NYC is one of the most photographic cities on the planet and the best way to truly appreciate the city is by getting sky high and visiting one of the best observatories in New York City!
There are 5 official observation decks in the Big Apple where you can soak up panoramic views and get an eyeful of Manhattan and its surroundings from the sky.
But five is a lot of options to choose from if you’re only planning a weekend in the city. You need to think ahead and decide which one (or ones!) most appeal to you.
One thing that can surely be said about the observatories in New York City is that each is unique in its own way. The one thing that all of the platforms share of course is that they provide an out-of-this-world view!
Read on for my ultimate guide to the best observation decks in NYC which is here to help you find your perfect match.
*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*
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Table of Contents
Overview of the Observatories in New York City
As I said, there are 5 New York observatories where it is possible to purchase tickets and appreciate incredible city views. All 5 of these are situated on Manhattan Island – most are in Midtown Manhattan – and are easily accessible via NYC’s awesome public transport network.
Here is a quick overview of the best observation decks in NYC, with a handy comparison table right below.
- Top of the Rock: Located atop the Rockefeller Center, the Top of the Rock replaces an earlier observatory that used to be situated here.
- Empire State Building: The very beacon of the city features its own viewing platforms on the 86th and 102nd floors.
- SUMMIT One Vanderbilt: The youngest observatory on the scene dazzles with its meticulous attention to detail and contemporary touches.
- Edge: With its epic views and thrill-seeking City Climb add-on activity, the Edge is the best observatory in NYC for getting an adrenaline rush!
- One World Observatory: Situated at the top of the One World Trade Center, the One World Observatory is the tallest offering on the list, located atop the highest building in the Western Hemisphere.
| NAME | HEIGHT OF THE OBSERVATION DECK | TICKET PRICE | BEST FOR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top of the Rock | 70th floor (850 feet/260 meters) | From 40 USD | Overall views and experience |
| Empire State Building | 86th floor (1,050 feet/320 meters) and 102nd floor (1,250 feet/381 meters) | From 44 USD | Nostalgic souls and history lovers |
| SUMMIT One Vanderbilt | 92nd floor (1,063 feet/324 meters) | From 39 USD | Overall height and innovative cultural activities |
| Edge | 100th floor (1,100 feet/335 meters) | From 38 USD | Adrenaline seekers |
| One World Observatory | 102nd floor (1,268 feet/386 meters) | From 43 USD | Connecting with the tragic recent history of the area |
Best Observatories in New York City
Now we will go through each of the observation decks in fine detail so that you can choose the best observatory in New York to visit if you can only see one of them. Let’s get into it!
1. Top of the Rock
Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112
Year opened: 2005
Opening hours: 10 am-10 pm
Height of observation deck: 70th floor (850 feet/260 meters)
Ticket price: From $40
Available with: New York Pass, New York CityPASS, Go City Explorer Pass, The Sightseeing FLEX Pass, The Sightseeing DAY Pass
The crown jewel of the Rockefeller Center, the Top of the Rock is located at the summit of the Rockefeller Center. This observatory in fact replaced an earlier platform that had occupied the top of the skyscraper between the years 1933 and 1986.
The current observation deck comprises both indoor and outdoor viewing decks 70 floors up. Two of these are exposed platforms, offering an open-air experience and a wealth of photography opportunities.
Despite being the least tall of the five observatories in New York, the Top of the Rock more than makes up for this in what it offers as far as views. Definitely do not be put off by its statistics!
In fact, the Top of the Rock is still my personal favorite to this day, even after visiting all 5 observatories in New York City multiple times. If you’re looking for the best Instagram spots in NYC, don’t miss it!
The 360-degree panorama sweeps across Central Park and the iconic skyscrapers of the city including the Empire State Building making it one of the best observation decks overall.
View from the Top of the Rock
How to get there
The Top of the Rock is located in Midtown Manhattan in the Rockefeller Plaza. The main entrance to the observatory is on 50th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues on the south side of the street. A large red carpet on the sidewalk marks the entrance.
The closest subway stations are the 47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Ctr and the 5 Avenue-53 St Station. Each is less than a 5-minute walk away. Bus routes M2, M3, M5, M7, and M50 all stop close by on the surrounding blocks.
