If you’ve been to New York City before, chances are you have probably paid a visit to the Empire State Building or the Top of the Rock – maybe even both! These two observatories are perfect for a first-time visit or if you’re looking for an unforgettable aerial view of the city. ESB has even held a pretty big title for few years – New York City’s tallest building! Well folks – there’s a new tallest building in town!
Say hello to One World Observatory at One World Trade Center! Towering over the city at 1776 feet tall, it currently stands as the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and the fourth tallest building in the world! That’s right, it’s huge! And here’s a fun fact – it only takes 60 seconds to get all the way to the top! There are five elevators with floor to ceiling LED technology that will take you straight to the 102nd floor. But first, you’ll need to go through an airport-style security checkpoint. This is where they’ll scan your bags and make sure you don’t have any weapons or oversized items. It’s easy peasy and should be expected for any iconic NYC attraction (including ESB and TOR).
There are three levels you will be exploring – the 100th, 101st and 102nd. The 101st level is primarily for your dining needs. ONE Café offers baked goods, sandwiches, soups and salads. You can find more of a small plate menu at ONE Mix, and ONE Dine is more fine dining and requires advance reservations. You can even find the photo area on this floor. Sandwiching the level of food, you will find an array of amenities. Be sure to check out “Voices” which tells the experience of the people who built One World Trade Center, and “Foundations” which provides and up-close look at the very bedrock that made building it possible. The Forever Theater displays a two-minute time-lapse video and the Sky Portal is a 14-foot wide round disc that shows footage of the streets below – super cool! And of course, what would a NYC attraction be without a gift shop? Take a minute and browse the Gallery at One World for awesome souvenirs and exclusive items.
So if you haven’t already… Make the trip and check out this awesome aerial view of the “City That Never Sleeps!”