Guide to Visiting One World Trade Center

Everyone remembers where they were when they found out about the collapse of the Twin Towers. Here is all you need to know about visiting the area, from the World Trade Center to the One World Observatory.

Published: May 16, 2024
New York

When planning your visit to New York City, One World Trade Center – also known as Freedom Tower – is almost certainly on your list of must-sees. It's located in the city’s bustling financial district in Downtown Manhattan and is home to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.

What better way to honor 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 the ill-fated day with over 10,000 artifacts on display, as well as interviews of 2,000 first-hand accounts, photographs, and family testimonies.

The One World Observatory offers some of the most breathtaking views across the city. It’s also one of the most unique places to enjoy sunset cocktails and fine dining. Any experience of this modern landmark will offer something to remember.

View of Lower Manhattan

The One World Trade Center’s Museum features a permanent collection with exhibitions of donations alongside an incredible account from John Stiastny, one of the survivors of the tragedy. The Foundation Hall contains a segment of the surviving wall of the original structure of the World Trade Center. Visitors can see inscriptions, memorials, and missing posters from the aftermath in 2001. 

Outside, visitors can see the two memorial pools on the North and South end, the 80-foot Tridents columns, and international flags which were suspended in the lobby of the original Twin Towers, prior to the devastating incident.

North and South memorial

You can easily spend half a day at the site if you then head up the 102 storeys to the One World Observatory. The elevator takes just 47 seconds! 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 vibrant city life, while interactive displays and presentations will acquaint you with 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 storeys below. Be warned: if you have vertigo this will be a challenge!

View from the One World Observatory
View from the One World Observatory

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 during the holiday season is one of the best times of year to experience the iconic city dressed in all its holiday cheer. 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

One World Observatory

The address is 180 Greenwich St. World Trade Center should you be arriving by taxi or car. 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 at 8.15pm (check the website for amended holiday hours and during the summer months).

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 arriving by Subway the stop is Fulton Street/Park Place.

ONE Dine is open for meals from 12pm-9pm daily with last reservations at 6.45pm.

For more inspiration on nearby tours take a look at our other things to do near the World Trade Center. If you join a Hop on Hop off bus tour experience, jump off at stop 11, 12, or 13 on the Downtown route.

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Shashia Mitchell
New York Travel Expert

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Free Fun Near the Guggenheim: NYC on the House

