Best observation deck New York: Which NYC viewing platform is worth it?
Just so you know: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a booking or purchase, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
New York’s skyline is one of the most famous in the world and getting above it is a non-negotiable first visit experience. But with five NYC observation decks now competing for your time and money, working out which one is actually worth it isn’t straightforward.
When we visited New York for 10 days in late November with our three year old, we ended up visiting three of them. I’d already decided on Top of the Rock over the Empire State Building. The view of the Empire State from Top of the Rock is the one you see on every postcard and I wanted that rather than being on it. Summit One Vanderbilt caught my attention through Instagram and I knew immediately it would be something our daughter would love. The Edge came up repeatedly in conversation with people who’d been, so we added it on. Three decks, three very different experiences, and a clear favourite by the end.
This guide compares all five observation decks in New York. The three we visited personally and two we researched thoroughly, to help you work out which one is right for your trip.
Our quick verdict: Summit One Vanderbilt for the best overall experience and the best observation deck in NYC for kids. Top of the Rock for the most iconic views. Read on for the full breakdown.
If you’re still in the planning stages, our New York travel guide covers everything in one place. Visiting with young children? Our NYC with kids guide is worth a read before you book. For detailed head to head comparisons of specific decks, our New York observation deck comparison guide breaks each one down side by side.
If you’re planning to visit multiple attractions, it’s also worth looking at the Go City New York Pass, which includes several observation decks and can save a lot of money.
👉 Check the latest Go City New York Pass prices here
Our free editable itinerary planner will also help, it’s the same one I used to organise our trip in December! It’s a Google Sheets template you can customise to fit your own New York trip.
👇 Drop your email below and I’ll send it straight to you!
Observation deck comparison: Which viewing platform is best?
Before diving into each deck individually, here’s a quick comparison of the main observation towers in New York. Prices vary depending on time of day for most decks, with sunset slots being the most expensive.
Children under 5, and some 6 visit free at all five decks.
Every visitor ranks these differently depending on what they’re looking for, and you’ll find plenty of conflicting opinions online. Here’s our honest ranking based on visiting three of them personally with a three year old, and thoroughly researching the other two.
|
Observation deck |
Height |
Indoor/Outdoor |
Best time to visit |
Unique features |
Optional extras extras |
Go City included |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Summit One Vanderbilt |
1,100ft |
Mostly indoor |
Sunset/night |
Mirror rooms, balloon room |
Ascent glass elevator reaches 1,120ft |
No |
|
Top of the Rock |
850ft |
Outdoor terraces |
Day/sunset |
The Beam, Skylift |
VIP experience, The Beam, Skylift |
Yes |
|
The Edge |
1,131ft |
Outdoor platform |
Sunset |
Glass door, angled deck |
Champagne experience, City Climb |
Yes |
|
Empire State Building |
1,250ft 102nd floor |
Indoor and outdoor |
Night |
Iconic landmark |
Premium and photo packages |
Yes |
|
One World Observatory |
1,268ft |
Indoor |
Day |
Tallest indoor deck |
VIP and dining packages |
No |
Prices vary depending on time of day for most observation decks, especially sunset tickets. The only exception is One World Observatory, which typically keeps consistent pricing.
The 5 best observation decks in New York ranked
If you’re short on time, here are the best observation decks in New York ranked based on views, experience and overall value.
Every visitor ranks these differently depending on what they’re looking for, and you’ll find plenty of conflicting opinions online. Here’s our honest ranking based on visiting three of them personally with a three year old, and thoroughly researching the other two.
1️⃣ Summit One Vanderbilt – Best overall observation deck in NYC
The most immersive viewing platform in New York, with mirror rooms, glass skyboxes and incredible skyline reflections. Our daughter’s absolute favourite and our top pick for families specifically, though it’s worth knowing experiences vary. Some visitors find it overwhelming, we loved every minute.
👉 Check Summit One Vanderbilt tickets on Viator
2️⃣ Top of the Rock – Best iconic skyline view
The classic New York viewpoint with a perfect view of the Empire State Building from the centre of Midtown. The only deck that gives you a direct view down onto the Rockefeller tree at Christmas, which for a December visit makes it one to prioritise.
👉 Check Top of the Rock tickets on Viator
3️⃣ The Edge – Best outdoor observation platform
The highest outdoor deck in New York with a thrilling glass floor and spectacular Hudson River views. Our least favourite of the three we visited personally, but the west facing views are unlike anything the other decks offer.
