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While searching for the best observation deck in New York City, one thing became clear. King Kong got a bad rap–all he wanted was a better view! It really is hard out here for a chimp.

On my first trip to New York City many years ago I went to the top of the Empire State Building because it was the only thing I knew to do besides hopscotching crosswalks and tackling mall Santas at Gimbels. I wouldn’t discover Top of the Rock until years later and One World Trade Center was still just a heartbreaking hole in the ground.

Now, I’ve seen more rooftops than Peter Pan and finding the highest points in any city is always a travel priority. (It’s #1 on my NYC bucket list too!) This breaks down all the best observation decks in New York City to help you pick which one(s) you will love the best. Enjoy!

How to save money on NYC’s best observation decks

Before we start comparing, there’s something important you need to know about: the New York GoCity Pass. This is a bundle sightseeing pass that helps you save tons of money on your visit to NYC. It includes admission to all the most popular attractions in town, including 4 of the 5 best observation decks in New York City.

Check out the included list of attractions here and how much money you can save. It’s really non-negotiable for any trip to New York City!

Get your New York GoCity Pass here

Views from the Top of the Rock

What to know before visiting NYC’s observation decks

Here are a few things you should know about before you pick which one(s) you want to visit:

All have timed entry

To help control crowds, you’ll pick a time to visit at all five of these places. Try not to be late, but also know that this is just the time at which you need to check in, not the time you’ll actually get to the observation deck. (So always allow for extra time.)

The cost changes according to the time

With the exception of One World Observatory, the cost to visit the other four observation decks changes according to which time of day you want to visit. If you want to visit during sunset, your price goes up. If you want to visit early in the morning, your price goes down. Each one is different so be sure to check the prices against the available times. They’re quite sneaky that way.

Sunset is the most expensive time to visit

Each of these have tons of upgrade offers

All five of these observation decks have lots of different ways to upgrade and other unique experiences you can book. The prices shown throughout this post are just the standard admissions for the most basic experience. Some examples:

  • At Top of the Rock you can also include The Beam where you and your friends get strapped to a steel beam to take that famous photo.
  • Empire State Building offers several tours and VIP champagne experiences.
  • One World Observatory also offers tours and dining packages.
  • The Edge has City Climb, where you strap in and literally climb up the side of the building and then lean out over the city.
  • SUMMIT One Vanderbilt has the 12-story glass elevator ride as an add-on. (Basically a glorified window-washer experience.)
One World Trade Center

NYC’s top 5 observation decks

Before I get to which one is the best and/or how you can make that decision for yourself, I’m going to first introduce you to them all.

All hours and admission information is accurate as of February 2025 but is subject to change. Always check the official websites before solidifying your plans.

1. Empire State Building

First up we’ve got Manhattan’s most iconic landmark and the oldest of all the best observation decks in New York City. The OG OD, if you will. The Empire State Building is so big that it has its own zip code. It was built from scratch in just 11 months during the height of the Great Depression. It’s been featured in more than 250 movies. And from the observation deck you can see five states–NJ, CT, PA, MA, and NY (obviously).

Flatiron views from the Empire State Building

Key information

  • Location: Midtown Manhattan, entrance on 5th Avenue between 33rd & 34th Streets
  • Observatories: On the 86th and 102nd floors – You can visit just the 86th or buy an upgraded combo ticket for both.
  • Adult starting prices: $44 for just the main deck (86th floor) / $79 for both
  • Hours: Hours vary by week/month so check the website for details, but it typically opens at 10am and closes somewhere between 9pm and 11pm or later.
  • Accessible: The Empire State Building is fully ADA-compliant.
  • Website: esbnyc.com
  • Included in the GoCity Pass? Yes – Get yours here.
Observation deck at the Empire State Building

Observation decks

The Empire State Building offers two observation decks:

  1. The main deck (86th floor) – Until the Edge opened in 2020, this was the highest outdoor observation deck in New York City. Still, at 1,050 feet high, it’s only 50 feet shorter. This deck completely wraps around the building for awesome 360° views of Manhattan and far beyond.
  2. The top deck (102nd floor) – The building’s newly renovated 102nd floor observatory is located inside the building’s mast, accessible via a glass elevator. Up here at 1,250 feet you’ll also get 360° views but only through its floor-to-ceiling windows (i.e., not open-air).
The Chrysler Building, seen from the Empire State Building

Why this is the best observation deck in NYC

Here are a few reasons why the Empire State Building is the best observation deck in New York City:

  • It has both indoor and outdoor observation decks. You can head outdoors for better photos and better views, or stay indoors if it’s really windy or drizzling a bit.
  • It’s in a prime location. Located right in the center of Manhattan, the Empire State Building is incredibly easy to get to and you can see pretty much everything there is to see in NYC, uptown and downtown.
  • It’s iconic. The ESB has the distinction of being the most photographed building in the world. It’s what comes to mind at the mere mention of New York City. The building and the city are synonymous. In other words, go big or go home.
Early morning atop the Empire State Building = low crowds

Why it’s not the best

Here are a few reasons why the Empire State Building is not the best observation deck in New York City.

