Ready to see New York City from a whole new level—literally? Whether it’s your first time in the Big Apple or your tenth, there’s something magical about standing above it all, watching the skyline stretch endlessly in every direction. From high-tech immersive experiences to classic skyscraper views, NYC observation decks offer unforgettable ways to take in the city that never sleeps.
In this guide, we’re taking you through the top observation decks in New York City. Whether you’re hunting for the best Central Park photo op or looking to lean out over Manhattan’s edge, we’ll help you pick the best sky-high spot for your adventure!
🏙️ 1. Summit One Vanderbilt: Where Art Meets Altitude
Step into an artful sky at Summit One Vanderbilt’s immersive mirror room
Imagine walking through a hall of mirrors suspended 1,000 feet in the air—that’s Summit One Vanderbilt for you. This deck is more than just a viewpoint; it’s an immersive experience blending art, light, and insane views.
✨ Why you'll love it:
- The entire space is filled with reflective surfaces, turning the skyline into a dizzying piece of art.
- You’ll get an unbeatable view of the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and beyond.
- Want to feel like you’re floating? Try the Levitation skyboxes that stick out over the edge—yes, really!
- Don’t skip the mirrored bathroom (yes, even the bathroom has views).
- Grab a croissant and coffee at the on-site café.
📍 Location: Midtown Manhattan (Right next to Grand Central Terminal)
📏 Height: 1,100 feet (on the 91st–93rd floors)
💸 Price: From $47.95 USD (varies by time of day and experience tier)
🌆 2. The Edge: NYC’s Most Thrilling View
Feel on top of the world at The Edge, NYC’s highest outdoor sky deck!
Located at Hudson Yards, The Edge is perfect if you want to feel the breeze while you take in the view. It's the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, and that’s just the start.
✨ Why you'll love it:
- You’re standing 1,131 feet above ground, and yes, the floor has glass panels for that heart-racing peek straight down.
- The angled glass walls let you lean out and feel like you're flying over the city.
- It’s super spacious, with room to relax and snap pics without the crowd crush.
- For daredevils, check out the City Climb—a harnessed climb even higher.
- The location is a dream. You’re right next to the High Line and Hudson Yards, so make it a full-day adventure.
📍 Location: Hudson Yards, Manhattan
📏 Height: 1,131 feet (100th floor)
💸 Price: From $39.20 USD
🗽 3. Empire State Building: The Timeless Classic
Enjoy coffee with a view from the iconic Empire State Building’s open-air observation deck
No NYC trip is complete without a stop at the Empire State Building. It’s one of the world’s most iconic buildings, and its observation deck brings major movie-scene energy.
✨ Why you'll love it:
- Get nostalgic vibes from classics like King Kong and Sleepless in Seattle.
- You can visit the open-air 86th floor or the enclosed 102nd floor, both with jaw-dropping views.
- Don’t miss the museum on the second floor, packed with history and cool visuals.
- Because you’re inside it, you don’t see the Empire State in your skyline, so your eyes are drawn to Central Park, Chrysler Building, and more.
- Heated outdoor areas? Yes, please—especially in winter.
📍 Location: 34th Street & 5th Avenue, Midtown Manhattan
📏 Height: 86th floor at 1,050 feet; 102nd floor at 1,250 feet
💸 Price: From $47.95; combo ticket for 86th & 102nd Floor starts at $86.05 USD
🌳 4. Top of the Rock: Best Central Park Views
Catch jaw-dropping views (and sunshine!) from the Top of the Rock deck
If you’re dreaming of green space views, Top of the Rock Observation Deck is the place. Located at Rockefeller Center, this spot offers picture-perfect views with less altitude but a whole lot of charm.
✨ Why you'll love it:
- Best view of Central Park, hands down.
- Full-glass barriers give you a super clean look at the skyline—no ugly grills in your photos!
- It's perfectly located near Fifth Avenue, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Radio City Music Hall.
- Climb up to three levels for different vibes, including a chill café with city views.
- You can even recreate the iconic "Lunch atop a Skyscraper" photo with props!
