One World Observatory: Tickets and Tours

The One World Observatory is the latest attraction crowning the One World Trade Center, AKA The Freedom Tower in New York City. Ride the Sky Pod elevator to the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and enjoy breathtaking views over the Big Apple at morning, noon, or nighttime. You will enjoy New York City from a whole new perspective.

Located in the heart of downtown Manhattan, the One World Observatory presents stunning views of the city landmarks, harbor, and skyline and became a must-visit for everyone traveling to New York for the first time. There are a million things to see in the Big Apple, but only one way to truly see them all is with One World Observatory tickets.

Here's all you need to know about the One World Observatory, one of the most famous attractions in New York City.

What is the price of One World Observatory tickets?

One World Observatory in NYC tickets is available for sale online or through the official box office at the skyscraper.

Standard Ticket

General admission ticket provides entry to all three Observatory levels (Floors 100-102) as well as other amenities.

• Adult: US$ 35
• Senior (65+): US$ 33
• Youth (6-12): US$ 29
• Children (5 and Under): FREE

Combination Ticket

This ticket provides access to all levels of the Observatory along with priority lane access, so you don’t have to wait in line as long to board the elevator.

• Adult: US$ 45
• Senior (65+): US$ 43
• Youth (6-12): US$ 39
• Children (5 and Under): FREE

All-Inclusive Ticket

This ticket allows you to pick morning, afternoon, or evening arrival hours in advance and receive priority access to the One World Observatory. Also, you receive $15 in drink and shop credits.

• Adult: US$ 55
• Senior (65+): US$ 53
• Youth (6-12): US$ 49
• Children (5 and Under): FREE

Where can I get One World Observatory discounted tickets?

One World Observatory tickets is available for sale through the official website and online travel websites such as Viator, Getyourguide and Tiqets. If you are looking for some discounted tickets, make sure to use our search engine so you can compare all the deals available for your desired date. Travel agencies often offer discounted tickets.

Are there any One World Observatory combo tickets with other attractions in NYC?

There are multiple ways to package One World Observatory in NYC tickets with other attractions during your time in the iconic city:

• One World Observatory + 9-11 Memorial & Museum: See the museum and memorial built to honor the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks before venturing into the new building that replaced the former Twin Towers.
• One World Observatory + Statue of Liberty: Greet Lady Liberty in New York Harbor before traveling over to see the new One World Observatory.
• One World Observatory + Hop on Hop off Tours: The tour packages provide 48 hours of hop-on, hop-off sightseeing from NYC buses & cruises.

What will I see there?

One World Observatory is part of the modern One World Trade Center, which was completed in 2014. It is designed to replace the former Twin Towers, which infamously got destroyed during the September 11 terrorist attacks. One World Trade Center, and its observatory, pays homage to the victims of 9/11 as well as presents hope for a better future.

It is currently the tallest building in the United States, the highest in the Western Hemisphere, and the seventh-tallest in the world. Views from the 100th, 101st, and 102nd floors (where the One World Observatory exists) provide mesmerizing views of the city and harbor.

The skyscraper is 1,776 feet tall, which is a direct reference to the year the U.S. Declaration of Independence was signed. The One World Observatory opened a year after the building was completed and has delighted visitors since 2015.

The exhibits at One World Observatory include a time-lapse video in the elevator regarding the 500-year history of Manhattan. The See Forever Theater presents a multimedia presentation about the city.

Finally, visitors get treated to views from the tallest building in the country. The view from Sky Portal is especially hair-raising. Restaurants, shops, and a museum round out the list of amenities at One World Observatory.

Is the One World Observatory included in any city attraction passes?

There are several different NYC attraction passes to select from that include access to the One World Observatory in NYC. Attractions passes are a great idea for long-term stays where you have the time to visit multiple attractions over several days:

• NYC Turbopass: The pass provides access to more than 100 free or discounted attractions, including the World Trade Center.
• New York Sightseeing Pass: The city pass includes several popular NYC tourist attractions like Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Bronx Zoo, and Top of the Rock.
• NYC Freestyle Pass: The Freestyle Pass features 72 hours of a hop-on, hop-off bus (or cruise) access so you can explore between 3-7 popular attractions.
• NYC Explorer Pass: The Explorer Pass gives you the option of three, four, five, seven, or 10-day packages worth of fun and adventure in NYC.

What is the One World Observatory in NYC opening hours?

• It is important to check the official website for the week you plan to visit One World Observatory. Why? The opening hours slightly vary each week. Regardless, the observatory generally opens between 8-9 AM. It may close anywhere from 5 PM to 11 PM, so it is important to check beforehand. Holiday hours also vary.

When is the best time to visit the One World Observatory in NYC?

Lines for standard tickets for One World Observatory do not take long to fill up. Therefore, it is recommended that you arrive as early as possible in the day to beat some of the crowds. The best hours are between 8-10 am. If not, you may have some success visiting after 5 pm.

Another idea is to consider purchasing the Combined Ticket or All-Inclusive Ticket. Both One World Observatory tickets grant priority access in a separate line than the standard ticket line. Therefore, you have to wait for less time and board the elevator quicker.

Travel Tips

• Book in advance: One World Observatory is an extremely popular NYC attraction. Standard ticket lines fill up fast. We recommend considering a skip the line ticket for convenience. It does cost more yet allows you to arrive whenever you want between a 3-4-hour window.
• Consider the weather forecast. You ideally want to reach the top of the tower when the skies are clear, and the sun is out. However, you must designate a time slot unless you buy the All-Inclusive tickets, so try to go on a day when the forecast looks clear and sunny for the best experience.
• The best time to see the skyline is an hour before dusk. That way, you get to see NYC during the daylight hours, sunset, as well as the city lights at night.