  • Long, long lines. Imagine the longest line you’ve ever waited in. Now, fill it with dads who “have had enough of your attitude!” and moms who “just don’t understand what’s taking so long!” And there’s your late afternoon at (and all the way around the block of) the Empire State Building. Prepare to be sheep herded inch by inch through every step of the process.
  • The views lack the building itself. The most iconic figure of the New York City skyline will be missing from all your photos. So basically, you’re just on vacation taking pictures of office buildings. Cool.
But the Empire State Building is my favorite part!

2. Top of the Rock

Next up is very well the epicenter of televised American comedy. Rockefeller Center is a complex of 19 buildings that were built between 1930 and 1933, but the one we’re climbing is 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Welcome to 30 Rock–home to NBC Studios and shows like Saturday Night Live, Late Night with Seth Myers, the Tonight Show, and, appropriately, the Today Show.

Key Information

  • Location: Midtown Manhattan, entrance on 50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues
  • Observatories: 67th, 69th, and 70th floors
  • General starting prices: Adult $40 / Child (6-12) $34 / Senior (62+) $38
  • Hours: Open daily from 9am to midnight (last entry at 11:10pm)
  • Accessible: Yes, Top of the Rock is fully accessible. More info here.
  • Website: topoftherocknyc.com
  • Included in the GoCity Pass? Yes – Get yours here.
Looking downtown from the Top of the Rock

Observation decks

Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center has 3 observation decks:

  1. 67th floor – Completely enclosed, small, includes the gift shop
  2. 69th floor – Open-air observation deck but still surrounded by large glass panels (see the photo below)
  3. 70th floor – Entirely open roof deck; no glass panels so the 360° views up here are totally unobstructed (For obvious reasons this is the best one.)
Looking down on the 69th floor of Top of the Rock

Why this is the best observation deck in NYC

Here are a few reasons why Top of the Rock is the best observation deck in New York City:

  • If offers the best views of New York City. Because the building itself is nothing recognizable, that means you won’t miss out on anything by standing on it, unlike with the Empire State Building. You’ll still get all the most iconic NYC buildings (and Central Park) in your photos.
  • It’s never overly crowded. I’ve been up here many times and at all different times of day (and year) and it’s never been crowded, quite unlike the Empire State Building. Good things also come to those who don’t wait.
  • It’s an open-air deck. In my opinion, these are always the best. You really get to see the most stuff, your photos aren’t full of green glass, greasy handprints, or reflections, and you can really get a sense of what it’s like to be so high up.
  • The location is perfect. Smack in the middle of Manhattan, it’s also easy to get to and the views are just the most iconic, hands down.
Lots of space at Top of the Rock

Why it’s not the best

Here are a few reasons why Top of the Rock is not the best observation deck in New York City:

  • Rockefeller Center is confusing as hell. Really, they could use a serious lesson in signage and it always feels like no one works here. The whole process is quite confusing; just prepare a little extra time for getting lost.
  • It’s not that high. I realize 70 floors is still 840 feet, but Top of the Rock is most definitely getting cut from the basketball team in the first round of tryouts. The views are fantastic, but if it’s record-breaking height you want, you won’t get it here.
  • You can’t look straight down. Well, you can, just not very far due to the design of the building. I like to be able to look straight down at the tiny ant people, but maybe that’s just me.
Can’t see all the way down

3. One World Observatory

One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and opened in 2015 at the former site of the World Trade Center buildings. The building itself measures 1,362 feet—the exact height of the original WTC South Tower. Add the deck and that makes it 1,368 feet—the exact height of the North Tower. Add the spire and you’ve got a total of 1,776 feet—birthday of the United States.

Key information

  • Location: Downtown Manhattan, entrance on the corner of West & Vesey Streets
  • Observatories: 100th, 101st, and 102nd floors
  • General starting prices: Adult $44 / Child (6-12) $38 / Senior (62+) $42
  • Hours: Hours change seasonally so check the website to be sure, but generally open from 9am to 9pm
  • Accessible: Yes, the One World Observatory is fully accessible.
  • Website: oneworldobservatory.com
  • Included in the GoCity Pass? Yes – Get yours here. (So is the nearby 9/11 Museum.)
One World Trade Center from the ferry

Observation decks

The One World Observatory encompasses three floors, with the main observation deck on the 102nd. All of these are fully-enclosed, indoor observation areas. They also have a restaurant, gift shop, and all kinds of entertaining stuff going on up here.

