New York City observation decks are breathtaking, dazzling, soaring, expansive…I could go on and on.
Every visitor to New York City should experience its observation decks for unmatched panoramic views, iconic skyline perspectives, dramatic sunsets, and sparkling nightscapes.
These decks offer unforgettable photo opportunities, thrilling heights, and a chance to see the city’s energy from above. But they are not all equal. If you have limited time, this guide will help you decide which ones are a must-see.
The Summit – One Vanderbilt Observation Deck
Backstory
The Summit at One Vanderbilt opened in October 2021 as a fresh entry in the collection of New York City observation decks.
It’s part of the One Vanderbilt skyscraper, a modern glass-and-steel tower completed in 2020.
The whole experience is meant to be more than just a view — it mixes art, architecture, and immersive design. There are rooms where you can get lost looking at yourself in the many mirrored walls. Another room is full of helium-filled silver balloons that float around you.
The heart-stopping activities, like riding an elevator outside the building, will stay with you forever.
One of the best parts of this experience is the location. It is right next to Grand Central Terminal, an architectural marvel and home of the Oyster Bar, one of the famous places to eat in New York City. It’s also just a few blocks away from Times Square, which many New Yorkers consider the heart of New York City (at least on New Year’s Eve).
One a scale of 1 to 5, I would rate this observation deck a 4.8.
Features
- The Summit sits at the top of One Vanderbilt, offering views from around 1,200 feet above the city.
- It spans four levels of immersive spaces: walk-through art, mirrored rooms, skyboxes, terraces, etc. a unique feature of New York City observation decks.
- Levitation skyboxes: glass boxes that jut out from the building, letting you step out over the city and look down through glass floors. Around 1,063 feet above Madison Avenue.
- Ascent: a glass elevator that travels outside the building to the highest viewing point in Midtown.
- Après is a lounge/café and bar area, inside and outdoors, where you can get snacks, drinks, and cocktails.
- Summit Terrace: wraps parts of the building for outdoor views (southern & western sides): gardens, seating, a mix of calm and dramatic views.
- Immersive art and design: mirrored rooms, reflective surfaces, lighting, and sound that make the journey feel like you’re inside an artwork as much as an observatory.
Admission & Perks
Here’s the breakdown of ticket types, prices, and extras:
Prices vary depending on: time of day (sunset/peak times cost more), whether you buy online, and any extra fees (sales tax, service fees).
Other Info & Extras
- Kids under 5 are usually free.
- A $3 processing or service fee is added to many online tickets.
- Sunset/peak windows cost more, often about $10 extra on top of regular admission during those slots.
- Add-ons like a Personalised Memory Book or Digital Photo Library cost another ~$15-$30.
- Gift shop: I didn’t find an explicit mention of a full gift shop, but there is a café and bar (Après), so you can snack, drink, and maybe buy small souvenirs there.
- Timing: best to book ahead, especially for sunset slots or weekends—they sell out fast.
The Edge at Hudson Yards Observation Deck
Backstory
Edge opened on March 11, 2020, as part of the new Hudson Yards development in one of the coolest neighborhoods in Manhattan, the West Side. So it’s no surprise that the Edge is now considered one of the coolest New York City observation decks to match the neighborhood.
It’s an idea born of modern architecture and engineering. Rising high above the city at 30 Hudson Yards, the Edge adds a dramatic outdoor sky deck protruding from the building.
The floor is glass, so you can imagine the floating sensation when sitting or lying on the floor.
On a scale of 1 to 5, I would rate this observation deck a 4.8.
Features
- Edge is located on the 100th floor of 30 Hudson Yards, 1,100 feet (about 345 meters) above street level.
- It’s the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere.
- The observation deck juts out roughly 80 feet from the building. The triangular platform offers dramatic views.
- There’s a glass-floor section, and angled glass walls so you can lean out over the skyline.
- Outdoor features include “skyline steps” (bleacher-style seating outdoors), plus the usual open-air deck experience.