Ticket types
- General Admission: These are the cheapest tickets available and permit entry to all three viewing decks. Tickets start from $40 for adults, $34 for children, and $38 for seniors.
- Express Pass: Perfect for those on a tight schedule, this upgrade permits expedited entry and priority access to the elevators for $75.
- VIP Ticket: This option includes a guided tour, priority entry to all three decks, and private elevator rides for $95.
What to expect
When you visit the Top of the Rock, you are required to pass through a security screening. Weapons (including Swiss army knives and similar), lighters, glass bottles, and flammable substances are not permitted.
Nor are you allowed to carry any food or drink with you: these are all typical procedures when visiting any of the best observation decks in NYC.
Top of the Rock operates a scheduled ticketing system. When purchasing your tickets, you will be asked to select a date and specific time that works best for you.
Unlike the rest of the listings in this guide, it is also possible to purchase “unscheduled” tickets which you can then exchange nearer the time for timed tickets at the Box Office. However, this will be subject to availability.
Top of the Rock is located in a very central part of NYC. Allow additional time to locate the entrance and clear security, especially during the summer season and the holidays.
Pros-Cons
PROS
- There is a free app available that you can download and learn about the attraction while you’re exploring.
- It is the best observation deck in NYC if you want views of Central Park and the Empire State Building.
- Thanks to the open-air viewing platforms on two separate levels, it’s a dream for photographers wanting to capture the iconic New York skyline.
CONS
- As the Top of the Rock is located in the Rockefeller Center, a thriving commercial and entertainment hub, you will need to contend with a lot of crowds.
- It’s the least tall of the New York observatories which might not sound as impressive when you tell your friends back home.
- As it’s one of the oldest observation decks, it lacks any special or modern entertainment features.
2. Empire State Building
Address: 20 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001
Year opened: 1931
Opening hours: 10 am-10 pm
Height of observation deck: 86th floor (1,050 feet/320 meters) and 102nd floor (1,250 feet/381 meters)
Ticket price: From $44
Available with: New York Pass, New York CityPASS, Go City Explorer Pass, The Sightseeing FLEX Pass, The Sightseeing DAY Pass
The Empire State Building is the ultimate icon in NYC’s cityscape and one of the most recognizable skyscrapers in the world.
The main observatory at the Empire State Building is situated on the 86th floor of the legendary Art Deco tower. A second, newly-opened observation deck is located on the 102nd floor and requires a combined ticket if you want to visit both.
The upper level – fully internalized – is decked out with floor-to-ceiling windows that stretch as far as 80 miles (128 km) on a clear day. Honestly, I don’t think it’s worth it for almost twice the price, but of course, it’s your decision.
You can appreciate exquisite views on the 86th floor if you don’t want to splash out on the combined ticket. This deck is partially covered and partially exposed to the elements.
Constructed in 1930, the tower was established as the world’s first to surpass 100 stories. Standing proudly as the original best observatory in NYC, the Empire State Building was recognized as a National Historic Landmark by the National Parks Services in 1986.
In 2007, it ranked number one on the list of America’s Favorite Architecture by the American Institute of Architects.
View from the Empire State Building
How to get there
The Empire State Building is located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Access to the observatory is via the designated visitors’ center on 20 W. 34th St.
33rd Street, 34th Street – Penn Station, and 34 St – Herald Sq subway station are each located less than a 5-minute walk away. A fleet of buses including the M34-SBS, QM10, QM12, QM15, QM16, QM17, QM18, and QM24 stop right outside on W 34th St.
Ticket types
- Main Deck 86th Floor: The most basic ticket type that grants access to the main observation deck on the 86th floor. Adult: $44, Child: $38, Senior: $42.
- Express Pass 86th Floor: This pass is perfect if you’re running short on time as you can skip the lines on your way to the main deck on the 86th floor. It costs $80 for all visitors.
- Top Deck 86th & 102nd Floor: If you want to visit both observation decks at the Empire State Building, you should purchase this ticket type. Adult: $77, Child: $71, Senior: $75.
- Express Pass 86th & 102nd Floor: With this pass, you can bypass all the queues to the very top of the building. It costs $113 for all visitors.
