Top of the Rock vs The Edge: Which NYC Observation Deck Should You Visit?
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.
Top of the Rock and The Edge represent two completely different visions of what a New York observation deck can be.
Top of the Rock has been at the heart of Midtown since 1933. An Art Deco landmark at Rockefeller Center with open air terraces, the most iconic Empire State Building view in the city and a sense of history that newer decks simply don’t have. The Edge opened in 2020 at Hudson Yards. It went in the exact opposite direction. The highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, a triangular glass platform jutting 80 feet from the building, a glass floor and angled walls designed for people who want to feel genuinely exposed at 1,100 feet.
We visited both in December 2024 during a ten day family trip with our three year old and my aunt, whose partner is a born and bred New Yorker and retired FDNY firefighter. Top of the Rock was the one that felt most like New York. The Empire State Building framed perfectly from the open air 70th floor, the Rockefeller Christmas tree below, the golden hour light over Midtown. The Edge was the one that made our hearts race. Our daughter ran across the glass floor with no fear while I barely put my big toe over it.
Both are worth visiting. This guide breaks down the honest differences to help you decide which one fits your trip.
For a full overview of all five NYC observation decks, head to our best observation deck New York guide. For other comparisons, see our Summit One Vanderbilt vs The Edge and Top of the Rock vs Summit One Vanderbilt guides.
Quick comparison table
|
Feature |
Top of the Rock |
The Edge |
|
Location |
Rockefeller Center, Midtown Manhattan |
Hudson Yards, West Side Manhattan |
|
Views |
Empire State Building, Central Park, Midtown skyline |
Downtown skyline, Hudson River, Statue of Liberty |
|
Experience type |
Classic open-air terraces on three levels |
Outdoor glass floored sky deck |
|
Best for |
Classic views, photography, Christmas visits |
Thrill-seekers, sunset views, Hudson River views |
|
Child-friendly? |
Yes – spacious outdoor terraces, safe railings |
Yes, but outdoor heights and glass floor may unsettle some children |
|
Tickets |
From $45 |
From $39 |
|
Child tickets |
From $36 |
From $35 |
|
Under 5 |
Free |
Free (free ticket still required) |
|
Sunset surcharge |
+$12 |
Included in dynamic pricing |
|
Go City |
Included |
Included |
💡 Tip: Check Top of the Rock on Viator or The Edge on Viator to compare live prices and availability. Or consider a Go City Pass – both decks are included.
Schedule and times
Top of the Rock
> Open daily from 8am to midnight – last entry at 11:10pm
> Dynamic pricing applies – sunset slots cost an additional $12 on top of the standard ticket price
> Unlike many other decks, Top of the Rock is NOT a one-way system – you can move freely between all three floors and revisit levels as many times as you like
> The Weather Room Café and Bar on the 67th floor is open until midnight – a good place to have a drink while waiting for sunset or warming up after time on the outdoor deck
> Best time for views: late afternoon into sunset for warm golden light over the Empire State Building
The Edge
> Open Monday to Thursday 10am to 10pm, Friday to Sunday 10am to 11pm
> Dynamic pricing applies – price changes by time of day, and sunset slots cost more than standard entry
> The indoor space is currently undergoing renovation – a new experience launches June 2026, so if you’re visiting before then, expect some temporary restrictions
> In winter, the deck is extremely cold and windy – dress accordingly with a proper coat, hat and gloves
> Best time for views: sunset, when the Hudson River glows gold
Prices
|
Ticket type |
Top of the Rock |
The Edge |
|
Adult (13+) |
From $42 |
From $34 |
|
Child (6–12) |
From $36 |
From $29 |
|
Senior (62+) |
From $40 |
– |
|
Under 5 |
Free |
Free (free ticket still required) |
|
Sunset surcharge |
+$12 |
Included in dynamic pricing |
|
Go City |
Included |
Included |
|
Premium options |
The Beam (Beam Combo from $73), Skylift ($35), VIP Pass ($207+) |
City Climb ($185-205), Flex pass ($64+), Express pass ($88+) |
Tips worth knowing:
> The Beam at Top of the Rock – requires the Beam Combo ticket from $73, not included in general admission. Book in advance as it sells out
> The Edge early bird discount – book 14 or more days in advance and save up to 35% on standard tickets
> Both decks use dynamic pricing – sunset and peak weekend slots cost more. Book in advance to lock in the best rate
> Go City includes both decks – if you’re visiting multiple attractions, it can represent good value. See our NYC on a budget guide for more detail
👉 Check Top of the Rock tickets on Viator
👉 Check The Edge tickets on Viator
👉 Or save with a Go City Pass
Location
Top of the Rock is at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, right in the heart of Midtown. The location is hard to beat with Fifth Avenue shopping, Radio City Music Hall, and St Patrick’s Cathedral all within a few minutes’ walk. In December, the Rockefeller Christmas tree is directly below you, which makes Top of the Rock the essential December observation deck visit — it’s the only deck with a direct view down onto the tree from above.
