New York City observation decks and top spots for a breathtaking view
As exciting as New York City is from the streets, it can be even more thrilling from up high at one of several vantage points.
From bridges to skyscrapers, here are tours and activities that allow a bird's-eye view of Manhattan.
Catch the sunrise or sunset from the observation deck at the Empire State Building. Credit: Getty Images/Alan Schein Photography/iStock
Empire State Building
20 W. 34th St., Manhattan
In the heart of midtown Manhattan, the world-famous building boasts two observatories: on the 86th and 102nd floors, which offer vistas of New York City. From the 86th floor, you can see the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park and the Statue of Liberty. From the 102nd, you'll have floor-to-ceiling views extending up to 80 miles. While there, also check out the story of the Empire State Building at exhibits on the second and 80th floors, both of which are open to all ticket holders.
- COST 86th floor observatory: starting at $44; 102nd and 86th floor decks: starting at $79.
- OPEN 9 a.m. to midnight through Sept. 1; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sept. 2-Oct. 5.
- MORE INFO esbnyc.com
Top of the Rock Observation Deck
30 Rockefeller Plaza, Manhattan
An iconic view of the Empire State Building from Top of the Rock. Credit: Getty Images/Shooter_Sam
Experience 360-degree views of New York City at this observation deck — 70 floors above the city, with views of Central Park, the Empire State Building and more. Try Skylift — a revolving, open-air glass platform three stories above Top of the Rock's observation deck — or The Beam Experience, which rotates 180 degrees and recreates "Lunch Atop a Skyscraper," an iconic 1932 photo taken during the construction of the Rockefeller Center.
- COST Tickets are $36 to $66; all-in pass (includes Skylift and The Beam Experience) runs $87 to $111.
- OPEN 8 a.m. to midnight daily.
- MORE INFO 212-698-2000, rockefellercenter.com
One World Observatory at One World Trade Center
285 Fulton St., Manhattan
People take in the view of Manhattan from One World Observatory at One World Trade Center. Credit: Getty Images/Gary Hershorn
Head here for a 360-degree view of New York City. Your visit takes you through a global welcome center, a registry of over 10 million visitors from around the world, displayed on what's touted as the largest curved indoor LED screen. With 145 screens, the Horizon Grid, a multimedia spectacle, highlights iconic sites you will see from the observatory, as well as famous faces, iconic landmarks and memorable moments visible from the site. At 102 stories, the observatory is reached in 47 seconds by SkyPod elevators. Use the One World Explorer digital skyline guide available from window to window with stories about each site. Tour ambassadors are on hand to bring New York's history, landmarks and culture to life.
- COST Tickets start at $54 for general admission; $64 for a combination experience (includes priority entry and digital skyline guide); $74 for all-inclusive experience (adds flexible arrival); $84 for a VIP tour (adds a 60-minute guided tour).
- OPEN 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
- MORE INFO oneworldobservatory.com
Summit One Vanderbilt
45 E. 42nd St., Manhattan
There are three levels of immersive space, including art installations and panoramic views of the city in what is touted as the world's largest external glass-bottomed elevator.
The view south to the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center from a mirrored room at the SummitOV observation deck at One Vanderbilt. Credit: Getty Images/Gary Hershorn
After walking among the floating orbs of the Summit, go to the 93rd floor to capture the memory by creating a 3D, 360-degree photo.
- COST General admission tickets start at $39; premium includes a 90-minute personalized guided tour for $89.
- OPEN 9 a.m. to midnight daily.
- MORE INFO summitov.com
Edge Observation Deck
30 Hudson Yards, Manhattan
Watch the sunset from The Edge observation deck at 30 Hudson Yards. Credit: Getty Images/francois-roux
From 1,131 feet above ground, enjoy a panoramic view of Manhattan and take in the entire skyline. With its angled glass wall, you'll feel like you're leaning over the edge of the city while standing on the glass floor to look down 100 stories to the streets below.
- COST General admission starts at $34; priority access starts at $88.
- OPEN 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
- MORE INFO edgenyc.com
More great views, free of charge
If you want a great view of the city but don’t want to plan ahead or pay a fee, try these points of interest:
Brooklyn Bridge
Access the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan, near City Hall and Centre Street; from Brooklyn, near Tillary Street and Brooklyn Bridge Boulevard
Walk or bike across the Brooklyn Bridge for spectacular views of the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines. Credit: Getty Images/OlegAlbinsky
Walk or bike across the Brooklyn Bridge for spectacular views of Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines, the Statue of Liberty, the Manhattan Bridge, Governors Island and the East River.
MORE INFO nyc.gov
Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge
61 Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge Path, Manhattan
Walk across the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge for spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline, including the Empire State Building and World Trade Center, as well as the East River, Roosevelt Island and Long Island City, Queens.
MORE INFO nyc.gov
The High Line
Gansevoort and Washington streets or 34th Street and Hudson Yards, Manhattan
The High Line is an elevated 1.45-mile promenade park built along a former freight railway, where you can get a bird's-eye view of surrounding apartment buildings, streetscapes, and 360-degree views of the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and the Hudson River.
MORE INFO thehighline.org
