Any view of NYC is wondrous in and of itself, but perhaps the most astounding are the ones that allow you to take it in from every angle, allll the way around.
With brand new observation decks and immersive observatory experiences opening the past few years, there has never before been so many options for seeing the NYC skyline in 360 degrees.
Take in the views from photos below, and then plan where to visit in person asap!
1. One World Trade Observatory, Lower Manhattan
One World Observatory offers one-of-a-kind downtown view of the city, including Brooklyn and the East River, and the chance to be at the top of an iconic skyline building: One World Trade Center (or, the Freedom Tower). This observation deck is entirely indoors with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, making it perfect for any time of year, and actually is the true highest point in the city. It’s also the tallest building in the Western hemisphere.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 9 am – 9 pm
Price: $44
Height: 1,268 ft
Neighborhood: Financial District
Special Attractions: SkyPod elevators, Global Welcome Center, Horizon Grid, See Forever® Theater, ONE Dine
Nearby Attractions: 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Ellis Island, Wall Street, Brookfield Place
Insider Tip: Before you head to One World Observatory, be sure to book your tickets ahead of time to avoid waiting in lines. For the best experience, purchase the All-Inclusive ticket option, which includes stunning views, priority entry, access to One World Explorer (their digital skyline guide), flexible arrival, and $15 to shop drink or eat at OWO. We also recommend reserving a spot at ONE Dine, a rooftop restaurant that’s perfect for date night or a special occasion.
Tickets: Purchase them here!
Where: 117 West St
2. EDGE, Hudson Yards
The tallest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere is right here in NYC: EDGE in Hudson Yards. The 1,131-foot-high wonder juts out of the building about 80-feet (enclosed by a nine-foot-tall glass wall), offering truly one-of-a-kind, unobstructed views.
In the same Hudson Yards building is the restaurant Peak, which is technically higher up than EDGE so the views may even be slightly better! The expansive bar looks right out over the city, made especially beautiful at sunset and once the buildings light up at night. And don’t forget, after 10:30 p.m. it converts into a bar with live DJ performances!
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 8 am – 11 pm
Price: $40+
Height: 1,131 ft
Neighborhood: Hudson Yards
Special Attractions: City Climb Experience, SHADES installation, Fitness in the Sky
Nearby Attractions: The Vessel, The Shed, The High Line, Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden
Insider Tip: Parlay your visit to EDGE with one of their unique sky-high programs like City Climb, which lets you scale the side of EDGE or Fitness in the Sky, a morning yoga session on the EDGE sky deck in partnership with Equinox. Don’t forget to bring a windbreaker since EDGE’s observation deck sits near the breezy Hudson River on the west side.
Tickets: Grab tickets here.
Where: 30 Hudson Yards, West Side
3. Empire State Building Observation Deck, Midtown
The Empire State Building arguably started the 360-degree view offering — it opened in 1931 after all, and at one point was the tallest building in the world. Head to the legendary 86th Floor viewing deck where many a movie and TV show has taken place to catch the full circle of views, as the open-air observatory wraps completely around its iconic spire.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10 am – 11 pm
Price: $44+
Height: 1,250 ft
Neighborhood: Midtown
Special Attractions: Multiple observation decks (86th main floor, 102nd top floor), History exhibits, Museum
Nearby Attractions: Rockefeller Center, Madison Square Garden, Bryant Park, Top of the Strand
Insider Tip: Allow extra time during your Empire State Building visit to explore the exhibits and installations that tell the story of the famous building. Some of these include the famous King Kong hands, the celebrity wall of A-list celebrities who’ve visited, and more. Just a reminder that this observation deck of course doesn’t have the ESB on the skyline view because you’re on it!
Tickets: Grab an express entry ticket here.
Where: 20 W 34th St
4. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, Grand Central
SUMMIT is NYC’s newest observatory in the game, boasting lots of unique elements along with killer views. There are fully transparent glass sky boxes called “Levitation” which allow you to “step out” onto the city, the all-glass “Ascent” elevators that will take you 364 feet up the side of the building, and the main mirrored walk-through art experience “Air.” See more here.
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday (closed Tuesdays), 9 am – 12 am
Price: $43+
Height: 1,401 ft
Neighborhood: Midtown
Special Attractions: Ascent (glass bottom elevator), Immersive art installations
Nearby Attractions: Grand Central Terminal, Grand Central Market, New York Public Library, Chrysler Building
Insider Tip: If you’re looking for something more than a traditional sky deck, go here, since there’s so many art installations that add to the experience. There’s rooms filled with reflective surfaces, floating balloons, and glass overhangs which totally elevate a viewing experience.
Tickets: Purchase them here!
Where: 45 E 42nd St
5. Top of the Rock Observation Deck, Midtown
Located at the top of the iconic 30 Rockefeller Center, this famous observatory spans three floors of both indoor and outdoor observation decks. Different terraces face east, west, north, and south, making it the ultimate panoramic paradise. They also recently opened up “The Beam”, a thrilling experience that allows guests to recreate the famous 1932 photograph “Lunch Atop a Skyscraper.”
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 8 am – 12 am
Price: $34+
Height: 850 ft
Neighborhood: Midtown
Special Attractions: The Beam
Nearby Attractions: Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Bryant Park, The Museum of Modern Art
Insider Tip: Coincide your trip to Top of the Rock with a visit to downstairs Rockefeller Plaza, which often has seasonal programming like ice rinks, the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, shops, and so much more.
Tickets: Purchase them here!
Where: 30 Rockefeller Plaza
6. Statue of Liberty Crown
See the New York City skyline through the eyes of Lady Liberty, where visitors can climb to the top of one of the world’s most famous statues! Once you take the ferry across the water to Liberty Island, you can climb up the 162 stairs to the very crown of the landmark. It’s important to note that this walk is strenuous, and there are no elevators to the Statue of Liberty‘s crown.
For the best visit, be aware that there are a limited number of crown tickets per day, and that reservations are required (and they book up fast). If you plan on visiting the crown, be sure to book out tickets at least a month in advance.
Opening Hours:
Price: $25+
Height: 265 ft
Neighborhood: Downtown Manhattan
Special Attractions: Observation deck in crown
Nearby Attractions: Ellis Island
Insider Tip: A ferry trip is required to visit the Statue of Liberty, and Statue City Cruises is the official ticket provider for tours. Beware of unauthorized third party ticket vendors and opt for Statue City Cruises if you wish to visit. Also, be sure to wear comfortable footwear if going on the crown observation deck as you have to climb stairs (no elevator).
Tickets: Purchase them here!
Where: Liberty Island