Subway lines B, D, F and M to 47-50th Streets Rockefeller Center – two minute walk.
The Edge is at 30 Hudson Yards on Manhattan’s far West Side. A completely different part of the city from Top of the Rock. Hudson Yards itself is worth exploring as a destination: the Vessel sculpture, The High Line elevated park and Chelsea Market are all within easy walking distance. The area has a very different feel to Midtown – modern, open and considerably less crowded.
Subway line 7 to 34th Street Hudson Yards – five minute walk.
The two decks are around 2 miles apart – easily combined in a single day by taking the 7 train between Hudson Yards and Times Square and walking to Rockefeller Center from there. For a full December itinerary showing how we fitted both into one trip, see our 4 days in New York at Christmas guide.
Views and landmarks
From Top of the Rock, you can clearly see:
> Empire State Building perfectly framed – the most iconic skyline shot in New York.
> Top of the Rock sits directly north of the Empire State Building which is why the framing is so symmetrical and clean. You cannot get this shot from the Empire State Building itself
> Central Park stretching north from Midtown – worth noting that the newer Billionaires’ Row skyscrapers have partially obscured this view in recent years, though it remains impressive
> Chrysler Building and East River to the east
> Hudson River and Hudson Yards to the west – you can actually see The Edge from Top of the Rock
> Downtown skyline and One World Trade Center on the southern horizon
> On the clearest days, the Statue of Liberty to the distant south and the George Washington Bridge to the distant north
> The fully open air 70th floor means no glass between you and the city – a genuine photography advantage
From The Edge, you can clearly see:
> Hudson River and New Jersey waterfront – the west-facing position gives you views no other Midtown deck can offer, particularly spectacular at sunset when the river glows gold
> Downtown skyline and One World Trade Center
Statue of Liberty in the distance
> The Vessel sculpture directly below
> Top of the Rock and Rockefeller Center visible to the northeast – a nice full circle moment if you’ve visited both
> The triangular platform jutting 80 feet from the building gives you genuinely unobstructed views in three directions simultaneously
The key difference:
Top of the Rock gives you the classic postcard Midtown view. The Empire State Building is perfectly framed, Central Park stretching north. The Edge gives you something completely different. The Hudson River, the harbour and a west-facing perspective that feels like a different city entirely. If you want the iconic New York shot, Top of the Rock. If you want the Hudson River at sunset, The Edge.
Features
Top of the Rock
Swarovski Joie Chandelier – 14,000 crystals in 450 cascading strands rising three stories through the Grand Atrium lobby. Free to see on your way in
Welcome Gallery – a newly reimagined entry experience with murals, projection-mapped models and a theatre show about Rockefeller Center’s history. Included in all tickets.
Three observation levels – 67th floor indoor with frameless glass, 69th floor outdoor with frameless safety glass, 70th floor fully open air with no glass at all.
The Beam – a replica steel beam on the 69th floor that lifts you 12 feet into the air and rotates 180 degrees, recreating the famous 1932 Lunch Atop a Skyscraper photograph. Included in Beam Combo from $73. Children must be at least 42 inches with an adult or 52 inches alone. No phones, cameras or bags on The Beam
Skylift — a rotating open air glass platform that rises 30 feet above the 70th floor for 360 degree unobstructed views. $35 add-on.
The Weather Room Café and Bar – on the 67th floor, open daily until midnight. Artisanal sandwiches, cocktails, coffee and pastries with Central Park views. Named after the Doppler radar that sat on the 70th floor from 1960 to 1995.
