When you visit NYC, you have to see the city from one of the five most popular observation decks. Since the Empire State Building is one of the most iconic and popular buildings in the city, I decided to climb the 1,250-foot skyscraper. However, after my first visit to New York City and additional research on the other observation decks to compare them and determine if they were worth a visit, my choice would be different today.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about choosing the best observation deck for your trip and which one I would have chosen based on the information I now have. So let's dive in.
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is one of the most famous and iconic skyscrapers in NYC. What makes it unique is that you can enjoy unobstructed 360° views of the city from both the 86th and 102nd floors. The 86th-floor deck is open-air, while the 102nd-floor deck has enclosed floor-to-ceiling windows, offering an unbeatable panorama stretching up to 80 miles on a clear day.
On a clear day, you can marvel at 360-degree panoramic views of the Hudson River, the East River, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The observation deck is also fantastic for enjoying Times Square at night. Nice to have: The Empire State Building offers unrestricted views of the other observation decks.
It’s important to note that while Central Park is visible, it is partly hidden by other skyscrapers, notably the Top of the Rock, located directly in front of NYC’s green oasis.
Lightning Magnet
The Empire State Building is struck by lightning about 25 times a year. In fact, it was struck eight times in 24 minutes during a single storm in 2011!
Before entering the observation deck, visitors must first pass through the Empire State Building Museum on the second floor. The museum provides an interactive experience that covers the history, construction and significance of the building and leads visitors to the elevators that take them to the famous observation decks. The tour takes approximately 45-90 minutes.
While tickets for the 86th-floor observatory start at $44, I highly recommend upgrading to the 102nd-floor observatory for an unparalleled floor-to-ceiling view for $79 per admission (excl. tax). Although the total price is just over $100 after taxes, the upgrade is well worth it if you decide to climb the Empire State Building.
Top of the Rock
The observation deck at Top of the Rock (located in Rockefeller Center) offers spectacular views from the 67th, 69th and 70th floors. A highlight is the unobstructed view of Central Park and the Empire State Building.
The 57th floor serves as the entry level to the observation deck experience. It features indoor viewing areas with large windows offering panoramic views of New York City. It also includes several exhibits and interactive displays about the history and significance of Rockefeller Center.
The 69th floor offers both indoor and outdoor viewing areas. This floor offers a more open experience with outdoor terraces that allow visitors to step outside and enjoy unobstructed views of the city skyline. The outdoor terraces offer many opportunities for the perfect NYC skyline shot, including stunning views of Central Park.
The highest outdoor platform of the Top of the Rock observation deck is located on the 70th floor and is approximately 850 feet (260 meters) above the ground. In contrast, the Empire State Building's 102nd floor observation deck is approximately 1,250 feet (381 meters) above the ground, making the Empire State Building's 102nd floor observation deck approximately 400 feet (121 meters) higher than the Top of the Rock observation deck. This means that the Empire State Building's 102nd floor deck is significantly higher and offers a more elevated view of New York City.
Original Design Inspiration
The original design of the observation deck was inspired by the decks of ocean liners, a symbol of luxury and modernity in the 1930s. The outdoor terraces, comfortable seating areas, and even the use of materials such as terrazzo floors were designed to evoke the experience of cruising aboard a grand ship.
Open from 9:00 a.m. to midnight (last admission at 11:10 p.m.), Top of the Rock is a great place to see the city in a variety of lights, from the golden glow of sunset to the twinkling lights of night. Top of the Rock offers The Beam Experience for an additional $25 on top of the $40 it costs to get into the observation deck. You can sit on a metal beam for 90 seconds to recreate the famous 1932 "Lunch Atop a Skyscraper" photo of 11 ironworkers eating 850 feet in the air during the construction of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. From the Instagram videos I've seen online about the Beam experience, I'm not sure the Beam experience is really worth it though…
One World Observatory
One World Observatory, the observation deck at the One World Trade Center, offers panoramic views from 1,268 feet (386 meters) - the highest point in New York City. One World Trade Center's elevators, also known as Sky Pods, are among the fastest in the world, traveling up to 23 miles per hour. The ride to the 102nd floor takes only about 47 seconds, and during the ascent, the elevator walls display a virtual time-lapse movie showing the development of New York City from the 1500s to the present.
Tallest Building in the Western Hemisphere
One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower, is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. It is also a tribute to the Declaration of Independence, signed in 1776. The height was specifically chosen to honor the year of American independence.
