AAmericaExperiences

Best Observation Decks in New York City

Four decks dominate the skyline conversation. They differ in what you see, when the light is best and how long you'll queue — not in how high they are.

All five decks are high enough. What separates them is what is in the picture: from Top of the Rock and SUMMIT you see the Empire State Building, from the Empire State you do not. Then there is the type of visit — a straightforward deck, a mirrored art installation, a glass ledge, or the downtown view over the harbour. Almost nobody needs two. Prices below are indicative 'from' values supplied by Viator, and every deck sells timed entry.

What you are choosing

You are choosing one skyline view — which building you look at, which building you look from, and what time of day you go up.

The main differences

  • Classic skyline decks: The two traditional midtown decks — open-air, no gimmicks, opposite views.
  • Experience-led decks: Newer buildings where the installation or the glass floor is part of the ticket.
  • Downtown and the harbour: The only deck that looks out over the Statue of Liberty rather than midtown.

Indicative prices

From $30 to $50, as supplied by Viator — confirmed at checkout.

5 eligible options on this page.

Classic skyline decks

The two traditional midtown decks — open-air, no gimmicks, opposite views.

Classic skyline decks: who each option suits, review volume and indicative from price
OptionBest forReviewsFrom (indicative)
NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck TicketFirst-time visitors who want the building itself as much as the view7,674$50
Top of the Rock Observation Deck New York City TicketPhotographers who want the Empire State Building and Central Park in one frame4,848$46

Prices are indicative "from" values supplied by Viator and change with date, party size and the option chosen. The price you pay is always the one confirmed on Viator.

NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket

4.5 ★7,674 reviews· 45 min

At the Empire State Building Observation Deck, voted the #1 Top Attraction in the U.S. in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things to Do, the skyline is not just what you see—it’s what you feel. Start with immersive galleries that bring the building’s story to life, from innovative construction and Art Deco design to pop culture. Then head to the 86th Floor Observatio

Indicative from $50 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator
Best for
First-time visitors who want the building itself as much as the view
What you get
Timed admission to the Empire State Building's 86th-floor observatory and the second-floor galleries
Key difference
The most famous deck and the most reviewed, but the one view that cannot include the Empire State Building
Booking ahead
Timed entry, and sunset slots are the first to disappear at every time of year
South view

Top of the Rock Observation Deck New York City Ticket

4.3 ★4,848 reviews· 1 hour

Experience New York City from 70 stories up at the legendary Top of the Rock. This isn’t just a view; it’s a 360-degree panorama of the skyline that leaves every other vantage point in the dust. Your adventure starts at Rockefeller Center’s Welcome Gallery, where you’ll dive into the history of this icon before boarding a high-speed elevator. In just 43 seconds, you’ll be swept up to the 67th flo

Indicative from $46 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator
Best for
Photographers who want the Empire State Building and Central Park in one frame
What you get
Timed admission to the Top of the Rock observation deck at Rockefeller Center, across three levels
Key difference
The best-composed view in the city — Central Park north, Empire State south — and far shorter queues than its rival
Booking ahead
Sunset entry sells out days ahead in summer; the hour after opening is quietest

2 eligible options in this group.

Experience-led decks

Newer buildings where the installation or the glass floor is part of the ticket.

Experience-led decks: who each option suits, review volume and indicative from price
OptionBest forReviewsFrom (indicative)
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience TicketTravelers who want an experience rather than a viewpoint5,856$48
NYC Edge Immersive Observation Deck at Hudson Yards AdmissionAnyone staying on the west side who wants the open-air ledge and glass floor2,331$41

Prices are indicative "from" values supplied by Viator and change with date, party size and the option chosen. The price you pay is always the one confirmed on Viator.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket

4.5 ★5,856 reviews· 1 hour

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt blends elements of art and technology, taking the concept of an “observation deck” to entirely new heights. Explore three levels of mind-bending multi-sensory immersive experiences set atop the tallest commercial skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan. Enjoy spectacular 360 views of New York City and beyond on all 3 floors of SUMMIT, including close ups views of the Empire State Bu