RockMoMA combo – bundles Top of the Rock with MoMA general admission from $63, saving 14% versus buying separately.
The Edge
Outdoor sky deck – the triangular platform juts 80 feet beyond the building facade at 1,100 feet. No glass between you and the open air.
Glass floor – look straight down 100 floors to the streets below. Our daughter ran all over it with no fear while I barely put my big toe over it.
Angled glass walls – lean outward over the city for dramatic photos.
Skyline Seats – suspended seats facing outward over the city.
Champagne Bar – drinks on the deck, available to all visitors.
City Climb – an optional upgrade where you climb the exterior crown of the building to approximately 1,271 feet via a guided harnessed ascent. The highest open air point available to visitors anywhere in the Western Hemisphere. Costs around $185-205, takes 90-120 minutes. Booked separately.
Free concessions – Edge ticket holders receive a free chocolate bar and brownie at Hudson Yards. Worth collecting on your way out.
Practical tips before you visit
Top of the Rock
Not a one way system – unlike Summit One you can move freely between all three floors and revisit levels as many times as you like.
Book The Beam in advance – walk-up upgrades are frequently unavailable, especially at sunset.
Skylift is weather dependent – the platform can close in high winds or adverse conditions.
No outside food or drink permitted on the observation decks.
No tripods permitted – personal photography allowed, commercial photography strictly prohibited.
Strollers permitted – must be collapsible. Wheelchair accessible throughout except The Beam.
Free Wi-Fi throughout.
The Edge
No time limit – stay as long as you like once you’re up there.
Free concessions – collect your free chocolate bar and brownie at Hudson Yards on the way out.
Fear of heights – The Edge is not recommended for anyone with a serious fear of heights. The outdoor deck, glass floor and angled walls are genuinely exposed.
Wind – the deck can be extremely cold and windy in winter. Dress accordingly.
Indoor renovation – the indoor space is undergoing renovation until June 2026.
Weather guarantee – Sky Assurance gives you either 20% off at the bar or a free rebook if the outdoor deck closes due to weather.
Free lockers available for bags.
Signature experiences
Top of the Rock
The Beam – on the 69th floor, the exact floor where the original photograph was taken, you sit on a replica steel beam that lifts 12 feet into the air and rotates 180 degrees with the Manhattan skyline behind you. A professional photo is taken. The result is your own version of the most iconic construction photograph ever taken, the 1932 Lunch Atop a Skyscraper image that has defined New York ever since.
We had the express pass, which meant skipping the main entry queues on a busy December day which was a real advantage. The Beam photo is a brilliant keepsake. Minimum height 42 inches with an adult, 52 inches alone. Included in the Beam Combo from $73 -book in advance as it sells out.
Skylift – an open air rotating glass platform that rises 30 feet above the 70th floor for 360 degree unobstructed views. Costs $35 as an add-on. No height restriction, children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Weather dependent — can close in high winds. Worth knowing the floor is clear so trousers or shorts are recommended.
Our honest take – The Beam is the one worth prioritising. The Skylift is interesting but the photo from the ground looking up at it is arguably better than being on it. If budget is tight, do The Beam and skip the Skylift.
The Edge
Glass floor – look straight down 100 floors to the streets below through the triangular glass platform. Our daughter planted herself on it immediately with no fear. I barely put my big toe over it. It’s one of those experiences where how you react tells you something about yourself.
City Climb – a guided harnessed ascent up the exterior crown of 30 Hudson Yards to approximately 1,271 feet – 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, takes 90-120 minutes. Booked separately from the standard deck ticket. It’s not something we did. Our three year old made that an easy decision, but it comes up consistently as one of the most extraordinary experiences in New York.
Champagne Bar – drinks available on the deck throughout your visit. A good way to mark the occasion, particularly at sunset.
Facilities
Top of the Rock
The Weather Room Café and Bar – on the 67th floor, open daily from 9am to midnight. Artisanal sandwiches, mezze plates, cocktails, coffee and pastries. Terrace seating with Central Park views. They also host late night DJ events, and so it’s worth checking the schedule if you’re visiting in the evening.
Gift shop – located on the concourse level as you exit. There’s Top of the Rock branded merchandise, NYC souvenirs and exclusive Rockefeller Center items.
