Experiences
New York observation decks: Empire State, Top of the Rock, Edge and Summit
The city spreads out below you like a glowing circuit board, and the Empire State Building shines at sunset. The viewpoints, and which one to choose.
The lift doors open and the wind catches your hair. Below you, Manhattan is a board of lights, yellow cabs crawl along the avenues, and to the west the sun sinks behind the Hudson. You have seen the view in films, but nothing compares to standing there yourself.
New York has more observation decks than any other city, and they are surprisingly different. Some are classic and nostalgic, others are modern with glass floors and mirrored rooms. Here is how to choose.
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How to do it
Buy timed tickets online. It saves queuing and is often cheaper.
Sunset is the most popular slot. Book early, or go right after opening for clear morning air.
Pick one or two. Most people are happy with one classic and one modern deck.
Check the weather. On a misty day you may be staring straight into cloud.
The five observation decks
Empire State Building
The 1931 classic. The open-air deck on the 86th floor gives the iconic view, and the museum on the way up tells the building's story. The only thing you cannot see from here is the Empire State itself.
Top of the Rock
At the top of Rockefeller Center you get what many consider the city's best shot: the Empire State Building in the middle of the frame and Central Park in the other direction. Three levels with plenty of space.
Edge
At Hudson Yards, Edge juts out from the building in a sharp triangle with a glass floor. It is often described as one of the highest outdoor sky decks in the Western Hemisphere. Not for anyone afraid of heights.
Summit One Vanderbilt
Next to Grand Central, Summit is more art installation than viewpoint, with mirrored rooms, glass boxes over the street and lights that make the city part of the show.
One World Observatory
At the top of One World Trade Center you look out over the harbour, the Statue of Liberty and all of Manhattan from the south. Combine it with the 9/11 Memorial below.
Manhattan at night
Evening brings the lights, morning the clearest air. Photo: ruddy.media / Unsplash
Which one should you choose?
First visit: Top of the Rock, for the view of the Empire State and Central Park.
Nostalgia: the Empire State Building.
Adrenaline: Edge and its glass floor.
Instagram: Summit One Vanderbilt.
The harbour and the Statue of Liberty: One World Observatory.
First time in the city? Read our first-timer's guide to New York too.
Book experiences: See tickets and experiences in New York
Where to stay in New York
Stay in Midtown or at Hudson Yards and you can walk to most of the observation decks. For more ideas, see the best hotels in New York.
Equinox Hotel
In the heart of Hudson Yards, next door to Edge. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Equinox Hotel: next door to Edge
Equinox Hotel is in Hudson Yards, a few minutes from Edge and close to the High Line. It is known for its gym, spa and indoor pool, so your morning can be both a workout and a view.
Book your stay: See rooms at Equinox Hotel New York
The Knickerbocker
A historic hotel right by Times Square. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
The Knickerbocker: in the heart of Midtown
The Knickerbocker Hotel is by Times Square and Broadway, within walking distance of Top of the Rock, the Empire State and Summit.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Knickerbocker Hotel
The Times Square EDITION: a design hotel above the lights
EDITION sits right on Times Square, with a restaurant and bars in the building. Ideal if you want the city's energy right outside the door.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Times Square EDITION
Park Hyatt New York: luxury near Central Park
Park Hyatt is next to Carnegie Hall, a short walk from Central Park and Top of the Rock. A spa and indoor pool make it a calm retreat in Midtown.
Book your stay: See rooms at Park Hyatt New York
When is the best time to go?
Clear days after rain give the longest views. In autumn and winter the sun sets early, so you can catch sunset and the city lights before dinner. In summer it stays light for longer, but hazy air can limit visibility.
When should you book?
Sunset tickets: a few days ahead, longer over holidays.
Midtown hotels: a few months ahead for December and summer.
Combination tickets for several attractions: before you travel.
Frequently asked questions about New York's observation decks
Where should I stay in New York to visit the observation decks?
Stay in Midtown, for example at The Knickerbocker or Park Hyatt, to walk to Top of the Rock, the Empire State and Summit. Equinox Hotel at Hudson Yards is right by Edge.
Which New York observation deck is best?
Top of the Rock is often rated best for a first visit, as you see both the Empire State Building and Central Park. Edge and Summit are more modern experiences.
Do you need to book tickets in advance?
It is recommended. A timed ticket helps you skip long queues, and sunset slots sell out quickly.
When is the best time to visit the Empire State Building?
Right after opening is the quietest. Sunset is the most beautiful, but also the busiest.
Can you see the Statue of Liberty from the observation decks?
Yes, One World Observatory has the best view of the Statue of Liberty and the harbour. From the others it is far away but visible on a clear day.