Why this is the best observation deck in NYC

Here are a few reasons I feel this is the best observation deck in New York City:

  • Great location. There’s so much to do downtown and this is right in the center of it all. Plus, you’ll get fantastic views of places like the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 Memorial, and other things you can’t see as well from the other ones.
  • It’s the tallest. If height is something you’re after, this is the big daddy of NYC observation decks. It literally doesn’t get any higher than this.
  • Mind-blowing technology. If you’re into modern technology, this is the one for you. The elevator to the top amazed me, both going up and down. (I won’t spoil it for you though.) The See Forever video presentation is almost worth the trip itself.
Dusk at One World Trade Center

Why it’s not the best

And here are a few reasons why this one isn’t my favorite:

  • It’s all indoors. This drastically limits your views and especially impacts your photos, especially at night. Your photos will all be tinted during the day, and super reflective at night given how lit-up the rooms are. It makes it really hard to see anything outside.
  • Long lines and wait times. This is such a popular experience, so prepare to wait in long lines for a sheep-herding situation.
  • You’re almost too high. It’s cool being at the top of the country’s tallest building and all, but at some point it just becomes too much. In other words, you’re too high to actually see anything really clearly way down there. You can’t make out most of the landmarks and it all blends into a sparkly mess at night.
Nighttime views from the One World Observatory

4. The Edge

When the Edge opened in March 2020, it became the highest outdoor observation deck at 1,100 feet, just narrowly passing the Empire State Building. It’s also the smallest of all 5 decks in this list.

Key Information

  • Location: Hudson Yards, entrance on Hudson Blvd at the Public Square and Gardens across from the Vessel
  • Observatories: Just the one, on the 100th floor
  • General starting prices: Adult $40 / Child (6-12) $35 / Senior (62+) $38
  • Hours: Hours may change periodically but typically open from 10am to 9pm (last entry at 8pm)
  • Accessible: Yes, the Edge is fully accessible.
  • Website: edgenyc.com
  • Included in the GoCity Pass? Yes – Get yours here.
You can see the Edge poking out of the building at the top

Observation decks

There’s just the one observation deck at Edge and it’s on the 100th floor of the building at 30 Hudson Yards. But unlike the others, this one actually juts out from the building and thus is suspended mid-air. There’s even a glass floor and angled glass walls so you can look straight down on the city.

Why this is the best observation deck in New York City

Here are a few reasons why this may be the best observation deck in NYC:

  • It’s outdoors. If you haven’t figured it out by now, this is my observation deck must-have to really get the full experience and the best views and photos.
  • It’s so unique. Unlike the others which are more standard observation decks, this one is totally unique in that it actually comes out of the building. Plus the glass floor and tilted windows add some cool features to it.
  • Great views. Whereas the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, and One World Observatory have all been on the same north-south trajectory for the most part, the Edge sits over on Manhattan’s western edge. From here, you can pan left and right to see all of Manhattan from top to bottom.
The view from the Edge | ©Brittany Petronella/NYC Tourism + Conventions

Why this is not the best

Here are a few reasons why this may not be the best observation deck in NYC:

  • It can get seriously crowded. Because this deck is a relatively smaller one, and due to the shape of it (a triangle that quite literally funnels people into one corner), those great views can get blocked by all the people hogging the window space and refusing to move.
  • Long wait times. Especially if you visit around sunset, expect it to take a long time to actually get to the deck after checking in. Despite their timed entry system, it can still take upwards of an hour until you actually make it to the top. The same goes for having to wait in long lines to leave as well.
Love seeing how tiny all the taxis and people are

5. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is New York City’s newest observation deck having opened in October 2021. At over 1,400 feet tall, this is the tallest building in Midtown Manhattan and among the top 30 tallest buildings in the world. Its observation deck was actually conceived as a kind of immersive art experience, so expect a lot to see and do up here.

Key Information

  • Location: Midtown Manhattan, entrance at 45 E. 42nd Street, or through the main concourse at Grand Central Terminal
  • Observatories: 91st, 92nd, and 93rd floors
  • General starting prices: Adult $43 / Child (6-12) $37
  • Hours: Open daily from 8am to 10pm
  • Accessible: Yes, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is fully accessible.
  • Website: summitov.com
  • Included in the GoCity Pass? Unfortunately, no.
Views from the SUMMIT | ©SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Observation decks

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt has three observation decks. Upon entering, you’ll make your way through each of them, winding through several immersive art installations based on different themes.