- Premium Experience: Limited to a cozy 7 guests per party, this option includes a 90-minute guided tour, priority access including skip-the-line priviledges, and a complimentary photo for $175 per person.
- Sunrise at ESB: Capped at a maximum of 40 guests, this unique experience invites you to witness the sunrise over the streets of NYC from the 86th floor! A real once in a lifetime experience atop one of the most famous observatories in New York City. Tickets are only available on selected Saturday mornings and start from $125.
- AM/PM Experience: You can’t decide whether you want to go up during the day or during the night? There’s a solution for that! In this case, choosing the AM/PM experience is the best option as with this ticket type, you can go up to the observatory twice a day.
- ESB All Access Tour: Led by your personal Empire State Building Ambassador, this package includes priority access, champagne, and all the bells and whistles of a Red Carpet experience. Tickets cost $500 per person.
What to expect
As with the Top of the Rock, you are required to pass through an airline-style security screening prior to your visit to the Empire State Building. Again, you should refrain from taking the typical banned items such as firearms, flammable substances, alcoholic drinks, any exterior food, and sport or music equipment.
You will then ride the elevator directly to the 86th floor where you can roam at leisure. All tickets also permit access to the interactive exhibition galleries on the 2nd floor, which you can visit after experiencing the view.
Pros-Cons
PROS
- The 2nd and 80th-floor exhibition spaces were each renovated in 2019 at the same time the 102nd observatory was added, to provide an entirely new perspective while visiting the classic landmark.
- As the Empire State Building is a bucket-list icon, it is the best observatory in New York City for those with nostalgic souls.
- The 86th floor is partially open so you don’t have to shoot through a glass wall (goodbye, reflections!)
CONS
- As you are standing atop the Empire State Building, you miss out on seeing the masterpiece from a bird’s eye perspective.
- Tripods are prohibited, which is not ideal if you’re traveling solo or want to take couple shots.
- The observation deck on the 86th floor is pretty narrow so it fills up quicky and it’s not the easiest thing to take full-body photos. If you want to try, pack your wide angle lens!
3. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Address: 45 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
Year opened: 2021
Opening hours: Weds-Thurs, 1 pm-9 pm; Fridays and Saturdays, 9 am-11 am; Sundays, 10 am-9 pm
Height of observation deck: 92nd floor (1,063 feet/324 meters)
Ticket price: From $39
Available with: none of the sightseeing passes yet
Touted as a global cultural experience, the allure of SUMMIT One Vanderbilt lies in its views and the variety of additional features waiting for you at the top.
A recent addition to the observatories in NYC, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt observatory runs over 4 floors and pushes the limit of modern technology. The ethos behind the designer is conceived to give you an interactive and unforgettable experience and urge you to consider your surroundings on a different level.
All tickets grant access to Levitation, which is a series of transparent skyboxes that float over 1,000 feet (305 meters) above the streets of Midtown Manhattan.
Another element applicable to all ticket holders at this landmark attraction is Air, an interactive art experience designed by Kenzo Digital that invites you to take a different approach to the physical space around you.
An optional add-on is the opportunity to travel to the summit in a glass elevator, for an adrenaline rush! Once you are at the top you are welcome to enjoy a beverage at Après, an exclusive food and cocktail concept space created by Danny Meyer’s Union Square Events.
View from SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
How to get there
The main entrance to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is located inside Vanderbilt Passage on the Main Concourse Level of Manhattan’s Grand Central Terminal.
Metro lines 4, 5, 6, 7, and S stop at Grand Central Terminal. Alternatively, the M101, M102, M103, M1, M2, M3, M4, Q32, and M42 bus lines all stop within close walking distance to the building.
Ticket types
- SUMMIT Experience: This is the general admission that permits entrance to the attraction via the regular elevator at your specified time and date. Tickets start from $39 for adults and $33 for youth (ages 6-12). Children 5 and under can visit for free.
- SUMMIT Ascent: This upgrade includes a ride to the summit in a glass elevator for even more views at a greater height. Tickets start from $59 for adults and $53 for youth (ages 6-12). Children 5 and under can visit for free.
- Ultimate SUMMIT: The top-tier ticket grants your journey in the glass elevator plus a signature cocktail by Danny Meyer once you reach the top. Tickets start from $73 for adults and $67 for youth (ages 6-12). Children 5 and under can visit for free.
