The best observation deck in NYC depends on what you want: Top of the Rock for the classic view including the Empire State Building, the Empire State Building for history, Edge for its outdoor sky deck and glass floor, Summit One Vanderbilt for mirrored art rooms, and One World Observatory for the highest view in the city.
The postcard view: the Empire State Building to the south, Central Park to the north.
Top of the Rock's open-air terraces at the top of 30 Rockefeller Plaza offer the classic Manhattan panorama — and, unlike the Empire State Building, the view includes the Empire State Building.
Rockefeller Center's rink, plaza and shops are below.
Good to know: Book a sunset slot.
30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY
The 1931 Art Deco icon, with open-air 86th-floor decks.
The Empire State Building, completed in 1931, remains New York's most famous skyscraper. Its 86th-floor open-air deck wraps around the building, and the 102nd floor offers a higher, enclosed view. A museum on the way up tells the building's story.
It is open late, which makes it a good night-time option.
Good to know: Late-night visits are less crowded.
20 W 34th St, New York, NY
A sky deck jutting out into the air, with a glass floor 100 floors up.
Edge, at Hudson Yards, is an outdoor sky deck projecting from the 100th floor, with angled glass walls you can lean against and a glass floor panel looking straight down. For the brave, City Climb lets you scale the building's exterior.
It is at the northern end of the High Line.
Good to know: Combine it with a High Line walk.
Mirrored, infinity-style art rooms and glass ledges above Grand Central.
Summit One Vanderbilt, beside Grand Central, is as much an art installation as a viewpoint: mirrored rooms that multiply the skyline, glass ledges over Madison Avenue, and an outdoor terrace.
Wear trousers rather than skirts — the floors are mirrored.
Good to know: Bring sunglasses on sunny days; the mirrors are bright.
The highest view in the city, at the top of One World Trade Center.
One World Observatory occupies floors 100 to 102 of One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, with sweeping views over the harbor, the Statue of Liberty and all five boroughs.
It is easy to combine with the 9/11 Memorial.
Good to know: Pair with the 9/11 Memorial & Museum on a downtown day.
For a first visit, Top of the Rock — its view includes the Empire State Building and the whole of Central Park. For a thrill, Edge's outdoor deck and glass floor. For an experience, Summit's mirrored rooms. Most people only need one.
Book a slot about 30–45 minutes before sunset and stay into the dark to see the city by day, at golden hour and lit up at night. Clear, crisp days in autumn and winter give the best visibility.