- There’s also “Journey to Edge” — an immersive experience via floor-to-ceiling digital displays, projections and soundscapes.
- Peak is a restaurant/bar/event space on the 101st floor that offers indoor views and dining.
- Bonus: Edge also offers something called City Climb, an “open-air building ascent” (with harness, etc.) that climbs above the deck. It gives views from even higher up (around 1,271 ft) with steps and platforms, and a chance to lean out over the city. This makes for a truly heart-pounding adventure in one of the great New York City observation decks.
Admission & Extras
- Entry is via timed tickets.
- Prices (approximate, subject to change):
- Adult: ~ US$50
- Senior: ~ US$38
- Child (6-13): ~ US$35
- Under 5: free
- The last elevator ride is usually 50 minutes before closing.
- Operational hours: daily (Mon-Sun); typically 9 AM until 10 PM. Some days/weekends have extended hours.
- Restaurant/bar perks: The 100th floor has a champagne bar, and the Peak restaurant and bar on the 101st floor can offer dining or event experiences.
- Extras:
- The City Climb (for those wanting more adventure) is extra.
- There is dining and a bar.
- The immersive “Journey to Edge” experience is part of the standard queue/entry process.
One World Observatory Observation Deck
Backstory
One World Observatory sits atop One World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan. It opened to the public on May 29, 2015.
This is perhaps one of the New York City observation decks and buildings with the most dramatic backstory, as it is located near the site of the original twin towers that were destroyed in the 9/11 terrorist attack.
The observatory takes up floors 100, 101, and 102 of the tower, the tallest building in the U.S., at a symbolic height of 1,776 feet (for the building overall) as the height is also the year 1776, when the United States was founded.
On a scale of 1 to 5, I would rate this observatory a 4.8. Although not as dramatic as the first two observation decks, the history and poignancy of the location is almost palpable.
Features
- Visitors ride up in the “Sky Pod” elevators, which are very fast and include a visual presentation depicting how the skyline evolved. When the elevator reaches the top, it opens up to a totally unexpected view of the city that will blow you away. That alone is worth the trip.
- Three levels of observatory:
• 100th floor = central viewing platform with 360-degree panoramic views.
• 101st floor = includes dining areas and café.
• 102nd floor = private event space.
- Interactive features: City Pulse lets you scan and explore landmarks; a Sky Portal (a glass floor/walkway section) to look directly down; SEE FOREVER™ Theater tells stories; Voice exhibits and other multimedia pieces about the building and city.
- Food & beverage options: casual café fare, pastries, and a restaurant called ONE DINE.
Insider tip: Don’t pay extra for a “skip-the-line” option. Either there is no line or it is very short.
One World Observation atop the World Trade Center
- Admission Fees & Extras
Here are the ticket types, what you get, and other info:
| Ticket Type / Package | What It Includes | Approx Price |
| Standard Experience | Access to all three observation floors, all multimedia exhibits, standard elevator access, and timed entry. | Starting around US$39-44 for adults. |
| Combination Experience | Priority access (“skip some lines”) for security/elevator/exit, One World Explorer digital skyline guide, and a small credit/voucher for food or the gift shop. | Starting around US$49-54 for adults. |
| All-Inclusive Experience | Everything is combined, plus a flexible arrival time (you can arrive any time within operating hours) and a larger food or shopping voucher. | Starting around US$59-64 for adults. |
| VIP Tour | Escorted entry, priority lanes, sometimes add-ons like a guided tour, and more personalised service. | Around US$69-74 or more, depending on what’s included. |
Prices do not always include processing fees & tax.
Other extras & useful bits:
- A gift shop called “GALLERY at ONE WORLD” is on level 100. Unique souvenirs, exclusive designs.
- Souvenir photos are offered via “See Forever Imaging” on the 101st floor.
- Dining: ONE Dine for full dining; café / casual food & drinks for lighter options. Only ticket holders can access dining.
