Pros and cons of New York’s 5 observatories

Empire State Building

HIGHLIGHTS

• An iconic New York landmark. Opened in 1931, the Empire State Building is a masterpiece of Art Deco architecture. Before heading to the elevators, take time to explore the exhibition and learn the building’s full history through period photographs and scale models. Don’t miss the magnificent main lobby overlooking Fifth Avenue on your way out.
• Spectacular views over Midtown. Located south of Midtown, the Empire State Building sits at the heart of Manhattan, giving you a central vantage point over the entire city and sweeping views of Midtown. Go up in late afternoon for beautiful light on the Chrysler Building and Midtown. Stay for sunset—the moment is magical. At night, you’ll see the brilliant lights of Times Square glowing in the distance.

DRAWBACKS

• The observation deck is surrounded by metal grilles. Built decades ago, the Empire State Building’s observation deck is enclosed by tall metal barriers that limit your view. To get around them, press your camera lens against the grilles to shoot through the gaps.
• Crowds. Because the Empire State Building is the most famous observation deck, it draws massive crowds. Peak season waits can be very long. To minimize time in line before reaching the elevators, arrive either early morning or late afternoon. Another option: buy an express ticket. It costs more than a standard ticket, but you’ll be on the observation deck in about 5 minutes.

TICKETS FOR THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING

• Individual tickets: visit the Empire State Building tickets page.
• Passes: admission to the Empire State Building is included in all major tourist passes: New York City Pass, New York Explorer Pass, and New York Pass. With your pass, you’ll need to reserve your entry time. Full instructions will be sent to you once you purchase your pass on our site.

One World Observatory

HIGHLIGHTS

• A spectacular experience. Opened in May 2015, the One World Observatory is a state-of-the-art observation deck with cutting-edge technology. The elevator ride and the observation deck itself hold some delightful surprises we’ll let you discover. 😉
• New York’s highest observation deck. Opened in May 2015, One World Observatory occupies the top three floors of One World Trade Center, from the 100th to the 102nd floor. You’ll be standing over 400 m (1,310 ft) above New York—the highest you can go in the city or anywhere else in America.
• The view from the original Twin Towers. One World Observatory offers the same panoramic view that visitors once enjoyed from the observation deck atop the South Tower of the World Trade Center before its collapse on September 11, 2001. You’ll see all of New York and New Jersey spread out before you.
• Sweeping views of lower Manhattan. Because One World Trade Center stands at the southern tip of Manhattan, you get unobstructed views of the Financial District and New York Harbor, with the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island on the horizon. Go in the morning for the best light on the harbor.

DRAWBACKS

• Long waits are common. One World Observatory is hugely popular, so expect crowds. Even though your ticket specifies an entry time, you may face a lengthy security screening—similar to an airport—before you can go up.
• Entirely enclosed in glass. The entire observation deck is glass-walled. If you want to photograph without reflections, you’ll need to press your camera against the glass. It’s a shame there’s no outdoor terrace like the original World Trade Center observation deck had.
• Noisy main floor. The main observation level echoes like an aquarium, especially when the guides give their presentations. You’d wish you could hear the sounds of the city instead.

TICKETS FOR ONE WORLD OBSERVATORY

• Individual tickets: visit the One World Observatory tickets page. You can choose your time slot, which gives you a specific entry time and helps reduce waiting.
• Passes: admission to One World Observatory is included in the New York Explorer Pass and the New York Pass.

Top of the Rock

HIGHLIGHTS

• Completely unobstructed views. Once you reach the top of the Top of the Rock, take the escalators and stairs to the highest terrace. There you’ll have a completely clear view of New York—no grilles, no glass. An exceptional vantage point! Of all New York’s observation decks, this is my favorite view. 🙂
• The complete Empire State Building. Top of the Rock gives you an unobstructed view of the entire Empire State Building from base to top. Go in the morning for the best light on the building. Central Park within reach. To the north, the observation deck offers beautiful views of Central Park and northern Manhattan. You’ll feel like you can almost touch the new 432 Park Avenue, Midtown’s tallest residential tower.

DRAWBACKS

• The Chrysler Building is blocked. My one real regret every time I reach the top of Top of the Rock: while the New York view is fantastic, it’s disappointing that the Chrysler Building is hidden behind the bulk of the MetLife Building. You only see half of it. But honestly, all the other advantages of Top of the Rock more than make up for this.
• Lines can be long on the way down. The ride up is quick, but the descent can take time when it’s crowded. But really, that’s not a problem: when it gets too busy, just hop back on the escalator to enjoy the view again! 🙂

TICKETS FOR TOP OF THE ROCK

• Individual tickets: visit the Top of the Rock tickets page. Once in New York, you can either go straight up or exchange your confirmation for a timed ticket for the same day or another day. Great for avoiding lines!
• Passes: admission to Top of the Rock is included in the New York City Pass, the Explorer Pass, and the New York Pass.

Summit One Vanderbilt

HIGHLIGHTS

• A unique experience. New York’s newest observation deck, Summit One Vanderbilt, offers a spectacular setting with incredible mirror effects. Several art installations create equally surprising visual effects. You’ll also experience suspended cabins that extend out over the void.
• Breathtaking views. From its Midtown location, Summit One Vanderbilt offers a grand panorama of the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building, which it towers over by just a few meters. If you’re a photographer, Summit One Vanderbilt will inspire original shots, especially by playing with reflections.

DRAWBACKS

• Crowds at the glass. At peak times, you’ll need patience to take a photo without being jostled by other visitors. Summit One Vanderbilt attracts plenty of selfie enthusiasts, especially at sunset.
• One-way route. Be aware that you cannot backtrack between floors. The path flows in one direction, so make the most of each area knowing you won’t see the full route again after you leave.

TICKETS FOR SUMMIT ONE VANDERBILT

• Individual tickets: visit the Summit One Vanderbilt tickets page. This is the only observation deck in New York not included in any pass.

The Edge

HIGHLIGHTS

• Dizzying architecture. Perched atop 30 Hudson Yards, The Edge is a new platform that defies the laws of physics. Its pointed terrace juts out over the void at 382 m (1,253 ft). Will you dare walk on the glass floor?
• A fresh perspective. Located near the Hudson River, The Edge offers a very different vantage point from other Midtown observation decks. You get more distance from the Midtown skyline and sweeping views down the Hudson River and over the Meatpacking District. If you’ve already visited the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock, this is another observation deck worth adding to your list.

DRAWBACKS

• Waits for certain photo spots. Expect to wait if you want a selfie at the tip of the terrace or a shot on the glass floor. These two spots are major draws, and you’ll need to take your turn for a clear moment.
• Bright lights at night. After dark, powerful floodlights illuminate the building. This actually interferes with the view from the glass floor.

TICKETS FOR THE EDGE

• Individual tickets: visit the The Edge tickets page. You can choose your entry time and skip the line.
• Passes: admission to The Edge is included in the Pass C3, the Explorer Pass, and the New York Pass.

One Times Square

• A sixth observation deck is set to open in New York in 2025: One Times Square. Located at the top of the building of the same name at the corner of Broadway and 43rd Street, it will offer sweeping views down into Times Square. Stay tuned!