If you’re wondering “what is the best observation deck in NYC?”, hopefully this list will give you the answers you need!
If you’re visiting NYC for the first time, you might be wondering “What is the best observation deck in NYC?” and it’s a question you should rightly ask.
Well luckily, our list of the best observation decks in NYC will help you decide where to visit, and where to spend your money!
You can’t visit NYC without paying a visit to one (or more) of the city’s best observation decks. They’re some of the best ways to see those iconic city views.
But you might find yourself asking “What is the best observation deck in NYC?” because there are so many to choose from, especially with new ones opening in recent years.
Hopefully, this list of the best observation decks in NYC, will help answer your question… “What is the best observation deck in NYC?”
Pssst! Stay tuned to the end of this list to learn about New York City’s free observation deck, which is a total hidden gem, and most people who visit the city don’t even know about.
So, what is the best observation deck in NYC?
When it comes to asking “What is the best observation deck in NYC?” there’s no definitive answer. Because it depends on the kind of experience you want.
But we’ll get into that below. So don’t worry.
Each observation deck in NYC is good for different reasons, and what’s best for you, might not be the best for someone else.
Which is why figuring out the best observation decks in NYC is so tricky!
They’re all very different, and they each offer completely different experiences and outlooks over the city. What we’ll try to do below is outline what each one is like, how good the views are, and whether we recommend it.
It’s worth noting the following though: the most famous observation decks are often considered to be The Empire State and The Top of The Rock – but there are newer observation decks like The Edge and The Summit that are uniquely fun too.
We’ll go through all of them below, to fully answer your question, “What is the best observation deck in NYC for me?”.
Here, we’ll go through all the observation decks in NYC, so you can decide which is the best observation deck in NYC for you!
1: The Empire State Building Observation Deck
One of the most well-known observation decks in NYC, is usually considered to be The Empire State Building.
It was one of the first observation decks in NYC, and it’s one of the classic choices that many tourists opt for!
If you’re looking for an iconic tourist attraction in the city, you can’t ask for more than The Empire State observation deck.
You really can’t get more NYC than the Empire State Building – and although this may be one of the older observation decks on this list (and not the most shiny!) it’s a great place to visit, with a great view and loads of history.
It’s definitely one of the best observation decks in NYC, because at this point, it’s a classic location in the city.
Pros? It’s one of the most famous buildings in the world, and has lots of history (alongside the views).
Cons? The view is a little generic (you can’t actually see the Empire State in the cityscape – because you’re stood on it!)
Click here to book skip-the-line tickets
(We always recommend these over normal tickets, because the queues get very LONG).
2: The Top of the Rock Observation Deck in NYC
Next on our list of the best observation decks in NYC, it’s The Top of The Rock.
Top of the Rock is one of the best observation decks in NYC, for many reasons (which we’ll talk about below in our pros and cons list!).
Top of the Rock is really central, has great views, and is reasonably priced too – with good combo tickets available if you want to return in the evening to see the skyline lit up too. This makes it one of the best observation decks in NYC at night.
It’s certainly one of the best observation decks in NYC (if not THE best, in our opinion). It has the history, it’s super central, but it has those amazing cityscape views (with the Empire State Building in shot).
It’s a classic location, and there’s so much to explore nearby too. If you’re visiting at Christmas time, you could even try ice-skating afterwards!
Pros? Great views of the cityscape (including the Empire State!). One of the best views in the city. The views are both uptown and downtown.
Cons? It’s very popular so does get busy… But there aren’t many cons to this one!
Click here to book timed-entry tickets
We always recommend skip-the-line tickets over normal tickets, to avoid queuing.
3: The Edge observation deck in NYC
The Edge observation deck is one of the newest additions to this list of the best observation decks in NYC.
The Edge is a really modern, fun and unique observation deck in NYC. It’s a corner viewing ledge at the top of a skyscraper, and there’s even a glass floor so you can look directly down to the city below.