- Timed tickets: You buy for a specific date and time. Arrive at your timeslot. Late arrivals are allowed but will be accommodated based on capacity; arriving on time is best.
- There’s a “See Forever Commitment”. If visibility is zero or very poor, you may be allowed to return another time or get a voucher/re-entry (subject to availability) in some instances.
- Kids under a certain age (5 or younger) are usually free. Seniors have a discount and special rates for military or first responders.
Top of the Rock – Rockefeller Center Observation Deck
Backstory
The Top of the Rock sits atop 30 Rockefeller Plaza (often just “30 Rock”), a major landmark in Midtown Manhattan.
It is one of the earliest New York City observation decks. The original observatory deck opened in 1933, when the RCA Building (now 30 Rock) was completed.
It gave New Yorkers a new way to see their city — open-air terraces, an outdoor refreshment bar and Adirondack chairs.
The deck closed in 1986, and after decades and a significant renovation, it reopened in 2005 under the name Top of the Rock.
The experience has been recently upgraded with new aerial attractions, “The Beam” and “Skylift,” to enhance the views and add more memorable moments.
This was the only observation deck that was not only a disappointment, but a major disappointment. I understand that America and NYC in particular, is the heart of capitalism and all these attractions are trying to make a buck. However, the money-grab at this particular attraction borders on the sleazy and is what gives certain NYC attractions a bad name.
First of all, the ticket kiosks encourage you to buy the express pass to avoid waiting on a long line. There was no long line but you don’t know this until you are already inside and have already paid.
I debated paying for this “Express Pass” and was delighted I finally didn’t pay. I would have been so disappointed had I paid an extra, what?…$40, to avoid a non-existent line.
The “Skylift” was not working. I went there in large part specifically to enjoy the Skylift, which sounded so cool. Nobody told us it was not working, and the staff had no idea when it would work or even if it had ever worked at all. They were oblivious and untrained.
But here is the kicker. Upon entering, you are offered a photo opportunity on “The Beam”. This is an opportunity to take a photo sitting on a construction beam, recreating the famous photo of workmen sitting on a beam hundreds of feet above the city. The fee for taking the photo is $25.00.
It sounded like a fair price for such a unique memento, so I purchased this option. When I got to the end of the attraction, I went to pick up my photo, for which I had paid $25.00.
“That’ll be $40.00, please,” the clerk told me. They actually wanted $40.00 to GIVE me the photo I had already paid to take. They should have told people, “It’s $65.00 for you to take the photo and bring it home with you.”
Instead, they tricked patrons. They implied that for $25.00 you could take the photo and have it, only to tell you at the end that if you wanted to actually take it with you, it was an ADDITIONAL $40.00. FALSE ADVERTISING!
What a rip-off! They figured if you already paid $25.00 to take the photo, you’ll be willing to pay an additional $40.00 to take it home. Otherwise, you’ve essentially thrown $25.00 down the toilet. So you might as well pay the additional $40.00.
I did not pay. I wasted $25.00. I was very upset at this deception and said so to the photo people, but it’s not the poor clerk’s fault. So I decided to complain directly to the establishment and to mention the deception on this blog to warn others not to fall for the scam.
On a scale of 1 to 5, this attraction is a 1. They basically slapped a platform on top of the building and proceeded to rip off visitors. The only reason it gets a 1 is that it is located in a cool part of the city where a New York City Christmas really excels. Avoid this observation deck.
Features
- The observation decks span three levels: floors 67, 69, and 70. Floors 69 & 70 have outdoor terraces.
- Height is about 850 feet above street level on the 70th floor.
- Views are 360-degree. You get sweeping panoramas: Central Park to the north, the Empire State Building (you can see it clearly), Midtown skyscrapers, downtown toward the Statue of Liberty and One World, etc.
- There are indoor and outdoor viewing areas, so you can enjoy views even in bad weather. On the 67th floor, there’s an indoor level called The Weather Room (a café/bar).
