So, you’re looking for One Observation Deck Philly. I get it. You want that classic shot of City Hall from above, the one where William Penn looks like a little toy soldier on top of the tower. But here is the thing that trips up almost every tourist (and quite a few locals) lately: One Liberty Observation Deck—the one with the massive Ben Franklin head sculpture—is permanently closed.
It's gone.
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It shut its doors during the pandemic and never flipped the "Open" sign back over. If you show up at 1650 Market Street expecting to zip up to the 57th floor, you’re just going to be staring at a lobby directory that doesn't list it anymore. Honestly, it’s a bummer because that spot offered a 360-degree view that was pretty hard to beat, especially since it was right in the thick of the skyscrapers.
But don't turn around and drive back to Jersey or Delco just yet.
While the specific "One Observation Deck" brand is a thing of the past, the hunt for the best view in Philadelphia has actually gotten more interesting. We have shifted from one corporate "deck" to a mix of high-end lounges, historic climbs, and a newer, sleeker experience that most people just call the "Comcast views."
The Ghost of One Liberty Observation Deck
When people search for One Observation Deck Philly, they are usually remembering the "Philly From The Top" experience. It opened in 2015 with a lot of fanfare. It was the first time in a long time we had a dedicated, glass-walled observation floor that wasn't tied to a restaurant or a private club. It had these cool interactive kiosks where you could zoom in on neighborhoods like Fishtown or South Philly.
Then 2020 happened.
The deck closed temporarily like everything else, but by 2021, the parent company, Paris-based Montparnasse 56, decided to pull the plug permanently. They cited the lack of tourism and the high cost of operations. Now, that space is being converted into office or amenity space. It’s a classic Philly story of a "cool new thing" that didn't quite have the staying power of the older landmarks.
Where to Go Instead: The New Heavy Hitters
Since you can't get into One Liberty, your next best bet—and honestly, a better one—is the Four Seasons Philadelphia at the Comcast Technology Center.
This is currently the highest point in the city. You want to go to the 60th floor.
The elevator ride alone is a trip. It’s glass-enclosed and moves so fast your ears will definitely pop. Once you hit the Sky High lobby, the view is insane. You’re looking down on the buildings you used to look up at. It’s not a traditional observation deck where you pay 25 bucks to just stand there; it’s a hotel lobby and bar.
Technically, you can walk in for free to look, but don't be that person. Grab a coffee or a cocktail at Sky High. The price of a $20 cocktail is basically the "entry fee" you would have paid at One Liberty anyway, except here you get a drink and a fancy chair.
The City Hall Tower Tour
If the Comcast building feels too "corporate chic" for you, you need to do the City Hall Tower Tour. This is the "real" Philly experience.
You are going up into the tallest masonry building in the world. No steel frame. Just a lot of bricks and history.
It’s a tiny, old-school elevator that fits maybe four people. It takes you right under the feet of the William Penn statue. The view is different here because you are at the literal center of the city's "grid" plan. You can see straight down Broad Street and Market Street. It’s narrow, it’s outdoors (but caged in), and it feels much more connected to the city's bones.
Keep in mind: these tours are weather-dependent and sell out fast. You can't just wing it on a Saturday afternoon and expect to get up there.
Misconceptions About Philly Views
A lot of people think they can just go to the top of any tall building. Philly isn't like New York where every skyscraper has a "Top of the Rock" equivalent.
For example, the BOK Building in South Philly is a massive favorite. It's an old vocational school turned into maker spaces. The rooftop bar, BOK Bar, has a view that is arguably better than the Comcast building because you are looking at the skyline rather than being in it. But it’s seasonal. If it’s January, you’re out of luck.
Then there’s the "Rocky Steps" at the Art Museum. People think that's the best view. It’s a great view, sure, but you’re only a few stories up. It’s a vista, not an observation deck experience.
The Best Strategy for a 2026 Visit
If you are planning a trip today, forget the old brochures mentioning One Observation Deck Philly. They are outdated. Instead, follow this hierarchy of heights:
- For Glamour: Sky High at the Four Seasons (60th Floor). No tickets, just a dress code (smart casual) and a willingness to buy a drink.
- For History: City Hall Tower. Book these tickets through the Visitor Center at least a week in advance.
- For the Vibe: Assembly Rooftop Lounge. It overlooks Logan Circle and gives you a perfect view of the Parkway. It’s pricey, but they have fire pits.
- For the "Local" Shot: The Liberty Point deck at Penn’s Landing. You’re looking at the bridge and the river, not the skyscrapers, but it’s the best "big" view on the water.
Is another deck coming?
There are always rumors. Developers are constantly looking at the top floors of the newer residential towers like Laurel Rittenhouse or the Arthaus. But as of right now, there is no plan to open a dedicated, ticketed observation deck that replaces what One Liberty offered.
Philly has moved toward "experiential" views. People don't want to just stand behind glass; they want to eat, drink, or learn something while they look.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
Stop looking for the One Liberty website. It might still be floating around in some cached version of the internet, but it won't let you buy tickets.
First, check the wind and cloud cover. Philly gets hazy, and if you pay for a trip to the top of City Hall on a foggy day, you’ve wasted your money.
Second, if you choose the Comcast/Four Seasons route, go about 45 minutes before sunset. This way you get the daylight view, the "golden hour" over the Schuylkill River, and the city lights coming on. It’s the best "bang for your buck" even if the "buck" is spent on a glass of wine.
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Third, remember that the best photo of the skyline isn't taken from a deck. It’s taken from the South Street Bridge or the Belmont Plateau. If you want the "One Observation Deck" vibe for your Instagram, those are your spots.
Basically, the "One Observation Deck" is dead, but the view is very much alive. You just have to know which elevator to get in.
To make the most of your day, check the official City Hall tour schedule first, as that is the only "official" deck experience left, then plan your evening around a rooftop spot in Rittenhouse or Logan Square. If you're heading to the Four Seasons, double-check their private event calendar on their website—nothing ruins a trip like a "Closed for Private Event" sign after you've spent 20 minutes finding parking in Center City.
Verify the current operating hours for the City Hall interior tours, as they have been shifting post-2024 to accommodate more maintenance. Once you have that locked in, you’re golden. Enjoy the heights. Just don't look for Ben Franklin's giant head at 1650 Market anymore. He's retired.