Highest Observation Decks in New York City by Height
New York City is famous for its many skyscrapers. Some tall buildings are better known than others due to history or height that defines the skyline. While privately owned, some buildings feature observation decks open to the public.
In this article, I will list the New York City skyscrapers with the highest observation decks in order of height. I aim to help you discover where you can enjoy the highest views of the city. Whether a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this post will guide you to the best skyscrapers for soaking in the breathtaking views.
Disclaimer: This post includes custom ticket recommendations for the listed observatories that may include additional perks and activities NOT included with tickets purchased directly from their operators. Know that the links to these custom tickets are affiliate links. This means that I will receive a small compensation for any of the recommended ticket options you choose to purchase using the links provided at no additional cost to you. Please read my full Disclaimers for more information about my partnerships.
You will receive email notifications on new posts and all other updates.
One World Observatory (1,268 feet high)
Coming in at number one is One World Observatory at One World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan. It offers visitors stunning 360-degree views of the city’s skyline from over 100 stories above the streets, making it the highest point in the city. One World Observatory is an observation deck on the 100th, 101st, and 102nd floors of 1WTC.
The 102nd floor is 1,268 feet above ground, making it the highest observation deck in the city. Some views to look forward to include The Statue of Liberty, New Jersey, Brooklyn, Midtown Manhattan, and more. On a perfect sunny day, you could see beyond the Delaware River toward Pennsylvania.
At One World Observatory, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from the comfort of an indoor climate-controlled space, with features like the:- Global Welcome Center
- Horizon Grid
- SkyPod Elevators that climb 102 stories in just 47 seconds.
- Enjoy an audiovisual experience at the See Forever® Theater,
- Dine in the sky at the ONE Dine restaurant and bar on the 101st floor
- Explore New York City with a digital Skyline Guide.
One World Observatory is a must-visit attraction for anyone looking to soak in the awe-inspiring views of the Big Apple. It is part of a broader testament to the rebirth of the World Trade Center site and Lower Manhattan following the September 11th attacks.
How to buy tickets to One World Observatory?
You can purchase tickets to visit One World Observatory directly from their official website. However, if you’re visiting New York City and want to make the most of your time, I recommend considering tickets sold by the featured travel platforms listed below.
Some ticket options, with or without an exclusive discount, can be more affordable than those sold on One World Observatory’s main website. Other options can be more expensive because they include more exciting activities around Lower Manhattan and the city.
When choosing a deal from the travel platforms below, I recommend signing up for their newsletters to receive a welcome discount and save more money. These deals can enhance your NYC experience by allowing you to discover more of the city.
Activity | Price |
|---|---|
$44 | |
Private Ground Zero Tour with Optional One World Observatory Upgrade | $45 |
Private All Access 9/11 Ground Zero: Tour, Museum & Observatory | $45 |
$85 | |
| |
Ground Zero Walking Tour with Optional Observatory Admissions | $84 to $114 |
All-Access 9/11: Ground Zero Tour, Memorial and Museum, One World Observatory |
|
$129 | |
$129 | |
Private 9/11 Memorial and Ground Zero Walking Tour with Optional One World Observatory | $380 |
Activity | Price |
|---|---|
$43.55 General $54.44 Combination $65.33 All-inclusive | |
$76 | |
9/11 Ground Zero Guided Tour + One World Observatory Entry Tickets | $84 |
Ground Zero Tour + Optional Access to 9/11 Museum and One World Observatory | $114 |
All Access 9/11 Ground Zero Tour + Museum and One World Observatory Tickets | $114 |
$514 for 2-hours only $1,048 for 3.5-hours and transfers |
You will receive email notifications on new posts and all other updates.
Empire State Building (1,224 feet high)
The observation deck in the Empire State Building is the second-highest in New York City. It offers stunning 360-degree views of the city’s skyline from at least 86 floors above the streets.
Visitors can enjoy the city’s breathtaking views from the indoor and outdoor observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors. The indoor observation deck on the 86th floor is 1,050 feet high, while the outdoor observation deck on the 102nd floor offers a view of 1,224 feet above the city.
Both observation decks offer visitors:- An unparalleled view of Midtown towards the World Trade Center to the south and Central Park to the north.