What to expect
As SUMMIT One Vanderbilt has just recently opened up in October 2021, it’s really popular among locals and tourists alike. Therefore you can expect a huge crowd, even if you book the earliest tickets possible!
If you want to be the first in line to reach the mirrored floors, try to get to the entrance at least 15-20 minutes before opening time. We got there only 10 minutes earlier and the line was already super long in front of us.
After going through a security check, you have to put on a black cover on your shoes to protect the floor and scan your face for the Unity experience. Then you’ll be divided into smaller groups to fit in the elevator, which will transport you to the top within 42 seconds.
Once you get out of the elevator, you’ll find yourself in a huge room covered with mirrors called Transcendence 1. You can go up the escalator to access Transcendence 2 which is basically the same room, only on a higher level.
As you continue your journey through SUMMIT, you’ll come across Affinity where hundreds of silver balloons drift through the air, Unity, where you can try to find your own face in the clouds, and Levitation, where you can stand in a transparent glass box for 60 seconds.
It is essential to wear sunglasses while visiting SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. Reflective materials are present throughout the space which creates a bright environment even on cloudier days. Bear in mind that the floor is made of glass and mirrors. Remember my advice to dress carefully in long skirts or pants.
As SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is the best observation deck in NYC for interactive experiences, be prepared to spend slightly longer at this attraction, at least 2-3 hours. Especially if you are tempted to sample one of the craft cocktails at Après.
Pros-Cons
PROS
- Tonnes of riveting architectural touches and interactive experiences.
- Features the best dining destination of all the observatories in New York which is perfect if you want to tap on a date night or celebrate a special occasion.
- It’s definitely the most unique opportunity for taking photos in New York.
CONS
- Ticket prices increase during evening hours.
- Selfie sticks, tripods, and monopods longer than 12″ when extended are not permitted.
- Admission hours are limited in comparison with the rest of the observatories on my list.
- Since it is the newest observatory in New York City, it’s exceptionally crowded.
- Although the mirrored floors are really cool, taking photos is super hard due to the reflections.
4. Edge
Address: 30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001
Year opened: 2020
Opening hours: 10 am-10 pm
Height of observation deck: 100th floor (1,100 feet/335 meters)
Ticket price: From $38
Available with: New York Pass, Go City Explorer Pass, The Sightseeing FLEX Pass, The Sightseeing DAY Pass
Opened to the public only 1.5 years earlier than SUMMIT One Vanderbilt (and right before the pandemic broke out!) the Edge is one of the youngest of the observatories in New York City.
Located in the slick community and commercial district of Hudson Yards, the Edge offers an entirely different perspective of the city. It is the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere and features a platform that protrudes in mid-air above the streets far below, giving you the feeling of floating in the sky.
The design team behind the structure created 80 foot (25 meters) tall panels that lean out over the ground at 6.6 degrees, making it easier to peer downwards – if you dare!
In addition to lapping up the 360-degree views across the city and towards the Empire State Building, the Edge also features the City Climb package, or, the “ultimate skyscraping adventure”.
As the highest open-air building ascent in the world, this involves scaling the outside of the skyscraper and then leaning out and looking down from 1,200 feet above the ground.
View from the Edge
How to get there
The Edge is located within the Hudson Yards shopping complex and commercial hub, in the Chelsea district. The entrance is on Level 4 of the Shops at Hudson Yards mall.
The 34 Street-Hudson Yards subway station deposits you right in the heart of the shopping mall. The M34-SBS, M12, and M11 bus lines stop within a few minutes walk.
Ticket types
- General Admission: Timed tickets that permit admission to the observatory. Tickets start from $38 for adults, $33 for children and $36 for senior when bought online.
- Flex Pass: Permits entry to the observatory any time on a selected date (no timed entry). Tickets start from $58 for adults, $53 for children and $56 for senior when bought online.
- Champagne Admission: Timed tickets as with the general admission plus a glass of bubbles to sip while you’re at the top of one of the best observation decks in NYC. Tickets start from $55 for adults (21+ only) and $53 for seniors when purchased online.
- Premium Admission: In addition to a glass of champagne, the premium ticket includes a personalized book of photos that you can take home. Tickets start from $73 for adults (21+ only) and $71 for seniors when purchased online.
