Best Observation Decks in NYC: Ranked by Price, Height & View

Visiting the observation decks in Manhattan can be an expensive and time consuming process. You may not want to shell out hundreds of dollars for aerial views over New York City or spend valuable hours waiting in line.

Currently, there are five observation decks in Manhattan: the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, One World Observatory, the Edge, and SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. Each observation deck offers a different view, and a different experience. If you want to narrow down the list to just one or two, we have lots of great information to share with you.

In this guide, we cover the best observation decks in NYC, share photos from each of them, and rank them by height, cost, and view.

I do my best to keep the hours of operation and pricing up to date for each attraction, however, these can change at any time. I recommend getting updated hours and pricing for your dates of travel. The link to the official website is provided for each site.

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is the oldest observation deck of the bunch. Not only is it one of the most recognizable skyscrapers in New York City, but the Empire State Building is one of the world’s most famous buildings. A visit here is not just about the view…it’s also about the history of New York City and a visit to one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.

In 2022 and 2023, the Empire State Building was one of the most visited landmarks in the USA.

Facts about the Empire State Building

Location: Midtown Manhattan
Year Opened: 1931
Observation Deck Height: 86th Floor (1,050 feet, 320 meters); 102nd Floor (1,250 feet, 381 meters)
Price: Tickets start at $44 and can go as high as $500
Cool Fact: The Empire State Building held the record for tallest building in the world for 40 years, until the World Trade Center was completed in 1970.

The history of the Empire State Building dates back to the booming 1920’s, when skyscrapers were being added to Manhattan’s skyline at an incredible rate. It only took 20 months to build the Empire State Building, and it was actually finished ahead of schedule and below budget.

For 40 years, it towered over Manhattan, until the World Trade Center was completed.

The Empire State Building has been attracting visitors for decades. With its central location in Midtown Manhattan, not only is it easy to get to, but it offers spectacular 360° views of New York City.

In addition to attracting visitors, the Empire State Building has been featured in numerous movies. The list is long but the most popular films include Sleepless in Seattle, King Kong, An Affair to Remember, Elf, Independence Day, and Superman II.

How to Get to the Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is located in midtown Manhattan between 5th and 6th Avenues. The entrance to visit the observation deck is on 34th street, between 5th and 6th Avenue. The main entrance to the Empire State Building is on 5th Avenue, but this entrance is used for businesses that are located in the building.

Subway Stations:

• 34th Street – Herald Square: This is the closest subway station. From here it is a 3-minute walk to the Empire State Building.
• 34th Street – Penn Station: 5-minute walk to the Empire State Building
• Grand Central Terminal: 10-minute walk to the Empire State Building

Empire State Building Ticket Options

The Empire State Building has two observation decks: the outdoor observation deck on the 86th floor and the indoor observation deck on the 102nd floor. All tickets include the 86th floor observation deck; you just have to decide if you want to shell out the extra money for the 102nd floor.

• 86th Floor Tickets: prices start at $44 for adults, $38 for children, and $42 for seniors
• 86th + 102nd Floor Tickets: prices start at $79 for adults, $73 for children, and $77 for seniors

In addition to these base tickets listed above, there are several unique ticket options to add to your Empire State Building experience.

• AM/PM Experience: visit the Empire State Building twice in one day, both during the daytime and at night. Prices start at $64
• Sunrise on the 86th Floor: Prices start at $125
• Express Pass Tickets: bypass all the lines to enter the Empire State Building. Tickets start at $84 for the 86th floor and $119 for the 86th and 102nd floors.

There are also guided tours and behind the scenes tours if you want to dive deeper into the history of the Empire State Building. These have a hefty price tag. Learn more on the official website.

For the best experience, purchase your tickets online in advance. Tickets are also available on GetYourGuide, and the last time we checked, tickets purchased on the GetYourGuide website can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund, a great option should your travel plans change.

The Empire State Building is included in the New York City CityPASS, the GO Explorer Pass, the New York Pass, and the New York Sightseeing Pass.

