‌
‌
‌
‌
‌
‌

The observation decks across NYC at a glance

Observation decks in NYC: One World Observatory, Top of the Rock, Edge, Empire State, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, Vessel.

Deep dive: What you’ll find at each NYC observation deck

Each NYC observation deck offers something entirely different. From architectural marvels to immersive art, this guide breaks down what to expect at each one, including elevation, access, and standout moments.

Guests enjoying the night view at Summit One Vanderbilt with city skyline.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

​SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is an observation experience that combines cutting-edge art installations with some of the best panoramic views of New York City. From its glass floors to open-air terraces and reflective rooms, it’s a unique way to see the city from above while being immersed in creativity.

Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible with ADA-compliant elevators and ramps
Elevator access: Yes, ultra-fast elevators to all levels
Ticket types: Admission, guided tour, skip-the-line, & combos
Add-on experiences: Ascent glass elevator ride

Highlights:

  • Interactive mirror rooms (Air, Affinity)
  • Skyboxes with glass floors (Levitation)
  • 80-mile visibility on a clear day
  • Unique combination of design, technology, and height

Recommended tickets:

  • SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Tickets
  • SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Night Experience Tickets
  • SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Edge NYC observation deck with panoramic views of Manhattan skyline.

Edge NYC

This highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, Edge offers thrilling views from a sharp, triangular platform that juts out over Manhattan. If you’re brave enough, you can step onto the glass floor or lean over the angled glass walls for a heart-pounding, unforgettable perspective of the city below.

Accessibility: Fully accessible with ADA-compliant elevators and mobility assistance available
Elevator access: Yes, 52 seconds to the top
Ticket types: General admission, flex pass, express pass, city climb add-on, & combos
Add-on experiences: City Climb (exterior building ascent)

Highlights:

  • Outdoor triangular deck jutting 80 ft out
  • Angled glass walls and transparent floor
  • Champagne bar at the top
  • Perfect for golden hour and thrill-seekers

Recommended tickets:

  • Edge Observation Deck Tickets: Timed Entry
  • Edge Express Pass: Skip-the-Line & Flexible Entry
  • Edge Flex Pass: Flexible Entry Tickets
  • City Climb Skyscraping Experience with Edge Observation Deck Tickets
New York City skyline featuring One World Trade Center.

One World Observatory

​One World Observatory sits atop the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, the One World Trade Center. It uses high-tech features like interactive digital displays, a mesmerizing “Sky Portal”—a 14-foot-wide circular video screen that shows real-time street views below—and immersive multimedia exhibits that share the NYC’s history and stories.

Accessibility: Fully accessible with ADA-compliant entry, exhibits, and elevators
Elevator access: Yes, immersive SkyPod in 47 seconds
Ticket types: Standard, all-inclusive, deluxe, VIP tour, & combos
Add-on experiences: ONE Dine restaurant reservations

Highlights:

  • Time-lapse ride in immersive elevators
  • “See Forever” Theater and city guide displays
  • Full indoor deck with floor-to-ceiling windows
  • Views of the harbor, Brooklyn, and beyond

Recommended tickets:

  • One World Observatory Standard Ticket: Skip-the-Box Office & Timed Entry
  • One World Observatory All-Inclusive Ticket: Skip-All-Lines & Flexible Entry
  • One World Observatory Deluxe Ticket: Skip-All-Lines & Timed Entry
  • One World Observatory VIP Tour
New York City skyline with Empire State Building from Top of the Rock, Rockefeller Center.

Empire State Building

A classic New York City landmark, the Empire State Building is famous for its iconic art deco design and starring roles in countless movies like King Kong and Sleepless in Seattle. You can take in gorgeous city views from the open-air 86th floor or head up to the enclosed 102nd floor for an even higher vantage point.

Accessibility: Fully ADA-compliant with accessible exhibits, restrooms, and elevators
Elevator access: Yes, to both 86th and 102nd floors
Ticket types: General admission, skip-the-line, & combos
Add-on experiences: Midtown walking tour

Highlights:

  • Classic art deco interiors and historic exhibits
  • Open-air main deck (86th) and enclosed top deck (102nd)
  • Unobstructed views of Midtown, Downtown, and Central Park
  • Great for first-timers and history buffs

Recommended tickets:

  • Empire State Building: General Admission Tickets
  • Empire State Building: Skip-the-Line Tickets
Guests sitting on a beam with New York City skyline view at Top of the Rock.

Top of the Rock

Head to Top of the Rock for some of the best open-air views in NYC, with clear sightlines of Central Park to the north and the Empire State Building to the south. It’s perfect for snapping unforgettable photos. With multiple outdoor terraces, you get unobstructed, fresh-air views.

Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible with elevator access to all levels
Elevator access: Yes
Ticket types: General admission, & combos
Add-on experiences: Rockefeller Center guided tour

Highlights:

  • Tiered decks with minimal barriers
  • Head-on view of the Empire State Building
  • Indoor gallery for colder days
  • Usually less crowded than other decks

Recommended tickets:

  • Top of the Rock Observation Deck Tickets
Exterior view of the Vessel in New York with surrounding skyscrapers.

Vessel

Part public art, part climbing challenge, Vessel is known for its honeycomb design and symmetry. You can soak in views of the neighborhood, including the Hudson River and the nearby High Line park, from the top.

Accessibility: Limited; elevator access to select levels only
Elevator access: Yes, but restricted; priority for those with mobility needs
Ticket types: General admission, & combos
Add-on experiences: None

Highlights:

  • 16 stories of climbable staircases
  • Unique interior views of Hudson Yards
  • Free to visit (when open)
  • Instagram-famous structure

Recommended tickets:

  • Vessel General Admission Tickets

Average wait times at NYC observation decks

Visitors stargazing through telescopes at Summit One Vanderbilt, New York City, during Astronomy Nights event.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

30–45 mins

Edge Observation Deck view of New York City skyline with Hudson River in the background.

