Guide to Visiting One World Trade Center

Make a pilgrimage here to honour the lives lost on 9/11 and learn about New York's resilience.
By Shashia Mitchell

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.

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 Observatory

One World Trade Center Opening Hours

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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New York at night
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The Best Things to do at Night in New York

The best things to do at night in New York by Mia Russell When the sun goes down, the Big Apple comes alive. Neon lights begin to flicker, restaurants buzz and theaters roll out their red carpets. From outdoor movies in pretty parks to bustling night markets and Broadway shows, when it comes to nightlife, New York has something for everyone! Let's check out what's on the cards when the sun sets in the 'City that Never Sleeps.' Soak up the city lights from an Observation Deck There is no better way to toast the sunset over New York than from one of the many observation decks dotted about the city. Watch the city lights begin to twinkle as twilight turns to night and see the city like never before. Several Manhattan buildings have observation decks open in the evening where you can take in the city for all its glory. Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center The Top of the Rock takes up the last three floors of Rockefeller Center. It features three levels of indoor and outdoor observation decks that offer spectacular, unobstructed views of the city skyline. The 68th and 69th floors have terraces with glass railings that provide beautiful panoramic views of the whole city. The 70th floor boasts an open-air rooftop deck with no metal or glass enclosures, providing perfect photo opportunities! Enjoy several unique experiences on the way up to the Top of the Rock ranging from the magnificent Joie chandelier and an exhibit of interactive artworks to a sound and light hallway and a time capsule over Manhattan. Use your pass to gain free admission to the Top of the Rock to soak up the incredible 360 ̊ panoramic views. Empire State Building Head up the world-renowned Empire State Building to the main deck observatory on the 86th floor to take in those famous New York City views. Use your pass to enjoy complimentary access to the Empire State Building and whizz up to the open-air observation deck that wraps around the building's spire. Marvel at the endless views, which on a clear evening, can stretch all way across six states! The Edge Cast your eyes over the city from one of the highest outdoor sky decks in the world. Located at 30 Hudson Yards, the Edge is a state-of-the-art platform with a glass floor that extends out into mid-air 100 floors above the ground. Feel like you are floating above the city as you sip a glass of bubbles from the Champagne bar to toast the sunset and take in unrivaled panoramic city views. This one is not for the faint-hearted! Remember to use your pass to gain free access to the Edge. One World Observatory Take in the sunset from the highest point in the city – the top of the One World Observatory. Zip up to the 102nd floor in just 47 seconds in the astonishingly fast SkyPodTM Elevators while you watch a multimedia display of New York City transforming from unsettled lands into a forest of skyscrapers. Look over the city below through the glass floor of the Sky Portal and enjoy several thrilling audiovisual experiences while you are at the top of the world. Use your pass to enjoy complimentary access to the One World Observatory, as well as an exclusive discount off a signature cocktail from One World Observatory's premier restaurant and bar, One Dine. Cheers! Hit Times Square Times Square is one of New York's top attractions and offers second to none nightlife! It's packed with a wealth of entertainment from bars, restaurants, and nightclubs to theaters and TV recording studios and really comes alive at night. Learn about the famous district on a Broadway & Times Square Walking Tour. Use your pass to enjoy this tour where an experienced actor and director tour guide will take you to all the hot spots. Have a laugh at the LoL Times Square Comedy Club or head to the Bowlmor Times Square arcade for bowling, state-of-the-art video games, and old-school pinball. Use your pass to visit Madame Tussauds and gain free access to the MARVEL Universe 4D cinema experience. Sip cocktails at the Haven Rooftop bar and watch the action on Time Square below. Catch a Broadway show A quintessential evening activity in New York is catching a Broadway