Hours of Operation

The Empire State Building is open 365 days per year. Hours vary by season. Get updates on the official website.

What to Expect on Your Visit

From the visitor entrance of the Empire State Building, you will pass through security and then ride an elevator to the 80th floor. After walking through a series of exhibits that teach you about the history of the Empire State Building, you will take a second elevator to the 86th floor.

The 86th floor is the location of the outdoor observation deck. From here, you have the option to continue up to the 102nd floor.

The View from the Empire State Building

Since the Empire State Building is located in Midtown Manhattan, you have a view of many of NYC’s iconic landmarks (except the Empire State Building, since you are standing on it).

From here, you can see the Chrysler Building, One Vanderbilt, Hudson Yards and the Edge, Lower Manhattan and One World Trade Center, and Brooklyn and the East River.

View from the 86th Floor (1,050 feet, 320 meters)

This outdoor observation deck wraps around the perimeter of the Empire State Building. As you walk around the observation deck, you get 360° views of New York City. The photos below were taken June 2021.

Looking north from the Empire State Building. In this photo you can see the Chrysler Building, One Vanderbilt, Top of the Rock, and Central Park (way off in the distance).

Looking east from the Empire State Building towards Brooklyn and the East River.

Looking south towards Lower Manhattan.

Looking west to Hudson Yards, the Hudson River, and New Jersey. Can you see the Edge?

The outdoor observation deck on the Empire State Building. The telescopes where covered during our visit because of COVID-19.

View from the 102nd Floor (1,250 feet, 381 meters)

The 102nd floor is tiny. This small, circular room has floor to ceiling windows where you get to see more 360° views of NYC. From here, you can also look down on the 86th floor and see down to the city streets far below.

Is the 102nd floor worth it?

Probably not. Tickets for the 102nd floor are almost twice price of the 86th floor, but the view is not twice as good. You are shooting through glass and the extra height doesn’t provide much of a difference from what you just saw from the 86th floor.

In my opinion, your money would be better spent on the AM/PM ticket, where you get to visit the Empire State Building twice in one day (and it’s still cheaper than tickets for the 102nd floor) or putting your money towards visiting a second observation deck in NYC.

Reasons Why You Should Visit the Empire State Building

• NYC’s most famous building
• Great location in NYC
• 360° views of Manhattan
• You do not have to take photos through glass on the 86th floor
• Option to go higher and visit the 102nd floor

Reasons Why This May Not Be the Best Observation Deck in NYC

• You cannot take a photo of the Empire State Building
• Has one of the longest wait times
• It is one of the most expensive observation decks

Is the Empire State Building Worth It?

We love the Empire State Building. Since I have been coming to NYC as a child, I have probably visited the Empire State Building at least five times. The experience, and the view, never gets old. Viewing Manhattan from the Empire State Building is an essential experience to have in NYC, whether this is your first visit or your 10th visit.

Top of the Rock

The Top of the Rock is often overlooked by many visitors. The uber famous Empire State Building and One World Observatory make the list of best observation decks in NYC by many first-time visitors to Manhattan. However, the views from the Top of the Rock are incredible.

If you are looking for one of the best views of NYC, without ticking the boxes for highest observation deck or most iconic building, Top of the Rock is definitely a place to put on your NYC to-do list.

Facts about Top of the Rock

Location: Midtown Manhattan
Year Opened: 1933; the observation deck opened in 2005
Observation Deck Height: 850 feet (67, 69, and 70th floors)
Price: Tickets start at $40
Cool Fact: At Top of the Rock, take in the view from a grand total of 3 observation decks

How to Get to Top of the Rock

Top of the Rock is located in Rockefeller Center. From here, it is a quick walk to Times’ Square, Central Park, the Museum of Modern Art, and Fifth Avenue.

The closest subway station is 47-50 Streets – Rockefeller Center. 5 Avenue-53 Street Station and 49 Street Subway Station are also nearby.

The entrance into Top of the Rock is located on West 50th Street between Avenue of the Americas and Rockefeller Plaza.