👉 Check The Edge tickets on Viator
4️⃣ Empire State Building – Most historic observatory
The most famous observation tower in NYC, built in just 11 months during the Great Depression and featuring in over 250 films. We didn’t go up on this trip but walked through the extraordinary Art Deco foyer before 9am, which is worth doing even if you don’t buy a ticket.
👉 Check Empire State Building tickets on Viator here
5️⃣ One World Observatory – Highest indoor observation deck
The tallest observation point in New York with sweeping harbour views and a location that gives you perspectives none of the Midtown decks can. The Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and the whole of lower Manhattan. We didn’t visit on this trip but it’s on the list for next time.
👉 Check One World Observatory tickets on Viator here
What is the best observation deck in new York?
The best observation deck in NYC depends on what type of experience you’re looking for.
Best overall experience: Summit One Vanderbilt
Most iconic views: Top of the Rock
Highest outdoor platform: The Edge
Most famous building: Empire State Building
Highest indoor observation deck: One World Observatory
A couple of things worth knowing before you book any of them. All five use timed entry and so your ticket gives you a check in time, not the time you’ll actually reach the deck, so always allow extra time. Children under 5 visit free at all five decks.
Below is a full breakdown of each observation deck in New York, including our personal experience where relevant.
Summit One Vanderbilt
Why Summit is the most immersive observation experience in NYC.
📍 Location: Midtown Manhattan (next to Grand Central)
📏 Height: 1,100 ft (1,210ft via the Ascent glass elevator)
🏙️ Mostly indoor experience
🎫 Tickets: from ~$43 | Closed on Tuesdays
🚸 Children: Under 6 go free
Summit One Vanderbilt is the newest observation deck in New York and quickly became our favourite viewing platform in the city. Unlike traditional observatories, Summit is designed as an immersive experience with multiple themed floors. Part art installation, part observation deck, part experience you genuinely can’t compare to anything else.
Levels at Summit One Vanderbilt
Transcendence – mirror rooms reflecting the skyline across two floors
Levitation – glass skyboxes extending from the building, 1,063ft above Madison Avenue
Affinity – the famous silver balloon room
Unity – digital cloud room featuring your entrance photo projected into the clouds
Après Summit – café and bar area with indoor and outdoor terrace
Pros
✅ Most immersive observatory experience in NYC
✅ Incredible photo opportunities throughout
✅ Central Midtown location with views of Central Park, Chrysler Building and Empire State
✅ Mostly indoor which is great for winter visits
✅ Best observation deck in NYC for kids in our experience
Cons
❌ Not included in Go City
❌ Can be crowded during sunset slots
❌ Mostly indoors – no open air section until the terrace
❌ Some families find it overwhelming, experiences vary
❌ Closed on Tuesdays
Our experience
Summit One was both my favourite observation deck in New York and our daughter’s favourite, and for completely different reasons.
For her it was the balloon room, which she refused to leave. For me it was the views, and being right in the centre of Midtown means you get Central Park stretching north, the Chrysler Building almost at eye level, and the Empire State clearly visible. The windows are genuinely spotless, something I was worried about before we went.
A few practical things worth knowing. The experience is a one way system so make sure you’re done with each room before moving on. There’s a dark queue before you enter the main rooms, we think this is deliberate to make the first mirrored room hit harder, but our daughter got a little worried in there so worth knowing if you’re visiting with young children. Wear trousers rather than a skirt as the floors are mirrored throughout. On a sunny day bring sunglasses as it can be blinding. And one insider tip, the bathrooms apparently have some of the best views in the building.
Worth knowing that experiences vary. Some families find it overwhelming. Too bright, too busy in the balloon room. Ours loved every minute. It depends entirely on what your children respond to. For the full room by room breakdown of our visit, head to our 4 days in New York at Christmas itinerary.
If you’re choosing between the newer observation decks, read my full comparison of Summit One Vanderbilt vs The Edge.
Top of the Rock
Is Top of the Rock the most iconic viewing deck in New York
📍 Location: Rockefeller Center, 30 Rockefeller Plaza
📏 Height: 850 ft
🏙️ Outdoor terraces
🎫 Tickets: from ~$45 | Open daily 8am to midnight
🚸 Children: Under 5 go free
✅ Included in Go City
Top of the Rock is widely considered the best viewing deck in New York for classic skyline views. From here you can see the Empire State Building perfectly framed against Midtown Manhattan, the iconic shot you see on every postcard, which is something you simply cannot get from the Empire State Building itself. Being in the dead centre of Midtown also means Central Park stretches out clearly to the north, and on a clear day you can see as far as Connecticut.
