and video was great! Really interactive especially the QR codes! We stayed for a talk and the lady was very informative. I’m pregnant and the restrooms were very clean and no big queues. We did book before hand but didn’t need too as the line was not long (midday on a Tuesday) where as top of the rock the day before was impossible to get in until 8.40pm at night. Would highly recommend!Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 October 2023
- thedoc-80Liverpool, United Kingdom134 contributionsTop of the ear popsAmazing to go to the top of the world. Really easy to organise and dont if not a busy day worry about booking a set time....we did and didnt need to as line moved very quickly. Have camera ready when you get to the 102nd floor right when the movie finishs....its worth it. Great views across NYC and beyond. Loved it.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 2 November 2023
- Heather TOrlando, Florida138 contributionsDon't upgradeThe view was epic obviously. The AC has some scent pushed through that I thought smelled amazing at first but becomes a little over powering after a while. The bar is very pricey but was a fun experience to have a drink and take in the view before going to the observation deck. I would not pay to skip the line or do any upgrades. We got our tickets online, walking up to the building, and had no wait.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 November 2023
- WayneTokoroa, New Zealand462 contributionsA good view indeedThis was cool to visit, it’s very fast, heaps of info and a neat video as part of it too. It was an overcast day but we still got to see plenty. You can book online the day you visit. Busy times will be sunset so other times will be easy to get ticketsVisited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 11 November 2023
- 4grlsmomPewaukee, Wisconsin289 contributionsBought tickets when we arrived and had no waitWe had visited the memorial and museum and were initially undecided about going to the top since we'd already been to the top of the Empire State Building, had a hotel room on the 58th floor, and visited Top of the Rock on our last trip. We decided to go up and were so happy we did! We purchased tickets right at the tower. The whole experience was incredible. The elevator goes extremely fast, and yet your ears somehow don't pop. The elevator ride is an experience itself, with movies projected onto the walls. The views at the top are spectacular, as you'd expect. But this offers a slightly different vantage point, with views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn and Manhattan bridge and the rivers. The gift shop at the top is a nice spot to purchase souvenirs too.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 November 2023
- Plumbus_1Blandford Forum, United Kingdom25 contributionsNice view, great lifts (elevators)Chose this over Empire State as was more convenient for then doing Statue of Liberty. It was a wise choice as from the interactive ride up through the "big reveal" to uninterrupted views, the experience was good. Elevator down was a great experience that is almost worth the trip in its own right.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 November 2023
- Raina S1 contributionBest experience!I can't say enough about this place, this was my second time here LOVED it! fantastic views, friendly and attentive staff. Can't wait to come again and try their ONE dine highly recommend for any tourists best observatory (in my opinion) in nyc!Visited November 2023Travelled soloWritten 10 December 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
29,129 reviews
Excellent
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Very good
5,573
Average
2,034
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692
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449
Silyaunproblem
382 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
The view is Ok as you can get an unobstructed view of the statue of liberty. If you decide to dine at the restaurant just beware that your booking should coincide with the entrance ticket. We made the mistake to visit the observatory in the morning qith a VIP ticket to avoid queus and then left to wander around as we had a reservation at the restaurant for later at 17.00. When we returned at 17.00 they were asking us to pay an entrance ticket again!!
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stacey C
Lincoln, UK33 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
We bought tickets in the venue as they weren’t included in the pass we purchased. It was approx $40 each for the basic package only. The lift had a digital visual display when going up and down but lasts all of 60 seconds because the lift is so quick. When you get to the top, there is a really cool display and then you go through to the 360 views which are stunning, we went at sunset/early evening which I would recommend for the scenery. Once you’ve walked around you can go to the bar/restaurant or leave. Long queue for the lift back down but moved quickly as they have 5 lifts. They probably need a slot only for those wanting to take 5million insta worthy pictures sprawled across the windows though.
Worth a trip if you have the money, it’s not cheap and the price is certainly not reflective of the experience.
Worth a trip if you have the money, it’s not cheap and the price is certainly not reflective of the experience.