Ticket Options for Top of the Rock

• General Admission: Prices start at $40 for adults
• VIP Access (expedited security screeing and priority elevator to save you time waiting in lines): $95

Sunset tickets cost an additional $10.

Top of the Rock is included on the NYC CityPASS, the Sightseeing Pass, the New York Pass, and the NYC Explorer Pass.

Purchase your tickets online in advance and check ticket prices on the official website. Tickets can also be purchased in advance through GetYourGuide.

Hours of Operation

8 am to 12 am, seven days a week during the summer months. The last elevator ride up to Top of the Rock is at 11:10 pm. I recommend getting updated hours before your visit.

What to Expect on Your Visit

After going through security, you will walk through the Mezzanine Exhibit, which teaches you the history of Top of the Rock. An elevator whisks you to the 67th floor in just 42 seconds.

The Top of the Rock has three observation decks. Floor 67 has an indoor observation deck with views of the Empire State Building. Floor 69 has an outdoor deck with glass walls and 270° views of NYC. The 70th floor offers 360° views of Manhattan and there are no glass walls. All three levels are included on the General Admission ticket.

View from Top of the Rock

In our opinion, the Top of the Rock is one of the best observation decks in NYC. From here, you get unparalleled views of both the Empire State Building and Central Park. On the 70th floor, you can capture these views on your camera or smartphone without shooting through a pane of glass. And since the Top of the Rock is located in Midtown, it is located close to several of Manhattan’s must-see sights.

The photos below were taken February 2018.

Observation deck on the 69th floor.

Looking north towards Central Park. This photo was taken in February 2018.

Looking south from the 70th floor.

Reasons Why You Should Visit Top of the Rock

• Best view of Central Park
• Open outdoor sky deck so you can take photos without shooting through panes of glass
• One of the cheapest observation deck in NYC
• Lower crowds than other observation decks in NYC

Reasons Why This May Not Be the Best Observation Deck in NYC

• It is the lowest observation deck on the list
• Lacks the history, fame, height, and thrill factor of other observation decks on this list

Is Top of the Rock Worth It?

Absolutely. If you want a great view of Manhattan with fewer crowds and a cheaper cost than many of the other observation decks in NYC, put Top of the Rock on your list. It may not be the most famous, the highest, or the most thrilling, but the view very good, in our opinion.

One World Observatory

One World Observatory is the observation deck on One World Trade Center. One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. It opened on November 3, 2014 and One World Observatory opened to the public in May 2015.

From One World Observatory, you get to view New York City from one of the highest observation decks in Manhattan. The entire visit is state of the art, from the high-tech elevator ride to the time-lapse video at the Forever Theater to the digital guides that teach you more about NYC.

Facts about One World Observatory

Location: Lower Manhattan
Year Opened: 2015
Observation Deck Height: 102nd floor, 1,268 feet
Price: tickets start at $44
Cool Fact: One World Observatory is located in One World Trade Center. At 1,776 feet, this is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and the 7th tallest building in the world.

How to Get to One World Observatory

One World Observatory is located in Lower Manhattan.

The Oculus, also referred to as the World Trade Center Transportation Hub, is one of the busiest subway stations in New York City. 12 subway lines and the PATH converge here. From the World Trade Center Transportation Hub, it is a short walk to One World Trade Center.

Ticket Options for One World Observatory

• General Admission: Tickets start at $44
• Combination (general admission plus a priority lane for entering and exiting the observation deck): Tickets start at $54
• All-Inclusive (general admission, priority lane, flexible arrival, and use of the One World Explorer digital guide): Tickets start at $64

One World Observatory is included on the GO Explorer Pass, the Sightseeing Pass, and the New York Pass and tickets can be purchase in advance through GetYourGuide (and last we checked, these tickets purchased through GetYourGuide can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund).

Hours of Operation

One World Observatory is open 7 days a week from 9 am to 9 pm. Get updated hours here.

