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One World Observatory

Freedom Tower, New York City: Hours, Address, Freedom Tower Reviews: 4.5/5

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One World Observatory

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See all things to do
One World Observatory
4.5
28,471
#17 of 1,381 things to do in New York City
Architectural Buildings • Lookouts • Observation Decks & Towers
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9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 9:00 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.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Admission tickets
from $46.82
All you need to step foot in the door.
Full view
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Downtown Manhattan (Downtown)
How to get there
  • Chambers St • 4 min walk
  • Cortlandt St • 5 min walk
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
28,471 reviews
Excellent
19,973
Very good
5,448
Average
1,981
Poor
659
Terrible
410
wherehaveinotbeenyet
Manchester, UK412 contributions
Sunset viewing
Nov 2021
I managed to get here in time for sunset which was amazing seeing the sun setting in its various stages, and then the lights coming on over Manhattan; and unlike other observatories in NY, they don't charge extra for sunset viewings. Having said that, the basic entry is still really expensive, but that's quite standard for attractions in NY. Although the views are great, they are hampered by reflections/dirt on the glass, especially once darkness falls, so this is something that the outdoor observatory of the Empire State Building has over it, but it's still a great experience. The elevator ride to the 102nd floor is fantastic, as images are projected onto the sides of the cab showing the NY skyline developing through the centuries, with the buildings shooting up one by one. All in all, I would recommend a visit during your time in NY!
Written December 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Peter W
Thank you for visiting and sharing your experience with us. We agree, the views at sunset over New York Harbor are particularly spectacular! We’re glad to hear your visit was all you had hoped for and hope that you will visit us again soon. Sincerely, Delfin Ortiz, GM, One World Observatory
Written December 29, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Aimee
Manchester, UK56 contributions
An amazing experience!
Aug 2019 • Family
Me and my family went to the One World Observatory on 21st August at 11:30am. If you are going on your first trip to New York, the observatory is a must do! No queue’s at all and thorough security checks were done before you are allocated an elevator for your family/group of people. The elevator shoots up just over 100 floors in about 30 seconds and has electronic information and facts displayed in the elevator, makes you feel like you are looking out of the windows as you are going up. When you get to the observation level you can rent some virtual tour iPads for $15 each, i recommend only getting one. The iPads are really good, they show you all the surrounding landmarks in New York and show you a quick informational video about these places e.g. Coney Island, Brooklyn Bridge etc. The views from the observation level are breathtaking and you get a full 360° view of Manhattan, possibly the best place in New York to see the skyline. The only small issue i had was that you can’t take many clear pictures without having any glare from the glass but this may differ with the weather conditions and the quality of your phone/camera. This was one of my favourite things i did whilst in New York and i would highly recommend to any first time visitors wanting to experience as much as they can whilst in New York!
Written July 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
r2d2g2
Mooresville, NC2 contributions
We loved the One World Observatory experience!
Feb 2020 • Family
We purchased our tickets online prior to arrival, which saved us so much time skipping the line at the door. The elevator ride was amazing and the views of the city, as well as NJ, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, surrounding islands was just breathtaking! We got the all-inclusive package, unfortunately I didn't read the $15 inclusions and I thought it went towards food as well as drinks, so we got 3 appetizers thinking we were going to get $30 off, but it only included drinks. My fault. The sunset was so beautiful, I highly recommend going in the evening so you can see the sun setting from the observatory. My 19-year-old son was mesmerized by the whole experience!
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mary D
Aberdeen, UK3 contributions
Disappointing but restaurant staff were lovely
Mar 2022
We booked the All Inclusive Dinner Experience at ONE Dine at One World Observatory. While the staff were extremely pleasant and friendly, and the food and drinks were lovely, the experience was a disappointment. I had no idea that the observatory closed at 7pm, so we arrived for our dinner reservation at 7pm, and had no opportunity to access the observatory. It took until 7.40pm for our first drink to be served and the entire experience was extremely rushed after that, as the restaurant closed at 9.30pm. I paid a lot of money and felt that I didn't benefit from the full experience and essentially got kicked out at the end. I did ask for our observatory tickets to be honoured the following days while we were still visiting, but I didn't receive a reply to my email from customer service. It could have been so great but it felt like a big disappointment.
Written April 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Delfin_Ortiz
We sincerely apologize that your experience did not meet your expectations. The experience described here does not meet our expectations either. I’m promptly looking into the issues you’ve described here and welcome the opportunity to speak with you further regarding this. Please feel free to reach out to me at dortiz@oneworldobservatory.com. Sincerely, Delfin Ortiz, General Manager, One World Observatory
Written April 7, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
NewfiePupLover
Des Moines, IA270 contributions
Amazing Views Worth the Cost and Potential Wait
Dec 2021