The One World Observatory is often referred to as the "See Forever" observatory because on a clear day, you can see up to 50 miles in every direction, encompassing a panoramic view that stretches across New York City, New Jersey, and even into Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
When visiting the One World Observatory, consider using the One World Explorer, a digital guide with virtual reality enhancements that provides an in-depth look at NYC's landmarks.
The Edge
The Edge at Hudson Yards is the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, at 1,131 feet (345 meters) above the ground. It offers unparalleled views of New York City, with a 360-degree perspective from the Hudson River to the skyline.
The Edge is part of the larger Hudson Yards development, one of the most ambitious urban projects in New York City's history. Hudson Yards has transformed a former industrial area into a modern, mixed-use residential, commercial and public space, with The Edge as one of its most prominent attractions.
One of The Edge's most exciting features is its glass floor, which allows visitors to look 100 stories straight down to the streets below. This transparent section of the deck is 225 square feet and provides an exhilarating experience for those brave enough to stand on it. The angled glass walls create the exhilarating sensation of floating above the city.
The feeling of being on the “edge” of New York City
At the top, The Edge's platform is cantilevered, meaning it extends outward from the building with no visible supports below. This unique architectural design gives the impression that the deck is suspended in mid-air, enhancing the sense of being on the "edge" of the city.
The Edge offers an adrenaline-pumping experience called "City Climb," where thrill-seekers can actually scale the exterior of the building above the observation deck. Climbers are harnessed as they ascend to an even higher vantage point, reaching a peak height of 1,271 feet above the ground, making it the highest outdoor building climb in the world.
The Edge also offers a combo ticket that allows you to visit both The Edge and MoMA (The Museum of Modern Art) for one special price (30% discount).
Summit One Vanderbilt
More than just an observation deck, Summit One Vanderbilt is a multi-sensory experience. This observation deck will be the newest addition to the New York City skyline when it opens in October 2021. It features interactive art installations such as "Air" by Kenzo Digital, which uses mirrors and lighting to create the illusion of infinite space, making visitors feel as if they are floating in the sky.
One of the standout features of Summit One Vanderbilt is the Ascent, a pair of glass elevators that take visitors from the exterior of the building to a height of 1,210 feet (369 meters). These elevators offer breathtaking views as you ascend the exterior of the skyscraper, adding to the thrill of the experience.
Why the name “Summit One Vanderilt”
The name "Summit One Vanderbilt" beautifully captures the experience of reaching new heights at the top of one of New York City's tallest skyscrapers. "Summit” speaks to the thrill of being at the top, while “One Vanderbilt” honors Cornelius Vanderbilt, a key figure in New York City's history. So “Summit One Vanderbilt” is a name that combines breathtaking views with the legacy of a man who helped shape New York.
The experience at Summit One Vanderbilt changes throughout the day and night. During the day, visitors can enjoy bright, sunlit views of the city, while at night, the space transforms with a vibrant, immersive light show, creating an entirely different atmosphere that highlights the city's nighttime beauty.
Summit One Vanderbilt features an outdoor sky deck called "Levitation," where visitors can step into glass-bottomed boxes that extend beyond the edge of the building. The glass boxes create the sensation of floating above the city and provide a heart-stopping view 1,100 feet (335 meters) straight down Madison Avenue, with nothing but clear glass between you and the streets far below.
Choosing the Best Observation Deck in NYC
Before my trip to NYC, I had only heard of the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, and One World Observatory. I wish I had done more research before my trip. But since I wanted to climb the most iconic building in NYC, the choice was easy. And I have to admit that the panoramic view of the city and Times Square at night was impressive. But my choice would be different today…
The winner of the observation deck comparison is Summit One Vanderbilt because it offers an unparalleled, multi-sensory experience that goes beyond the traditional panoramic view to something more immersive.
Summit One Vanderbilt combines visual art, immersive installations and exhilarating heights. It's not just about seeing the city from above; it's about experiencing it in a way that changes your perception and leaves a lasting impression. That's why Summit One Vanderbilt is the best choice for an observation deck that offers more than just breathtaking views.
My second choice would be The Edge, with its exciting outdoor experience and cantilevered design. I also love the opportunity to climb the world's tallest outdoor building at 1,271 feet (387 meters).
So if you're looking for a conventional panoramic experience, you really can't go wrong with your choice of observation deck. But if you are looking for an experience like no other, Summit One Vanderbilt and The Edge will provide you with the most memorable moments. For more inspiration on what to do in New York, check out my detailed guide for visiting NYC for the first time.