Deck levels at Top of the Rock
67th floor – indoor viewing area with exhibits on the history of Rockefeller Center, plus The Weather Room Café & Bar
69th floor – outdoor terrace with frameless safety glass
70th floor – fully open air platform with no glass and no barriers, the most photography friendly deck in New York
Additional experiences
The Beam – recreation of the famous 1932 ‘Lunch Atop a Skyscraper’ photograph, where you’re strapped to a steel beam that rotates 180 degrees above the city. Costs extra and must be booked in advance, sunset sessions fill up weeks ahead.
Skylift – an open air rotating platform that rises 30 feet above the 70th floor for a 3.5 minute experience with 360 degree views. Costs $35 per person, purchased on the day rather than booked in advance. Can only be pre-booked as part of the VIP Pass.
VIP Pass – from $207, includes priority arrival, private guide, private Beam session, Skylift access, photo pass and champagne at The Weather Room. Worth it for special occasions.
Pros
✅ Most iconic skyline views in New York
✅ Only deck with a direct view of the Rockefeller Christmas tree from above
✅ Largest outdoor viewing area of any NYC observation deck
✅ Open air 70th floor, best for photography
✅ Included in Go City
✅ Open until midnight daily
Cons
❌ Lower height than newer decks
❌ Beam and sunset slots sell out and so book well in advance
❌ Temperature drops dramatically in the evening in winter
Our experience
Out of the three decks we visited, Top of the Rock felt the most iconic, and for a Christmas visit specifically it’s the one I’d prioritise, because it’s the only deck that gives you a direct view down onto the Rockefeller tree from above.
We did both The Beam and the Skylift. The Beam wins easily. Recreating that famous Lunch atop a Skyscraper photograph is considerably more satisfying than anything the Skylift produces, and the photo you get is a genuinely brilliant keepsake. The Skylift is interesting but the photos are actually better from the ground looking up at it than from being on it. Budget around £70 for the two if you’re planning to do both.
We bought the VIP pass which was worth every penny, not just for skipping the first outdoor queue but inside they told us to wave it like a golden ticket, and we skipped every single lift queue too. On a busy December day that’s a significant time saving.
We sat inside and had a drink while waiting for sunset, which was a lovely way to rest. One important warning – the temperature drops dramatically once the sun goes down. Even if it’s mild during the day, bring a proper coat, hat and gloves for the evening deck. We weren’t quite prepared and felt it.
Budget alternative: If you want similar views without the observation deck price, Bar SixtyFive sits on the 65th floor of the same building. It’s a paid cocktail bar and so drinks rather than a ticket, but there’s no observation deck admission fee. Open weeknights from 4:30pm and Sundays from 4pm. Smart casual dress code, collared shirts or jackets for men. Reservation recommended, particularly for sunset slots.
For the full detail of our Top of the Rock visit, head to our 4 days in New York at Christmas itinerary.
If you’re deciding between the Midtown observation decks, see my comparison of Top of the Rock vs Summit One Vanderbilt.
The Edge
The highest outdoor sky deck in New York
📍 Location: Hudson Yards, 30 Hudson Yards
📏 Height: 1,131 ft
🏙️ Outdoor sky deck
🎫 Tickets: from ~$39 | Open 9am to 10pm
🚸 Children: Under 5 go free, and under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
The Edge is currently the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere. The viewing platform extends dramatically out of the building on a cantilevered triangular deck, with angled glass walls and a glass floor, putting you genuinely outside at 1,131ft with the city spread out below you in every direction.
Features:
> Glass floor panels – look straight down 100 floors to the streets below
> Angled glass walls leaning outward – lean into the skyline for dramatic photos
> Triangular outdoor platform jutting 80 feet beyond the building’s edge
> Champagne bar on the deck
> Peak Restaurant on Level 101 – full fine dining with floor to ceiling skyline views
City Climb
For the genuinely adventurous, City Climb takes you beyond the sky deck onto the exterior crown of 30 Hudson Yards via a guided, harnessed group ascent to approximately 1,271ft – the highest open-air point available to visitors anywhere in the Western Hemisphere. You lean out over Manhattan hands free at the apex. Costs around $185-205 and takes 90-120 minutes. Booked separately from the standard deck ticket.