What to Expect on Your Visit

After going through security, you are whisked up to the 102nd floor on the world’s most exciting elevator ride. All four walls of the elevator are digital screens that show a time-lapse transformation of NYC from settlement by the Dutch in the 1600’s to what it is today.

Before entering the One World Observatory viewing area, visitors are shown into the See Forever Theater, where a second time-lapse video about life in New York is shown.

From the observation deck, you will look out over Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, the Statue of Liberty, and New Jersey.

View from One World Observatory

We have visited One World Observatory twice (July 2015 and April 2022). Here are our photos.

Sky Portal

View of Lower Manhattan.

Looking north towards Midtown Manhattan.

Looking east towards Brooklyn and the Brooklyn Bridge.

Reasons Why You Should Visit One World Observatory

• To visit NYC’s highest observation deck
• To visit one of the world’s tallest buildings
• For great views of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty
• If you like a high-tech experience

Reasons Why This May Not Be the Best Observation Deck in NYC

• One of the most expensive observation decks in NYC
• No outdoor observation deck option
• Located in Lower Manhattan so it lacks the iconic views you get from Top of the Rock or the Empire State Building
• The observation deck is indoors so you will be taking photographs through glass windows

Is One World Observatory Worth It?

All four of us loved this visit. We have visited a lot of the world’s tallest buildings and the show that One World Observatory puts on is fantastic. The views alone are worth the trip, but the elevator ride, the introduction video, the friendly staff, and the other little touches makes this visit a great experience.

If you want to take in the view from one of the world’s tallest buildings or if you have plans to visit the 9/11 Memorial, then a visit to One World Observatory is worth it. However, I think it’s better to visit the Empire State Building (an essential experience for first-timers) or SUMMIT One Vanderbilt (if you simply want an awesome view of New York City).

The Edge

The Edge is one of the newest additions to the Manhattan observation decks. Hovering 100 floors above the city streets, this sky deck offers jaw-dropping views over Manhattan. Adding to the thrill is the glass floor, where you can peer down to the city streets far below.

In late 2021, Edge elevated the thrill factor by unveiling their new experience, City Climb NYC. While wearing a harness, scale the outside of the skyscraper to the highest outdoor observation deck in the city. If you dare, you can lean out over the edge for a real thrill.

The Edge: photo credit: Edge and Related Oxford

Facts about the Edge

Location: Hudson Yards
Year Opened: 2020
Sky Deck Observation Deck Height: 100th floor; 1,131 feet, 345 meters
The Apex Height (part of the City Climb Experience): 1,271 feet, 387 meters
Price: tickets start at $40 for the sky deck and $185 for City Climb
Cool Fact: The Apex is the highest outdoor observation deck not only in New York City but also in the Western Hemisphere.

How to Get to the Edge

The Edge is located in sleek and shiny Hudson Yards. Enter The Shops at Hudson Yards and take the elevator to the 4th floor. There will be signs directing you to the Edge.

The closest subway station is 34th Street – Hudson Yards on train 7. From here it is a 2-minute walk to The Shops at Hudson Yards. You can also get here by taxi, by Uber, or by walking the High Line, which ends right next to The Shed and The Shops at Hudson Yards.

Ticket Options for the Edge

There are four ticket options for visiting the Edge.

• General Admission: These tickets get you admission onto the Edge without any perks. Online tickets start at $40 for adults
• Flex Pass: For a little more money than you would spend for a general admission ticket, book a date without a time slot and show up any time that day. It helps keep your plans flexible, rather than having to show up at a set time. Online tickets start at $60.
• Express Admission: Book a date, come at any time that day, and skip the general admission line. Online tickets start at $88, so it’s expensive, but it’s the fastest and most efficient way to visit the Edge.
• City Climb: Prices start at $185. On this 2 hour experience, you visit The Cliff, The Stair, and The Apex, for the most thrilling views of Manhattan. Afterwards, visit the Edge sky deck. Learn more on our Guide to the Edge and City Climb NYC.