Written 21 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shan1
Glasgow, UK8 contributions
Feb 2020
We booked VIP tickets, and were severely disappointed. Staff at this location were rude, and not very helpful, and the VIP ticket is definitely not worth the price, as there is nothing VIP about it. The cinema experience is horrible, who wants to stand and watch something that isn't very good, with no option to skip. And then the view was completely gone, due to the weather, we were not offered ticket refunds, or offered a time to come back when the views were visible. The staff just stood, not interacting with the customers, and not even making eye contact with anyone. one can of Pepsi cost $4.50, which is completely over priced. The shop is also completely overpriced, and the staff in the shop is just as bad, not talking and making no eye contact.
Overall I would recommend avoiding this attraction, especially avoid the VIP ticket !.
Overall I would recommend avoiding this attraction, especially avoid the VIP ticket !.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tracey F
32 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
We've been to the top of the rock and the empire state building on previous trips to NYC so wanted to go to the observatory to do the full set. It was the most horrendous experience for our young family. We got timed tickets for 4.30 and were there in plenty of time (from 4pm). We weren't allowed into the outside queue until 4.30, didn't get into the building to the next queue until nearly 5PM, then there was security to get through, then another queue to a presentation, then another queue for the lift, then another queue to get into the observatory.
So an hour after our timed ticket we finally got into the observatory. The view is nice enough. The view uptown is limited because of the angle - its not a 360° view. It was incredibly hot and overcrowded in there and a small bottle of water was $5. We had finished looking within 20minutes and decided to leave.
To leave, you've guessed it - another queue!! It took an hour in a queue to get on a lift to get out. It was nearly 7PM by the time we finally got out.
Dreadful experience, they're obviously letting way too many people up at a time. We've never had experiences like this at the rock or empire state building and the views from these are much better. Would not return and would not recommend.
So an hour after our timed ticket we finally got into the observatory. The view is nice enough. The view uptown is limited because of the angle - its not a 360° view. It was incredibly hot and overcrowded in there and a small bottle of water was $5. We had finished looking within 20minutes and decided to leave.
To leave, you've guessed it - another queue!! It took an hour in a queue to get on a lift to get out. It was nearly 7PM by the time we finally got out.
Dreadful experience, they're obviously letting way too many people up at a time. We've never had experiences like this at the rock or empire state building and the views from these are much better. Would not return and would not recommend.
Written 3 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Tracey,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We appreciate your honesty as it helps us improve our experience for future guests. If you'd like to share any further information regarding your visit, please email info@oneworldobservatory.com.
Sincerely,
Delfin
Written 6 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
340toof
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Family
I got the priority because the past two days had no visibility and I expected crowds. That turned out not to be true and we went right through ahead of out ticket times. As someone else pointed out priority is like insurance. As we went through, priority bypasses holding area which on busy days would be filled with lines of people. In fact, because the building was designed with the observatory from from the beginning, there are a half dozen or so places to hold lots of people and keep them moving. You wait at the entrance for your time, normally, then go through and area where they take you picture, waiting for an elevator. The 47 second rise is so fast that you can hardly appreciate the elevator screens showing the development of the city throughout time. Once at the top, another holding area with a dramatic reveal, but all you want is to get to the level where you can walk around the 360 view. That part does not disappoint. I had my 11 year old and the experience got through her usual blase attitude and disagreement of being dragged somewhere on a Sunday morning. You can see Midtown, a glimpse of time square, all of the boroughs, all of the region. I could point out the geography, the places and buildings where we had been, where Burr shot Hamilton! he ipad option may be a helpful guide for many, but after about an hour I was testing my daughter's patience with what I, and most Americans know already. The elevator effect on the way down is creative, but made me a little nauseous tbh. If I had been by myself, I would have spent another hour, at least, staring at each direction.
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dimitrisazonov
New York City, NY1 contribution
Feb 2020
We visited on a Sunday and paid the extra $7.00 fee to skip the line at the time of buying tickets online. This fee was definitely worth it and the overall experience ended up being extremely smooth. 100% recommend.
Written 3 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brown_Samantha
Kennewick, WA1,781 contributions
Jan 2020
The ticket purchasing processing was pretty confusing. There were lines everywhere: some ticket holders; some waiting to enter; some had stuff on their smart phones. When we got in line, one staff was yelling out that only tickets for the 5 pm or later time slots are available. It was 1:25 pm at that time. We walked up to the automated kiosk to purchase tickets with credit card as we did not want to wait in the line to walk up to the ticket windows. Got 2 tickets for the 1:30 pm entry time slot.
