Freedom Tower Observatory
The new One World Observatory is much more that just another stunning vantage point from which to view the city
This is a memorable attraction in so many ways. The Freedom Tower observation deck opened its doors to the public on May 29th 2015 on the 100, 101 and 102 floors of the beautiful new One World Trade Center Tower also known as The New Freedom Tower. It stands directly on the site of the WTC 6 building which was severally damaged from fallen debris when the original WTC Tower 1 fell on it during the terrorist attack of September 11th 2001.
The new tower shares the same numerical number one with the Twin Tower on the north side of the 16 acre site which was hit and destroyed during 9/11. Now there are memorial twin reflecting poolssitting on the spot where the twin towers once stood. These pools are close to an acre in size displaying waterfalls that are the largest man made waterfalls in the North America. The names of the victims who died in this senseless attack are inscribed in a Bronze panel that surrounds them.
The outside of the New Freedom tower draws your eyes to the way its beautiful glass exterior glistens and sparkles on a sunny day. This uniquely designed building gives an illusion of glass twisting and turning as it reaches for the heavens. The building's height was specifically planned including the antenna to reach 1,776 feet high. This number symbolically represents the year of 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was signed. This makes it the tallest highrise in the western hemisphere and fourth highest in the whole world.
As you enter the lobby of the building you are welcomed at the Global Welcome center by a giant video board with greetings in a wide variety of languages and a real time world map where visitors can see their hometown. Next you will get acquainted with the men and women who built the 1 WTC by a program called Voices which tells you about their personal stories. This is followed by Foundations where you'll experience an up close look at the very bedrock that the building stands on.
The One World Observatory is on the 100th, 101 and 102 floors of this beautiful Skyscraper. Travelling up at 23 miles per hour in one of five speedy elevators labelled Sky Pods is an exciting and wonderful experience. In only 47 seconds you are taken up to the 102 floor, where you'll experience the SEE FOREVER Theater — a 2 minute video that amalgamates time-lapse pictures with a balance of abstract texture and designs to present a 3D effect of the rhythm and feel of this lively city. During your ride up the elevator you will be awed with the illusion you are looking out the windows and witnessing emerging from the bedrock over 515 years ago straight into undeveloped marshlands from the 1500s. As the elevator rises time unfolds before your eyes from the 1500s to the current date with a detailed reconstruction of New York City's developing skyline. A quick but amazing journey.
On the 100th floor is the main observatory commonly named the discovery level. A feeling of wonderment hits you as you step out of the elevator and onto this deck taking in the panorama of breathtaking views from all directions. Here you will receive an amazing 360-degree vista of landmarks, and iconic sites such as the Statue of Liberty, The Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, the beautiful waters that surround the city and more. On a clear day, your field of vision can stretch out as far as 50 miles making this arguably the best view point in the city. Also featured on this deck is the Sky Portal where you are invited to step onto a circular disc 14 feet in width that displays memorable clear views of real time footage of the streets below in high definition. This is not for those with a fear of heights.
There is so much more than just views to appreciate on this deck. City Pulse is another interesting and informative exhibit. This is a 14 foot high ring of 10 high-definition video monitors that responds to gestures made by the entertaining and enlightening global ambassador, a tour guide who stands in the center of the ring explaining and giving visitors information about the city with real time views on a wide variety of topics about New York. There is a souvenir gift shop with some items exclusively produced for One World Observatory. All exhibits are suited to all ages.
On the 101st floor there is a fine restaurant which requires advance reservations. If you don't have reservations there are two sit down cafes that need no reservations. There is also a shop where you can get a souvenir photo with a backdrop of your choice. All three levels boast new and advanced technologies making for an interesting, fun and informative day that's great for your whole family. When you are ready to go home, exiting in the SkyPod elevator is an experience in itself as you will feel the virtual effects of being outside of the building as you descend to the ground.