Restrooms – on the 66th floor, including baby changing facilities.
Free Wi-Fi throughout.
No outside food or drink permitted on the observation decks.
No tripods permitted.
Wheelchair accessible throughout except The Beam.
The Edge
Champagne Bar – drinks on the deck throughout your visit. Cocktails, champagne and non-alcoholic options available.
Gift shop – Edge branded merchandise and New York souvenirs on Level 100.
Indoor observation lounge – a warm up space on Level 100 with panoramic floor to ceiling windows before stepping outside. Currently under renovation until June 2026.
Free lockers – available for bags and belongings.
Free concessions – Edge ticket holders receive a free chocolate bar and brownie at Hudson Yards shops on the way out.
Wheelchair accessible throughout.
No outside food or drink permitted
Is it suitable for children?
Top of the Rock
Yes, and one of the more relaxed observation deck experiences for families. The spacious outdoor terraces have high secure railings throughout. There’s plenty of room to move around, and the not one-way system means you can revisit floors at your own pace rather than being pushed through. We didn’t take the pram but saw other families with them. Strollers are permitted but must be collapsible.
For the add-on experiences:
The Beam – children must be at least 42 inches tall to ride with an adult, or 52 inches to ride alone. Not suitable for young toddlers. No phones, cameras or bags on the ride. Older children who are confident with heights would enjoy it. Ours was too young, and we wouldn’t have put her on it.
Skylift – no height restriction; children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. More suitable for older children and confident families. It’s worth knowing that the floor is clear, so trousers or shorts are recommended.
For more on visiting New York with young children, see our NYC with kids guide.
The Edge
It’s suitable for children but the experience depends entirely on how your child responds to heights. The glass floor is the talking point, and our daughter loved it. Children who are confident with heights will love it. Children who are nervous may find the fully outdoor exposed deck and angled walls genuinely unsettling.
There is less to actively do at The Edge compared to a deck like Summit One, as it’s primarily about the views and the thrill of the glass floor. For young children who need engagement beyond the view, Top of the Rock’s more traditional spacious terraces are the easier option.
One practical note – the deck is extremely cold and windy in winter. Factor that in with young children and dress accordingly.
Pros and cons
Summit One Vanderbilt
✅ Most iconic skyline view in New York – Empire State Building perfectly framed from the open air 70th floor
✅ The only deck with Central Park AND the Empire State Building visible in the same panoramic sweep
✅ Fully open air 70th floor – no glass between you and the city, best for photography
✅ Not a one way system – revisit all three floors as many times as you like
✅ No time limit on your visit
✅ Only deck with a direct view down onto the Rockefeller Christmas tree in December
✅ Included in Go City
✅ The Beam — the most iconic photo experience of any NYC observation deck
✅ The Weather Room Café open until midnight
✅ Lower height than newer decks but still delivers exceptional views
❌ Lowest of the five observation decks at 850ft
❌ Billionaires’ Row has partially obscured the Central Park view in recent years
❌ The Beam and Skylift are separate add-ons and so budget accordingly
❌ Dynamic pricing – sunset slots cost $12 more
❌ Can feel crowded particularly at weekends and sunset
❌ Cold and windy on the outdoor decks in winter
The Edge
✅ Highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere at 1,100ft
✅ Spectacular Hudson River and west-facing views unavailable at any other Midtown deck
✅ The glass floor is a a genuinely thrilling experience
✅ No time limit – stay as long as you like
✅ Included in Go City
✅ Free lockers available for bags
✅ Early bird discount – up to 35% off when booked 14 or more days ahead
✅ City Climb available for the seriously adventurous
✅ Free chocolate bar and brownie with ticket at Hudson Yards
✅ Sky Assurance weather guarantee
❌ Entirely outdoor – cold and very windy in winter
❌ Not recommended for anyone with a serious fear of heights
❌ Less to actively do beyond the views
❌ Smallest deck of the five – can feel crowded
❌ Dynamic pricing – sunset slots cost significantly more
❌ Indoor space under renovation until June 2026
Is it worth doing both?
If your budget and time allow, yes. They offer genuinely different experiences that complement rather than duplicate each other. Top of the Rock gives you the classic Midtown experience. The Empire State Building perfectly framed, the open air photography, The Beam and the only December view of the Rockefeller tree from above. The Edge gives you something no other deck can. The Hudson River at sunset, the glass floor and the feeling of being fully exposed at 1,100 feet.
