Tickets for One Times Square: New York’s New Observatory
One Times Square is a New York building transformed into an observatory and museum. Discover an unprecedented view over Times Square!
Booking One Times Square Skywalk Admission Tickets
What to know about One Times Square Observatory
- One Times Square opened a new observation deck in December 2025 in New York. This observatory sits 111 m (364 ft) high on the 19th floor of the One Times Square building. It overlooks Times Square, the famous intersection where Broadway meets 7th Avenue.
- One Times Square is one of the neighborhood’s most iconic buildings. This 25-story structure was built in 1903 to house the headquarters of the New York Times. The prestigious newspaper left the building in 1961 for its new headquarters near Penn Station. The building remains a landmark, and its roof hosts the New Year’s Eve Ball each year—a crystal globe that marks the countdown to midnight. Penn Station is nearby.
- The observatory is part of a larger project to revitalize the building. The developer, American firm Jamestown, also owns the former Ghirardelli chocolate factory in San Francisco and several other New York properties. The Times Square project cost over $500 million.
One Times Square: Observatory and Museum
- The observation deck is on the 19th floor. While the platform sits lower than the Empire State Building, Summit One Vanderbilt, The Edge, Top of the Rock, and One World Observatory, the views are still spectacular. You get sweeping views directly over Times Square and the surrounding buildings. Walk freely across the platforms, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows. Feel the pulse of New York.
- The building also houses a museum exploring the history of the skyscraper and Times Square’s New Year’s Eve tradition. The iconic New Year’s Eve Ball—a crystal sphere—sits on the 25th and top floor. Every December 31, the ball descends along a pole to count down the final seconds before midnight, watched by crowds below. At midnight, fireworks light up the building.
- For a complete tour, choose the New Year’s Eve Ball Experience. This premium ticket takes you to the 25th floor to see the crystal sphere up close. Book early—spaces are very limited each day.
- Twelve floors of exhibition space feature interactive brand experiences. Times Square has always been synonymous with advertising. You’ll find a famous cola brand and those colorful candies that melt in your mouth, not in your hand. These activities use augmented and virtual reality.
Book Your Tickets for One Times Square
- Book early—this new observatory has been very popular since opening in December 2025. Use our One Times Square observatory ticket reservation tool.
- Enter your visit date and choose your entry time. Specify the number of visitors and proceed to secure payment on our site. Tip: timed-entry tickets let you skip the line at the entrance.
- Your ticket includes entry to One Times Square with glass elevator access, the 19th-floor glass walkway, and the wish wall. Taxes are included.
- You’ll receive an email confirmation once payment is complete. Your tickets are QR codes—show them on your phone or print them out at the entrance.
Cancellation Policy for One Times Square Tickets
- Plans change. You can cancel your One Times Square tickets up to 24 hours before your visit. Refunds are issued minus bank fees and a $10 cancellation fee. Use this contact form to request a cancellation.
Practical Information
- Address: 1 Times Square, New York. The building sits between Broadway and 7th Avenue at 43rd Street. The official mailing address is 1475 Broadway, but you’ll easily find the building south of Times Square.
- Subway: Times Sq – 42 St.
- Tickets: Use our One Times Square observatory ticket reservation tool. Children under 6 enter free. This observatory is not included in any New York tourist pass, so you must buy tickets separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit One Times Square?
Visit the observation deck in late afternoon or evening to see Times Square’s neon signs blazing. If you see only one observatory at night in New York, make it this one. The museum is more pleasant in the morning when it’s less crowded. It depends on your interests—Times Square’s ads shine 24/7.
What is the minimum age to visit One Times Square?
The developer lists no minimum age—children are welcome. The museum will interest older kids. The brand activities appeal to the whole family.
How long does it take to visit One Times Square Observatory?
Plan at least 30 minutes. You can stay as long as you like, walking the glass walkway.
The Building’s History
- Construction of One Times Square began in 1903 at the New York Times’ initiative. The 25-story building was completed in late 1904. The official opening on January 1, 1905 featured a spectacular fireworks display, launching Times Square’s New Year’s Eve tradition. The event became annual starting in 1907.
- The New York Times did more than lend its name to the building—Times Square itself is named after the newspaper. The newsroom and several departments left in 1913, but the advertising office stayed until 1961.
- In 1928, the building made history by hosting the first “news ticker,” a lighted ribbon displaying breaking news. Building owners capitalized on the prime Times Square location by installing massive billboards. Advertisements still cover the facade today. New LED panels have been added to the building’s exterior.
One Times Square in Photos