This is a great choice for observation decks in NYC, especially if you’ve already tried the classic choices listed above, or if you’re just looking for something a bit different. It’s always great to try something new!
It’s unique, (relatively) new to the city, and seriously fun. The views are also slightly different to what you’d expect – which is refreshing!
This is a great choice for the best observation decks in NYC, if you’ve been to NYC a few times already and fancy seeing the city from a different angle.
Pros? New to the city and a different, unique perspective! Also lots of Instagram opportunities!
Cons? The view isn’t quite as iconic, and they’re not 360.
Click here to book skip-the-line tickets (which I always recommend over normal tickets!).
4: One World Observatory
Next on my list of best observation decks in NYC, it’s the One World Observatory. This is the highest observation point in the city.
The One World Observatory is located at the top of the One World Trade Centre. It’s certainly one of the best observation decks in NYC, and has the advantage of being the highest.
One thing we love about this choice for the best observation decks in NYC, is that the One World Observatory is located downtown – rather than in midtown.
This means the views are much different, and you get a different perspective on the city, and see slightly different things.
It’s also much higher than the other observation decks on this list of the best observation decks in NYC. That means you can see more of the city from up there!
Pros? A higher viewpoint, and a different part of the city. 360 views.
Cons? Located out of Midtown (which may include more transit / Subway from your hotel, if you’re located in Midtown).
Click here to book skip-the-line tickets
I always recommend skip-the-line tix over normal tickets! Especially in NYC!
5: SUMMIT ONE Observation Deck
Next on our list of the best observation decks in NYC, it’s SUMMIT ONE observation deck. This is a brand new observation deck in the city, and it boasts some pretty unique views and vistas.
Next on our list of the best observation decks in NYC, it’s Summit One Vanderbilt. And it’s amazing.
One thing that really makes this observation deck in NYC stand out, is the design of it. It’s all been put together to maximize getting insanely cool photos – so it’s great if you’re into photography.
They really built this place thinking “We’ll make this one of the best observation decks in NYC” – and we think they succeeded!
They use mirrors, balloons, sculpture, angles, to change the way you’ve ever seen the skyline before. It’s very fun, but also very hard to explain! I’ve included some photos below so you can see what I mean!
This is a really unique observation deck in NYC, it’s a place that was built quite recently, and it’s unlike anywhere else in NYC, that much is for sure!
It’s not just an observation deck, it’s a full-on experience, with plenty of activities, view points, and things to see and play with.
Pros? Different, unique and interesting! Plenty of great photo opportunities, and wonderful Midtown views.
Cons? Full of people wanting lots of Instagram photos. If you don’t mind this – don’t worry about it. Book early morning tickets for less crowds.
Click here to book tickets to SUMMIT ONE observation deck in NYC.
You should absolutely book ahead for this one!
6: Little Island Park
Our final suggestion on our list of the best observation decks in NYC, is Little Island! A FREE park!
On our recent trip to NYC we discovered Little Island, a free public park, with a pretty amazing observation deck / platform at the top of it.
It has to be one of the best observation decks in NYC – and it’s free to visit!
Whilst it isn’t the most conventional observation deck in NYC, we wanted to include it as a free option, for those who are a little worried about budget during their NYC vacation.
Little Island is a wonderful park to visit anyway (it’s very unique and gorgeous). But the little observation deck at the top of the park’s walkways adds another great reason to visit. It’s wonderful and one of the best observation decks in NYC.
Whilst the views won’t be as high, or an comprehensive as other paid observation decks in NYC, it’s a wonderful option to visit for free!
Pros? Free! And very unique and pretty, and completely outdoors.
Cons? The views aren’t quite as impressive, or as high up.
Hopefully this list of the best observation decks in NYC has been helpful!
Read more NYC recommendations: 60 free and cheap things to do in NYC!
As you can see, there are plenty of contenders for the best observation decks in NYC.
Whichever you choose for your best observation deck in NYC, will depend on what you prioritize and what kind of experience you’re after.
You can click below to book tickets to the best observation decks in NYC!
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