There is an additional $10 fee per ticket for sunset. If you purchase your tickets on site at the Edge, tickets are $2 more than the online prices.

The Edge is also included on the C3 NYC City Pass, the GO Explorer Pass, the New York Sightseeing Pass, and the New York Pass. They can also be purchased through GetYourGuide.

For updated pricing and to book your tickets online, click here to visit the official Edge website.

Hours of Operation

10 am to 10 pm daily. Get updated hours on the official website.

What to Expect on Your Visit

To enter the Edge, you will show your tickets and proceed through security. As you walk to the elevator, you will pass state-of-the-art digital displays about Hudson Yards. On the quick elevator ride to the 100th floor, a short animated movie plays on floor to ceiling computer screens.

Once on the 100th floor, you can visit the Champagne bar, step out onto the sky deck, and walk upstairs to the 101st floor, where you will have 360° views of New York and New Jersey.

Indoor observation deck on the 101st floor.

View from the Edge

The Edge has both an indoor observation deck (on the 100th and the 101st floors) as well as the sky deck on the 100th floor. These photos were taken June 2021.

iPhone panorama taken from the Skyline Steps.

The Edge at night

Looking east from the indoor observation deck on the 101st floor.

City Climb

City Climb is a two hour experience. The first hour involves getting geared up in jumpsuit and harness. During the second hour, take in the view from the first outdoor platform, called The Cliff. Climb 161 stairs on The Stair to The Apex, and once on The Apex, you are standing at 1,271 feet, the loftiest viewpoint of New York City. The views are unbeatable and this is Manhattan’s most thrilling observation deck experience.

Reasons Why You Should Visit the Edge & City Climb

• The Apex is the highest observation deck in New York City
• Stand on the glass-paneled floor for views of Manhattan’s city streets
• One of the cheapest observation decks in NYC
• City Climb is New York City’s most thrilling observation deck experience

Reasons Why This May Not Be the Best Observation Deck in NYC

• Views from the sky deck are not as good as those from the Empire State Building, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, or Top of the Rock
• If the sky deck closes for weather related reasons, you will be stuck inside where the views aren’t as good. The whole reason to visit the Edge is to stand on the sky deck.

Is the Edge Worth It?

If you want a thrilling view of New York City, like the idea of standing on a glass-paneled floor, or want to visit one of the city’s newest observation decks, then the Edge is worth it. Watch the weather forecast before booking your tickets and just be aware that the sky deck can close if thunderstorms, high winds, or other adverse conditions are expected.

For a real thrill, add on City Climb.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

The main reason to visit an observation deck is for the view. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt takes the experience to a whole different level.

Located on the top three floors of one of the tallest skyscrapers in Manhattan is an immersive, multi-sensory experience with art installations, floor to ceiling mirrors, and of course, BIG views.

Facts about SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Location: Midtown Manhattan
Year Opened: 2021
Observation Deck Height: 92nd floor (1,063 feet)
Ascent Elevator Height: 1,210 feet (101st floor)
Price: Tickets start at $43
Cool Fact: A visit to SUMMIT is about more than just the amazing view. You also get to walk through and experience a fully immersive art installation created by Kenzo Digital.

How to Get to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

One Vanderbilt is located next to Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. You can enter One Vanderbilt by walking through the Vanderbilt Passage from the Main Concourse of Grand Central Terminal. Subway lines in Grand Central Terminal include 4, 5, 6 and 7. You can also get here by taxi, by Uber or Lyft, or on foot.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Ticket Options

There are three ticket options for SUMMIT One Vanderbilt.

• SUMMIT Experience: This is a general admission ticket that gets you into SUMMIT One Vanderbilt without any perks. Online tickets start at $43 for adults (13+) and $34 for youth (6 to 12).
• SUMMIT Signature Experience: This is a general admission ticket plus a Signature Cocktail. Online tickets start at $57 (adults only).
• SUMMIT Ascent: This is the general admission ticket (SUMMIT Experience) plus the glass elevator experience. Online tickets start at $63 for adults and $54 for youth.

