One World Observatory

Looking at New York City famous skylines from 100 floors above!

Around the 3rd week of Jan to early Feb, New York City promotes Must-See-Week, which is two for the price of one ticket, to stimulate tourism during the colder months. It’s a great opportunity to check off bucket list items or experience something new. We decided on deals for One World Observatory because we wanted to revisit Brookfield Place. (Remember great food court ?!)

It was all of our first time at the Observatory therefore felt very much like excited tourists visiting the tallest building on the Western Hemisphere. We booked our tickets the day prior for a 2pm arrival time and was able to enter upon arrival, 10 minutes before our entry time. Upon entering the building at the ground level, we had to take an elevator one floor below to stand in the ticket check access line then go through security. The line wasn’t too long and once we got up to front one of the staffs came up to us and said we can all go through the Priority Entrance because of the wheelchair. I asked if this was standard procedure and per the staff, it is for the wheelchair user. She did say in busier season, the wheelchair person waits by the Priority Entrance until the rest of the party gets through the regular line however since it was not busy, she did not see the need to separate our group of six. For the security check, jackets and pockets must be emptied and all bags are scanned, very much like an airport experience. One of the staffs wheeled Annie around the body scanned detector while the rest of us were scanned.

We were then able to proceed to the elevator line to wait for one of their 5 Skypods (fancy name for super fast elevators) where another staff allowed the 6 of us to go up alone (again due to the smaller crowd). In 47 seconds we made it up to 102 floors. One of the things we were looking forward to was watching the outside get smaller as we go up, but behold it was a video showcasing the history of New York City in the elevator ride. Upon exiting the Skypod, we were in another area waiting for a 2-minute video “See Forever” which then unveils real life views of Uptown from the 102nd Floor. That moment was by far one of the most breathtaking! (Tip, get your camera ready or just take the moment to enjoy.) Believe it or not, you then have to go to another small area for a staffer to tell you about their iPad rentals which gives you more information on the iconic buildings you’re looking at. Finally, we had to make our way to the 100th floor to enjoy the views. Annie and Neil were allowed to use the elevators while we had the option of stairs or escalator.

Note, there is a Sky Portal which is a circular glass showing live footage from the streets below. During our visit, this was not working. It is wheelchair accessible and would be a great spot for a photograph of all the yellow taxis below. There is a fine-dining restaurant, a casual cafeteria and a bar stand for beer or wine as well as a small souvenir shop.

Because it was such sunny day, we were able to see for miles, literally “See Forever” as their tagline. Some of the famous points of interest are the Brooklyn and Williamsburg Bridges, Empire State Building, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, the Staten Island carousel, all the way to Jersey and Brooklyn. The views and experience are worth it! We were especially pleased to visit this iconic building having lived through Sep 11, 2001.

Suggested Duration: 60-90 minutes

Important Tips:
- It took us about 25 minutes to go through security and up to the Observatory. 30 minutes was plenty of time to enjoy the views and walk around. Keep in mind we visited during the off peak season.
- Summer is peak season and sunset is peak visiting time throughout the year so plan accordingly.
- Purchase tickets ahead of time and print or download to your phone to save extra costs and time.
- If staffs do not see and acknowledge the wheelchair user in your party, go ask if you can make it to the front of the line or at least if the wheelchair user can wait up front.
- If you’re worried about the weather and/or long lines, they do have a “VIP Tour Exclusive Experience” starting at $74 per person. This allows flexibility, priority lane, a welcome drink and more.

Accessibility:
- Fully accessible
- Accessible restrooms
- Guests requiring assistance e.g., auxiliary aids or services, should contact Guest Services at (844) 696-1776 prior to visit.
- There are no wheelchairs to borrow while visiting.
- There is an accessible pick-up/drop-off location along West Street north of Vesey Street, at which point guests may proceed to the West Plaza Entrance.

Location:
117 West Street
New York, NY 10007
Website: https://oneworldobservatory.com
Tel: 844-696-1776 or 212-602-4000

Email address: info@oneworldobservatory.com 

Schedule:
Sep - Apr 9am-9pm
Apr - Sep 8am-9pm
Holiday schedule differ, please refer to the website.

Admissions:
Standard Tickets:
Adult Standard (ages 13-64) $44
Youth Standard (ages 6-12) $28
Senior Standard (65+) $32
More ticket options available on website.

Dining Options: Le District, Hudson Eats or PJ'Clarks. Click here for full details on the Restaurant page.
Dining available inside the Observatory at their inhouse restaurant is also accessible although we did not dine there. Full details here.

Public Transportation from Midtown Manhattan to One World Trade Center
- From West Side, 7th Ave, Columbus Circle, Times Square, Penn Station
M20 (South Ferry) to Vesey Street/North End Ave
- From 5th Ave, NY Public Library, Flatiron
M55 (South Ferry) to Broadway St/Cortland St

Important: Information is subject to change, please visit https://www.oneworldobservatory.com/ for the most up to date details.
Sep 2024