With that we went over to the entry line and waited a bit more to clear through security. $40 pp without the priority stuff, waited about 30 minutes longer. The view up top is stunning. You can see for miles on the clear day we visited. The Skypod elevator ride was pretty fast. In no time we were there.
After you exit the elevator, you're lined up for a short film presentation, then in very dramatic fashion, the curtain raises to reveal the awesome view.
People often ask to compare: is it better than the Empire State Building experience? To us we enjoyed the Empire State Building experience overall. But since we've done that a couple of times, and this is new, it was good as well.
With that we went over to the entry line and waited a bit more to clear through security. $40 pp without the priority stuff, waited about 30 minutes longer. The view up top is stunning. You can see for miles on the clear day we visited. The Skypod elevator ride was pretty fast. In no time we were there.
After you exit the elevator, you're lined up for a short film presentation, then in very dramatic fashion, the curtain raises to reveal the awesome view.
People often ask to compare: is it better than the Empire State Building experience? To us we enjoyed the Empire State Building experience overall. But since we've done that a couple of times, and this is new, it was good as well.
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liv
Wales, UK92 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
We had booked for a Sunday in December whilst visiting from the UK. When we got to the observatory we were told there was zero visibility and that we could change our date and time to any other time by just visiting guest services. They showed us a picture of how it looked at the top and decided that would be best. We changed to the following day as we were doing a Statue of Liberty that day. Changed the dates within minutes and no hassle.
However, we were visiting the 9/11 museum 3 hours after and after walking Brooklyn bridge and visiting the museum we decided we wanted to do the observatory as we didn’t really have time to change the schedule the following day.
This was absolutely zero hassle for them changing back to the original day and again, they warned us about the view and made sure we knew how it would be.
We got straight in and straight through security, had our own private screening of the pre show and our own private lift. When we got up to the top there were only a few other families.
We could also see a few things when the clouds passed but we expected the lack of view and it can’t be helped. We booked the ‘all inclusive’ ticket which included a $15 drinks or shop voucher and we paid $55 for that.
Had a fab time and got a drink each in the bar - which has 2 other people in. And was just incredible being up there and being able to see lights and a bit of the view whenever the clouds passed. All staff were lovely and enthusiastic.
So if you have run out of time and can only visit when there’s zero visibility, it’s really not that bad as you can occasionally see out but there is no crowds up there and the pre show, bar and lifts make you feel like a VIP!
However, we were visiting the 9/11 museum 3 hours after and after walking Brooklyn bridge and visiting the museum we decided we wanted to do the observatory as we didn’t really have time to change the schedule the following day.
This was absolutely zero hassle for them changing back to the original day and again, they warned us about the view and made sure we knew how it would be.
We got straight in and straight through security, had our own private screening of the pre show and our own private lift. When we got up to the top there were only a few other families.
We could also see a few things when the clouds passed but we expected the lack of view and it can’t be helped. We booked the ‘all inclusive’ ticket which included a $15 drinks or shop voucher and we paid $55 for that.
Had a fab time and got a drink each in the bar - which has 2 other people in. And was just incredible being up there and being able to see lights and a bit of the view whenever the clouds passed. All staff were lovely and enthusiastic.
So if you have run out of time and can only visit when there’s zero visibility, it’s really not that bad as you can occasionally see out but there is no crowds up there and the pre show, bar and lifts make you feel like a VIP!
Written 25 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tour42982109296
St. Lucia13 contributions
Aug 2019
At over $40 per person this is really overpriced. Then they try to upsell you with an iPad rental, which I’m glad I didn’t get. The coolest part was the elevator ride up in which a computer generated animation of the growth of Manhattan is projected on the walls if the elevator. The problem is the elevator is crowded so it’s not so easy to see. And it goes by so fast. Look for it on YouTube, it is really cool. The observatory itself was crowded so I didn’t feel like I could just linger at the window. And it’s all inside so if you fly regularly it’s not that different a view than what you get from in an airplane on approach or what you’ve seen on television since you’re glassed in and there’s limited viewing space because of the crowds. $15 or maybe $20 would be a better price. I got hundred times more out of my visit to liberty island and the metropolitan museum, in case you’re deciding on things to do.
