Before, it was easy to pick New York’s Best Observation Decks: there were only two in midtown. Nowadays, New York City observation decks are a booming business with some great new additions to the lucrative market. With so many more observation decks, it has become hard to choose the best. This post explores the Big Apple’s observation decks and gives you all the pros and cons.
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How to choose Manhattan’s best Observation Decks
In former days, observation decks were simple. You took an elevator up to one of the highest floors of the building, where you could enjoy a bird’s eye view from an outside gated area. Nowadays, the market is much more competitive, and the entire experience has become much more expensive.
One World Observatory tells you the history of New York City as you travel through time on your way up. The Edge has a major hanging platform that offers a unique view of the city. In contrast, Summit One Vanderbilt has glass-to-floor ceilings and floor mirrors, making it Instagram-perfect. Each observation deck now has distinctive features. That is why we add overall experience to the more standard features of the observation decks:
- Overall experience
- The view
- Year Opened
- Price
- Location
- Altitude
- Inside viewing deck, outside deck or both
- Availability of skip the line
New York's Five Best Observation Decks
One World Observatory
One World Observatory: Downtowns best (and only) observation deck
Downtown there is only one proper observation deck. On the site of the 9/11 attacks, a new historic landmark has been built: The Freedom Tower. On top of the tower, you can find an inside observation deck with floor-to-ceiling windows. Here you can have a beautiful view of downtown Manhattan including The Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Battery Park, and the 9/11 Memorial.
The overall experience of One World Observatory starts while you are in the elevator. The elevators are equipped with 360 video screens that visualize the development of downtown Manhattan. You start your journey through time on the ground floor, and while you go up, you travel to the present day. Just the elevator is worth the trip.
Once you exit the elevators, the storytelling continues. While you exit the elevators, you will have to wait for a direct view of the city. You will enter a room where a large video screen continues to tell the story about the development of downtown Manhattan and the Freedom Tower itself. Once the video stops, the view magically appears. It is an experience that will make your heartbeat faster.
The Observation Deck is very modern. The floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to fully see and feel like a bird flying over the lower parts of Manhattan. Within the observation deck, there are different experiences. There are storytellers, a small (champagne) bar, and a full restaurant. You can easily spend an hour or two.
| Remarks | Rating |
Overall Experience | The unrivaled views of downtown are worth a visit. The modern and entertaining way of storytelling during the entire experience make it unforgettable. | 9/10 |
The view | Excellent nearby view of downtown and a distant view of midtown. | 8/10 |
Type of Observation Deck | Inside observation deck | 8/10 |
Location | Downtown | 9/10 |
Price | From USD 45,43 | 7/10 |
Skip the Line available? (Opportunity to avoid crowds) | Yes | 10/10 |
Year Opened | 2006 | |
Altitude | 1,268 feet (386,5 meters) | |
Overall rating One World Observatory | 51/60 |
The Empire State Building
The Empire State Building, New York’s Original Observation Deck
The Empire State Building is Manhattan’s original observation deck. This observation deck has much more history than any of the other decks. This building continues to define New York City’s skyline despite all the newly added skyscrapers. The building is featured in many Hollywood blockbusters, and the observation deck is part of some of those stories. A museum adds to the Empire State Building experience.
Nowadays, the observation deck remains in good shape. The entire experience includes entering and experiencing the iconic landmark. The interior design is even more impressive than how the Empire State Building looks outside. The observation deck itself is primarily outdoors. A large iron gate makes the entire experience feel safe. The views are impressive, but there is one major downside: you cannot see the iconic building you are standing on top of.
| Remarks | Rating |
Overall Experience | The classic and authentic experience. It is without all the modern tech but remains absolutely worth it. | 8/10 |
The view | The view misses one iconic building: the one you are standing on. | 6/10 |
Type of Observation Deck | Mostly outside | 7/10 |
Location | Midtown | 8/10 |
Price | From 47.91 USD (33 USD extra for 102nd floor | 6/10 |
Skip the Line available? (Opportunity to avoid crowds) | Yes | 10/10 |
Year Opened | 1931 |
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Altitude | 1,250 feet (381 meters) for 102nd floor, 1,050 feet (320 meters) for the 86th floor |
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| Overall Rating Empire State Building | 45/60 |
Top of the Rock
Top of the Rock, the Rockefeller Center’s Observation Deck
Top of the Rock is one of the more classical observation decks. It sits on the historic landmark building, the Rockefeller Center. Historically, it was never the tallest building in the city nor the highest observation deck. But during those days, it was the only alternative to the Empire State Building. But unlike the Empire State Building, it had one major selling point: it had the best view of Manhattan’s most iconic building: The Empire State Building.