  1. 91st floor – A large mirrored room surrounded by enormous viewing windows, then a “calming” room designed with meditation in mind, then an interactive room filled with large silver balloons (essentially) and more mirrors
  2. 92nd floor – The second level of the mirrored room from the floor below, then a level with glass floors and even one suspended 1,063 feet over the street below, then a room where they digitally project pictures of your own face into the clouds. I don’t know, it’s weird.
  3. 93rd floor – The highest floor, begins at the café in case all that weird art made you thirsty, then a totally normal outdoor observation deck, then you have the option of hopping onto a glass elevator that whisks you 12 stories up to the building’s highest viewpoint.
“Transcendence” portion of the observation deck (the mirrored rooms) | ©SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Why this is the best observation deck in NYC

Here are a few reasons why this may be the best observation deck in Manhattan:

  • A totally unique experience. If you want to visit an observation deck that’s so beyond extra, this is it. This is a viewing experience and an immersive art experience in one.
  • Lots of cool photo opportunities. If this is something you’re into, you’ll love it here. Between the glass boxes you can stand in and all the mirrored elements, you’ll have a blast.
The SUMMIT One observation deck | ©SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Why this is not the best

Here are a few reasons why this may not be the best observation deck in Manhattan:

  • Immersive art installations aren’t for everyone. Myself included. I can appreciate that this is so much different from the norm, but I’m just not that into “immersive art.” I like to look at my art. And when I visit an observation deck, I want to just look at the views. But this is entirely my own personal opinion.
  • The views aren’t the greatest. While they’re certainly impressive as all skyline views of Manhattan are, the location of the building is kind of wonky. It’s located in Midtown so you can see both downtown and uptown, but the building’s also off to the side a bit which obscures some of the views. (Basically, you can get a better version of the same views from Top of the Rock.)
Central Park from Top of the Rock

Which is the best observation deck in New York City?

What you deem the best observation deck in New York City will depend on how you feel about certain criteria and what you want to get most out of the experience.

Some features are irrelevant, like how all five are located in popular areas that are easy to access via public transportation. All are fully ADA-accessible and cost around the same amount to visit. So, with those aside, here are my picks:

Best for views

For the best views, I’d go with either Top of the Rock or the Edge. From both of these, you get to see all the most iconic New York City landmarks without leaving anything out.

At the Empire State Building, you miss out on actually seeing the Empire State Building. From the One World Observatory, you miss out on everything north of midtown, plus you’re just way too high. From SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, you can’t see Central Park and the views from Top of the Rock are similar, but better.

Between Top of the Rock and the Edge, I’d say the best views are from Top of the Rock. Here, you’re smack in the center of midtown Manhattan and you can see it all. Plus, being at a lower elevation is actually great here—the landmarks all feel so close!

However, if your goal is for the highest, most epic views of New York City, definitely check out the One World Observatory. It doesn’t get much higher than this (just make sure you visit on a clear day).

Top of the Rock views can’t be beat

Best for bragging rights

If you want to visit the most iconic observation deck in NYC, look no further than the Empire State Building. This building stars in all your favorite NY movies, including the observation deck. It’s always so much fun to watch TV shows and movies and be able to say, “I’ve been there!”

Best for history and iconic New York

If you love history, the Empire State Building is another great pick. You get to go into one of the most famous buildings in the world and see all its beautiful art deco accents. This building is the oldest of all five mentioned here and was built during the Great Depression. There’s so much history here! This is truly the most iconic NY building.

It’s simply iconic

Best for technology and innovation

If history’s not your thing but innovation and technology is, then you’ll want to hit up the One World Observatory. They really take pride in how innovative their observation deck is (as well as the whole building which has been designated the “greenest” building in the world). There will be plenty of opportunities for you to play with their high-tech offerings, and even just the elevator ride to the top will blow your mind.

Best for art and immersion

If you love artistic elements and immersive experiences, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is where you need to go. This is far beyond any typical observatory experience and is also an Instagrammer’s dream. If you want some cool photos and a fun experience along with your sky-high Manhattan views, this is your place.

Best for late-night visits

In the summer, the observation deck at the Empire State Building typically stays open until 1 or 2am. If you want a totally uncrowded observation deck experience, this is it.  

Night views from One World Trade Center are hard to capture

More info for your visit to NYC

Like this post? Have any questions about the NYC observation decks? Let me know in the comments below. Enjoy New York City!

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Ashley Smith

Ashley is a historian and Oktoberfest expert & tour guide. She has traveled to 40 countries and specializes in quick trips throughout Europe and the Americas that prioritize hiking adventures, museums of all kinds, cultural experiences, and jam-packed itineraries. She hails from Memphis, TN and currently lives in Boston with her husband and two feline sidekicks.