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Observation Decks

NYC's Best Observation Decks Tickets

Tourists on glass floor at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt overlooking New York City skyline.
Observation deck binoculars overlooking New York City skyline from Empire State Building.
Couple enjoying panoramic views of New York City skyline from One World Observatory.
Children using binoculars at Top of the Rock, Rockefeller Center, with New York skyline.

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4.5/5

(16,175)

Nicole Floeder

Nicole

Feb 2026
Verified booking
Compared to the other observation towers, the organization on site is really poor. We had tickets for 7:30 p.m., but didn't get in until 8:15 p.m. and were sent away from the queue three times with different times. You have to stand while waiting, there are no seats. The summit itself is well designed for young people/children, with lots of fun extras. The view is also good. Conclusion: the summit itself gets 5 stars, the organization gets 3, making a total of 4.
Feride Frech

Feride

Feb 2026
Verified booking
The line to catch the elevator moved quickly and was well managed. The three observation floors offer a ton. The views outside cover every direction. The deck is protected by glass, which shields you a little from the wind. The beam experience was worth it! You may enjoy sit at the cafe inside or visit the souvenir shop. There is so much to enjoy! The building has multiple restaurants in the basement, too! A wonderful option all around!
Gerardo Guerrero Castaño

Gerardo

Feb 2026
Verified booking
Honestly, it was a very simple visit without much interaction. The welcome speech was great, and the view of New York's past in the elevators was also great, but honestly, nothing out of the ordinary. Obviously, the observatory is beautiful, and the views are great. We would have liked more interaction with the views of New York's past, more information, something more entertaining. We found it a bit too simple for the cost.
Helen McMulkin

Helen

Jan 2026
Verified booking
Booking was easy did from England Communication , emails from head out very good Summit one was amazing Very organised , Amazing views , great photo opportunities . We had a very Bright clear day . Empire state at night was magical it was quiet , clear views , the art deco building and history fab , staff dressed in 1920's Uniforms Would definitely recommend head out to book with and do both experiences Thanks
KAMPFL Gérald

Kampfl

Feb 2026
Verified booking
Everything is very impressive. Although I initially came to please my 16- and 19-year-old daughters, in the end, they had to remind me to hurry up because I was "lagging behind." From the video sequence room to the smooth speed of the elevator, then through the various rooms to the rooftop, everything is a magnificent discovery that allows you to see New York like nowhere else. Enjoy!
Valerie Kuzmar

Valerie

Jan 2026
Verified booking
It was wonderful from the moment I walked in, the logistics were fantastic. Everything was very well organized; you get on the elevator and it has sounds that make you feel like you're floating up to the 92nd floor in an instant. The view of NYC is spectacular! And playing with the balloons is simply amazing. I would definitely do it a thousand times over! Guaranteed fun!
    • Take your pick of NYC’s top views from Summit One Vanderbilt, One World Observatory, Top of the Rock, Edge, or the Empire State Building.

    • With this ticket, you get access to one of five iconic observation decks. Whether you’re after sky-high thrills, immersive art, or postcard-perfect skyline views, there’s something here for every kind of New York explorer.

    • It’s flexible, easy, and curated just for you. Choose the deck that fits your vibe, your schedule, or your skyline goals.

    • Go futuristic at Summit One Vanderbilt with mirrored art and glass ledges, enjoy classic Midtown views from Top of the Rock, feel the adrenaline on Edge’s outdoor sky deck, soak in historic charm at the Empire State Building’s 86th-floor observatory, or take in sweeping views of Lower Manhattan and beyond from One World Observatory’s towering perch.

  • SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Tickets

    • Entry to SUMMIT Experience (daytime/evening)

    • Access to all 3 floors and immersive experiences

    • Access to the Après eatery & cafe

    Edge Observation Deck Tickets

    • Timed entry to Edge Observatory Deck

    • Indoor observation deck on Level 100

    • Outdoor sky deck with angled walls

    • Glass Floor, Skyline Steps, and Eastern Point

    • Bonus digital souvenir

    Empire State Building 86th Floor Tickets

    • Entry to the 86th-floor observatory deck

    • High-power binoculars

    • Art Deco lobby access

    • Free wifi

    One World Observatory Tickets

    • Skip-the-ticket-purchase line, timed entry to One World Observatory

    • Access to the observatory levels, SkyPod elevators, Horizon Grid, and See Forever® Theater

    Top of the Rock Tickets

    • Timed entry to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

  • 16,175 reviews

    How do we collect reviews?