Edge NYC

20–40 mins

Vessel structure in New York City with visitors on staircases at sunset.

Vessel

10–15 mins

Visitors enjoying panoramic views at One World Observatory, New York City.

One World Observatory

30–60 mins

Group enjoying skyline view from Top of the Rock Observation Deck, New York City.

Top of the Rock

15–30 mins

View of New York City skyline and Hudson River from Empire State Building.

Empire State Building

30–60 mins

Skip the lines & head straight to the top

NYC observation decks are popular, and that means exhausting queues. Save yourself the hassle and time by booking skip-the-line tickets. Trust us, it’s worth it when you're breezing past the crowds and heading straight for the view.

Pro tip: Want to make your visit more special? Go for VIP access or guided tours.

A look at your views from on top

Busy New York street with Empire State Building in the background.

Empire State Building: Midtown marvel

See the Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center, and the full Manhattan skyline from this legendary vantage point.

Four people standing on mirrored floor at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, New York City.
View from The Edge NYC Observation Deck overlooking Manhattan skyline.
Tourist viewing New York City skyline from One World Observatory.
Viewing New York City skyline from Top of the Rock, Rockefeller Center.

Know before you go

Visitors at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt observation deck with reflective spheres, New York City skyline in view.

Timings

  • SUMMIT One Vanderbilt: Monday to Sunday from 9am to 12am
  • Edge NYC: Monday to Sunday from 8am to 11pm
  • One World Observatory: Monday to Sunday from 9am to 9pm
  • Top of the Rock: Monday to Sunday from 8am to 12am
  • Empire State Building: Monday to Sunday from 10am to 11pm
  • Vessel: Monday to Sunday from 10am to 9pm

Location

  • SUMMIT One Vanderbilt: Vanderbilt Avenue, New York, NY 10017, USA | Find on Maps
  • Edge NYC: 30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001, United States | Find on Maps
  • One World Observatory: 117 West St, New York, USA | Find on Maps
  • Top of the Rock: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112, United States | Find on Maps
  • Empire State Building: 20 West 34th St., New York, NY 10001, United States | Find on Maps
  • Vessel: 20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001, United States | Find on Maps

Tips for making the most of your visit

  • Want to mix art and skyline views? Head to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, where immersive mirror installations like Air and Affinity surround you with light, reflections, and floating silver orbs.
  • For an exhilarating experience: Make your way to Edge NYC, where you can step onto the angled glass floor for heart-pounding views straight down to the streets of Hudson Yards, and lean into the glass walls for a thrill you won’t forget.
  • Into design and architecture? Climb the Vessel, a honeycomb-like structure made of 154 intricately interwoven staircases that makes for a striking centerpiece at Hudson Yards.
  • Bundle by location: Edge and Vessel are both in Hudson Yards, just minutes apart so you can visit them back-to-back. Pair SUMMIT and Top of the Rock which are both in Midtown. 
  • Catch the sunset: Book a slot around golden hour (about 1 hour before sunset) for the best light and stunning transition from day to night. 
  • For outdoor decks: It can get windy and chilly up there, even in warmer months. Bring an extra layer, especially if you're visiting Edge or Top of the Rock.
‌
‌

Frequently asked questions about observation decks in New York City

Which observation deck has the best sunset experience?

Edge and SUMMIT both offer magical sunsets. Edge, being open-air and west-facing, gives you that dramatic golden glow over the Hudson. SUMMIT, thanks to its mirror-filled rooms, turns sunset into a kaleidoscope of light. For photos, Edge wins. For atmosphere, SUMMIT stuns.

How accessible are these for people with mobility challenges?

All the decks are wheelchair accessible. Elevators are available at each venue, and restrooms are ADA-compliant. If you’re bringing a stroller or mobility aid, you’ll have no issues.

Which one is best for kids or families?

​Top of the Rock and One World Observatory are great for families with less sensory overload and more educational elements. SUMMIT can be overstimulating for inexperienced kids, though older ones will love the interactive art. Edge is exciting but might feel intimidating to those afraid of heights.

What’s the best observation deck for first-time NYC visitors?

Edge or Top of the Rock are top picks. Edge for the wow-factor and engineering marvel, and Top for its classic skyline view including the Empire State Building and Central Park.

Are there any packages that combine two or more decks?

Yes! Go for combo tickets like Empire State Building + SUMMIT or Top of the Rock + Edge. These save you time and money, and are perfect for stacking up those skyline experiences in one trip.

Which deck is best at night?

At night, Edge and One World Observatory shine the brightest—literally! SUMMIT One Vanderbilt transforms after dark into a surreal, mirror-filled dreamscape with glowing city reflections and immersive art that feels otherworldly.

Can I stargaze from the decks?

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt occasionally hosts special Astronomy Nights where you can stargaze using telescopes while an astronomer guides you through the experience.

New York travel inspiration straight to your inbox

Explore new cities with curated experiences, instant cashback, exclusive deals and essential travel tips!

Headout Email Subscription
Top Things to Do in New York
Top Attractions:
Entertainment:
Top Experiences:
Travel Guide:
City Cards:
New York Tickets
Scan code
Download the Headout app

Get Help 24/7

Headout

We Accept
VISA
MASTERCARD
AMEX
PAYPAL
MAESTROCARD
APPLEPAY
GPAY
DISCOVER
DINERS
IDEAL
FPX