The Ultimate Guide to New York City Observation Decks: Which One Is Right for You?

Written By Ann Meshcheri

Introduction

Talk about how one of the most unforgettable ways to experience New York City is from above. Whether it's your first visit or your tenth, seeing Manhattan from hundreds of feet in the air gives you a completely different perspective of the city.

Mention that each observation deck offers a completely different experience. Some are historic landmarks, others focus on immersive art installations, while some are all about thrilling outdoor views. If you're only planning to visit one, choosing the right one can make a big difference.

 
 

1. Empire State Building Observatory

📍 Address
20 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001

A little history

Completed in 1931, the Empire State Building was the tallest building in the world for nearly 40 years. It quickly became one of New York City's most recognizable landmarks and remains one of the most famous skyscrapers in the world.

The building has observation decks on both the 86th Floor (open-air) and the 102nd Floor (enclosed).

Why visit?

  • The classic New York observation deck

  • Historic landmark

  • Open-air experience

  • Beautiful Art Deco architecture

  • Recently renovated exhibits before reaching the observatory

What you'll see

  • Midtown Manhattan

  • Central Park

  • Lower Manhattan

  • Hudson River

  • East River

One thing to remember is that you won't see the Empire State Building itself from here. If you've always dreamed of photographing the iconic skyline with the Empire State Building in the center, another observation deck may be a better choice.

⭐ Best for: The classic New York City experience.

Fun facts

  • Featured in countless movies, including King Kong.

  • Built during the Great Depression in just over one year.

  • It was the world's tallest building until 1970.

2. Top of the Rock

📍 Address
30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112

A little history

Located at Rockefeller Center, Top of the Rock first opened in 1933 and was designed to give visitors panoramic views over Manhattan. Unlike many observation decks, its location lets you admire both Central Park to the north and the Empire State Building to the south.

Why visit?

  • Best skyline in NYC

  • Incredible Central Park views

  • The Empire State Building becomes part of your photos

  • Three viewing levels

  • Outdoor terraces

What you'll see

  • Central Park

  • Empire State Building

  • Midtown skyline

  • Hudson River

  • East River

This is also one of the most popular locations for:

  • proposals

  • engagement photos

  • professional photoshoots

  • sunrise photography

  • sunset photography

⭐ Best for: The most iconic New York skyline.

Fun facts

  • NBC Studios are inside Rockefeller Center.

  • During winter you can see the famous Rockefeller Christmas Tree below.

  • Many photographers consider this the best overall observation deck in NYC.

3. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

📍 Address
45 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017

A little history

Opened in 2021, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is the newest major observation deck in Midtown Manhattan. Instead of focusing only on the view, it combines art, mirrors, lighting, and immersive experiences.

Why visit?

  • Mirror rooms

  • Glass walls

  • Interactive installations

  • Modern architecture

  • Incredible reflections

Unlike the other observation decks, visiting SUMMIT feels almost like walking through an art installation.

What you'll see

  • Empire State Building

  • Chrysler Building

  • Midtown skyline

  • Central Park

Most of the experience is indoors with floor-to-ceiling glass, although there are outdoor terrace areas as well. If you're nervous about heights, you may find the enclosed spaces more comfortable than fully open-air observation decks, though some installations use glass floors and mirrored surfaces that can still feel intense.

⭐ Best for: Instagram-worthy photos and a unique experience.

Fun facts

  • Mirrors create endless reflections.

  • Shoes must be covered with protective booties inside certain mirrored spaces.

  • One of NYC's most photographed attractions.

4. Edge

📍 Address
30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001

A little history

Opened in 2020, Edge is one of New York City's newest observation decks and extends outward from the building, creating the feeling of floating above Manhattan.

Why visit?

  • Massive outdoor platform

  • Glass floor

  • Angled glass walls

  • Thrilling experience

What you'll see

  • Hudson River

  • Midtown skyline

  • Downtown Manhattan

  • New Jersey

  • Sunset over the Hudson

If you're looking for excitement, this is probably the most thrilling observation deck in the city. Standing on the glass floor while looking straight down hundreds of feet is an unforgettable experience.

⭐ Best for: Sunset and thrill seekers.

Fun facts

  • One of the highest outdoor sky decks in the Western Hemisphere.

  • The outdoor platform extends about 80 feet (24 m) away from the building.

  • Popular for sunset photography.

5. One World Observatory

📍 Address
117 West St, New York, NY 10007

A little history

Located inside One World Trade Center, the observatory opened in 2015. It's situated on the 100th through 102nd floors of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.

Why visit?

  • Highest indoor observation experience

  • Incredible views of Lower Manhattan

  • Climate-controlled year-round

  • Fast elevators with multimedia experience

What you'll see

  • Statue of Liberty

  • Ellis Island

  • Brooklyn Bridge

  • New York Harbor

  • Lower Manhattan

Unlike some of the other observation decks, One World Observatory is entirely indoors, making it a great option in colder weather or if you prefer staying inside.

⭐ Best for: Lower Manhattan views and year-round comfort.

Fun facts

  • The elevator ride takes less than one minute.

  • Built atop the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.

  • On clear days, visibility can extend for dozens of miles.

Final Tips Before You Go

  • Book tickets in advance, especially during holidays and weekends.

  • Plan at least 2–3 hours for the experience. Security lines, elevators, and crowds can add up, particularly during peak travel seasons.

  • Sunset is the most popular time—and the busiest. If you're hoping for fewer crowds, consider visiting shortly after opening or on a weekday.

  • Check the weather before you go. Low clouds, fog, or rain can dramatically limit the views.

  • If you're visiting more than one observation deck, try going at different times of day (for example, one at sunset and another after dark) to enjoy completely different perspectives of the city.

 
 

Continue Exploring New York City

Planning your trip to New York City? I’ve created a growing collection of travel guides filled with itinerary ideas, hidden gems, photography locations, seasonal recommendations, and practical travel tips to help you make the most of your visit. If you'd like even more inspiration, be sure to read my complete collection of New York City blog posts here: [Link to NYC Blog Category].

If you're visiting New York and would like to bring home more than just phone snapshots, I'd love to help you capture your memories with a professional photoshoot. Whether you're celebrating a proposal, honeymoon, family vacation, graduation, birthday, or simply want beautiful portraits against New York City's iconic skyline, you can learn more and book your session here:[Link to NYC Photoshoots Page].

And if you’ve fallen in love with New York’s skyline as much as I have, take a look at my New York City Print Collection. My fine art travel photographs are available as museum-quality prints, allowing you to bring a little piece of the city into your home or office.

Ann Meshcheri
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