Standing more than 1,700 feet tall in Lower Manhattan, One World Trade Center is a commercial complex with major architectural, cultural, and retail significance. Originally nicknamed the Freedom Tower, this notable skyscraper symbolizes the resilience of New York City after the September 11 attacks. The contemporary building is surrounded by a memorial, museum, and other high-rise properties that collectively make up the rebuilt World Trade Center.
Attractions and Highlights
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One World Observatory is perhaps the most popular attraction at One World Trade Center. The signature SkyPod elevator takes passengers to this observation area on the 102nd level of the property. Once inside, visitors will enjoy 360-degree views of New York City. There are also several interactive displays and other exhibits that focus on the local history, geography, and architecture.
After absorbing great views of the Big Apple, tourists may enjoy delicious meals at One Dine. Reservations are strongly recommended for this premium restaurant on top of 1 WTC. Situated within walking distance of this iconic skyscraper, the Westfield World Trade Center is one of the premier retail hubs in downtown Manhattan. Conveniently located inside the Oculus building, this high-end shopping mall is home to more than 100 stores. More than 20 food options are also available at the Westfield World Trade Center, including some cafes and casual restaurants.
If you’d like to admire One World Trade Center from ground level, head to the 9/11 Memorial. Lined with promenades and trees, this memorial includes enormous reflecting pools that occupy the former foundations of the original Twin Towers. Additionally, the memorial complex includes a museum that pays tribute to the victims who perished in the collapsed towers.
Visiting One World Trade Center
Dominating the skyline of Lower Manhattan, One World Trade Center is best accessible by rapid transit. The WTC has its own transportation complex that’s served by several New York City Subway lines, such as the 1, A, C, and R. Several Port Authority Trans-Hudson trains also link this busy transit station with other parts of Manhattan and New Jersey.
Additionally, multiple MTA buses stop within walking distance of the WTC. Known as the Oculus, the main station at the WTC is considered a modern architectural landmark. The New York Waterway ferries also stop just a few blocks away from this iconic skyscraper. Having southbound and northbound lanes, West Street leads to several other streets with parking garages near the WTC.
Location: 285 Fulton Street, New York City, NY, 10007, USA
Click here to visit One World Trade Center official website.
World Trade Center Site
World Trade Center Site is the place in Downtown Manhattan, New York City, where the twin towers of the World Trade Center once stood. The World Trade Center was a vast complex comprising six office skyscrapers and one hotel. Following the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, the seven buildings were either totally destroyed or so severely damaged that they had to be demolished. The site has since been known as Ground Zero.
Today the World Trade Center site is being rebuilt with five new skyscrapers and a memorial to those who perished in the attack. As of the time of writing, only one of the five new skyscrapers has been completed, that being the 7 World Trade Center. The remaining four are expected to be completed soon.
In addition to 1 World Trade Center, three more skyscrapers are being planned for the site, along with the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, which is also under construction.
Two World Trade Center
Two World Trade Center (2WTC, Tower Two) is an 88-story skyscraper under construction. It will have the address of 200 Greenwich Street. The tower is on the northeast corner of the World Trade Center site. It covers a 16.5-acre (6.5 ha) area. 2WTC will be 1,270 ft (387 m) tall. It will be the second tallest building in New York City when completed, 20 ft taller than the Empire State Building. The skyscraper is being designed by Foster and Partners, London. It will have 2.4 million sq ft (220,000 sq m) of office space and another 130,000 sq ft (12,000 sq m) of retail space, with access to the underground PATH railway.
Three World Trade Center
Three World Trade Center (3WTC, Tower Three) is an 80-story skyscraper designed by architect Richard Rogers of Rogers Stirk Harbour+Partners. Its address will be 175 Greenwich Street. It will be 1,155 ft (352 m) tall. It will also have an antenna that raises its height to 1,240 ft (378 m). The building will have 2 million sq ft (190,000 sq m) of office and retail space.
Four World Trade Center
Four World Trade Center (4WTC, Tower Four) is a 72-story skyscraper presently under construction. It will be 947 ft (288 m) tall, making it the fourth tallest skyscraper on the World Trade Center site. It will provide 1.8 million sq ft (167,000 sq m) of office and retail space. 7 World Trade Center is presently the only skyscraper to have been completed. It is however located at 250 Greenwich Street, off the Port Authority property. It is 741 ft (226 m) tall and has 52-floor counts. The building has a total floor area of 1.7 million sq ft (158,000 sq m). Construction began in 2002, and the skyscraper was completed in 2006.
In addition to the skyscrapers, the World Trade Center site will have a memorial, a museum, and a transportation hub. The memorial is in the form of pools of water flowing into the footprints of the original World Trade Center towers. It is designed by Peter Walker and Israeli-American architect Michael Arad. The museum, designed by Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta, will be the visitor center displaying information on the memorial.
The World Trade Center Transportation Hub replaces the old World Trade Center Subway Station. It will connect the PATH Station with the subway station and ferry terminal, along with the World Financial Center and One World Trade Center.
How to reach the World Trade Center Site
Take the subway to the Cortlandt St Station (Trains R, W), Rector St Station (Train 1) or WTC Station (Train E). There’s a viewing wall on Church Street.