show. While they are expensive, the experience is an unforgettable one and really shouldn't be missed! With over 40 official Broadway theaters in New York, you're bound to find something that piques your interest. Top tip: The best way to get discounted show tickets is to head to TDF's TKTS Booth in Duffy Square (47th Street and Broadway) and wait in line on the day of the show. You can get some fantastic discounts on tickets for most shows. Catch a different kind of show If you prefer something more energetic, use your pass to enjoy the Shake, Rattle & Roll Dueling Pianos Show Hosted at the historic Cutting Room on East 32nd Street, this three-hour rock 'n' roll extravaganza features an all-request evening of live music from dueling pianos, fantastic food, and plenty of drinks. If jazz is your thing, head to Harlem, the birthplace of the music genre, to enjoy a classic jazz performance. Use your pass to get tickets to the Harlem Jazz Series, a one-hour performance of classic jazz hits some of the industry's best musicians. Enjoy a sunset movie at Bryant Park If the weather is good, why not watch an outdoor movie at Bryant Park? Tucked behind the New York Public Library, Bryant Park is the beating cultural heart of Midtown Manhattan and is famous for its iconic movie nights under the stars. Grab a delicious picnic pack from Perfect Picnic with your pass and find a spot on the lawn for a romantic evening out. Top tip: These movie nights are extremely popular, so get there when the lawns open at 5 pm to get a good spot. Take in the city lights from the ferry Soak up the magical after-dark glow of the Big Apple on a romantic harbor cruise. Use your pass to hop on a Harbor Lights Cruise with Circle Line and enjoy a cruise through the city. There is indoor and outdoor seating, a full bar on board, and an outdoor viewing deck for those Insta-worthy photographs. The narrated cruise offers interesting facts about famous New York landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty as you glide past. Catch a Yankees game One of the most exciting things to do in New York at night is to watch a Yankees game under the lights. Head to the game a little earlier and use your pass to enjoy a Classic Tour of the Yankee Stadium Get a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the legendary stadium as you visit areas not usually open to the public, like the dugout and the press box. Watch out for the ghost of Babe Ruth, who apparently wanders around the stadium! Stargaze at the High Line As the sun begins to set , head to the unique High Line Park to take in some spectacular city views. The once-disused railroad track was converted into a verdant floating garden and now passes through some of New York City's most historic neighborhoods. Wander along the elevated park on a High Line, Chelsea & Meatpacking District Walking Tour with your pass. Take in the art installations and admire some of New York's most famous buildings, including the Empire State Building and Frank Gehry's IAC Building. You can also enjoy free stargazing evenings at the High Line every Tuesday from dusk until 9:45 pm. Telescopes are provided and spaced throughout the park by the Amateur Astronomers Association, who are also on hand to help and answer any questions.
Go City Expert
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3-Day New York Itinerary: Live Like An Influencer

So you’re going to visit the big apple? Your flights are booked. Your bags are packed. If you’re ahead of the game, you’ve probably got a few places in mind that you want to visit, but only a few days to cram everything in - you’re going to have to be smart about your New York itinerary. Don’t sweat it! We’ve sent a seasoned traveler ahead to figure this all out, so you don’t have to. Here’s a rundown of some of the things in this New York itinerary: The Met Museum Guggenheim Museum Madame Tussauds Statue of Liberty Coney Island Big Bus Tour Empire State Building And more Travel like an influencer image credit: hola_nina Over 65 million people visited New York between 2018 and 2019. That’s thousands of people frequenting whichever part of the ‘Big Apple’ you are visiting. That’s also hundreds of extra people standing in line at each attraction. And hours of your day wasted standing behind 'said' people. But what if you could take the stress out of your holiday planning? Hola_Nina is as traveled as they come and has visited the ‘City that Never Sleeps’ on several occasions. This time, Nina went with a handy three-day New York Pass®. The pass helped save her money and time, leaving her more time to explore everything the city had to offer. Check out some of the