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Guide to Visiting One World Trade Center

In this article, we look at all you need to know about visiting the World Trade Center.

When planning your visit to New York City, One World Trade Center – also known as Freedom Tower – must be on the bucket list. Located in the city’s bustling financial district in Downtown Manhattan it offers some of the most breath-taking views across the city up the One World Observatory and it is home to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. It’s also one of the most unique places to enjoy sunset cocktails and fine dining – so any experience of this modern landmark will offer something to remember.

Everyone remembers where they were when they found out about 9/11 so what better way to honour this day than to pay homage to the victims at the Memorial & Museum. Situated on the site of the original World Trade Centre, the 9/11 Museum uncovers the story of this ill-fated day with over 10,000 artefacts on display, as well as interviews of 2,000 first-hand accounts, photographs and family testimonies.

The One World Trade Center’s Museum also features a Permanent Collection with exhibitions of items donated as well as the incredible account from John Stiastny, one of the only survivors of the national disaster. The Foundation Hall contains a segment of the surviving wall of the original structure of the World Trade Centre and visitors can still see inscriptions, memorials, and missing posters from the aftermath in 2001. Outside visitors can also see the two memorial pools on the North and South end, the 80-foot Tridents columns as well as International flags which were suspended in the lobby of the original Twin Towers prior to the devastating incident.

You can easily spend half a day at the site if you then head up the 102 stories to the One World Observatory. The elevator takes just 47 seconds and, on the way, up you can enjoy a dynamic display learning of the transformation of New York City from its original settlement and bedrock to the concrete jungle of today. At the top, the Forever Theatre audio-visual exhibition thrusts you into the vibrant city life and the interactive displays and presentations will help you get to know Gotham’s rich culture and unique history. Don’t miss the Sky Portal, a glass floor that looks down onto the streets beneath you 100 stories below... Be warned: if you have vertigo this will be a challenge!

Indulge in an evening to remember at ONE Dine, One World Trade Centre New York’s ultimate dining and drinking experience. The New York themed menu is a fun way to celebrate something special and guests are welcome for a cocktail, bar snack or a gourmet experience. Tip: you will need an Observatory ticket to enter and make a dinner reservation.

Of course, you won’t want to forget your camera for shots of the iconic skyline which, by day or night, is one of the most breath-taking vistas in all of New York. You can also make the most of a professional photographer for a take-home souvenir and visit the souvenir shop full of One World Trade Center-themed gifts.

A trip to the Big Apple in the holiday season is one of the best times of years to experience the iconic city in all its cheer and One World Trade Center’s Winter Onederland promises a giant snow globe, Santa Visits, family-friendly Christmas displays, as well as Christmas themed drinks and dining - fun for everyone!

One World Trade Center Opening Hours

If you plan on visiting the One World Trade Center’s 9/11 Memorial & Museum you can visit during their opening hours between 9am-8pm daily. To visit the One World Observatory, it is open 9am-9pm 7 days a week with last admission 8.15pm (check website for amended holiday hours over Christmas & New Year and during the summer months). ONE Dine is open for meals from 12pm-9pm daily with last reservations at 6.45pm.

Following your One World Trade Center tour, nearby you can also visit the iconic Statue of Liberty and historic Ellis Island Immigration Museum to make the most of your New York experience. If you plan on arriving by Subway the stop is Fulton Street/Park Place or enjoy a Hop on Hop off Bus Tour experience and jump off at stop 11, 12, or 13 on the Downtown route. Alternatively, the address is 180 Greenwich St. World Trade Center should you be arriving by Taxi or car. For more inspiration on nearby tours take a look at our other things to do near the World Trade Center.

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