{"id":169245,"date":"2024-04-01T15:40:33","date_gmt":"2024-04-01T11:40:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.headout.com\/blog\/?p=169245"},"modified":"2025-06-16T09:31:17","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T05:31:17","slug":"best-observation-decks-new-york","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.headout.com\/blog\/best-observation-decks-new-york\/","title":{"rendered":"New York City’s top observation decks deconstructed"},"content":{"rendered":"

What better way to explore a new city than seeking out the highest point for a panoramic view?<\/a>In New York City<\/a>, the skyline is not just a view but an experience. Its unique architectural styles and island layout make its observation decks among the top 10 attractions. But with so many to choose from, which one offers the best view of New York City? Let’s find out!<\/p>\n

A quick comparison of the best observation decks in NYC<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/th>\n\"\"<\/td>\n\"\"<\/td>\n\"\"<\/td>\n\"\"<\/td>\n\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/th>\nEdge NYC from USD 39.2<\/span> Book<\/a><\/td>\nSUMMIT One Vanderbilt from USD 47.91<\/span> Book<\/a><\/td>\nEmpire State Building from USD 47.91<\/span> Book<\/a><\/td>\nOne World Observatory from USD 30.49<\/span> Book<\/a><\/td>\nTop of the Rock from USD 43.56<\/span> Book<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Priority access<\/th>\n Available<\/td>\n Not available<\/td>\n Available<\/td>\n Available<\/td>\n Available<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Timings<\/th>\n Mon – Sun: 8am to 11pm<\/td>\n Mon – Sun: 9am to 12am<\/td>\n Mon – Sun: 10am to 11pm<\/td>\n Mon – Sun: 9am to 9pm<\/td>\n Mon – Sun: 8am to 12am<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Year opened<\/th>\n 2020<\/td>\n 2021<\/td>\n 1931<\/td>\n 2015<\/td>\n 1933<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Height (ft)<\/th>\n 1,131<\/td>\n 1,401<\/td>\n 1,250<\/td>\n 1,268<\/td>\n 850<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Observatory floors<\/th>\n 100th<\/td>\n 91st – 93rd<\/td>\n 86th & 102nd<\/td>\n 100th – 102nd<\/td>\n 67th, 69th, & 70th<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Highest viewing point (ft)<\/th>\n 1,131<\/td>\n 1,200<\/td>\n 1,250<\/td>\n 1,268<\/td>\n 850<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Top landmarks to spot<\/th>\n\n
    \n
  • Statue of Liberty<\/li>\n
  • Central Park<\/li>\n
  • Hudson Yards<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • Empire State Building<\/li>\n
  • Chrysler Building<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • Central Park<\/li>\n
  • Brooklyn Bridge<\/li>\n
  • Statue of Liberty<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • Statue of Liberty<\/li>\n
  • Brooklyn Bridge<\/li>\n
  • Empire State Building<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • Central Park<\/li>\n
  • Empire State Building<\/li>\n
  • Chrysler Building<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Exhibits<\/th>\n None<\/td>\n Modern art installations<\/td>\n Historical exhibits, museum<\/td>\n Interactive exhibits<\/td>\n Rockefeller Center exhibits<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Special attractions<\/th>\n\n
    \n
  • City Climb Experience<\/li>\n
  • Angled glass walls & floor<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • Glass Elevator (Ascent)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • Historical exhibits<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • Sky Portal<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • The Beam<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Indoor \/ outdoor<\/th>\n Both<\/td>\n Both<\/td>\n Both<\/td>\n Indoor only<\/td>\n Both<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dining options available<\/th>\n Yes, Champagne Bar<\/td>\n Yes, Apr\u00e9s<\/td>\n No; nearby options available<\/td>\n Yes, One Dine<\/td>\n No; nearby options available<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Gift shop<\/th>\n Yes<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nearby attractions<\/th>\n\n
    \n
  • The Vessel<\/li>\n
  • Hudson Yards<\/li>\n
  • Times Square<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • Bryant Park<\/li>\n
  • Grand Central Terminal<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • Macy’s Herald Square<\/li>\n
  • Madison Square Garden<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • 9\/11 Memorial & Museum<\/li>\n
  • Brookfield Place<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n