Pros
✅ Highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere
✅ Spectacular Hudson River and west-facing views
✅ Dramatic architecture – genuinely unlike any other deck
✅ Included in Go City
✅ City Climb for thrill seekers
Cons
❌ Can be very windy – dress accordingly
❌ Smallest of the five decks – can feel crowded
❌ Less immersive than Summit One
❌ Views are west facing – less central Manhattan than Top of the Rock or Summit
Our experience
The Edge was our least favourite of the three we visited, though the Hudson River views are genuinely unlike anything the other decks offer, if that’s specifically what you want to see, this is your deck.
The glass floor is the talking point, and our daughter planted herself on it with no fear, while I barely put my big toe over it. The wind up there is something else in winter, go prepared with a proper coat, hat and gloves, it was noticeably colder and windier than Top of the Rock. The deck itself is also the smallest of the five, which means it can feel crowded quickly and views can get blocked.
One practical note – the indoor space is currently undergoing renovation with a new experience launching June 2026, so if you’re visiting before then expect some temporary restrictions. For the full detail of our Edge visit, head to our 4 days in New York at Christmas itinerary.
If you’re choosing between classic skyline views and a more thrilling experience, see my full comparison of Top of the Rock vs The Edge.
Empire State Building
The most famous observation tower in New York
📍 Location: Midtown Manhattan, entrance on 34th Street
📏 Height: 1,050ft (86th floor) | 1,250ft (102nd floor)
🏙️ Indoor and outdoor decks
🎫 Tickets: from ~$44 (86th floor) | from ~$79 (both floors)
🚸 Children under 6 free
✅ Included in Go City
The Empire State Building is the most famous observatory experience in NYC and one of the most recognisable buildings on earth. Built in just 410 days during the Great Depression, completing ahead of schedule and under budget, it held the record as the world’s tallest building for 40 years until the World Trade Center was completed in 1970. It has its own zip code, has featured in over 250 films, and draws over 3.5 million visitors every year. There is nothing quite like standing at the base of it.
Two viewing levels are available:
86th floor – the classic Empire State Building experience. An open air deck that wraps around the entire building with 360 degree views of Manhattan. This is the deck from the films, the postcards and the cultural imagination. Wind and weather are real factors up here.
102nd floor – an enclosed observatory reached via a dedicated glass elevator from the 86th floor. Floor to ceiling glass panels, quieter and less crowded than the deck below. Requires a combo ticket. Worth adding on in cold or wet weather.
Pros
✅ Most iconic building in New York
✅ Both indoor and outdoor viewing options
✅ Open air 86th floor for photography
✅ Rich history and Art Deco interior worth seeing even without going up
✅ Included in Go City
✅ Interactive museum included with all tickets
Pros
❌ You cannot see the Empire State Building from the Empire State Building – the most iconic figure in the skyline is missing from all your photos
❌ Often the busiest deck – long queues particularly in the afternoon
❌ Higher price than some competitors for a comparable view
Our experience
We didn’t go up the Empire State Building on this trip. With three observation decks already booked and a packed itinerary, something had to give. But we did walk through the Art Deco foyer before 9am one morning while it was quiet, which is worth doing even if you’re not buying a ticket. At that hour you almost have it to yourself.
If you’re choosing between the Empire State and Top of the Rock and can only do one, we’d point you to Top of the Rock, the view of the Empire State from there is the iconic one. That said, the history, the building and the 86th floor experience make it genuinely worth visiting if you have time. It has appeared in over 250 films, was built in 410 days during the Great Depression, and has its own zip code. There is nothing quite like being inside it.
One World Observatory
The highest indoor observation deck in New York
📍 Location: One World Trade Center, Lower Manhattan
📏 Height: 1,268 ft (floors 100-102)
🏙️ Indoor observatory
🎫 Tickets: from ~$23 | Open daily 9am to 9pm
🚸 Children: Under 6 go free
✅ Included in Go City. Note – you cannot pre-book a time slot with the pass and may wait over an hour. Paying extra for immediate access is around $15-20 per person.
👉 Check One World Observatory ticket availability here
One World Observatory is the tallest observation deck in New York and sits at the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. The building’s height is deliberately significant, it measures 1,362 feet, the exact height of the original South Tower, and 1,776 feet including the spire, the year of American independence. Standing at the base of it, knowing what stood here before, is a powerful experience before you’ve even gone up.