The above prices are for daytime tickets. For evening tickets, add an additional $10 to each ticket price.

For updated pricing and to book your tickets online, click here to visit the official SUMMIT One Vanderbilt website. 

Tickets can also be purchased through GetYourGuide (and last we checked, these can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund).

Hours of Operation

Hours of operation vary by season and day of the week. Get updated hours on the official website.

What to Expect on Your Visit

After going through security and donning shoe covers, you are whisked up to the 91st floor in just 42 seconds.

SUMMIT is the top three floors of One Vanderbilt. On these three levels is an art installation designed by Kenzo Digital.

The experience starts in Transcendence 1, an enormous room with floor to ceiling windows and mirrors on the floor and ceiling. The mirrors plus the incredible views create endless photo opportunities and a unique way to view New York City.

As you circle the three levels, you will walk through Affinity (where silver balloons drift through the air), Unity (look for your face in the clouds) and Levitation (stand in glass boxes that hover 1,063 feet above the city streets).

The visit ends at the bar and lounge (Aprés), an open air observation deck, and Ascent, two glass elevators that rise to 1,210 feet for an even loftier view of New York City.

Views from SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Here are photos taken at sunset and in the morning in November 2021.

Transcendence 1 and 2

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt at sunset

Affinity

View of Manhattan. The cover photo for this post was also taken at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt.

Reasons Why You Should Visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

• With its location in Midtown Manhattan and 360° views, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt offers the best views of Manhattan (other than wearing a harness and doing City Climb on the Edge, which is not for everyone)
• Experience the immersive art installation called Air
• Best view of the Empire State Building
• Best view of the Chrysler Building
• Have your photo taken in one of the glass sky boxes

Reasons Why this May not Be the Best Observation Deck in NYC

I can’t come up with any downsides to visiting SUMMIT One Vanderbilt…so does that make it the best in NYC? Maybe so.

Is SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Worth It?

Absolutely. The mirrored room of Transcendence 1 and 2 is a very unique experience…there is really nothing else like it in Manhattan. And with three different levels and multiple rooms with different experiences, there is a lot to do here.

The art installation is what makes SUMMIT One Vanderbilt truly unique but you also get one of the best views of New York City from an observation deck.

Best Observation Decks in NYC: Ranked

Here we rank the observation decks based on height, cost, and view, and then we share with you our recommendations on which one(s) you should visit.

Observation Decks in NYC: Ranked by Height

Here are all four observation decks, from the highest to the lowest.

• The Apex at Edge (City Climb NYC Experience): 1,271 feet,  387 meters
• One World Observatory: 102nd floor (1,268 feet, 386 meters)
• Empire State Building: 102nd Floor (1,250 feet, 381 meters)
• SUMMIT One Vanderbilt: Ascent elevator (1,210 feet)
• The Edge: Sky Deck, 100th floor (1,131 feet, 345 meters)
• Empire State Building: 86th floor (1,050 feet, 320 meters)
• Top of the Rock: 67, 69, and 70th floors (850 feet, 260 meters)

Observation Decks in NYC: Ranked by Price

Here are all four observation decks ranked by starting ticket price, from the cheapest to the most expensive.

• The Edge: $40
• Top of the Rock: $40
• SUMMIT One Vanderbilt: $43
• One World Observatory: $44
• Empire State Building (86th floor): $44
• City Climb NYC (the Edge): $185

Best Observation Decks in NYC: Ranked by View

#1 City Climb at The Edge. At 1,271 you will be standing on the highest observation deck in New York City…no walls, no glass, just a jaw-dropping view of the city. If you dare, lean out over the edge for an even bigger thrill.

#2 SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. With 360° views from Midtown Manhattan, you get the best view of the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building from any observation deck on this list, plus unobstructed views of Lower Manhattan.

#3 Top of the Rock was our first choice for best view from an observation deck in New York City, until SUMMIT One Vanderbilt opened. With its taller height and closer location to the Empire State Building, SUMMIT offers the best view of the city in our opinion. With that being said, Top of the Rock still offers an awesome view and is not to be missed.