    These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.

    11.7K
    2.8K
    737
    263
    578
    Guests from United Kingdom, Italy, Germany and over 80 countries have loved this experience

    What our guests say

    Cristina Salazar

    Cristina

    Mar 2026
    Verified booking
    Everything was well organized, clear expectations and purchasing the tickets was so easy! There wasn't as much people at 7:30 when we went, so it also made the experience so much better!! Also, the 86th floor elevator supervisor / manager was so well spoken in Spanish and knew so much about Costa Rica and Venezuela which made our WHOLE night that much more amazing!
    Nicoleta Barbu

    Nicoleta

    Mar 2026
    Verified booking
    Everything was amazing from the moment you stepped in all the way to the top. Everyone is very friendly and ready to help you with whatever you need. The view is breathtaking,, the presentation is very educational and the gift shop has a lot of selections for everyone's budget. I'm so happy a had this experience. Thank you
    Prof. Dr. Andreas Rohde

    Prof.

    Mar 2026
    Verified booking
    For me, the Empire State Building is one of the most iconic buildings and places in New York. I visited it 30 years ago and always return whenever I'm in New York. I find the entertainment area on the ground floor and information about the ESB, including the recreated "King Kong scene," simply fantastic. The ESB is a must.
    Zenaida Rosa Camacho

    Zenaida

    Mar 2026
    Verified booking
    From the moment we arrived, we could feel the harmony among the employees as they welcomed us so kindly. It was an incredible experience riding the elevator up those 100 floors in such a short time and being up there and seeing all that wonderful scenery. Without a doubt, it was an unforgettable experience...!!!!!!!!
    Jenna Angst

    Jenna

    Mar 2026
    Verified booking
    We were surprised by the lack of line to the top of the ESB! We got right up and right out. However... the view was very foggy and we could see nothing. The day was very dreary and we were quite literally in the fog. No view whatsoever. The people were friendly, but we did not get an audio guide.

Your Experience (Summary)### SUMMIT One Vanderbilt General Admission Tickets

Ascend to the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt for an unparalleled NYC experience. This modern skyscraper features a thrilling glass floor that offers a vertiginous view directly down to the street below. In the Levitation rooms, floor-to-ceiling glass walls create the sensation of floating high above the city. Explore interactive art installations and dynamic spaces that blend cutting-edge design with immersive experiences, making your visit a visual and sensory delight.

Edge Observation Deck General Admission Tickets

Step out onto the Edge Observation Deck, the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, situated on the 100th floor of Hudson Yards. Unique for its glass floor and angled glass walls, Edge provides an unobstructed, panoramic view of New York City and its surroundings. The open-air design allows you to experience the cityscape from a fresh perspective, making it an architectural marvel with breathtaking views of landmarks and the Hudson Yards neighborhood.

Empire State Building 86th Floor General Admission Tickets

Elevate your NYC visit with tickets to the Empire State Building’s 86th Floor Observatory. Enjoy classic, open-air views of the city from a historic vantage point. Spot iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and Central Park from this time-honored observation deck. The Empire State Building’s art deco charm and central location make it a quintessential New York experience, blending tradition with sweeping city views.

One World Observatory General Admission Tickets

Experience NYC from new heights at the One World Observatory, atop One World Trade Center. Begin your journey with the "Sky Pod" elevator, which showcases a dynamic visual history of the city. Once at the top, enjoy expansive views and explore interactive exhibits that offer insights into New York’s past, present, and future. This observatory combines cutting-edge design with educational content, providing a comprehensive and awe-inspiring experience.

Top of the Rock General Admission Tickets

Marvel at the cityscape from the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center. This observation deck features three levels of indoor and outdoor viewing areas. From the 70th floor, take in panoramic views of Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the Manhattan skyline. The open-air terraces and central location offer an ideal setting for capturing the essence of New York City, highlighting both its iconic landmarks and charming details.