With timed entry it makes very little required waiting, and even the short time we did still have to wait we were able to go into the new Oculus shopping area right in the same enclosed underground area. The elevator ride up was very fast which was impressive, but it actually didn't leave enough time to view the story being shown all around you as the elevator car rose to the top; a history of Manhattan in photographs was being shown in a timeline on the ceiling and walls of the elevator which was really cool. Once up top the view - as you would expect, and the reason you go here in the first place - is amazing. You can see the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, all of downtown and up to midtown looking north, as well as the New Jersey area along the river. There are many buildings in Manhattan that you can view the area from atop of, but the height of this building and its history and connection to 9/11 make it particularly special.
Written January 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Peter W
Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience with us. I’m sure our future visitors will appreciate the pointers on making the most of their visit! Sincerely, Delfin Ortiz, General Manager, One World Observatory
Written January 5, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Silyaunproblem
221 contributions
Warning!
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 January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Milyn V
Los Angeles, CA18 contributions
Way Better than the Edge
Apr 2022
We had gone to the Edge (for a similar admission fee) the day before because my daughters (local residents) have never been there. Had I known better, I would have gone to One World Observatory and skipped the Edge. Why? The observatory offers a 360 degree view, a better exhibit on the way to the observation deck, a nice tourist orientation presentation at the deck, and, if you wish, a nicer cafe. You can spend time, drink coffee, look again, etc. We had the NY Sightseeing Pass, and we did not have to wait to exchange it for a ticket. My daughter, who is a local, tried to buy a ticket at the last minute, but decided against it when we found the wait to get in would have been at least an hour. Advice: plan your visit in advance; so worth it.
Written May 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Marleny A
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review of your experience! I’m sure readers will appreciate the tips. We’re happy to hear you loved your experience and are looking forward to your next visit! Sincerely, Delfin Ortiz General Manager One World Observatory
Written May 20, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Andrew C
1 contribution
What a Site to behold
Jan 2020
The attraction was very well thought out and the views were amazing. You can pay extra for a digital tour or just the entrance fee to take in the views. There is even a fancy looking restaurant should one decide they need a bite to eat. Highly recommend checking the weather before hand as you're 100 stories up. Clouds or fog tend to disrupt the experience. The evening viewing was amazing as the sun was setting and you can ciew the city at night.
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
tammyjewel628
Houston, TX179 contributions
You should go to say you did: Views amazing if not foggy ~
Dec 2021
We booked an All Access through Musement, because everything was booked on the site. We were told when we got there that view was obstructed because it had rained and it was very foggy. They offered a refund, but it was our only day, so our choice to go up. I'm glad we did. We can say we've been there. I didn't like the bulky view pad they gave us: it's heavy, although you can wear it around your neck. I didn't even use mine because we couldn't see anything (wish I had not taken it). My husband had his. It started to clear right before we left and I can only imagine on a clear day, the views are amazing. Restroom is behind the gift shop. Gift shop staff (sorry I can't remember her name: was there on New Years Day), but very friendly and helpful. Our tickets allowed us a $15 each refund at gift shop or restaurant and she made it seamless: so easy: no issues.
Written January 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Delfin_Ortiz
Thanks for the complimentary review! We work hard to meet expectations like yours and we’re happy to hear we were able to do just that. Thank you also for sharing such positive comments about our Merchandising Associate, we will share your kind words with that team. We do hope that you will join us again in better weather so that you can appreciate the views at their finest. Warmly, Delfin Ortiz, General Manager, One World Observatory
Written January 11, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
SabineBogeCro
Egham, UK241 contributions
One World Observatory - possibly the best view of the city and an absolute must.
Nov 2021 • Solo
VIP Tour of the One World Observatory
Visiting NYC for work I took time out to get possibly the best view of the city! Due to time constraints and genuinely interested in a good commentary on the view and what to look out for I booked the VIP tour. It's a guided one hour visit (you can stay as long as you like afterwards) with fast track entry, priority lift and a guide giving you an excellent insight into the story of the Freedom Tower, the Observatory and the ever changing skyline around you.
(Digital guides (tablets) are available for non tour visitors.)

I've been up the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center (Top of the Rock) in more recent years but had last been up on One World Trade Center when it was Windows on the World in the North Tower in 1997. The area around the WTC and the Skyline in especially Midtown has changed greatly since then and the view - in all directions - was spectacular.

I had visited the 9/11 Memorial museum earlier in the day which made it all a very moving and special experience.

On the day the Observatory wasn't very busy and there was no line to speak of going up. The USA had only opened to EU/UK tourists earlier that week (Covid restrictions) so the usual tourist crowds were probably not quite there yet.
Written November 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about One World Observatory
One World Observatory is open:
  • Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
One World Observatory admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost $46.82, while a popular guided tour starts around $25.99 per person. See all 70 One World Observatory tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
One World Observatory can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 70 One World Observatory tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
Restaurants near One World Observatory: View all restaurants near One World Observatory on Tripadvisor