#4 Empire State Building. Second place goes to the Empire State Building. Its central location, open air observation deck on the 86th floor, and history make this one of New York City’s best all-around experiences.

#5 The Edge (the sky deck; not City Climb). There is something very cool about standing on a platform that hovers 100 floors above the city streets. Add in the glass-paneled floor and the experience becomes even more thrilling. The Edge would be higher on the list, but from the sky deck you can only see a portion of the Empire State Building, since it is blocked by another building in Hudson Yards (if you do City Climb, you will be high enough to have a great view of the Empire State Building).

#6 One World Observatory. Out of the observation decks and City Climb, I think that One World Observatory has the least exciting view. You can only look out through glass windows and since it is located on Lower Manhattan, it lacks the iconic views you get from Midtown.

Top of the Rock

Which Observation Deck Should You Visit?

If you want the best view, the biggest thrill, and bragging rights that you scaled a New York skyscraper, do the City Climb experience at the Edge.

With three levels of big views and Kenzo Digital’s awesome art installation, some of the best views of New York City, plus the best view you’ll get of the Empire State Building, put SUMMIT One Vanderbilt on the top of your list.

For the classic New York experience, visit the Empire State Building. The view plus the experience of visiting one of the world’s most famous buildings is a must-do in New York City.

If you are checking off visits to the world’s tallest buildings, put One World Observatory #1 on your list.

Top of the Rock offers great views of Central Park and Midtown Manhattan. It also tends to be less crowded than the other observation decks, so it could be easier to get a ticket last minute (and maybe wait in a shorter line). It’s also one of the cheapest on the list.

And if you are looking for a thrill, go to the Edge. Add on City Climb for one of NYC’s most unforgettable experiences.

Links to Each Observation Deck

As you plan your trip and just before your visit, get updated hours and pricing, and book your tickets in advance, on the official websites.

• Empire State Building
• Top of the Rock 
• One World Observatory 
• The Edge 
• SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

The Edge

Tips to Have the Best Experience

Purchase your tickets online in advance. This saves you a long wait in the ticket line.

Even with a time slot reservation, you still might have to wait in line. Each observation deck requires you to go through a security screening, similar to the pre-flight security check before boarding an airplane. Lines can be long to get through security, especially at midday and near sunset. Some observation decks offer fast track tickets which allow you to bypass this line.

In general, sunset is the most sought after time to visit the observation decks in NYC. Tickets for these time slots can sell out in advance and some sights charge an additional fee for the sunset time slot.

If you want to avoid the crowds, visit the observation decks in the morning, before lunch.

Outdoor observation decks can close if the weather is bad (thunderstorms, high winds, etc.). Most sights will not offer a refund but they will reschedule your visit for a future date and time.

If you want to save money, consider purchasing a city pass. There are four passes to choose from and most of them include visits to each of the NYC observation decks.

If tickets are sold out for your visit, check GetYourGuide because they may have entry tickets for the date of your visit.

If you have any questions about the best observation decks in NYC, or if you would like to share your favorite observation deck, let us know in the comment section below.

More Information about New York City

BEST OF NEW YORK CITY: For a list of the top experiences in New York City, read our article Best Things to Do in New York City.

NYC ITINERARY: In our article 5 Days in New York City, we included detailed daily itineraries for exploring New York City. You can do all five days or follow just a day or two, if you have less time in the city.

CHELSEA & HUDSON YARDS: In our article Best Things to Do in Chelsea and Hudson Yards, learn about the best things to do in the area, with suggestions on where to eat and where to stay.

NYC HOTELS: Need a place to stay? Check out our guide to the Best Hotels in New York City, organized by neighborhood.

USA TRAVEL INSPIRATION: For more great ideas on where to go in the United States, check out our article Best USA Road Trips, which has 18 sample itineraries for your next big adventure. You can also see more travel itineraries on our Travel Itineraries page and our National Park Itineraries.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you.