  • Empire State Building

    Monday10:00am - 11:00pmlast entry 10:15pm
    Tuesday10:00am - 11:00pmlast entry 10:15pm
    Wednesday10:00am - 11:00pmlast entry 10:15pm
    Thursday10:00am - 11:00pmlast entry 10:15pm
    Friday10:00am - 11:00pmlast entry 10:15pm
    Saturday10:00am - 11:00pmlast entry 10:15pm
    Sunday10:00am - 11:00pmlast entry 10:15pm

    SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

    Monday9:00am - 12:00amlast entry 10:30pm
    Tuesday9:00am - 12:00amlast entry 10:30pm
    Wednesday9:00am - 12:00amlast entry 10:30pm
    Thursday9:00am - 12:00amlast entry 10:30pm
    Friday9:00am - 12:00amlast entry 10:30pm
    Saturday9:00am - 12:00amlast entry 10:30pm
    Sunday9:00am - 12:00amlast entry 10:30pm

    Edge NYC

    Monday8:00am - 9:00pm
    Tuesday8:00am - 9:00pm
    Wednesday8:00am - 9:00pm
    Thursday8:00am - 9:00pm
    Friday8:00am - 9:00pm
    Saturday8:00am - 9:00pm
    Sunday8:00am - 9:00pm

    One World Observatory

    Monday9:00am - 9:00pmlast entry 8:00pm
    Tuesday9:00am - 9:00pmlast entry 8:00pm
    Wednesday9:00am - 9:00pmlast entry 8:00pm
    Thursday9:00am - 9:00pmlast entry 8:00pm
    Friday9:00am - 9:00pmlast entry 8:00pm
    Saturday9:00am - 9:00pmlast entry 8:00pm
    Sunday9:00am - 9:00pmlast entry 8:00pm

    Rockefeller Center

    Monday12:00am - 11:59pm
    Tuesday12:00am - 11:59pm
    Wednesday12:00am - 11:59pm
    Thursday12:00am - 11:59pm
    Friday12:00am - 11:59pm
    Saturday12:00am - 11:59pm
    Sunday12:00am - 11:59pm

    Top of the Rock

    Monday9:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 9:10pm
    Tuesday9:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 9:10pm
    Wednesday9:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 9:10pm
    Thursday9:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 9:10pm
    Friday9:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 9:10pm
    Saturday9:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 9:10pm
    Sunday9:00am - 10:00pmlast entry 9:10pm
  • What to bring

    One World Observatory

    • Bring along your sunglasses since the reflective materials used throughout the space create a bright environment during the day.

    What's not allowed

    SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

    • Keep in mind that food and beverages, sharp metallic tools, and professional photography tools are not allowed for this experience. Pack wisely!

    Edge Observation Deck

    • Keep in mind, large bags are not allowed on this experience. Pack wisely!

    Top of the Rock Tickets

    • Keep in mind that outside food & beverages, weapons, sharp objects, or tools are not allowed in this experience. Pack wisely!

    One World Observatory

    • Keep in mind that large bags and professional photography equipment are not allowed on this experience. Pack wisely!

    Accessibility

    SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

    • This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

    • Your service animals are welcome at the venue.

    Edge Observation Deck

    • This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

    • Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.

    Empire State Building

    • This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

    • Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.

    • Accessible toilets are available at the venue.

    One World Observatory

    • This experience is wheelchair accessible.

    Top of the Rock Tickets

    • Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.

    • This experience is wheelchair and prams/stroller accessible.

    Additional information

    SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

    • Children under the age of 16 must always be accompanied by an adult throughout the experience.

    Edge Observation Deck

    • Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult during their visit.

    • It's advised to dress according to the weather conditions.

    • The last elevator ride is 50 minutes before closing.

    One World Observatory

    • This ticket allows you to arrive at your selected time and skip the ticket purchase lines, but you still need to go through security lines.

    • One World Observatory is a cashless operation. On-site reverse ATMs are available for cash conversions.

    Top of the Rock Tickets

    • Sunset and evening time slots are available for the General Admission ticket.
    • Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

    • Please display the same at each ticket redemption point along with a valid photo ID.

    Ticket redemption points

    • Please check your final voucher for the redemption point details and specific instructions.

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