- City Climb: This package includes leaning out from the tower and must be booked online in advance. Tickets start from $185 when purchased online and climbers aged 13-18 has to be accompanied by an adult.
What to expect
As I mentioned, the entrance to the Edge is located on Level 4 inside The Shops at Hudson Yards. As with the other observatories in New York, you can expect to undergo a brief security screening and to be checked for the typical banned items that I’ve listed previously.
A little tip: make a screenshot of your tickets before arriving at the entrance! If you buy your tickets online, you’ll receive a confirmation email that contains your tickets. Unfortunately, you can’t save them to your phone and there is no cell reception at the entrance when they check your tickets.
After going through the security check, the elevator will whisk you up to the 100th floor within 52 seconds while you playing a short animated movie. You’ll find a small gift shop, the Champagne Bar and the outdoor Skydeck on the 100th floor while you can walk up to the 101st floor where you’ll find another indoor observation deck.
As the Skydeck is cantilevered 80 feet (25 meters) from the side of 30 Hudson Yards, you might feel more vertigo at the Edge. The glass panels are non-reflective to prevent glare but it is still advisable to wear sunglasses when visiting the Edge.
Since the outdoor Skydeck is fully open to the elements, you have to dress according to the weather. Also, since you’re 100 floors up from the street level, you can expect stronger winds as well.
In case you want to take pictures in one of the corners, you can expect to stand in line for a while if the observatory is crowded. I actually didn’t mind this as although you might need to wait a little bit, at least you can get an empty shot even if there are hundreds of people up there.
Pros-Cons
PROS
- Tickets are reduced when purchased online.
- You can find a few glass panels on the outdoor skydeck where you can view the streets of Manhattan below your feet.
- The City Climb is one of the most unique and thrilling experiences you can have in New York City.
CONS
- Subject to inclement or extreme weather, the Edge management team may close the exterior platform at short notice.
- While the view is spectacular, you might feel more of a distance from the iconic sights of Manhattan at the Edge.
5. One World Observatory
Address: 117 West St, New York, NY 10006
Year opened: 2015
Opening hours: 9 am-9 pm (winter) and 8 am-10 pm (summer)
Height of observation deck: 102nd floor (1,268 feet/386 meters)
Ticket price: From $43
Available with: New York Pass, Go City Explorer Pass, The Sightseeing FLEX Pass, The Sightseeing DAY Pass
The final of the 5 observatories in New York is the One World Observatory. Located at the top of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, the One World Trade Center, this platform occupies the 100th, 101st, and 102nd floors of the One World Trade Center in the Financial District.
Access to the deck is via the high-speed Sky Pod elevator which whisks you away to the top, passing 102 floors in 47 seconds flat. Once aloft you can explore three levels of the observatory filled with innovation and inspiration.
A highlight is the Sky Portal, a 14-feet (4.2 meters) glass disc that presents a perspective of footage of the streets below.
The One World Observatory offers 360-degree views of New York City’s forest of skyscrapers and surrounding bay areas for up to 45 miles (72.5 km) in every direction. This is the best observation deck in NYC if you intend on visiting the 9/11 Memorial Pools and Museum.
View from One World Observatory
How to get there
The One World Observatory is located in the One World Trade Center at the corner of West and Vesey Streets in Downtown Manhattan. The World Trade Center is the closest subway station while bus line M55 stops outside the tower.
Ticket types
- Standard: General admission to the viewing platform. Tickets start from $43 for adults, $37 for children (6-12) and $41 for seniors (65+).
- Combination: This upgraded general admission ticket permits access via the priority lane and the use of the digital skyline guide. Tickets start from $53 for adults, $47 for children (6-12) and $51 for seniors (65+).
- All-inclusive: Besides general admission and priority access, the ticket permits use of the digital skyline guide as well as flexible arrival times and a $15 voucher to use towards purchases in the cafe, bar, restaurant, or shop. Tickets start from $63 for adults, $57 for children (6-12) and $61 for seniors (65+).
- VIP Tour: This permits escorted entrance followed by a 60-minute guided tour plus a $15 voucher to use towards purchases in the cafe, bar, restaurant, or shop. Tickets start from $73 for adults, $67 for children (6-12) and $71 for seniors (65+).
