Book your tickets for the One World Observatory

What you need to know about the One World Observatory

Here is a new and easy way to book your admission tickets for the One World Observatory, the new

• The One World Observatory is an observation deck that opened in New York City, at the southern tip of Manhattan, on May 29, 2015. The observatory stands 382 meters high, on the 100th, 101st, and 102nd floors of the One World Trade Center tower.
• This skyscraper is the tallest building in New York and the tallest in North America. It’s therefore a must-see attraction during any trip to New York. You won’t be able to go any higher in North America!
• The One World Trade Center tower has 104 floors, standing 417 meters tall to the roof and 541 meters tall including the antenna. The observatory is 60 meters higher than the Empire State Building’s terrace and 10 meters higher than the Empire State Building’s top floor. This observatory also far surpasses the Summit, The Edge, and the Top of the Rock. When you go up to the One World Observatory, you won’t be able to go any higher in New York!
• The One World Observatory stands at roughly the same height and in the same location as the observatory in the South Tower of the World Trade Center, which was in operation from 1973 to 2001. The Twin Towers collapsed during the September 11, 2001, attacks, but the One World Observatory offers you the same view of New York!

What to see at the One World Observatory?

• Walk through the entrance hall of the One World Observatory and head toward security. It works just like at an airport. Pick up your belongings and turn around to face the wall of screens displaying visitors’ locations in real time. You might even see a welcome message pop up with your city’s name!
• Walk down a long corridor where several videos tell the story of the One World Trade Center tower and its construction. You’ll hear anecdotes from workers, developers, and the architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. As you continue, the setting changes: a narrow corridor recreates the basement level of the tower’s foundations. It’s the perfect way to get you in the mood before boarding the elevators.
• The elevators have a little surprise in store for you in the form of a magnificent video projection. But it goes by quickly: the 102-floor ascent takes 47 seconds—not a second more! Once you reach the 102nd floor, another spectacular surprise awaits you. The One World Observatory really knows how to build suspense!
• Don’t read this paragraph if you want to keep the surprise… The video projected onto the three interior walls of the elevators summarizes the history of New York. This time-lapse shows New York’s evolution from the 1500s to the present day. It begins with the peaceful landscape of a vast plain bordered by water, before the arrival of the first European settlers. You’ll then see the first structures gradually rise, followed by the first skyscrapers, including the Empire State Building. It’s a moving moment when the twin towers of the World Trade Center come into view. A breathtaking video!
• After the show, you can enjoy the main observation deck on the 100th floor. The view of New York is simply breathtaking! To the north, you’ll see all of Manhattan with the Midtown skyscrapers in the background. To the east, you’ll have a bird’s-eye view of the Financial District, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan Bridge, the East River, and Brooklyn. To the west, enjoy a breathtaking view of the Hudson River and New Jersey. Finally, to the south, take in New York Bay. You’ll see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Governors Island, and Staten Island. There you have it—New York at your feet!
• I also recommend this little experience waiting for you on the west side of the 100th floor: walk on the glass floor! You’ll see the traffic on West Street right beneath your feet. But there’s no need to be afraid: what you’re seeing is a real-time image captured by a camera located on the northwest side of the tower. A true, direct view would actually be impossible given the location of the glass floor—the tower doesn’t have a hole in it… So this glass floor is really more of a fun magic trick, with its own little secret.

Visit the One World Observatory

• Address: 285 Fulton Street, New York. The main entrance to the observatory is located at the corner of West Street and Vesey Street. The observatory overlooks New York’s Financial District.
• Hours: The One World Observatory is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (8 a.m. to 10 p.m. from May 1 to September 4). Avoid weekends if possible, as it’s more crowded than on weekdays.
• Admission tickets: Book your tickets for the One World Observatory. In addition to allowing you to pay in euros, these tickets are time-stamped and grant you entry at a specific time. This way, you can skip the ticket line!
• Tip: Admission to the One World Observatory is included in two passes: the New York Explorer Pass and the New York Pass. It’s a great opportunity to check out these passes!

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