Indicative from $48 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator
Best for
Travelers who want an experience rather than a viewpoint
What you get
A timed ticket to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt's three levels of mirrored, immersive installations
Key difference
As much an art attraction as a deck — mirrored rooms and glass floors, and the highest midtown vantage point
Booking ahead
The most tightly timed of all five; late-afternoon slots go first and entry is refused outside your window
Glass Floor with incredible views

NYC Edge Immersive Observation Deck at Hudson Yards Admission

4.0 ★2,331 reviews· 1h 30m

Edge NYC is an immersive journey into the sky. Your visit begins on Level 4 of Hudson Yards, where interactive indoor installations introduce you to a multi-sensory experience of light, reflection, and design. Featured installations include: - Pulse immerses you in electric color, light, and sound that distills the city’s intoxicating energy and puts it at your fingertips - Crystal Cave uses shi

Indicative from $41 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator
Best for
Anyone staying on the west side who wants the open-air ledge and glass floor
What you get
Timed admission to Edge at Hudson Yards, including the outdoor sky deck and glass floor panel
Key difference
The highest outdoor deck in the western hemisphere and the only one that juts out into open air
Booking ahead
Closes in high wind; a flexible date matters more here than at the indoor decks

2 eligible options in this group.

Downtown and the harbour

The only deck that looks out over the Statue of Liberty rather than midtown.

Downtown and the harbour: who each option suits, review volume and indicative from price
OptionBest forReviewsFrom (indicative)
New York City One World Observatory Admission TicketVisitors combining the deck with the 9/11 Memorial & Museum downtown2,713$30

Prices are indicative "from" values supplied by Viator and change with date, party size and the option chosen. The price you pay is always the one confirmed on Viator.

New York City One World Observatory Admission Ticket

4.3 ★2,713 reviews· 2 hours

One World Observatory, positioned atop One World Trade Center, offers 360-degree views of the New York skyline from the highest point in the city. The STANDARD EXPERIENCE includes access to all Observatory levels for skyline views and all multimedia experiences. The COMBINATION EXPERIENCE includes PRIORITY access to all Observatory levels for skyline views and all multimedia experiences. Enjoy a

Indicative from $30 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator
Best for
Visitors combining the deck with the 9/11 Memorial & Museum downtown
What you get
Admission to One World Observatory with access to all observatory levels and its multimedia experiences
Key difference
The only view of the harbour, the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn together — midtown is a distant skyline from here
Booking ahead
The cheapest of the five and the easiest to add late, though priority access is a paid upgrade

1 eligible option in this group.

Before you book

Our verdicts

Each verdict cites the evidence behind it. Where the data doesn't support a classification, we leave it out.

Best overall

New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

4.8 ★13,773 reviews· 6 hours

Experience the best of New York City with a knowledgeable, licensed tour guide by your side. Our guides will make your journey unforgettable as they hop off the bus at each stop, giving you an exclusive and personalized sightseeing experience. Relax in the comfort of our climate-controlled tour buses, ensuring a cozy and enjoyable ride while staying protected from the unpredictable weather. Exp

Indicative from $99 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

Highest confidence-weighted score here: 4.8 across 13,773 reviews.

Best value

New York City 90-Minute Cruise: Lady Liberty, Bridges and Skyline

4.5 ★2,448 reviews· 1h 30m

Explore NYC's iconic landmarks and soak in breathtaking views of the city in just 90 minutes! With multiple departures throughout the day, cruise down the majestic Hudson River, passing by Hudson Yards, with the towering One World Trade Center and Ellis Island as your backdrop, until you're within arm's reach of the Statue of Liberty. Marvel at the sights of Lower Manhattan before sailing under th

Indicative from $30 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

Lowest indicative starting price among the strongly rated options in this list (4.5★).

Best premium option

NY Helicopter Tour: Ultimate NYC Sightseeing

4.8 ★1,201 reviews· 17 min

Experience Manhattan from a breathtaking new perspective on a 17-20 minute NYC helicopter tour with HeliNY! Your helicopter ride will lift off from downtown Manhattan and fly past iconic New York City landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Times Square, and Central Park, all the way up to the tip of Manhattan complete with live pilot narration. HeliNY’s NYC helicopter

Indicative from $309 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

Highest indicative price point, with review volume to back it up.