What to expect
Keeping with the theme, expect to undergo an airline-style security clearance before joining the elevator queue. The elevator ride is probably the most exciting one you can experience in the observatories in New York City!
The elevator takes you up to the 102nd floor in just 47 seconds and it reveals the transformation of New York City during the years. The short movie starts from the unsettled lands and shows how the city became the land of skyscrapers.
You can see a second short movie in the See Forever Theatre where the last second of the experience ends with you getting the first glimpse of the real life New York City skyline. It’s simply fascinating!
As the observatory is indoors, you do not need to be as concerned about warm clothes.
Look out for the interactive panels that are designed to teach you about the city’s culture, neighborhoods, and history. Ambassadors are also on hand to answer any questions about the One World Observatory, the World Trade Center, and the area.
Pros-Cons
PROS
- Upon the rare occasion of zero visibility, the One World Observatory may agree to you changing your ticket, as per their terms and conditions. This is at the discretion of the venue and is not a given but it is worth remembering just in case!
- The whole elevator experience is really unique.
- You can visit highest observation deck in New York City.
- Convenient for visiting the 9/11 Memorial Pools and Museum.
CONS
- The entire observation deck is indoors which does alter the experience somewhat and means that you might get glare on your photos.
- As with the Edge, this deck does pull you out of the central Manhattan area so consider if you want perspective city views or close-ups of the famous skyscrapers and Central Park.
- From a photographer’s perspective, this is the least interesting observatory in New York City.
Best New York Observatories, Ranked
Observatories in New York City, Ranked by Height
- City Climb at the Edge: 1,271 feet/387 meters
- One World Observatory: 102nd floor, 1,268 feet/386 meters
- Empire State Building: 102nd floor, 1,250 feet/381 meters
- Edge: 100th floor, 1,100 feet/335 meters
- SUMMIT One Vanderbilt: 92nd floor, 1,063 feet/324 meters
- Empire State Building: 86th floor, 1,050 feet/320 meters
- Top of the Rock: 70th floor, 850 feet/260 meters
Observatories in New York City, Ranked by Price
- Edge: from $38
- SUMMIT One Vanderbilt: from $39
- Top of the Rock: from $40
- One World Observatory: from $43
- Empire State Building, 86th floor: from $44
- Empire State Building, 102nd floor: from $77
- City Climb at the Edge: from $185
Best Sightseeing Passes for Visiting the Observatories in New York City
If you’re planning to visit at least 2 or 3 observatories while you’re in New York, it’s worth considering buying a city pass. With these, you can enjoy access to some of the biggest landmarks, museums, and observatories in New York while saving a ton of money.
It’s important to note that since SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is really new, it’s not included in any of the passes yet (as of January 2022). However, it’s worth keeping your eyes on the passes as they can include it anytime!
Below you can find an overview of the most popular city passes, as well as a comparison table with the available observatories.
- New York CityPass: Visit 6 of the top attractions in New York with a handy 40% discount. Includes access to 3 fixed attractions (Empire State Building, American Museum of Natural History, The Metropolitan Museum of Art) and you can pick 3 more from a fixed list (Top of the Rock or Guggenheim Museum, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island or Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, 9/11 Memorial & Museum or Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum). The pass costs $136 per person.
- New York Pass: Visit as many of the included attractions, museums & tours as you can in 1-10 days. The pass grants entry to more than 100 tourist attractions and you also receive a complimentary digital guidebook. A 1-day pass costs $117 while a 10-day pass is $305 per person.
- Go City Explorer Pass: Stay flexible and choose 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 10 attractions from over 95 amazing tourist attractions. This is the best option if you want to visit 2 or 3 observatories in New York as 2 attractions cost $69 and 3 attractions cost $87. You can visit up to 10 attractions for $218.
- The Sightseeing FLEX Pass: Another great flexible pass with the option to choose up to 12 attractions. Over 100 attractions are included in the list and the pass is valid for 30 consecutive days. The pass with 4 attractions costs $124 while the pass with 12 attractions costs $264.
