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
If you are looking at observation decks in Manhattan there are several things to consider. I've been to all of them.
One world is inside/101 floors high.
This space is enclosed and is a circular view of the City. In colder months or bad weather it might be more enjoyable inside. It is the highest out of all the observation decks in the city. We went in day time.
Depends on time of day you go it can be a wait. We were able to enter pretty quickly.
I will say the gentleman working helped us a self purchase kiosk and recommended buying the family 4 pack instead of individual tickets which saved us money.
kat Santiago - a week ago
I would certainly recommend visiting One World Observatory for anyone looking to experience the grandeur of New York City from above. The observatory offers an interesting experience that begins with a unique elevator ride, showcasing a captivating time-lapse of the city’s skyline as you ascend to the 102nd floor. The views upon arrival are indeed impressive, featuring stunning sights of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty, both of which are iconic symbols of the city.
While the vistas at One World Observatory are beautiful, I found that the best experiences for city views can be found at Top of the Rock or SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. These locations provide breathtaking perspectives of the skyline, and the overall ambiance enhances the viewing experience.
Overall, One World Observatory is a fantastic addition to your NYC itinerary. It combines modern design with historical significance, making it a worthwhile stop. Just keep in mind that while it offers a unique perspective, there are other places in the city that might provide an even more iconic view of the skyline. Thus, I would give it 3 out of 5 stars for its engaging experience and impressive sights!
King King - a week ago
Must-try experience when visit New York. Full 360 view of New York, with Hudson River and East River in two sides of Manhattan and you can look far up to the ocean, seeing all the cruises, ships, ferries, yachts and sailing boats make their moves, which is an exceptionally beautiful scene under the sun. Be able to expand your vision so far away also helps you to realize the sheer size of New York City and obviously it offers a great chance to see (almost) all the NYC famous skyscrapers. The observatory deck is spacious, with a lot of chairs, have free WiFi and there are some coffees shop there, which help you to easily spend the whole afternoon at the Deck with lots of enjoyment and admiration for the greatness of NYC and the States as a whole.
Quang Hải Trương - a week ago
One World Observatory at the top of One World Tower is an experience I recommend to everyone. Book tickets ahead of time to help with wait time - the line was longer but with my timed entry I was able to bypass it. The elevator ride up to the top was 90 seconds (although it felt faster) and be prepared that your ears might pop. The digital effects on the elevator were awesome to see the building of buildings, development and the distance you are going up. The staff were all super friendly. I liked the video before entering observation deck. The gift shop was nice and forwards the end of doing the circle. I 100% recommend the extra cost to get an iPad - it helps you orient where you are facing and shares facts and details about buildings and historical things all around New York. You can see all the boroughs and Jersey from the deck. The restaurant and little cafe at the top provide delicious food and drinks with a view. There is even a spot to stop and listen the a guide explain everything you can see out of the windows. If you look down in one spot you can see the memorial pools from above.
Nicole Wright - 3 weeks 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: 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 -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr
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