These Are The Best Observation Decks In NYC For 360° Views
These observation decks allow you to see NYC from new heights and unbelievable angles.
Claire Leaden - Editor
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. The 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. Grab tickets here.
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!
Where: 30 Hudson Yards, West Side
2. Empire State Building, 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 observatory 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. Grab an express entry ticket here.
Also — since there are many observatory buildings on this list, we can’t help laughing at how the NYC classic throws shade at all of the other skyline newcomers on TikTok!
One thing to note about this view: it obviously doesn’t have the iconic building in it!
Where: 20 W 34th St
3. 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.
Where: 45 E 42nd St.
4. One World 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.
Where: 117 West St
5. Top of the Rock, 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.
Where: 30 Rockefeller Plaza