One World Observatory, perched atop the tallest building in New York City, is one of New York City’s biggest attractions. The 1,776-foot-tall skyscraper gives you a perspective you can’t find anywhere else, and a lot more. Here are some of the coolest things you’ll see there.
1. The Global Welcome Center
Courtesy, One World Observatory
An interactive LED screen greets you after your ticket is scanned and shows where every One World Observatory visitor has arrived from, along with weekly stats about visitors that are updated in real time.
2. Horizon Grid
Courtesy, One World Observatory
Powered by 145 screens, this introductory video features 400 years of memorable moments, famous faces and the iconic places viewable from One World Observatory. You can stay in One World Observatory and explore for as long as you like—there’s so much to see—though the average visit is around an hour.
3. Six Hundred Years in 47 Seconds
Photo: Jen Davis
The 47-second ride to the top of One WTC is a fun, illuminating experience all its own—it features a time-lapse animation capturing more than 600 years of changes in the New York City skyline, ending with the skyscraper itself being built around you before you exit on the 102nd floor. Only one building stays the same from when it’s built to the present day. Our tour guide told us not to tell you which, but see if you can guess.
4. The Big Reveal
Courtesy, One World Observatory
When you reach the top floor, you’ll see a video depicting the hustle and bustle of New York City, which ends with the screen rolling away to show One World Observatory’s incredible view of the City skyline.
5. New York City From Every Angle
Courtesy, One World Observatory
The observatory goes all the way around, for a true 360-degree view—so, as our tour guide pointed out, you can see the sunset on one side and NYC turning on its lights on the other if you come at the right time.
6. “City Pulse” Tour Guides
Courtesy, One World Observatory
You’ll want to meet their Observatory Ambassadors. These New York City insiders will connect you with NYC’s landmarks and bring you deeper into City’s neighborhoods, history and culture.
7. A Meal with a View
Courtesy, One World Observatory
You’d be hard pressed to find a cooler backdrop for dining experiences than the ones provided by One World Trade Center’s restaurants. One Dine, on the 101st floor, serves seasonal dishes and features its own brand of wine. The views will definitely earn you some points on a special occasion. (Reserve your table in advance.) For a more casual meal, One Cafe is a wonderful place to go for a snack; their baked goods, soups and sandwiches will help make sure you stay fueled for the rest of your sightseeing.
8. The Tallest Bar in New York City
Courtesy, One World Observatory
Considering One WTC is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, it should come as no surprise that its bar, One Mix, is the topmost attraction at which to tipple in this half of the globe.
One World Observatory is a one-of-a-kind experience with awe-inspiring views and a perspective unlike any other. You’re unlikely to be disappointed.