Written 3 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We appreciate your honesty about your experience. Our enclosed space allows for comfortable viewing 365 days of the year. We're glad you could take the time to visit us. Our crowds are a bit lighter at the beginnings of our days around 9am.
We hope to see you again,
Delfin
Written 6 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Heston L
Wilmington, NC60 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Went on Wednesday so no lines for Gen Admission, so “Priority/Masterpass VIP” line was worthless. Sketchy part is the $15 “drink or shop at our cafe, restaurant, bar or gift shop” voucher they give you with the all-inclusive has FINE PRINT that says for drinks (and gift store crap) AND all non-alcoholic drinks are conveniently priced at $6 so you can’t get $15 worth of drinks without going over AND you can’t combine vouchers or use any leftover $$ on your voucher (one use only). Basically forces you to spend more. Views are beautiful. Included iPad virtual tour is nice if you don’t know the city well.
Written 15 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jade
United Kingdom
My partner is going to NYC in august and as a birthday gift I wanted to get him tickets to the observatory but I’m unsure what day he’s planning on doing what attractions on and I want it to be a surprise so I don’t want to outwardly ask
So can I buy a ticket without a definite date and time and he can modify this himself or do you have to have it pre-planned?
Written 28 April 2024
We just returned from New York and bought same day tickets . We went Labor Day Weekend and there was no line and after purchasing tickets we went right in . The only wait was for the elevator which travels very fast.
Written 18 September 2024
Myself and my wife are going to New York at the end of February for 5 days and are looking for recommendations on where to visit? I was looking at purchasing a 3 day pass to see as many places as possible but a lot of people say that they are a rip off. We are staying close to Times Square. Also is it easy and safe on the subways? I would like to visit the Bronx, to see the steps where the Joker was filmed, is that safe on our own or would it be better to do a bus tour? Thanks for any advice.
Written 27 December 2022
Yes the subway is safe & at the moment no buses are going to the bronx but they are a great way of seeing the rest of the city & finding your bearings. We stayed near Times Square & used the big bus (do not use Topview) it’s a great way to find where you need to go. If you get a three day ticket on the app it will save you money. Have as good a time as we did.
Written 28 December 2022
Myself and my wife are going to New York at the end of February for 5 days and are looking for recommendations on where to visit? I was looking at purchasing a 3 day pass to see as many places as possible but a lot of people say that they are a rip off. We are staying close to Times Square. Also is it easy and safe on the subways? I would like to visit the Bronx, to see the steps where the Joker was filmed, is that safe on our own or would it be better to do a bus tour? Thanks for any advice.
Written 27 December 2022
If you are unable to tour the observatory before dinner, can you do it after (if it's part of a package)?
Written 13 September 2022
Sorry, don't know the answer to this.
Written 28 December 2022
Are current military members (to include veterans) as well as first responders given a special rate for admission?
Written 8 September 2022
This is from their website:
When identification signifying membership is presented in person to the Box Office or Guest Services, One World Observatory agents will provide 50% off full-priced Standard Experience admission packages for the service member and 20% off for up to four accompanying guests.
Active and retired service members from the following agencies are eligible for this special discount program: members of the United States Military Services, the New York City Police Department, Fire Department, and Emergency Medical Services (Public Agency).
Written 8 September 2022
Bonjour,
Nous avons fait l'empire state Building et top of thé rock. Pensez-vous que ce soit intéressant de faire celui-ci aussi? Est-ce que la vie la nuit vaut le coup? Ou il vaut mieux la journée ?
Merci
Written 29 May 2022
Complètement différent de ces deux-là. Mieux pendant la journée.
Written 28 December 2022
Has anyone taken the ferry from northern NJ to the site? Is it far then from ferry drop off to site? Is there a shuttle maybe?
Written 11 October 2021
Can you bring your own sandwiches to eat somewhere up top, perhaps benches or something? Nothing crazy like a ful blown picnic or anything! We have some pretty intense food allergies in our group.
Written 11 October 2021
A Tripadvisor member
Fort Myers, Florida
2 contributions
I would think so
Written 17 October 2021
hi does anyone know if there are taxis nearby please
Written 12 March 2020
No problem you just stop one in the street near by
Written 13 March 2020
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