Best for families

NY Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights

4.8 ★1,340 reviews· 12 min

Experience Manhattan from a breathtaking new perspective on a 12-15 minute NYC helicopter tour with HeliNY! Your helicopter ride will lift off from downtown Manhattan and fly past iconic New York City landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Times Square, and Central Park complete with live pilot narration. HeliNY’s NYC helicopter tours are great for guests of all ages,

Indicative from $271 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

Described for families or all ages by the operator.

Every eligible option

New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

4.8 ★13,773 reviews· 6 hours

Experience the best of New York City with a knowledgeable, licensed tour guide by your side. Our guides will make your journey unforgettable as they hop off the bus at each stop, giving you an exclusive and personalized sightseeing experience. Relax in the comfort of our climate-controlled tour buses, ensuring a cozy and enjoyable ride while staying protected from the unpredictable weather. Exp

Indicative from $99 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

All-Access 9/11: Ground Zero Tour, Memorial and Museum, One World Observatory

4.9 ★5,099 reviews· 2 hours

Don't just see the landmarks; understand the legacy. This all-encompassing experience provides a chronological journey through one of history’s most significant days and the resilience that followed. Led by a local guide with personal ties to the events, you will explore the hallowed grounds of the Memorial, gain skip-the-line access to the 9/11 Museum, and end your journey 102 stories up at the O

Indicative from $109 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

Half-Day Bus Tour of NYC Top Highlights

4.9 ★2,758 reviews· 4 hours

Experience New York City’s top sights in just half a day from the comfort of your seat, including Central Park, Rockefeller Center, and the Empire State Building. Capture amazing photos of the Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty. Learn fascinating stories from your expert guide as you visit the 9/11 Memorial and drive by other world-famous NYC sites. - Enjoy the comfort of a luxury bus with ama

Indicative from $65 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket

4.5 ★7,674 reviews· 45 min

At the Empire State Building Observation Deck, voted the #1 Top Attraction in the U.S. in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things to Do, the skyline is not just what you see—it’s what you feel. Start with immersive galleries that bring the building’s story to life, from innovative construction and Art Deco design to pop culture. Then head to the 86th Floor Observatio

Indicative from $50 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket

4.5 ★5,856 reviews· 1 hour

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt blends elements of art and technology, taking the concept of an “observation deck” to entirely new heights. Explore three levels of mind-bending multi-sensory immersive experiences set atop the tallest commercial skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan. Enjoy spectacular 360 views of New York City and beyond on all 3 floors of SUMMIT, including close ups views of the Empire State Bu

Indicative from $48 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

NY Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights

4.8 ★1,340 reviews· 12 min

Experience Manhattan from a breathtaking new perspective on a 12-15 minute NYC helicopter tour with HeliNY! Your helicopter ride will lift off from downtown Manhattan and fly past iconic New York City landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Times Square, and Central Park complete with live pilot narration. HeliNY’s NYC helicopter tours are great for guests of all ages,

Indicative from $271 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

Metropolitan Museum Guided Group Tour

4.8 ★1,086 reviews· 2 hours

One of the world’s greatest art museums, the Metropolitan Museum of Art — aka the Met — is so vast you could easily spend days inside. This tour cuts to the chase, taking you straight to the collection’s highlights for an in-depth look. A knowledgeable guide introduces you to a broad spectrum of art, jewellery, ancient relics and architecture on expert tour, limited to 18 people. This guided Met

Indicative from $55 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

NY Helicopter Tour: Ultimate NYC Sightseeing

4.8 ★1,201 reviews· 17 min

Experience Manhattan from a breathtaking new perspective on a 17-20 minute NYC helicopter tour with HeliNY! Your helicopter ride will lift off from downtown Manhattan and fly past iconic New York City landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Times Square, and Central Park, all the way up to the tip of Manhattan complete with live pilot narration. HeliNY’s NYC helicopter

Indicative from $309 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

New York City 90-Minute Cruise: Lady Liberty, Bridges and Skyline

4.5 ★2,448 reviews· 1h 30m

Explore NYC's iconic landmarks and soak in breathtaking views of the city in just 90 minutes! With multiple departures throughout the day, cruise down the majestic Hudson River, passing by Hudson Yards, with the towering One World Trade Center and Ellis Island as your backdrop, until you're within arm's reach of the Statue of Liberty. Marvel at the sights of Lower Manhattan before sailing under th