savings Nina enjoyed with her three-day pass. With over 100 attractions to choose from included with the NYP, this Chinese traveler handpicked the best spots for her three-day trip with VIP benefits like discounts to restaurants and rooftop bars. Needless to say, she holidayed in style. Here’s our first tip: Be sure to pack your camera, because the pics from this trip will take your Instagram game to new heights. New York itinerary - Day 1 Let’s begin with one of the most famous museums in the United States, The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Met The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or the Met, is NYC’s artistic pride and joy, playing host to the annual Met Gala for celebs, stylists, and VIPs within the fashion industry. This picturesque establishment is perfect for those who love to lose themselves in history. It houses over 5,000 years of art within its walls and more than 30 annual exhibits. View the Sculpture Garden, works from Leonardo da Vinci, Monet, and Van Gogh, plus a multitude of designs and architecture. Tip: New York Pass® holders can benefit from free entry to The Met, The Met Breuer, and The Met Cloisters when visiting them on the same day. Getting in: The Met is located on 1000 5th Ave and opens every from 10 am. Tickets run at $32 for adults but are included with the New York Pass®. Just show your pass and enjoy ‘skip the ticket line’ access. Where to eat in New York City Are you thinking about lunch yet? Enjoy a carefree picnic in Central Park with The Family Picnic. Order online then collect your food from their store right by Central Park - NYP holders get 10% off when using the app! Guggenheim Museum image credit: hola_nina Guggenheim Museum is home to impressionist, post-impressionist, early-modern, and contemporary art from around the world. The nautilus-shaped building is an architectural masterpiece designed by the visionary architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. It has featured in numerous films, including Men in Black, Bye Bye Birdie, and When in Rome. View masterpieces by Picasso, Chagall, Kandinsky, and Manet across several rotunda-style floor-levels that break the mould on traditional gallery space. Tip: The Guggenheim hosts several special exhibitions throughout the year and offers a free guided tour, held daily at 2.00 pm. Be sure to check what’s on before your visit. Getting in: You’ll find the Guggenheim at 1071 Fifth Avenue (at 89th Street), New York. Tickets cost $25, but you can save on time and money with NYP 'skip the ticket line’ access. Madame Tussauds With Broadway just around the corner, you may spot a few famous faces on your trip to NYC. If you’re looking for a done-deal and a selfie as proof, then Madame Tussauds is the place to be. Get up close and personal to over 200 wax figures of celebrities like Taylor Swift, Puff Daddy, Marilyn Monroe, and more - with no barrier ropes to hold you back. Tip: Want to see more than wax figurines? Play the zombie apocalypse sensory multi-game in 7D. Or watch Marvel’s superheroes come to life in 4D. Be sure to grab yourself a personalized wax hand sculpture as a memento. Getting in: Head down to 234 West 42nd Street (between 7th/ 8th Avenues). Ticket cost $37.02 for adults and $32.66 for children, but the NYP gets you entry, at no additional cost. Best rooftop bars in New York City If you want to make the most of your evening, the NYP app offers money off nightlife experiences. Save on entry to rooftop bars from Times Square to the Hudson River. New York itinerary - Day 2 No New York itinerary is complete without a few iconic landmarks. Statue of Liberty The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic installations in the United States and a rite of passage for NY visitors. Learn the inspiring creation story behind this beacon of freedom. Visit the Immersive Theatre and the Engagement Gallery. Or view the Inspiration Gallery, which displays the original torch as well as recreations of Lady Liberty’s face and foot. image credit: hola_nina Tip: The Museum is incredibly popular during the summer months. Plan your trip during the spring or fall to beat the crowds. Getting in: The museum is only accessible by boat or ferry, and tickets will set you back $18.50 for adults and $11.00 for children. If you have a NYP you can benefit from a round-trip journey from Battery Park, plus an audio tour of and museum tickets to Ellis Island Museum. Lunar Park and Coney Island image credit: hola_nina Coney Island, or ‘the city’s playground’ as it’s often called, has a host of things to do all year-round like movie nights and concerts. During the summer months, thrill-seekers