- A variety of exhibits and multimedia presentations that showcase the building’s history and construction.
Exhibits detailing the building’s significance enrich the experience, and the contrast between daytime vibrancy and nighttime illumination creates a truly magical atmosphere. Visiting the Empire State Building’s observatories goes beyond the views; it’s a chance to connect with the city’s rich culture and heritage. Overall, it is a must-visit highlight for anyone exploring New York City.
How to buy tickets to the Empire State Building observatories?
You can buy tickets to the observatories in the Empire State Building directly from their official website. However, if you’re visiting New York City and want to make the most of your time, consider buying tickets from the featured travel platforms listed below.
Some ticket options, with or without an exclusive discount, can be more affordable than those sold on the Empire State Building Observatory’s main website. Other options can be more expensive because they include more exciting activities around Midtown Manhattan and the city.
When choosing a deal from the travel platforms below, I recommend signing up for their newsletters to receive a welcome discount and save more money. These deals can enhance your NYC experience by allowing you to discover more of the city.
Activity | Price |
|---|---|
$48 starting |
Activity | Price |
|---|---|
Empire State Building General & Skip-the-Line Ticket Options | $53 starting per adult |
Empire State Building Ticket & Midtown Manhattan In-App Audio Tour | $75 |
$95 for 86th Floor Tour Only $128.99 for 86 & 102 Floor Tour | |
Best Views of New York City: Empire State Building & Top of the Rock Tour | $127 (normally $159) |
Empire State Building NYC Tour, Pre-booked Tickets, Transfer | $520 starting |
You will receive email notifications on new posts and all other updates.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt (1,210 feet high)
SUMMIT at One Vanderbilt is the newest observation deck to open in New York City. It is inside One Vanderbilt, a new office tower located directly next to Grand Central Station in Midtown Manhattan. It is the fourth tallest building in New York City, with a height of 1,401 feet.
The SUMMIT observation deck is on the 91st, 92nd, and 93rd floors of the One Vanderbilt skyscraper. From 1,100 to 1,210 feet above the ground, it offers unparalleled city views, making it the third-highest viewing attraction in the city.
SUMMIT provides visitors with breathtaking city views from both indoor and outdoor spaces. The indoor observation deck is on the 91st and 92nd floors.
- The 91st floor features three immersive art exhibits.
- The 92nd floor includes a continuation of one of the art exhibits on the 91st floor, and…
- A digital art exhibit
- The ability to step out on a glass-paneled floor to see the city below your feet.
The outdoor observation deck is on the 93rd floor. It has a food and drink cafe and a gift shop.
Finally, despite being closed due to a malfunction, the 93rd floor does have the world’s biggest external glass elevator. When it was working, it would take riders further up the skyscraper towards the spire to enjoy an even higher view of the city.
Mirror glass reflective interior with a view of the Empire State Building. Photo by Anna Arysheva on Pexels
Glass reflective interior. Photo by Anthony Quintano on Flickr
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt glass interior. Photo by Anthony Quintano on Flickr
Chrysler Building, the East River and Queens. Photo by Lea Renner on Pexels
Central Park, Upper West Side, the George Washington Bridge, and New Jersey view. Photo by Anthony Quintano on Flickr
How to buy tickets to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt?
You can buy tickets to visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt directly from their official website. However, if you’re visiting New York City and want to make the most of your time, I recommend considering tickets sold by the featured travel platforms listed below.
Some ticket options, with or without an exclusive discount, can be more affordable than those sold on SUMMIT’s main website. Other options can be more expensive because they include more exciting activities around Midtown and the city.
When choosing a deal from the travel platforms below, I recommend signing up for their newsletters to receive a welcome discount and save more money. These deals can enhance your NYC experience by allowing you to discover more of the city.
You will receive email notifications on new posts and all other updates.
Edge at Hudson Yards (1,131 feet high – excluding City Climb)
Edge at Hudson Yards is at the top of 30 Hudson Yards, the tallest building of the new Hudson Yards complex in Midtown Manhattan and the fifth tallest in New York City.
Located on the 100th floor, Edge is the fourth-highest observation deck in New York City, at 1,131 feet. It also has the highest outdoor observation sky deck in the Western Hemisphere.
