Antisocial Tourist

You can’t visit New York City without doing at least one observation deck, especially if it’s your first time in Manhattan. For decades, the Empire State Building was the place to go for epic views, but today, visitors have several observation decks to choose from.

There are currently five observation decks in Manhattan: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, Top of the Rock, Edge, One World Observatory, and the Empire State Building. All five locations see millions of visitors each year so reservations are strongly recommended. Some sell out weeks in advance!

Each experience also has its own interactive and immersive entrance process. You won’t just walk right to the view, so allow some extra time to get through the winding halls, featured films, and elevator journeys that lead you to the top. It’s all part of what makes each observation deck unique.

We recommend visiting at least two different observation decks during your visit since each offers a different view and experience. But with the pricey cost of tickets, it’s important to choose wisely! This guide compares prices, views, and overall experience, side by side, to help you choose the best NYC observation decks to visit during your trip.

_{We do our best to keep the information in this guide up to date, including hours of operation and pricing for each attraction; however, this information can change at any time. We recommend using the official website link for each site to confirm hours and pricing for your travel dates.}

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1: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is New York’s newest observation deck, opening to the public in late 2021. It’s a three-level multisensory art immersion that’s meant to redefine the concept of an observation deck. It blends elements of art, technology, architecture, and thrill. You’ll get the same great views that you would get from any other observation deck but with an additional artistic twist.

Official Website Link: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Location: 45 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
Year Opened: October 2021
Observation Deck Height: 92nd Floor / 1,063 feet
Hours of Operation:
- 9:00 am to Midnight, 7 days a week
- Last entry 10:30 pm

Ticket Options

Tickets can be purchased online from the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Website or from Viator. There are three different ticket options for SUMMIT One:

SUMMIT Experience: The SUMMIT Experience ticket is the same as a General Admission ticket. This is the only ticket you need to experience SUMMIT One unless you want to do the glass elevator experience. Online tickets start at $43 for adults (13+) and $37 for youth (6 to 12). For sunset tickets, add an additional $10.
SUMMIT Signature Experience: The SUMMIT Signature Experience ticket is the same as the SUMMIT Experience but also includes a signature cocktail. Mocktails are also available. Online tickets start at $57 for adults and $51 for youth. For sunset tickets, add an additional $10.
Ultimate SUMMIT: The SUMMIT Ascent ticket is the SUMMIT Experience ticket plus a 12-story glass elevator ride. Online tickets start at $63 for adults and $57 for youth. For sunset tickets, add an additional $10.

What to Expect

If you don’t know what to expect at SUMMIT One, the entrance process can be a little overwhelming. Once you show your tickets and pass through security you’ll be given a wristband with a QR code. You’ll need this code to access the digital art experience that you’ll be passing through later.

Next, you’ll walk into a small dark room and watch a 2-minute promotional film that has nothing to do with the actual observation deck. It’s filmed like a movie and is engaging but felt like a frustrating delay tactic. After this, you’ll exit the dark room, where you’ll be asked to stand for a quick photo op.

Then you’ll be handed a pair of shoe covers to put over your shoes. These covers protect the mirrored floors from getting scratched. Everyone must wear them, but don’t worry, they’re easy to slip on and you’ll hardly notice them once you get upstairs. It is important to note that stiletto heels, steel-toed boots, and sports cleats are not permitted at SUMMIT One because of the mirrored floors.

Next, you’ll be asked if you need a pair of sunglasses. There’s a large bin filled with them. If you did not bring your own sunglasses, be sure to grab a pair because you’ll need them soon enough. Once you have your shoe covers on and sunglasses in hand, you’ll do a quick face scan that links to your wristband and is used in one of the later exhibits (your face will be turned into a cloud).

Finally, you’ll get in line for the elevator. The elevator ride up to the 91st floor does not display digital screens like the other observation decks in the city. Instead, it’s made of mirrors and light that put on a dramatic light show during the ride. If you’re sensitive to bright and flashing lights, this may be unpleasant — it’s similar to standing next to a strobe light.

Once you step out of the elevator, you’ll walk through a short walkway and into the first room of the experience. You’ll need your sunglasses from this point on, as the mirrored room causes the sun to dance brightly in every direction. From this room, you’ll walk a one-way route through six (yes, six!) more rooms and three more floors, each with a unique offering that adds to the view of the city below.

Once you’ve reached the top level, you’ll walk across an open-air deck to the Ascent elevator, which can be added to your ticket for an additional fee. This all-glass elevator will take you on a 2-minute ride, suspending you over the city 1,200 feet in the air. It is an exciting experience but the view is not much different than what you’ve already seen.

From there, you’ll walk through a gift shop before reaching a series of computer monitors where you can view and purchase your photos. Then you’ll take the escalator down to the elevators to exit the building.

The View

SUMMIT One offers 360° views of Manhattan and the best view of the Empire State Building out of all five observation decks. Each level offers a different perspective of the city and the top level is open-air. SUMMIT One also has an all-glass elevator that takes you 1,200 feet above the city for sweeping views of Midtown, Lower Manhattan, and the Hudson River.

Reasons You Should Visit

Best overall view of Manhattan
Most immersive overall experience
Most unique experience
Best view of the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building

2: Top of the Rock

Top of the Rock is a three-level observation deck located in the iconic Rockefeller Center. The top level is open-air and is the only observation deck to offer completely unobstructed views — no glass or metal barriers. This observation deck opened in 1933 and remained open until 1986 when it was closed for major repairs and renovations. It finally reopened again in 2005.

Official Website Link: Top of the Rock
Location: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112
Year Opened: November 2005
Observation Deck Height: 70th Floor / 800 feet
Hours of Operation:
- 9:00 am to Midnight, 7 days a week
- Last entry 11:10 pm