The overall experience a Top of the Rock is excellent and straightforward. You take an elevator up to one of the highest floors of the building, exit the lift and enjoy the view. There are no bells and whistles. The view is unobstructed because of the choice of thick glass instead of iron gates. The view of the Empire State Building is still unrivaled, and crowds are a bit smaller since the introduction of the new observation decks nearby.
| Remarks | Rating |
Overall Experience | Top of the Rock is a classic observation deck without too much distraction. The views remain impressive while crowds are usually smaller than in the past. | 6/10 |
The view | Unique midtown view including the best view of the Empire State Building and other midtown buildings. | 8/10 |
Type of Observation Deck | Mostly outside | 7/10 |
Location | The best location for an observation deck amid Manhattan’s midtown skyscrapers. But no longer the best in midtown. | 7/10 |
Price | From 37 USD | 10/10 |
Skip the Line available? (Opportunity to avoid crowds) | No. However, Timed Entry Tickets will allow you to skip the line at Top of the Rock | 6/10 |
Year Opened | 1933 |
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Altitude | 850 feet (260 meters) |
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| Overall Rating Top of the Rock | 44/60 |
Summit One Vanderbilt
Summit One Vanderbilt, the observation deck for Instagram and TikTok
Summit One Vanderbilt is all about the experience. A seemingly endless effort went into the design of the indoor observation deck. You will not ride an ordinary elevator to the observation deck but a ‘sensory stimulating elevator ride.’
After your exit the elevator, you will step into SUMMIT AIR, designed by Kenzo Digital. The observation deck is layered with two floors of floor-to-ceiling mirrors and surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows. The entire experience is a sensational wonder, and the pictures you can add to your Instagram account are unlikely anything else.
The experience at One Vanderbilt continues with SUMMIT LEVITATION and AFFINITY. The first allows you to step out over the city on two glass ledges. In contrast, the second is a multi-media experience. At night, guests can enjoy a LED light show and music while cocktails are served in the bar. You can also ride a crazy high-altitude glass elevator for an additional fee.
| Remarks | Rating |
Overall Experience | ONE Vanderbilt is an experience unlike any other. The experience comes first, the stunning view comes second. | 10/10 |
The view | This observation deck is arguably not about the view but still offers a good view of the Empire State Building and some of midtown. | 7/10 |
Type of Observation Deck | Indoor (but does that really matter with so much going on?) | 9/10 |
Location | Midtown near Grand Central Station | 8/10 |
Price | From USD 39 | 8/10 |
Skip the Line available? (Opportunity to avoid crowds) | Timed Entry plus extensive opening hours. Short-term tickets sold-out | 6/10 |
Year Opened | 2021 |
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Altitude | 1,070 feet (325 meters) |
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| Overall rating SUMMIT One Vanderbilt | 48/60 |
Edge
Edge Observation Deck, Walking on glass
Edge is one of the latest additions to the Observation Deck market in Manhattan. Edge is the highest outdoor Skydeck in the Western Hemisphere and offers 360-degree views of New York City. The experience is crazy as you step onto a suspended platform with a glass floor and angled glass walls. This observation deck is not for those with a fear of heights.
During your visit to the skyscraper, you will learn about the history of Hudson Yards, once again an ‘immersive multimedia experience’ much like One World Observatory. You can also go inside to the Champagne Bar.
| Remarks | Rating |
Overall Experience | Edge is an observation platform for those who like adrenaline. The best platform for some, the worst nightmare for others. | 10/10 |
The view | From the tip of central park down to the Statue of Liberty but no clear view of key landmarks. | 7/10 |
Type of Observation Deck | Inside and outside | 10/10 |
Location | Hudson Yards | 6/10 |
Price | From USD 43.55 | 8/10 |
Skip the Line available? (Opportunity to avoid crowds) | Timed Entry Tickets will help you skip the line at EDGE | 8/10 |
Year Opened |
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Altitude |
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| Overall Rating ONE Vanderbilt | 49/60 |
My personal story with New York's Observation Decks
Since I was young I have been a frequent visitor to New York City. Over the years I have visited (almost) all observation decks in New York. The first observation deck I saw was when I was still a child. I accompanied my father on one of his business trips to the city when I was 12 years old. While my dad was working, my mother and I explored the city.
On top of my list was going up one of the skyscrapers. My mother gave me a choice: visit the Empire State Building or the observation deck on top of the Twin Towers. I chose the Empire State Building, not knowing what 9/11 would bring. My reasoning as a child was that from an observation deck in midtown, I would be able to see much more interesting buildings.
As an adult, and after visiting observation decks in downtown and midtown, I believe both are worth it. I recommend going to midtown and downtown if you have the time and money. The experience at One World Observatory in the Freedom Tower is different. You will see Manhattan from two completely different angles.
New York’s Top 5 Observation Decks
We have added the ratings for experience, view, type of deck, location, price, and the possibility of skipping the line. We didn’t weigh any of these characteristics, and some might find the experience much more important than the price. So we recommend going through all the descriptions and deciding for yourself what is the best Manhattan Observation Deck. Based on our rating system, here are our top 5.
- One World Observatory
- Edge
- One Vanderbilt SUMMIT
- The Empire State Building
- Top of the Rock
What is the best website to book tickets to New York’s Observation Decks
Plans can change. Especially in an uncertain world, you might need to change your itinerary for New York City last minute. Official booking websites allow you to amend or cancel your booking up to 24 hours in advance. This usually is much better consumer protection than when you book directly at the attraction.