Edge’s unique design and outdoor sky deck set It apart from other observation decks in the city. The glass floor extends 80 feet from the building, giving visitors an exhilarating feeling of floating in mid-air.
The observation deck also offers stunning 360-degree views of the city’s skyline. It is a perfect spot to photograph iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, the Hudson River, and New Jersey.
City Climb
In addition to the observation deck, Edge also features City Climb. According to them, it is the highest open-air building ascent in the world. It allows visitors to scale outside the skyscraper more than 1,200 feet above ground. It is a must-visit attraction for anyone looking to experience the thrill of being suspended high above the city while taking in breathtaking views in a unique setting.
So that you know, tickets to experience City Climb are sold separately from access to the regular Edge observation deck.
How to buy tickets to Edge at Hudson Yards?
You can buy tickets to visit Edge at Hudson Yards directly from their official website. However, if you’re visiting New York City and want to make the most of your time, I recommend considering tickets sold by the featured travel platforms listed below.
Some ticket options, with or without an exclusive discount, can be more affordable than those sold on the main website. Other options can be more expensive because they include more exciting activities around the Hudson Yards complex, Midtown Manhattan, and the overall city. Finally, City Climb ticket options are included in my Edge at Hudson Yards ticket recommendations.
When choosing a deal from the travel platforms below, I recommend signing up for their newsletters to receive a welcome discount and save more money. These deals can enhance your NYC experience by allowing you to discover more of the city.
Activity | Price |
|---|---|
Starting at:
| |
$46 starting | |
$51 starting | |
$89 | |
| |
$201 |
Activity | Price |
|---|---|
| |
High Line, Chelsea & Hudson Yards Walking Tour with Edge Entry | $71 |
$89 | |
$129 | |
$201 | |
$201 | |
|
You will receive email notifications on new posts and all other updates.
Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center (850 feet high)
Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center is the final observation deck in New York City that provides the best views at an incredible height. It offers visitors stunning panoramic views of the city’s skyline from 850 feet. The observation deck has three floors, including the 67th, 69th, and 70th.
Home to NBC Studios and NYC’s famous Christmas Tree, Rockefeller Center is one of New York City’s oldest and most iconic landmarks. Its observation deck, the Top of the Rock, is well-known for its unobstructed 360-degree city views. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking views of the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Freedom Tower.
One of the unique features of Top of the Rock is its open-air observation deck, which offers visitors an unforgettable experience of being high above the city without any glass barriers. The observation deck is a must-visit attraction for anyone looking to soak in the awe-inspiring views of the Big Apple.
The observation deck is open daily, and visitors can choose from various ticket options and packages that include access to other attractions in the Rockefeller Center. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a variety of exhibits and multimedia presentations that showcase the history and construction of the Rockefeller Center.
How to buy tickets to the Top of the Rock?
You can purchase tickets to visit the Top of the Rock directly from its official website. However, if you’re visiting New York City and want to make the most of your time, consider buying tickets from the featured travel platforms listed below.
Some ticket options, with or without an exclusive discount, can be more affordable than those sold on the Top of the Rock’s main website. Other options can be more expensive because they include more exciting activities around Manhattan and the city.
When choosing a deal from the travel platforms below, I recommend signing up for their newsletters to receive a welcome discount and save more money. These deals can enhance your NYC experience by allowing you to discover more of the city.
Activity | Price |
|---|---|
$43.55 | |
| |
$844.63 |
Activity | Price |
|---|---|
$53 | |
$76 | |
$100 | |
Best Views of New York City: Empire State Building & Top of the Rock Tour | Starting at $119 (normally at least $150) |
$245 | |
$207 | |
$269 | |
The Best of New York City: Private Tour including Top of the Rock | $760 |
You will receive email notifications on new posts and all other updates.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for taking the time to read my article on the highest observation decks in New York City. I hope this guide has helped you discover the best spots to enjoy breathtaking city skyline views. With this knowledge, you’re now ready to explore the stunning views that await you atop these iconic structures.
Don’t forget to take advantage of the exclusive deals I’ve provided to purchase your tickets. They are a perfect way to enhance your experience at affordable prices. If you have any questions or would like to share your experiences at any of these observation decks, please feel free to reach out or leave a comment below. Your feedback is always welcome!
