Best Observations Decks in NYC: Pros & Cons of Each + Best Pick
Choosing the best observation deck in NYC doesn’t have to be complicated. In this simple guide, we’ll provide some guiding factors and the pros and cons of each of the five most popular options for seeing New York City from above.
And, of course, we’ll provide our choice for the best overall observation deck in New York City!
Note: This article was written by a real live human being who lives in New York City, not artificial intelligence. 🥸
Best Observation Decks in NYC Podcast Episode
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One World Trade Observation Deck Review: Pros & Cons
One World Trade Center is the tallest building in America, standing at 1,776 feet tall. The Observation Deck allows you to go thousands of feet up in that building to get unobscured views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Statue of Liberty, and more!
Let’s look at the pros and cons of One World Trade Observation Deck. 👇
Pros of One World Trade Observation Deck:
- Most unique viewpoint since the rest of the observation decks are in Midtown
- Best views of the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
- Restaurant with a beautiful view at the top with fair-ish prices
- Great in the winter since you’re inside and don’t have to brave the elements
- Offers 2-for-1; go before 1 pm and go back after 5 pm on the same day for free
- Highest point in all of New York City & tallest building in the United States, 1,776 feet
Cons of One World Trade Observation Deck:
- Indoors means lower-quality pictures
- Being indoors takes away from the feeling of being “outside” that high up
- No views of Central Park and uptown areas
Price: Starts around $39
Get tickets via Viator here.
One Vanderbilt Observation Deck Review: Pros & Cons
One Vanderbilt is a new observation deck in New York City that provides sweeping views of Central Park, Manhattan, and the surrounding skyscrapers.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of One Vanderbilt. 👇
Pros of One Vanderbilt Observation Deck:
- World’s largest external glass bottom elevator (premium upgrade)
- More “experience-centric” with a variety of exhibits, art, and experiences across three floors
- Indoor and outdoor options combined into one overall experience
Cons of One Vanderbilt Observation Deck:
- Many people say the views are better from other decks
- The art/experience type stuff is a haven for people only there for Instagram & selfies
Price: Starts around $45
Get tickets via Viator here.
Top of the Rock Observation Deck Review: Pros & Cons
The Top of the Rock Observation Deck is part of the Rockefeller Center in Midtown and offers some great history and views.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of Top of the Rock below. 👇
Pros of Top of the Rock:
- Very central location with immersive views on all sides of the heart of the city
- Unique view of Empire State Building and One Vanderbilt
- There are many activities around the observation deck (before or after): ice skating, lots of shops, being close to Times Square, 5th Ave shopping, etc.
Cons of Top of the Rock:
- Smaller view platform than some of the others
- Feels more crowded than other observation decks
Price: Starts around $49
Get tickets via Viator here.
This Episode’s You’ll Have to Check It Out Segment – Caffè Panna
Caffè Panna’s Manhattan location is on the corner of Irving Place and 19th Street and is open from Wednesday to Sunday.
Caffè Panna is renowned for its affogato, espresso poured over ice cream. They also offer a variety of rotating flavors, meaning you can return continually without repeating your order!
Prices range from $5 to $15.
Check out Caffè Panna in Manhattan here or their Brooklyn location here.
Empire State Building Observation Deck Review: Pros & Cons
The Empire State Building Observation Deck is one of the most famous and long-standing buildings and observation decks in the city. One of our favorite parts of going here is the way they lay out the history and stories of the building and its construction!
Let’s look at the pros and cons below. 👇
Pros of Empire State Building Observation Deck:
- Can do “bounce back” for free for evening times with the same ticket
- Cool educational experience about the building of the Empire State (built in 410 days), at one time the tallest building in the world
- Iconic, original lookout spot with lots of history and great views of most of Manhattan
Cons of Empire State Building Observation Deck:
- The views and pictures are diminished because of the grating and metal around the edge 👇
- The area doesn’t have as much right near it to do, and Herald Square isn’t the best place to visit at night
Price: Starts around $45
Get tickets via Viator here.
The Edge Observation Deck with Glass Floor Review: Pros & Cons
Our favorite observation deck in New York City is The Edge. You get the most unique views, the ability to be inside or outside, AND the glass floor on the deck is an enthralling experience.
Pros of The Edge:
- The glass floor is a unique experience you won’t find elsewhere
- Our favorite panoramic views of all directions from a central location: downtown, Central Park, New Jersey/Hudson, uptown, etc.. Especially with the glass walls, you get views of the city, park, and water of NYC all in one spot
- An enjoyable educational experience about Hudson Yards as you go into the observation deck
- The tallest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere
Cons of the Edge:
- It can be confusing to find since it’s inside of a mall
- It can be highly crowded depending on the time of year, with lines for the best picture spots
- Food and drink options are costly, even by NYC standards
Price: Starts around $40
Get tickets via Viator here.
Is There a Free Observation Deck in NYC?
While there aren’t any free observation decks in New York City, there are some spots with amazing views for free (or the price of a drink).
Related Reading: Cheap/Free Alternatives to NYC Tourist Attractions
Here are some buildings & spots in New York City where you can get great views without paying for a ticket:
- The public library rooftop at Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (free) on the corner of 5th Avenue and 40th Street (close to flagship NYPL location)
- Instead, take the money you’d spend on an observation deck and go to a bar with a view – 2 for 1
- Whitney Museum has beautiful rooftop views of Chelsea and lower Manhattan
- Pier 57 rooftop or Little Island (free)
- Roof of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
- Brooklyn Bridge Park (free)
- Central Park (free)
- Woolman Rink
- Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir
- Great Lawn
Best Observations Decks in NYC Recap
Ultimately, any observation deck in NYC will be an excellent option for taking in the sweeping views of the massive city!
The most important thing to consider is whether you want both indoor AND outdoor viewing options (the biggest downfall of One World Trade) and what parts of the city you care to see most.
Our favorite option is The Edge. You get great views of Central Park and Midtown, a full view of downtown, and phenomenal views of the Hudson River.
Tickets for The Edge start at $36.
Get tickets via Viator here.
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Devin Stagg
As long-time lovers of New York City we made the plunge to move across the country to NYC in early 2021... with our 3 dogs at the time (RIP Buddy). We consider ourself experts in exploring new restaurants, finding the best-rated bars, and activities actually worth doing. Plus, my Google Maps organizational skills are 2nd to none. 😜
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