One World Observatory Observation Deck

A highlight of our recent trip to New York was undoubtedly the visit to the highest building in New York. The One World Observatory is located in the One World Trade Center, formerly known as the Freedom Tower. Visit the observation deck, as it offers breathtaking views of the city below! The Statue of Liberty, Manhattan with the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock, as well as the Brooklyn Bridge lie at your feet!

Because we really enjoyed the visit to the One World Observatory, we have written down the best information and tips for buying tickets. Because no one likes to stand in a queue, right?

The completely glass-enclosed observation deck is the highest viewpoint in New York. The centerpiece of the One World Trade Center opened in May 2015. It is located at Ground Zero, the site where the two twin towers of the world-renowned World Trade Center were destroyed in terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

The building was constructed between 2006 and 2014 under the name 'Freedom Tower'. Later, the structure was renamed to One World Trade Center. It stands 1,776 feet tall, with the remarkable observation deck and restaurant located on floors 100 to 102. The lowest level of the deck is 1,290 feet high, while the uppermost level is at a height of 1,333 feet.

... you cannot go outside. The view is restricted by the completely glass facade. However, you have a proper 360° panoramic view around you and below.

Also, tripods are not allowed.

In addition, some large and professional-looking cameras may be confiscated. We were informed of this; however, we were able to take our Sony Alpha 7 R III and 7 III up without any issues.

The area is accessible for individuals with reduced mobility, making it wheelchair-friendly. Are you traveling with a child? You can bring the stroller into the building, but you must fold it in the elevators as well as on the escalators.

Pets are not allowed, unless they are service dogs.

The building itself primarily houses office spaces and broadcasting facilities for various New York television and radio stations.

If you're planning a visit, you need to know one thing: There are often long queues.

Tip: It is definitely recommended to purchase a ticket before visiting the observation deck.

Buying a ticket on-site guarantees long wait times. During peak travel times, it is also not guaranteed that there will be enough capacities available if many tickets have already been sold. If you purchase your ticket in advance, you'll be on the safe side.

Buy this ticket here

You can conveniently book this ticket online here before your trip

This ticket offers you a flexible arrival time on your chosen day without a fixed time window. It also includes a $15 discount that can be redeemed in the restaurant or gift shop. There are also tickets available for the evening until 8 PM. Since tripods cannot be used, I find this ticket unnecessary.

All-Inclusive Experience Ticket available here

I also find the Mastercard VIP Tour Ticket for $68 with a personal guide not really interesting. You really don't need a private guide who explains the buildings shown interactively on the iPad (Combination Ticket).

View detailed article on the New York Pass comparison with recommendations here

Ticket prices vary based on your chosen option.

Our Choice:

We booked the ticket directly at the entrance on the phone, as we saw the long queue. This way you also save time and do not have to wait and stand in line for long.

Here you can book the ticket for the observation deck without waiting in line in advance

The One World Trade Center observation deck is, of course, the highlight and reason for the visit. However, there is much more in the building than the 360° views you get here.

The Global Welcome Center is located in the entrance area of the building. You reach it via escalator, which first takes you underground. Here you will find the security check and a massive video screen that welcomes you in ten languages. You see a world map with all continents on the screen. After scanning your ticket, you will be welcomed in your language with a glowing dot indicating your country of origin.

Next, you enter a long corridor called Voices. Here you can see countless screens showcasing the people who built the building. 48 of them exemplify the large number of workers who were involved in total. In a corridor made of granite replica, called Foundation, you learn numerous interesting facts about the building's construction and the project itself.

At the end of the underground area are five elevators, known as Sky Pod Elevators (colloquially: sky gondolas). They bring you at high speed to the 102nd floor. During the short ride, which takes less than a minute, you will see a 47-second film in fast motion. It shows the development of the New York skyline over the past 500 years.

The Sky Pods start in small groups of up to 15 people. The elevator walls offer a fantastic illusion. They consist of many screens and create the impression of being surrounded by New York City.

When you reach the top of the platform (102nd floor), you will be greeted in the See Forever Theater. In a roughly two-minute film about New York, exciting information about the construction of the center is presented. The conclusion is very impactful; I won't reveal more. We definitely had a 'wow' effect!

You can now take the escalator one floor down to eat or drink something or go two floors down to the 100th floor. Here is the actual observation deck.

The center of the observation deck is the 100th floor. It is referred to as the Gallery and is considered the main viewing area. Here, you have the opportunity to watch various films or purchase souvenirs at two interactive stations. The floor also features the Sky Portal. You step onto a four-foot-thick plexiglass panel and see below the streets of New York in high-resolution real-time images.

The huge panoramic windows all around offer you spectacular views that nearly encompass the entire city. You see all the great famous landmarks from above and will get one of the most impressive views in the world.

A special multimedia presentation offered on this floor is the City Pulse. An oversized ring consisting of ten monitors is operated by a concierge who can zoom in on various things and provide you with exciting knowledge interactively.

Below the Gallery, on the 101st floor, you have the option to eat or drink something in three different areas. At ONE Café, you will find snacks and beverages. In the Bar ONE Mix, there are cocktails and other alcoholic drinks.

Particularly popular is the highest restaurant in New York City, ONE Dine. You need to make a reservation in advance in addition to your ticket, and you can then dine with a unique view. We avoid such restaurants, as they are usually expensive but never really good.

The best time to visit is just before sunset. We arrived at the observation deck about 1-2 hours beforehand. This way, we had enough time to enjoy all the views and then search for the best photo spot. This time is popular, and you are not the only one wanting a good place by the window.

Note:

The timing and time slot around sunset is very popular, as it allows you to see New York both in daylight and during sunset and twilight. The lights of Manhattan and the whole city are among the most beautiful views from the panoramic windows.

You must definitely book your ticket in advance for this time!

Tip: Use a photo app like PhotoPills, SunSurveyor, or the WeatherPro App to find out when the sun sets. Look for a clean window without scratches and fingerprints. Get as close to the glass with your lens as possible to avoid reflections. We press the smartphone or the lens directly against the glass (which is not well received).

The essentials up front: Yes, a visit to the One World Trade Center observation deck is definitely worthwhile. The prices are not exactly cheap, but what is offered is priceless and unique.

New York City is already an impressive metropolis with more than eight million residents and over 1200 square kilometers of area, even when viewed from below. It is world-famous for its unique skyline. The city offers such a variety of attractions, parks, and waterways that it takes days just to get a glimpse of everything.

The observation deck makes it possible to see not just a small part of New York City, but for the most part the entire city in the form of a sensational 360-degree view.

You can take a look at Central Park, admire the Statue of Liberty, or view the Hudson River. You see the Brooklyn Bridge, the Bronx, Staten Island, and have a view up to New Jersey. Manhattan, with the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock, lies at your feet! You practically have all the top attractions in New York in sight!

In short: If you do not suffer from acrophobia, a visit to the platform is definitely a highlight and very worthwhile. It is not just the grand view, but also the impressive digital performances that make a visit so special. The time travel through the centuries, the technically perfect projections of New York regions, and the aerial shots of the streets are fascinating and leave a lasting impression.

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