and sun lovers can make the most of Lunar Park’s exhilarating rides and lounge on one of NYC’s top beaches. If you’re looking for a seat with a view, head to Deno’s Wonder Wheel. The Wheel has been the cities favorite attraction since its construction in 1920. The view from its peak is breath-taking, offering a panoramic of Coney Island and the Manhattan skyline. Tip: Maximise your time and money with an all-day ride wristband and free entry to Deno’s wonder wheel, and access to up to 24 rides with the NYP. Getting in: Lunar Park on Coney Island is closed from November to March. You can get Lunar Park tickets for $39.00 and access Deno’s wonder wheel for $9.00, but you’ll have access to both with a NYP at no additional cost. Need help planning your itinerary? Compare how much you could save when visiting top attractions with the NYP. New York Itinerary - Day 3 By this point, you would have experienced a plethora of art and culture, spectacular views, and a rush of adrenaline. Now it’s time to uncover the hidden gems on NYC’s streets. Big Bus Tour If you’d rather make your way around the city on four wheels instead of two, hop on a Big Bus Tour. Learn about the city’s enthralling history as you make your way past the Empire State Building, Times Square, Central Park, Chinatown, Grand Central Station, and the Statue of Liberty. Jump off at any of the 25+ stops and take your time exploring each area. Then when you’re ready, hop back on and continue your tour. Tip: Need to cross the city with convenience? Take advantage of a Big Bus 1-day classic ticket, included with the NYP. The NYP app allows you to view which attractions are close by via its map, so you can take advantage of the Big Bus’s free Wi-Fi and plan where to go next. Getting in: Purchase your tickets from the Big Bus website for $55 for adults and $45 for children. Then scan your NYP or present your purchased ticket to a Big Bus agent at any of the designated stops. Brooklyn Bridge Bike Tour image credit: hola_nina The Brooklyn Bridge has featured in numerous works by Andy Warhol and Woody Allen as well as films Sex and the City, Limitless’and Selma. The Bridge connects Brooklyn to Manhattan and spans almost 1,600 feet. Venture across this iconic structure at your own pace with a Bike Tour and bike rental from Unlimited Biking. Make a stop at Brooklyn Bridge Park for views of New Jersey or grab some food at any of the food vendors. Tip: The tour includes a free helmet, lock, and basket, but NYP holders can benefit from complimentary drop-offs at any one of the Unlimited Biking’s seven locations (which would usually set you back an additional $5). Getting in: Unlimited Biking is a stone’s throw away from Brooklyn Bridge at 38 Park Row, and tickets cost $45.00. Tours between November and March run daily at 9 am, with bike rental services open between 9 am and 5 pm. Tours between April and October run at 9 am, 12 noon and 4 pm with rentals between 8 am and 8 pm. Best Views in New York City Empire State Building image credit: hola_nina The ESB is located in Midtown Manhattan and welcomes over 3.5 million visitors each year, from soon-to-be-engaged couples to celebrities. It has over 100 floors and a brand new range of interactive exhibits across nine galleries. Tip: Plan your visit between 8 am-11 am to beat the crowds. Can’t wait to experience the views from the deck? Check out the ESB’s live stream, right now. Getting in: The ESB is located on 20 West 34th Street (between 5th & 6th Avenue). You can grab tickets from the attraction website from $43.55 for adults. Alternatively, gain access to the 86th-floor Observatory plus skip the ticket line access with the NYP. Want more of a VIP experience? NYP holders can upgrade to get expedited entry and access to the 102nd floor at a discounted rate. Check out our interview with the Director of the Empire State Building, Jean-Yves Ghazi. Top of The Rock The view from Top of the Rock’s 70th-floor Observation Deck is unparalleled and offers a beautiful nighttime scene of Manhattan. Tip: The venue also has a few unique exhibits. The Interactive Beam Walk display allows you to walk in the footsteps of the fearless construction workers who built the Rockefeller Center. Getting in: Head down to 30 Rockefeller Plaza for this multi-level observation experience. Tickets will cost you $41.37 for adults and $34.84 children, but NYP holders can get in for free. That’s all for our three day New York itinerary! If you're planning your next weekend away, why not see how much you could save with a New York Pass©. In the meantime, for more things to do, places to visit, and where to eat in NYC, look no further.
