Best observation deck in New York
Compare Top of the Rock, The Edge, One World Observatory, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, and the Empire State Building—views, vibes, price, and the best time to go. Use our quick picks and guides to find the perfect deck for your trip.
Quick Picks: NYC Observation Decks
Fast, opinionated recommendations—then jump to full guides.
Top of the Rock
Clean skyline with the Empire State Building in frame.
The Edge
Outdoor deck, angled glass, and a glass floor for epic photos.
One World Observatory
All-indoor comfort with harbor and Statue of Liberty views.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Immersive mirror rooms and striking, art-driven spaces.
Empire State Building
Classic open-air 86th floor and late-night views.
How to Choose in 30 Seconds
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Want the Empire State Building in your skyline photos? Top of the Rock
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Crave outdoor adrenaline + glass floor? The Edge
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Forecast looks rough (wind/rain/cold)? One World Observatory
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Love immersive art, mirrors, and “wow” selfies? SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
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Bucket-list, late-night hours, classic New York? Empire State Building
At-a-Glance Comparison
Tip: Scan by feature on the left. Observatories run across the top.
| Attribute | ToTR | The Edge | One World | Empire State | SUMMIT One |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indoor / Outdoor | Multi-level outdoor terraces + indoor areas | Large open-air deck + indoor lobby | All-indoor (climate-controlled) | 86th open-air deck + 102nd enclosed | Immersive indoor spaces + small terrace |
| Signature Feature | Clean skyline with ESB front-and-center | Angled glass walls + glass floor; optional City Climb | Tallest roofline views; harbor, bridges, Statue of Liberty | Iconic Art Deco; museum exhibits; late hours | Mirror rooms, art installs, levitation boxes |
| Best For | First-timers, photographers | Sunset drama, thrill-seekers | Bad weather, winter comfort | Classic NYC, night views | Creative selfies, couples |
| ESB in Shot? | Yes (best spot) | Partial / distant | Distant | — (you’re on ESB) | Partial |
| Sunset Quality | Great | Excellent (west-facing) | Good (watch reflections) | Lovely (west views) | Great (golden-hour glow) |
| Photo Challenges | Wind on terraces; limited glass on top level | Wind; night glare on glass panels | Glass reflections; avoid bright clothing/screens | 86th has grilles—use view slots for lenses | Heavy reflections; bright/mirrored surfaces |
| Time Needed | 60–90 min | 60–90 min | 60–90 min | 60–90 min | 60–90 min |
| Typical Crowd | High at sunset | Very high at sunset | High | High (lighter late night) | Very high |
| Nearby | Rockefeller Center • 5th Ave • St. Patrick’s | Hudson Yards • High Line • Chelsea Market | WTC • 9/11 Memorial • Battery Park | Herald Sq • Koreatown • Flatiron | Grand Central • Bryant Park • NYPL |
Rules vary: tripods/selfie sticks often restricted; security screening at all decks.
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Tickets & Money-Saving Basics
- Timed entry vs flexible: Timed is cheapest; flexible or “express” helps if your schedule is tight.
- Peak pricing: Sunset and holidays cost more—book early.
- City passes: CityPASS / Go City can bundle decks, but check inclusions (some include ESB or Top of the Rock; others offer choice lists).
- Change policies: Many allow date/time changes for a fee or within a window—read the fine print before purchase.
- Security: Airport-style screening; pack light. Tripods and selfie sticks are usually restricted.
Map & Neighborhoods (nearby attractions)
Midtown
- Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, SUMMIT
- Easy add-ons: Bryant Park, Times Square, 5th Ave, Grand Central
Hudson Yards
- Edge
- Add-ons: High Line, Vessel plaza, dining/shops
Lower Manhattan
- One World Observatory
- Add-ons: 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Wall St, Battery Park
Best Time to Visit (Season & Time of Day)
- Sunset: Most dramatic—and busiest/pricier. Enter 60–90 mins before to catch daylight → golden hour → night.
- Morning: Calmer crowds, crisp air, clearer views after rain.
- Night: Sparkling skyline; fewer families; more reflections on indoor decks.