For an addition charge you can add the One World Explorer iPad to your visit. This iPad is loaded with an app that will give you a virtual up-close look at the views and iconic landmarks of the city as seen from a helicopter. You scan the skyline and choose from over 40 important and intriguing sites and then you can zoom in on them for a close-up look and more information.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes. There is a discount in the ticket price for seniors and children ages 6 to 12. Children 5 and under are free.Website: One World Observatory
Freedom Tower Observatory Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- 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
Address: 117 West St, New York, NY 10007, USA
Phone: (844) 696-1776
Official Website: Freedom Tower Observatory
Freedom Tower Observatory Reviews
Rated out of 5
One World Observatory offers some of the best views of not only NYC but also NJ. With a 360° Deck, you are able to see from every angle of the building. The primary downside is that it is completely enclosed, and you only get to enjoy the view from the topmost point for a very short time. The placement of the exit signs throughout the deck also makes taking pictures at night difficult, so it would be better to go during the day or afternoon.
Also, the souvenirs offered in the gift shop could be better and a bit more unique. For example, it would have been nice if they offered a mini telescope, and more sizes for the models.
Shakara McNeish - 2 weeks ago
This is an absolutely awesome view of the city! It's a bit pricey, but you can stay as long as you like. There's a gift shop and a tiny cafe at the top. I got a discount on my ticket using Groupon. It's completely enclosed, so no worries about the weather. I'd definitely try to go on a sunny day though.
Emily Wall - in the last week
I am a native New Yorker and have decided on visiting New York City site seeing megas. This was my first stop. It was beautiful. Check out the photos. It has a cafe and a little drink bar. A gift shop and amazing views all around the observation desk. Staff seems happy to be there which is always important. As a New Yorker there is a special price - make sure you get that if you’re from New York. I also got the special entry so I wouldn’t have to wait on line. It was just a great experience.
Judy Wong - a week ago
Being at such an iconic place is an adventure of its own, but in my opinion this platform provides the best views around the city of NYC and NJ available.
The lines on weekdays usually aren't long and if you have tickets from a city pass like we did there is hardly any wait on any day. The elevator ride has a fun movie whilst you ravel up and down. On the 102nd floor and the 2 floors below stunning views await. It hasn't been crowded in the mornings - we were up at 10:30AM.
The only downside is that the cafe is only staffed it one lady and she is overwhelmed by the many people wanting to buy refreshments.
Martin Schlachter - 2 weeks ago
We didn't have to wait long and were able to get started as soon as we arrived.
The presentation during the elevator ride up was my first highlight.
The view is simply amazing. We were able to watch the sunset from here. The window shelves are good for cameras or phones to capture sunsets. All in all 10/10!
Julian Globisch (CaptainHurricane) - a month ago
Directions
| Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| A, C, J, Z, 2, 3, 4, or 5 | Fulton Street | 7 minutes |
| 2 or 3 | Park Place | 6 Minutes |
| E | World Trade Center | 4 minutes |
| R | Cortlandt Street | 3 minutes |
How to get to Freedom Tower Observatory by Subway
The Entrance to One World Observatory is located on the corner of Vesey Street and West Street which is on the north west corner of the One World Trade Center.
Take a A, C, J, Z, 2, 3, 4, or 5 train to Fulton Street: exit onto Fulton Street, go right on Church Street, left on Vesey Street, continue to West Street.
Take a 2 or 3 train to Park Place: exit and walk south on Church Street and turn right (west) onto Vesey Street, continue to West Street.
Take an E train to World Trade Center: exit onto Church Street Walk south and turn right on Vesey Street, continue to West Street.
Take a R train to Cortlandt Street: walk west on Cortlandt street to the Memorial and go right on West Street to Vesey.
Map & Instant Route Finder
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Accommodations near Freedom Tower Observatory:
Photo Gallery
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Elevators to the Freedom Tower Observation Deck cc licensed photo by Kai Brinker -
Looking up at One World Trade Center from below -
Photo Credit: aenigmatēs - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr
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