Shashia Mitchell
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Halloween in New York 2020

When many of us were little, Halloween meant wearing a sheet out of which your mom had hastily cut eyeholes, or perhaps that long black cloak that someone—no one really knows who—bought one year and could interchangeably be a witch or Darth Vader. But not anymore. Halloween is huge, especially in New York. But if you're wondering how Halloween may have changed this year, you're not alone. We've got the lowdown on virtual events and phu [caption id="attachment_2799" align="alignnone" width="700"] Get your spooky on with eerie pumpkins this Halloween.[/caption] Village Halloween Parade The Village Halloween Parade is the main attraction in New York—On Halloween itself, literally thousands of New Yorkers will dress up, let loose, and carry on—all while dressed as...well, just about everything. The parade starts at 7 PM on Sixth Avenue between Canal and Spring Streets, and marches uptown. This year’s Grand Marshall: Zohra, the giant spider. (You’ll just have to see it in person.) Pumpkin Flotilla If you prefer Halloween to come with a side of pumpkins, check out the Halloween Pumpkin Flotilla in the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center in Central Park. On Oct. 30 from 4-7 PM, families (really, everyone) can enjoy pumpkin carving, crafts, a costume parade, spooky stories, and more. The main event? The Pumpkin flotilla, which is exactly what it sounds like: Pumpkins are set free to float across the Harlem Meer at twilight. (Best part: it’s free, and tickets aren’t required.) [caption id="attachment_2794" align="alignnone" width="700"] Pick a pumpkin in a pumpkin patch![/caption] Latin Halloween Party Halloween comes with a Latin twist at the Latin Halloween Party NYC Skyline on Infinity on Oct. 31. Latin music, DJs, costumes, performers, dance floors, and many bars are the draw here. The Cauldron Nothing says Halloween like a bar that offers "an immersive potions experience”; Harry Potter and Halloween vibes are both on display here. Partake of the molecular cocktail bar and gastropub, or buy a ticket for Potions Class. (You get to use a magic wand!) Either way, you can have your Halloween and drink it too. [caption id="attachment_2828" align="alignnone" width="700"] Bottoms up at bars around the city this Halloween![/caption] The Great Pumpkin Blaze Though it’s not in the city itself (it’s in Croton-on-Harmon), this one is worth the trip. Why? Well, is it worth it to see 7,000 (yes, you read that correctly) carved glowing pumpkins? (The answer is yes, it most definitely is.) You’ll also find the Pumpkin Planetarium and an appearance by Sleepy Hollow’s own Headless Horseman. Something for everyone! Boo at the Zoo Where can you go to experience bands, beer, and a bird meet and greet? Plus magic shows, a corn maze, and a costume parade? Why, it’s Boo at the (Bronx) Zoo, of course! For a walk on the spookier side, mind reading, a skeleton and bones activity, and even an extinct animal graveyard also make an appearance. Weekends through Nov. 3. [caption id="attachment_2797" align="alignnone" width="700"] Zoos are just one of the places that pull out the stops for Halloween[/caption] Blood Manor We like an event that tells it like it is. If you love being scared, Blood Manor is out to do its very best to scare the living daylights out of you. It’s got 10,000 square feet of freaky corridors, endless passageways, and things that go bump in the night. This one is not for the faint of heart; it’s designed to “maximize your fear,” so if that’s your cup, of, um blood, may the ghouls be with you. [caption id="attachment_2827" align="alignnone" width="700"] Halloween vibes are everywhere![/caption] Looking for more fun activities in New York? Check out our tips for great fall activities in New York!
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