📍 Location: Rockefeller Center, Midtown Manhattan
📏 Height: 850 feet (70th floor)
💸 Price: From $45.75
[Activity Card: https://www.klook.com/en-US/activity/2964-top-of-the-rock-new-york/]
🌍 5. One World Observatory: The Tallest Indoor Views
Catch breathtaking panoramic views from One World Observatory at sunset | Photo from Klook User Sandra
Looking for height and history? The One World Observatory offers both. Located atop the Freedom Tower, it's the tallest observation deck in NYC and the only one that's fully indoors.
✨ Why you'll love it:
- You’re viewing the city from 1,268 feet up, protected from wind and weather.
- Great for winter visits or rainy days (and we know NYC has both!).
- Take in sweeping views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and New Jersey.
- It’s right next to the 9/11 Memorial, making this a moving and meaningful experience.
- Architecture buffs will love learning about the design and build of this massive structure.
📍 Location: One World Trade Center, Lower Manhattan
📏 Height: 1,268 feet (102nd floor)
💸 Price: From $47.55 USD
🗽 6. Statue of Liberty (Crown): The Climb of a Lifetime
Check out the harbor views from the Statue of Liberty—an iconic NYC experience!
Okay, this one’s not your traditional observation deck, but climbing into Lady Liberty’s crown is a truly one-of-a-kind experience!
✨ Why you'll love it:
- It’s all about the journey! You’ll ferry over, climb the spiral staircase, and peek out from the top of the statue.
- Views stretch across New York Harbor, with Ellis Island, Brooklyn, and downtown Manhattan in view.
- You'll also get access to Ellis Island, making it a full day packed with history.
- It’s a workout (there’s no elevator to the crown), but totally worth it for the bragging rights and views.
- Very few people get to say they’ve been inside the crown—so it’s a total bucket list moment.
📍 Location: Liberty Island (Ferry from Battery Park)
📏 Height: Approx. 305 feet from base to torch
💸 Price: From $49 USD for the half-day tour with Ellis Island access
🎫 Bonus Tip: Save Big with the NYC Attractions Pass
Want to visit more than one NYC observation deck without blowing your budget? The New York City Attractions Pass is your wallet’s best friend! It’s super flexible and lets you pick from top city experiences—including Summit One Vanderbilt, Top of the Rock, Edge, and One World Observatory, plus museums, tours, and more.
✨ Why you'll love it:
- Choose 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 10 attractions from over 90+ top NYC experiences.
- Great for first-timers who want to hit all the iconic spots without overpaying.
- Valid for 60 days from your first visit—so you don’t have to rush. Works perfectly for stacking observation decks with other attractions like the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 Memorial Museum, or MoMA.
Klook Tip: If you're planning to visit at least two observation decks, the pass often ends up being cheaper than buying individual tickets, so it's a no-brainer for sightseers.
FAQs About NYC Observation Decks
Which NYC observation deck is best?
It depends on what you're after! Want epic photos of Central Park? Go for Top of the Rock. Craving immersive, artsy vibes? Head to Summit One Vanderbilt. For thrill-seekers, The Edge is a heart-pounding favorite. And if you're chasing height, One World Observatory has the highest indoor views.
How many observation decks are there in NYC?
New York City has at least six major observation decks, each with its own vibe. From modern marvels like Summit and The Edge to classics like the Empire State Building, there’s no shortage of ways to see the skyline.
How much does it cost to go to the observation decks in NYC?
Prices usually range between $30 to $50 USD, depending on which deck you choose and if you're adding extras like skip-the-line access or special experiences. Booking in advance through platforms like Klook can save you money and time.
What is the best viewpoint in NYC?
For the most iconic photo, Top of the Rock gives you the perfect angle of the Empire State Building and Central Park. But for the highest view, One World Observatory takes the crown. And if you want a 360-degree outdoor experience, The Edge is unbeatable.
✨Ready to Elevate Your NYC Adventure?
No matter which NYC observation deck you choose, you're in for something special. Whether you're watching the sunrise over skyscrapers or soaking in golden hour vibes, these sky-high experiences are memories in the making.
So go ahead; book your tickets, charge your camera, and see NYC like never before.
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
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