NYC’s Upper East Side may look fancy, but when you’re exploring around the Guggenheim, you’re in one of the city’s richest areas for free things to do. Art, architecture, parks and people-watching all come together within blocks of this famous museum, promising loads of entertainment that won’t disrupt your travel budget. Whether you want to stroll through picture-perfect parks, enjoy world-class culture from the sidewalk or just soak up the local atmosphere, you’re in for a treat. We’ve rounded up the best free activities you can find around the Guggenheim—perfect for a day of culture, fresh air and not a single ticket required.  Our favorite free experiences near the Guggenheim include:  The Cooper Hewitt Garden  Central Park’s Conservatory Garden  Museum Mile Window-Shopping  The Andrew Carnegie Mansion Gardens  The Great Lawn in Central Park  Literary Walk (The Mall) in Central Park  People-Watching on Museum Mile  East 91st Street Community Garden  Harlem Meer  The Jewish Museum’s Free Saturday Admission  The Cooper Hewitt Garden  Right across the street from the Guggenheim, the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum houses a tranquil garden that’s open to the public—no ticket needed. You’ll enter under shady elms and find decorative ironwork, lush lawns and contemporary sculptures scattered between seasonal blooms. The gravel paths and modern seating invite you to linger, and you’ll often spot locals sneaking in for a quiet coffee break or an outdoor work session during lunch.  We love how this garden blends historic grandeur with quirky touches. You can see the stately back of the Carnegie Mansion, admire the modern garden furniture designed by up-and-coming artists, and sometimes catch free public events or art installations. Best of all, it’s a true urban escape—close by the hustle of Fifth Avenue, but peaceful and never crowded. Take your lunch here, unwind with a book, or just enjoy some rare New York City green space for free.  Museum Mile Window-Shopping  Not every museum charges just for the sidewalk views! Explore the stretch of Fifth Avenue known as Museum Mile, where grand museum facades offer architectural treats, peek-a-boo views of art through atrium windows and, on occasion, outdoor sculpture installations you can admire for free.  Each building tells a story: the ornate Jewish Museum, the classical lines of the Neue Galerie, or the modernist stacked rings of the Guggenheim itself. You’ll often find window displays announcing upcoming exhibitions, and during the annual Museum Mile Festival (each June), the street buzzes with live performances and creative pop-up art. The energy, the architecture and the window “browsing” make even the sidewalk a memorable (and cost-free) experience The Andrew Carnegie Mansion Gardens  Home to the Cooper Hewitt, the Andrew Carnegie Mansion also shares its front gardens freely with visitors—no ticket or RSVP required. The arched iron gate gives way to leafy paths, manicured lawns, and strategic park benches with perfect views of the stately façade (a dream for fans of Gilded Age architecture). The vibe is calm and refined, with a touch of old-school New York.  Settle in with a snack from a nearby café or try a bit of urban sketching—these gardens are popular with artists thanks to their quiet, contemplative mood. The gardens are especially pretty in spring and fall when the trees put on a show, but even on a blustery winter’s day, you’ll find plenty of peaceful corners to enjoy.  The Great Lawn in Central Park  The Great Lawn stretches out as one of New York’s most beloved green spaces—just a pleasant stroll from the Guggenheim’s entrance. This 55-acre expanse is the city’s go-to spot for sunbathers, kite flyers, and impromptu picnics. You can stake your claim on the grass, join a pickup game of frisbee, or follow the winding paths for fantastic people-watching (always a highlight).  Throughout summer, you might stumble across free concerts, movie nights, or Shakespeare in the Park performances—just bring a blanket and be ready to join the fun. Even if your visit coincides with nothing special on the calendar, the pure joy of stretching out in the heart of the city, watching the clouds drift over the towers of Midtown, is more than enough reason to visit.  Literary Walk (The Mall) in Central Park  Only a ten-minute walk from the museum, Literary Walk serves up all the grandeur and leafy shade you could want. This grand promenade is lined with soaring American elms and statues of literary giants—Shakespeare, Robert Burns, and Alice in Wonderland’s creator, Lewis Carroll. The atmosphere feels almost magical, especially early in the day when city sounds fade behind birdsong.  Pause at one of the benches to watch chess players or catch a musical performance by a local busker. In fall, the canopy glows gold; in spring, the azaleas and tulips add pops of color. You don’t need to be a bookworm to appreciate the thoughtful design and peaceful mood—though the statues might inspire you to pick up a classic at your next stop.  East 91st Street Community Garden  A few blocks east, this tucked-away community garden remains a local favorite. Volunteers here create a lush haven with vegetable beds, flowering borders and whimsical touches like mosaic-tiled benches and birdhouses. It’s not massive, but it packs lots of charm—and always offers a warm community vibe.  Depending on the season, you might catch a neighborhood event, live outdoor music or even a mini plant sale. Even on a quiet day, you can step away from city noise, smell the roses (literally) and chat with a friendly gardener, all while experiencing a NY green space that feels authentic and neighborly.  Harlem Meer  Head north just past the Conservatory Garden, and you’ll find yourself at Harlem Meer, a serene lake at Central Park’s northeast corner. Ducks paddle across the water, wildflowers line the shore, and strollers trace the waterside paths. It’s one of Central Park’s calmest corners, home to turtles, herons and even the occasional fisherman (catch-and-release only!).  Sit by the bank and watch the city fade away or wander along the gentle trails, popular with birders and joggers alike. Free storytelling, fishing and nature workshops occasionally pop up at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center on the lake’s edge—check the board for daily events.  The Jewish Museum’s Free Saturday Admission  The Jewish Museum, housed in a stunning French Gothic mansion just south of the Guggenheim, opens its doors every Saturday free of charge. Inside, you can explore impressive collections of Jewish art, culture, ritual objects and contemporary works from around the world. The building itself deserves attention—think carved ceilings, stained glass and historic details at every turn.  Saturdays tend to attract families and curious wanderers, so the mood is lively and welcoming. Even if you’ve already packed your day, an hour with these collections or in the garden-level café (a popular spot for affordable brunch, if you’re tempted to loosen your wallet a tiny bit) will round out your Museum Mile experience.     That’s our pick of the best free experiences right by the Guggenheim! Next time you’re in this part of New York, don’t just rush in for the world-class art—let the neighborhood enrich your day. Whether you’re after outdoor serenity, vibrant city life, or free entry to brilliant cultural spots, there’s plenty to keep your itinerary full and your wallet happy. Happy exploring!    Enjoyed this? Check out our guide to Brooklyn, and discover the Big Apple’s best hidden gems.   Step up your sightseeing with The New York Pass®   We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.   See more, do more, and experience more with The New York Pass® – just choose a pass to get started! 

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