The SkyPod elevator takes 47 seconds to reach the top, with a floor to ceiling LED time lapse showing 500 years of New York’s history on the way up. The observatory covers three floors with 360 degree floor to ceiling glass views, entirely indoors with no outdoor space.
The location downtown gives completely different views to the Midtown decks. The harbour, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge and the whole of Lower Manhattan all clearly visible. On a clear day visibility stretches up to 45 miles.
Worth checking for Groupon deals before booking, One World Observatory regularly offers discounts through there.
Pros
✅ Highest observation deck in New York
✅ Only deck with unobstructed harbour views including Statue of Liberty
✅ Historically significant location
✅ Fully climate controlled – ideal in bad weather
✅ Included in Go City
✅ SkyPod elevator experience worth seeing in itself
Cons
❌ Entirely indoors – no outdoor space
❌ Glass can be very reflective making photography difficult, particularly at night
❌ Downtown location means a separate journey from the Midtown decks
❌ Go City pass holders cannot pre-book – may face waits of over an hour
Our experience
We didn’t visit One World Observatory on this trip. Of the five decks it’s the one that comes up least in conversation and recommendations, so when time was tight it was the natural one to leave off. It’s firmly on the list for next time.
The elevator ride to the top is apparently the most impressive of any deck, we’ve heard it described as genuinely mind blowing and worth experiencing for that alone. The one downside consistently mentioned is that being entirely indoors limits photos significantly, particularly at night when the glass becomes very reflective.
Best observation deck in NYC for kids
Travelling with a toddler gave us a different perspective on these viewing platforms.
Best for families:
🥇 Summit One Vanderbilt – immersive and interactive
🥈 Top of the Rock – spacious outdoor terraces
🥉 The Edge – exciting glass floor
Summit was easily the most child friendly observation deck we visited in NYC.
Best observation deck in NYC at night
New York looks incredible after dark.
Best night views:
🥇 Summit One Vanderbilt
🥈 Empire State Building
🥉 Top of the Rock
The reflections inside Summit make it particularly magical at night.
Best observation deck for photography
If you’re hoping to capture the best photos in NYC, here’s how the decks compare.
Best skyline photography:
Top of the Rock – perfect view of the Empire State Building
Best immersive photos:
Summit One Vanderbilt – mirror rooms and reflections
Best dramatic shots:
The Edge – glass floor and skyline angles
Which NYC observation deck is best for…
> Best observation deck for families: Summit One Vanderbilt
> Best observation deck for classic NYC views: Top of the Rock
> Best observation deck for thrills: The Edge
> Best observation deck for sunset: The Edge
> Best observation deck for tradition: Empire State Building
Best free viewing points in New York
If you’re travelling on a budget, there are still some fantastic free viewpoints in NYC.
🪨 Pebble Beach, DUMBO – One of the most famous skyline photo spots
🌉 Brooklyn Bridge – Walking across offers incredible views of Lower Manhattan
🚲 Brooklyn Heights Promenade – One of the best viewing points in New York for free
🚢 Staten Island Ferry – Offers views of the Statue of Liberty without spending a penny
You can find more budget ideas here:
👉 For more ways to save money, see our New York on a budget guide
Which observation deck should you choose?
Choose Summit One Vanderbilt if:
> You want the most immersive experience
> You’re travelling with kids
> You want the best photos
Choose Top of the Rock if:
> You want classic skyline views
> You want to see the Empire State Building
> You want outdoor terraces
Choose The Edge if:
> You want the highest outdoor deck
> You enjoy thrill experiences
Still deciding which observation deck to visit?
If you’re comparing specific decks, these guides may help:
👉 Top of the Rock vs The Edge
👉 Summit One Vanderbilt vs The Edge
👉 Top of the Rock vs Summit One Vanderbilt
Final verdict: Best observation deck in New York
If you only visit one observation deck in New York, I recommend:
🥇 Summit One Vanderbilt
It offers the most immersive experience, incredible photography opportunities and was easily the highlight for our family.
However, if you want the most iconic skyline view in NYC, Top of the Rock still takes the crown.
Visiting New York during the festive season? You can combine an observation deck visit with a trip to the famous Dyker Heights Christmas lights, one of the most magical Christmas displays in the city.
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