Home to One World Observatory – New York's highest observation deck – the 94-story One World Trade Center is architect David M Childs' redesign of Daniel Libeskind's original 2002 concept. Besides being the loftiest building in America, this tapered giant is currently the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, not to mention the sixth tallest in the world by pinnacle height. The tower soars skywards with chamfered edges, resulting in a facade of isosceles triangles that, seen from the base, seem to rise forever.

Crowning the structure is a 408ft cable-stayed spire. Co-designed by sculptor Kenneth Snelson, it brings the building's total height to 1776ft, a symbolic reference to the year of American independence. Indeed, symbolism was infused into other aspects of the building's design: the tower's footprint is equal in size to those of the individual Twin Towers, and the height of the observation decks matches that of the former one. Unlike the original towers, however, One WTC was built with a whole new level of safety in mind: its precautionary features include a 200ft-high blast-resistant base (clad in more than 2000 pieces of glimmering prismatic glass) and 3ft-thick concrete walls encasing all elevators, stairwells, and communication and safety systems.

One thing that wasn't foreseen by the architects and engineers, however, was the antenna's noisy disposition – the strong winds that race through its lattice design produce a haunting, howling sound known to keep some local residents up at night.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. One World Observatory

0.01 MILES

Spanning three levels at the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, One World Observatory offers dazzling panoramic views over Manhattan's…

2. National September 11 Memorial

0.09 MILES

The focal point of the National September 11 Memorial is Reflecting Absence, two imposing reflecting pools that occupy the actual footprints of the ill…

3. National September 11 Memorial Museum

0.11 MILES

When the twin towers of the World Trade Center toppled during the awful events of 11 September 2001, it led to years of soul-searching about what would be…

4. St Paul's Chapel

0.25 MILES

After his inauguration in 1789, George Washington worshipped at this Classical Revival brownstone chapel, built in 1766 and narrowly avoiding destruction…

5. Woolworth Building

0.26 MILES

The world's tallest building upon completion in 1913 (it was only surpassed in height by the Chrysler Building in 1930), Cass Gilbert’s 60-story, 792ft…

6. Trinity Church

0.35 MILES

New York City's tallest building upon consecration in 1846, Trinity Church features a 280ft-high bell tower and a richly colored stained-glass window over…

7. City Hall

0.37 MILES

This Federal-style beauty has been home to NYC's government since 1812, and free guided tours of the building run twice weekly (you'll need to book a few…

8. Federal Reserve Bank of New York

0.4 MILES

The best reason to visit the Federal Reserve Bank is the chance to (briefly) gawp at its high-security vault – more than 10,000 tons of gold reserves…