A trip to New York City is not complete without visiting at least one of the currently 5 major observation decks in New York City: One World Observatory, The Edge at Hudson Yards, Summit one Vanderbilt and the classics Top of the Rock and Empire State Building.
Here is an overview of the five observation decks with my tips you need to know before you go and helpful direct links to the ticket sites of each observation deck website.
My first and most important tipp: You should buy your tickets online in advance – this is the easiest way to skip a line or save time because you are on a shorter line.
1. One World Observatory
The One World Trade Center is the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex in Lower Manhattan. Designed by David Childs of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the United States, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, and the seventh-tallest in the world.
The Observatory is located on the 102nd floor (1,268 feet or 386m) of this 1,776 feet high building. Ticket prices starts for adults (13y and older) at $44 – more details on their website. You can even combine the three Downtown experiences, Statue of Liberty cruise, 09/11 museum and the One World Observatory and save about 20% of their combined admission costs.
This highest observation deck in the city is completely indoors and offers a spectacular unobstructed 360 degrees view of the entire region. You can take a straight line shot of Midtown Manhattan and you are able to see the entire lay of the land of New York City. It is optimal for an ice cold Winter day or a rainy day when you don’t want to be outside for your observation deck experience. Next to the unrivaled views on the Big Apple I enjoyed most the SkyPod™ Elevators which climb 102 stories in 47 seconds. This astonishing ride reveals the transformation of New York City from unsettled lands to today’s remarkable forest of skyscrapers.
2. The Edge
The tallest observation deck in the Western Hemisphere is located in the 6th highest building of New York City at 30 Hudson Yard. It opened in December of 2020.
You can enjoy a very unique view on the city through the angled glass on its’ 100th floor (1,131 feet high) outdoor observation deck. Ticket prices starts at $40 for adults.
If you haven’t got any fear of heights you can even go higher and can enjoy with city climb. This is the highest possible outdoor perspective you can get without booking a helicopter flight in NYC for about $185.
It is important to check the weather in advance because ‘The Edge’ can close their outdoor space due to adverse weather conditions anytime.
On a personal note: Choose the time of your stay wisely. This observation deck is on the smaller site and it is often packed especially during peak tourist season. Therefor, you should expect lines, especially to take a picture at the edge of The Edge and to get on the glass floor.
My extra tipp: the 101st floor has an elevator with a shorter line to get back down.
3. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
This by far most popular observation deck in New York City opened in 2022. You have the absolut best view onto Empire State building from this deck. It is also the most unique observation decks because the Summit is also an immersive art installation with different rooms. The main observation deck is the 65,000 square foot, multilevel observation room Levitation with mirrored floors and walls. It is located on the 92nd floor, 1063 feet above the city. From there, you explore Four chapters of immersive art by Kenzo Digital.
Ticket prices starts at $39. In addition to the general experience you can book the Ascent which is the World’s largest external glass-bottomed elevator. This elevator gets you to the 101st floor, 1210 feet above the city. There are also different prices for access during the day and after dark.
Important tipps for your visit:
- Make sure to plan extra time for the security queue, even with a timed ticket.
- Do not wear high heel shoes or stilettos. These shoes are not permitted and will damage the reflective glass floor. All guests will be given mandatory shoe coverings to wear on the observation floors with infinity glass.
- Bring sunglasses! The mirrored walls and floors reflect light and it can be intense high above the rest of the city. You will need sunglasses at the top, if not you can borrow a pair and return at the end.
- Do not wear skirts or dresses – the floors are reflective so people will be able to see right up everything!
My personal tipp: Be sure to check out the restrooms while you are there! The bathrooms on all the floors offer incredible views. The women’s restroom has an incredible vantage point of the Chrysler Building. This may be the most gorgeous bathroom I have been in the city.
4.) Top of the Rock
Top of the Rock’s three levels of indoor and outdoor observation decks deliver spectacular views with terraces facing east, west, north, and south. You are only 850 feet above ground at the pinnacle of 30 Rockefeller Plaza’s 70 floors, but don’t let that foul you. It feels like you are in the middle of all the surrounding buildings. Nevertheless, you have one of the best view of Central Park and of Empire State Building.
This beautiful art deco building complex opened in 1933 and its’ observation deck opened in 2005. Check out the top observation deck floor! It was designed to look like a 1930s ocean liner and you can feel the history. Admission starts at $40 for adults.
I recommend to combine the visit of the observation deck with a guided tour of the Rockefeller Center. Your tour guide will introduce you to Rockefeller Center’s most significant buildings, gardens, and spaces. Some highlights are stops at the Associated Press Building, where the TODAY Show is filmed. During holiday season, tour guests will receive special Center Plaza viewing access to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
The tour and the observation deck visit is combined in the “Rock Pass” for $56.
Last but not least you should download the audio guide in the app GESSO where you can enjoy an interesting audio tour for free.
5.) The classic: Empire State Building
There is plenty to discover about the World’s most famous building and its’ two observation decks. It all starts with a lot of information you will receive on your way to the top of the 7th tallest Building in the city. Located on the 2nd and 80th floors, you learn everything about this unique building. There is also a guided audio tour available. You can download it in the android or apple app store for example through the free on-site guest Wi-Fi.
Ticket prices for the main observation deck on the 86th floor (1,050 feet above the city) starts at $44 (adults) or you go sixteen stories above the 86th floor and access through a one-of-a-kind glass elevator, the 102nd floor (1,250 feet above the city). This observation deck offers a true 360-grad view thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows on all sides. You are able to see the entire length of Manhattan and all of New York City’s iconic landmarks, from the Statue of Liberty to Central Park and far beyond. On the clearest days you can gaze up to 80 miles into the distance, far enough to see six states from a single vantage point. Tickets for both decks starts at a ticket price of $79 for adults. I think the additional price for the 102nd floor is worth it but you should decide by yourself.
For your everyday experience with the Empire State Building check out the tower lights calendar. The Empire State Building lights have captured the world’s imagination for decades since 1976. It maintains a tradition of changing the color of the lights to recognize important occasions, holidays, and organizations throughout the year. Since 2012, the building has used a state-of-the-art LED lighting system, capable of displaying more than 16 million colors.
Which of these five observation decks in New York City will you visit? Let me know in the comments and reach out for any further question you might have – my contact…