I know not everyone has the time or opportunity to visit all 5 observatories in New York. That’s why I wanted to give you a quick guide about them, so you can choose which one is the best fit for you. Many of you often ask: when is the best time to visit a skyscraper? For all of them, the answer is the same—sunset.
Standard ticket prices range between $36–44 + tax, so they’re all in about the same price category. Below I share my personal ranking, starting with my absolute favorite.
1. Summit One Vanderbilt (91st–93rd floors)
Located right next to Grand Central Terminal, Summit One Vanderbilt is honestly my favorite observatory in New York. The panorama is breathtaking, but the building itself is also an experience, you can explore several rooms and multiple levels.
The glass flooring creates an illusion that you’re floating above the city. One of my travel companions who was afraid of heights had to turn back it really gives you the sensation of looking down multiple floors beneath you. I mention this so you won’t be caught off guard.
This is where you’ll take the most spectacular photos. The elevator ride even includes a light show, which feels a bit eerie but adds to the modern atmosphere, giving you a glimpse of what awaits above.
2. The Edge (100th–101st floors)
One of the highlights of the Hudson Yards district, The Edge is a newer observatory that opened during the Covid period, which is why it’s still less known. But you should know that it’s the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, located 100 floors up (345 meters).
The triangular glass platform that juts out from the building is a popular photo spot, so expect long lines for that iconic shot. A unique feature is their City Climb experience, where you can strap in with a harness and climb up the outside of the building from the 120th floor, with photos taken of you along the way. I can’t wait for one of my guests to try it so I can join too! 🙂
Sunset is the most popular time (as with all observatories), so be sure to book your ticket well in advance for that time slot. The elevator includes a short video projection that starts with architectural plans and takes you through the construction of The Edge.
3. Empire State Building (86th & 102nd floors)
The Empire State Building is one of New York’s most iconic symbols, located at 34th Street and 5th Avenue. The building has both residents and offices up to the 73rd floor, and stands 436 meters tall.
Visibility is key here—make sure the weather conditions are clear so you don’t end up only seeing a foggy skyline (this applies to all skyscrapers!).
From the entrance to the elevators, you’ll walk through themed rooms. There’s a photo spot with the workers who built the Empire State, and even a King Kong room where you can pose in the giant gorilla’s hand. Definitely buy your ticket in advance.
Fun fact: scenes of the King Kong movie were filmed here. Visiting this skyscraper is a must.
4. One World Trade Center (Freedom Tower, 100th–102nd floors)
Currently the tallest building in the United States, One World Trade Center stands at 104 floors, right beside the site of the Twin Towers. It even inherited the same street address.
Although there’s no open-air section, the views are stunning from the top. The only challenge is capturing photos without glare from the sun’s reflection on the windows.
This observatory offers the best views of the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. The elevator ride features a time-lapse video that shows the development of the city as you ascend a fascinating addition to the experience.
5. Top of the Rock Observation Deck (70th–71st floors)
Located inside Rockefeller Center, the Top of the Rock has its entrance on 50th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenue. Built between 1932 and 1940 by John D. Rockefeller Jr., it is one of New York’s classic observation decks.
For me, the other observatories offered a better overall experience, which is why this one comes last on my list. The metallic teardrop-shaped designs on the sides also obstructed the view, which I found distracting.
The elevator here doesn’t feature any projections (although it only takes you to the 70th floor 🙂). However, the highlight is “The Beam”, where you can pose on a moving steel beam recreating the famous 1932 photo of construction workers eating lunch 850 feet above Manhattan. It’s a thrilling nod to history.