Indicative from $30 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

New York Night Tour Open Top Bus Tour

4.4 ★3,112 reviews· 1h 30m

Skyline Night Tour is more than just a ride and it's a high-energy experience led by a live, entertaining guide who brings New York City to life with stories, fun facts, and trivia. From the open-top double-decker bus, you'll take in unbeatable nighttime views of NYC’s most iconic landmarks — including Times Square, the Empire State Building, and the Brooklyn Bridge — all illuminated against the n

Indicative from $59 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator
South view

Top of the Rock Observation Deck New York City Ticket

4.3 ★4,848 reviews· 1 hour

Experience New York City from 70 stories up at the legendary Top of the Rock. This isn’t just a view; it’s a 360-degree panorama of the skyline that leaves every other vantage point in the dust. Your adventure starts at Rockefeller Center’s Welcome Gallery, where you’ll dive into the history of this icon before boarding a high-speed elevator. In just 43 seconds, you’ll be swept up to the 67th flo

Indicative from $46 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

New York City One World Observatory Admission Ticket

4.3 ★2,713 reviews· 2 hours

One World Observatory, positioned atop One World Trade Center, offers 360-degree views of the New York skyline from the highest point in the city. The STANDARD EXPERIENCE includes access to all Observatory levels for skyline views and all multimedia experiences. The COMBINATION EXPERIENCE includes PRIORITY access to all Observatory levels for skyline views and all multimedia experiences. Enjoy a

Indicative from $30 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

City Cruises New York: Bateaux Premier Dinner Cruise

4.4 ★1,474 reviews· 2h 30m

A world-class city deserves a world-class harbor cruise that offers unparalleled service, dining, and entertainment. Come aboard for the New York Premier Plus Dinner Cruise and be treated to a delectable prix fixe menu, and jaw-dropping, panoramic views of New York City’s skyline from the glass enclosed yacht. You’ll see iconic landmarks up close, such as the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Buildi

Indicative from $257 — confirmed on Viator

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New York CityPASS®

4.3 ★2,144 reviews· 9 days

Experience 5 top attractions and save up to 51% with New York CityPASS® tickets. One simple purchase removes the stress of planning, so you can relax and enjoy your memories in the making. With 9 days to use your tickets, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the best sights. New York CityPASS® tickets include one-time admission to your choice of 5 attractions. • Empire State Building Observation

Indicative from $149 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator
Our Beautiful Helicopter!

The Manhattan Helicopter Tour of New York

4.3 ★1,885 reviews· 12 min

Experience the beauty of the New York Harbor including an up-close view of the Statue of Liberty on this helicopter ride over NY. If you think New York City is impressive from the ground, you haven't seen anything until you experience it from the air. Explore classic NYC landmarks including: One World Observatory, Chrysler Building, Empire State Building, Chelsea Piers, The Intrepid Museum, Cent

Indicative from $271 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator
Big Bus New York

New York Pass: 100+ Things To Do including Empire State Building

4.2 ★1,399 reviews· 1 day

Access over 100 top New York attractions, museums and experiences with The New York Pass. Whizz to the top of Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, One World Observatory or Edge for fascinating views, sit back and relax on a Big Bus tour of Manhattan, climb aboard the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty and pay your respects at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum - there's all this and more included on

Indicative from $169 — confirmed on Viator

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Glass Floor with incredible views

NYC Edge Immersive Observation Deck at Hudson Yards Admission

4.0 ★2,331 reviews· 1h 30m

Edge NYC is an immersive journey into the sky. Your visit begins on Level 4 of Hudson Yards, where interactive indoor installations introduce you to a multi-sensory experience of light, reflection, and design. Featured installations include: - Pulse immerses you in electric color, light, and sound that distills the city’s intoxicating energy and puts it at your fingertips - Crystal Cave uses shi

Indicative from $41 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

Go City: New York Explorer Pass: 100+ Things to Do Including Edge

4.0 ★2,074 reviews· 1 day

With the New York Explorer Pass by Go City you get access to your favorite 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 attractions or tours, from over 100 things to do, and save up to 50%* (compared to buying individual attraction tickets). Admire sweeping views from the Empire State Building Observation Deck, Top of the Rock, Edge Immersive Observation Deck and One World Observatory. See the city from a Hop on Hop off Bus,

Indicative from $89 — confirmed on Viator

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