Timeline
06:48
Arrive at One World Trade Center. The observation deck opens at 9AM, but the plaza at Vesey and West Sts is accessible before then. Find a spot facing west to catch the first rays of sun breaking over the skyline.
07:18
Watch the sunrise. The sun sets toward the WSW, meaning it rises toward the ENE. From the base, look up and across the plaza as the light hits the glass facets of the skyscraper.
07:33
Walk six minutes to Bill’s Bar & Burger. It opens at 6:30AM on weekdays and 7:00AM on weekends, making it the first place ready to serve breakfast or coffee immediately after sunrise.
08:03
Enjoy handmade griddle burgers, milkshakes, or coffee in a classic American setting.
Local tip
On weekdays, Bill’s opens early enough to catch the post-sunrise glow without a long wait. Check the route if you need to return to the station after eating.
Check before you go
- One World Trade Center observation deck opens at 9AM, but the exterior plaza is open earlier.
- Bill’s Bar & Burger is open Mo-Fr from 06:30-23:00 and Sa,Su from 07:00-23:00.
- Sunrise on 15 January is at 07:18 local time.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Manhattan (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).