Weather tips: After rain = great visibility. Fog/haze kills long views—consider an indoor deck or reschedule if possible.
Photography At The Decks
- Reflections (indoor): Press lens to glass; cup hand/hoodie around lens; dim your screen.
- Wind (outdoor): Secure hats/scarves; bring microfiber cloth.
- Angles: Edge glass floor & corners—queue early. ToTR upper terrace for clean ESB shots.
- Timing: Arrive well before sunset; shoot golden hour then stay for night sparkle.
- Gear rules: Tripods usually not allowed; mini-pods may be restricted—check each deck.
Accessibility & Family Fit
- Access: Elevators/ramps at all; staff assist with strollers & wheelchairs.
- Sensory notes: SUMMIT mirrors can be intense; Edge is windy/exposed; One World is calmer & climate-controlled.
- Facilities: Restrooms, baby-changing & seating vary—expect more seating indoors (One World).
Deep Dives: The 5 NYC Observation Decks
Now, let’s explore the five observation decks in detail, so that you can decide what’s the best observatory in New York.
Use the shortcuts to jump to the observatory of your choice.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Perched at 1,100 ft (336 m), SUMMIT One Vanderbilt blends immersive art, mirrors, and glass with sweeping views of the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Hudson. Step into glass skyboxes and the reflective “Air” installation by Kenzo Digital for one of NYC’s most surreal skyline experiences.
The Edge
Soar to 1,131 ft (345 m) on the Western Hemisphere’s highest outdoor sky deck. At The Edge, lean out against angled glass walls, step onto a glass floor suspended above the city, and take in 360° views from the Statue of Liberty to Central Park. Thrill-seekers can even attempt the harnessed City Climb along the building’s exterior.
One World Observatory
Located 1,268 feet (386 meters) above the ground, One World Observatory offers sweeping views—from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building and out to the Atlantic Ocean. Ride to the 102nd floor in just 47 seconds with a time-lapse elevator, then explore interactive exhibits and floor-to-ceiling vistas.
Empire State Building
An Art Deco icon since 1931, the Empire State Building rises to 1,454 ft and delivers classic NYC views. Explore interactive exhibits, then step out onto the open-air 86th floor and continue to the enclosed 102nd floor for 360° panoramas—from Central Park to the Statue of Liberty.
Top of the Rock
In the heart of Rockefeller Center, Top of the Rock serves up classic views of Central Park and the Empire State Building. Three decks from the 67th to 70th floors deliver unobstructed panoramas by day or night, with exhibits that celebrate the site’s cultural and architectural legacy.
Which One Is Best For…
- First-timers: Top of the Rock
- Photographers: Top of the Rock (see ESB), Edge (great sunsets)
- Families with small kids: One World (indoor comfort), Empire State Building (museum + late hours)
- Bad-weather day: One World Observatory
- Budget-watchers: Morning/non-peak slots; compare pass inclusions (often ESB or TOTR)
- Fear of heights: One World (calmer), Empire State Building (solid railings)
- Thrill-seekers: The Edge (City Climb), SUMMIT One (mirror/ledge rooms)
- Romantic date: Empire State Building at night, Edge at sunset, SUMMIT One for dramatic selfies
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Booking exact sunset time: Enter 60–90 minutes earlier to catch golden hour.
- Ignoring weather/visibility: Fog/haze ruins long views—consider an indoor deck or reschedule.
- Overpacking: Security screening + no tripods/selfie sticks; pack light.
- Underestimating photo queues: Edge glass floor & corners and TOTR rail edges often have lines.
Discount passes that include multiple observatories
Visiting multiple observation decks in New York can add up, but several discount passes bundle entry at a lower cost.
Passes like the Flex Pass, New York Pass, and Explorer Pass often include The Edge, Empire State Building, or Top of the Rock, plus other top attractions across the city.
Here’s a breakdown of the available passes and where they apply.
| Pass | Summit One | The Edge | One World | Empire State | Top of the Rock |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flex Pass | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Day Pass | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| New York Pass | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Explorer Pass | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| New York CityPASS | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ | ✔ |