We did both during our ten day trip. Top of the Rock was the more iconic experience. It felt quintessentially New York. The Edge was the more thrilling one. It had the glass floor moment, the wind, the west-facing views. They’re different enough that doing both is genuinely worthwhile rather than repetitive.
If you have to pick just one:
Choose Top of the Rock if you want the classic Empire State Building shot, prefer open air photography without the full thrill factor, are visiting at Christmas for the Rockefeller tree view, or want to keep costs down with a Go City pass.
Choose The Edge if you want outdoor thrills, the glass floor experience, spectacular Hudson River sunset views, or you’re specifically interested in City Climb.
If you’re also considering Summit One Vanderbilt, our Summit One vs The Edge and Top of the Rock vs Summit One guides cover those comparisons in detail. For all five decks compared in one place, head to our New York observation decks hub., and to our New York Travel guide hub for all of our other guides.
Planning a December visit?
Both decks are worth visiting in December but offer very different Christmas experiences.
Top of the Rock in December is the essential festive observation deck visit. It’s the only deck in New York with a direct view down onto the Rockefeller Christmas tree. Standing on the 70th floor looking down at the tree lit up against the Midtown skyline is one of those genuinely special December moments that stays with you. The tree is lit from mid-November through to early January. Go at sunset and stay for the city lights, but bring a proper coat, hat and gloves because the temperature drops sharply once the sun goes down on the open air deck.
We sat inside at The Weather Room with a drink while we waited for sunset which was a warm, comfortable way to spend the time before heading out onto the deck for the golden hour light. The express pass meant we didn’t queue at any point which on a busy December Saturday made a real difference.
The Edge in December is a more challenging proposition weather-wise. The fully outdoor deck is exposed to the elements and in winter the wind at 1,100 feet is significant. That said, a clear winter day gives you exceptional visibility and the Hudson River in cold December light has its own atmosphere. Just go properly prepared with coat, hat, gloves, and layers.
Worth knowing for December:
Both decks get significantly busier around Thanksgiving and Christmas week. Book well in advance
Sunset comes early in December, around 4:30pm, which means sunset slots fill up quickly at both decks
The Rockefeller Christmas tree is only visible from Top of the Rock, not from The Edge
Top of the Rock’s open air deck is considerably colder in December than The Edge’s indoor lounge, but The Edge’s outdoor platform is more exposed to wind.
If you’re building a full December day around an observation deck visit, pair it with a trip to Dyker Heights Christmas lights in Brooklyn, one of the most extraordinary free experiences in New York in December. And if you’re planning a longer Christmas trip, our 4 days in New York at Christmas itinerary shows exactly how we fitted both decks into a full festive trip.
Final tips
> Book in advance – both decks sell out regularly, particularly at sunset and on weekends. The Edge early bird discount saves up to 35% when booked 14 or more days ahead. Top of the Rock’s Beam sessions fill up days or weeks ahead – book the Beam Combo online rather than hoping to add it on arrival.
> Go on a clear day – both decks are weather dependent. Check the forecast before you go. The Edge has a Sky Assurance weather guarantee if the outdoor deck closes. Top of the Rock’s open air 70th floor is also affected by cloud cover and rain.
> Dress for the weather – both decks have fully outdoor elements. In winter particularly, the temperature on the open air decks drops significantly. Proper coat, hat and gloves are essential for both – The Edge is the more exposed of the two.
> Combine with the neighbourhood – Top of the Rock is steps from Fifth Avenue, Radio City Music Hall and the Rockefeller Christmas tree. The Edge is a short walk from The High Line, Chelsea Market and The Vessel. Neither needs to be a standalone visit.
> The Beam at Top of the Rock – book as part of the Beam Combo from $73. Walk-up upgrades are frequently unavailable, especially at sunset.
> The Edge free concessions – collect your free chocolate bar and brownie at Hudson Yards on the way out. Easy to forget but worth knowing about.
👉 Check Top of the Rock tickets on Viator
👉 Check The Edge tickets on Viator
👉 Or save with a Go City Pass
Top of the Rock vs The Edge – FAQs
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