- The Beam: a newer attraction where visitors sit on a beam-like structure ~12 ft above the 69th-floor terrace, recreating the vibe of the famous Lunch Atop a Skyscraper photo.
- Skylift: also new — a rotating glass-platform ride that lifts you about 900 feet up in a 360° motion for panoramic views. More dramatic at sunset / nighttime light show.
Admission Fees & Extras
Here’s what you can expect for tickets, add-ons, perks, etc.:
Prices vary depending on time of day (sunset is more expensive), whether you purchased in advance, and whether add-ons are included. Taxes & fees are often extra.
Other Info & Extras
- Children under 6 usually enter for free.
- Gift shop: Yes, there’s a Top of the Rock Shop with the usual souvenirs (t-shirts, mugs, etc.) and discounts for premium ticket holders.
- Photo options: there is a Photo Pass (digital / print) you can add, so you can get professional shots.
- Timings: Open daily, roughly 8:00 AM to midnight; last entry ~11:10 PM.
- The best times are sunrise or early morning for fewer crowds and sunset for dramatic lighting (though those slots cost more or sell out early).
- Renovation caution: parts of the decks/mezzanine may be under construction or have limited access at times. But overall, the experience is maintained.
The Empire State Building Observation Deck
Backstory
This is it! The mother of all observation decks. Although not the highest observation deck, it is the one that truly represents New York City. The symbol of the city.
The Empire State Building opened on May 1, 1931, during the Great Depression. It’s one of New York’s oldest skyscrapers, has long held the title of one of the world’s world’s tallest buildings, and is the most iconic of THE New York City observation decks.
From the start, its observation decks have been a big part of its identity. Over time, the decks have been renovated; notably, the 102nd-floor observatory was closed for periods in the past but reopened after upgrades were completed around 2019.
So many movies have centered around the Empire State Building, including: King Kong (1933), An Affair to Remember (1957), Sleepless in Seattle (1993), Independence Day (1996), and others. Hollywood loves to create great Empire State Building moments on screen.
One of the coolest features in the Empire State Building is the multimedia display about what life was like in New York City during the 1930s, when the Empire State Building was being constructed.
Features
- There are two main public observation decks: the 86th-floor Main Deck (open-air plus enclosed gallery) and the 102nd-floor Top Deck (enclosed, with floor-to-ceiling windows after renovation).
- The 86th floor offers a 360° view of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. On very clear days, you can see several states beyond New York.
- The 102nd-floor observatory is higher, giving more distant views; after the redesign, the windows are larger and the space more open.
- Throughout the building, there are exhibits (on floors like the 2nd and 80th) that tell the story of its construction, its role in culture (movies, etc.), how it was built, and the race to build tall in the early 20th century.
Admission & Extras
- Tickets are timed. You choose a date & entry window.
- There are Standard and Express tickets. Express tickets allow you to skip more lines (ticketing, security, elevator, etc.).
- Access to the 102nd and 86th floors (Top Deck) costs extra.
- Prices vary by age (adult, child, senior), time of day (sunset/peak times tend to cost more), and ticket type.
- A booking fee (around US$5) is added to many tickets.
- Amenities & extras:
- Some features, like radiant heaters on the 86th floor during cold months to make the outdoor deck usable.
- A typical visit takes about one hour, more if you include the top deck or take time in exhibits.
- Among the many fun and entertaining features on the first floor of the Empire State Building are many photo opportunities, including one recreating the famous photo of King Kong crashing through the window of the building. I’ve always been a sucker for these types of touristy things.
Also for sale is a photo opportunity showing your party superimposed on various NYC landmarks. This $35.00 offer was just too irresistible for me.
On a scale of 1 to 5, this New York City observation deck is a solid 5. It’s beautiful, fun, interesting, historic, engaging, and reasonably priced for what it is.
Want to know more about New York City’s skyscraper decks and the history of these magnificent feats of engineering? Check out these reference books.
Which of New York City’s observation decks is your favorite? Let us know in the comments.
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