- The Sightseeing DAY Pass: Select from 1 to 10 days and visit as many attractions as you can from the list that contains over 100 attractions. A 1-day pass costs $139, a 2-day pass $199, while a 10-day pass costs $459.
| NAME | New York CityPASS | Go City Explorer Pass | New York Pass | The Sightseeing FLEX Pass | The Sightseeing DAY Pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top of the Rock | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Empire State Building | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SUMMIT One Vanderbilt | No | No | No | No | No |
| Edge | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| One World Observatory | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Tips for Visiting New York Observatories
Before you visit any of the observatories in NYC, have a glance over my top tips that will help you best prepare for the occasion.
Timed admission
Most of the observatories in New York operate a timed admission and require you to specify a date and time ahead of your visit.
Ensure that you arrive at your chosen venue ahead of your timed ticket entrance to allow enough time for finding your way to the entrance. If you arrive late, they may reserve the right to ask you to wait in line until a quieter time.
Generally, you can show your tickets on your mobile phone. Unless told otherwise, it is not necessary to print them. You should also carry photo identification.
Book a slot as early as possible
If you want to experience the views to yourself without too much competition, then you’ll want to book your timed admission as close to the opening time as you can. Even in this case, it’s worth arriving at least 10-15 minutes earlier to make sure you’ll be the first in line to enter the observatory.
Book your tickets in advance
Especially during peak months, the observatories in New York City get inundated with guests. It’s beneficial to secure your tickets as far in advance as you possibly can.
Generally speaking, sunset is the most popular time to visit the observation decks in New York so in this case, booking your tickets in advance truly is the key. Also, be prepared to pay a little extra if you want to visit at sunset.
Check out the sightseeing passes if you want to visit multiple observatories
In case your heart is set on visiting multiple observatories in New York, it’s worth taking a look at one of the New York sightseeing passes because they can save you a serious amount of money if used well.
Unfortunately, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is still not available with any of the passes, but usually, most observatories are included in almost all the passes.
At the bottom of this article, you can find a detailed overview of all the different passes and a handy comparison table on whether each observatory is included in the pass or not. If you’re in a hurry, check out my favorite ones: New York Pass, Go City Explorer Pass, and The Sightseeing FLEX Pass.
Manage your expectations
You can never know for sure that the skies will be clear and cloudless so always prepare for the weather to go against you. Even if it does feel disappointing, you will still experience it.
My tip is to always check the weather forecast before booking your tickets and try to pick the clearest day. Of course, weather forecasts can change quickly but at least this way you can be somewhat prepared.
Also, having the whole observatory all to yourself is highly unlikely, especially in peak tourist seasons. All 5 of the New York observatories are really popular, thus usually quite crowded. If you want to avoid the biggest crowds, try to go early in the morning, just like I mentioned before!
How long should you spend there
As a general rule, anticipate spending at the very least one hour at any one of the observatories in NYC. This should allow time to clear security, ride the elevator up, admire the views, and take photos.
Allow flexibility in case you are delayed or end up spending a longer time at your chosen platform. During peak times – especially the summer months – you might have to queue for a little longer to ride the elevators.
Dress suitably
Some of the observatories in New York feature lots of glass floors and mirrored surfaces, so be careful what you wear! Choose long pants, skirts, and dresses to avoid any awkward moments.
Furthermore, if you venture onto the open-air decks you might be exposed to strong winds and cooler temperatures so consider adding an extra layer for warmth during the colder months – but remember to hang onto your hats, scarves, etc.
Also bear in mind that in some cases the surfaces are more fragile and that such footwear as stiletto shoes are not permitted.
Travel light
All observatories require visitors to clear a security check. Do not carry large luggage with you and basically do not carry anything that you would not carry on an airplane. External food and drink are usually forbidden as well.
Planning a trip to New York City?
Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about NYC. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!
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- How to Spend One Day in New York City
- 4 Days in New York City Itinerary: How to See NYC in 4 Days
- Best Observatories in New York City: Which One to Visit?
- 32 Amazing Free Things to Do in NYC for Budget Travelers
- 25 Most Instagrammable Places in NYC You Can’t Miss
- 143 Incredible New York Captions for Instagram
- The Perfect Christmas in New York Itinerary for 4 Days
- 13 Incredible NYC Christmas Photo Spots You Can’t Miss
- 15 Festive Things to Do in New York City in December
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