Which NYC Observation Deck Should You Visit in 2024?

Which New York Observation Deck is Best for 2024? Book your favorite NYC Observation Decks with our GetYourGuide Links:

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Which NYC Observation Deck is Best CHAPTER List:
00:00- Intro
00:09- 1) One World Observatory
117 West Street, New York, NY
02:40- 2) Edge Sky Deck
30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY
05:54- 3) Summit One Vanderbilt
45 E 42nd St, New York, NY
10:49- Royal Grill Halal Food Truck
1133 6th Ave
11:18- 4) Top of the Rock
30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY
14:13- GetYourGuide Sponsorship
15:17- 5) Empire State Building
20 W 34th Street, New York, NY

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"More About Here Be Barr"
I'm Jon Barr, an ex-sportscaster turned travel vlogger. If you're looking for waste no-time ,incredibly informative videos loaded with useful travel tips, you've come to the right place! My vlogs are made for the savvy traveler. Subscribe to learn all of my travel tips, tricks, and secrets that have helped me visit 33 countries. Based out of NYC but always on the go.

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[wayne]

As the parent of the little girl Jon met on the empire state building, Jon couldnt have been more of a gentleman to her. Her words were "this has made my entire holiday". Thanks again Jon and Ben.

[pfxcxcu]

One Vanderbilt Summit is THE BEST. Here are some tips: Reserve for the very first time slot in the day, line up about 15 minutes ahead of time, skip the picture-taking (They want you to do it, but you don't have to), and go directly to the elevators. They have good crowd control, but you will have the most elbow room and almost no waiting if you go early. Also, there is a snack bar on the highest level. If you can, nab a table right next to the windows and have a cup of coffee or a soda. You can't get that experience anywhere else. Skip the extra charge for the elevator to the higher level-- not worth it.
Top of the Rock is my second favorite. Such a great art deco building and you're right in the middle of everything. Empire State is iconic, but the price and crowds are ridiculous. Back in the day, you didn't have to pay extra to go to the 102nd floor. Sorry they're doing that now.

[stepheneson]

I have done all 5 decks (not in one day!!) and appreciate you pointing out that they all have pros and cons. I’ll add these details:
1)One World’s entire southern view is essentially just water, which to me is less interesting than land & buildings
2) The Edge offers the least “hassle” to visit— efficient security, minimal forced sales pitches for add ons
3) Obviously people love One Vanderbilt, but I find it’s almost more of an immersive fun park than it is an observatory. The mandatory booties are a nuisance, and stepping around people lying down on the floor is hazardous. You also hint at the temperature- with all the mirrors reflecting it gets very hot on a sunny day
4) TOR is relatively spacious for the size crowds it attracts and is more about the views than the amusements. My favorite
5)ESB is the most centrally located for the most balanced views in all 4 directions.

[Jacob-Simonsen]

The South Tower Observation Deck will always be remembered

[paulychannel]

World Trade Center was the BEST open air observation deck in Manhattan up until went up there in 1993 & was blown away on a clear sunny !

[lazarus]

Let me just say, Jon, you would make a great salesman. I booked a ticket to the Edge, booked a ticket NYC, got on the train to NYC, got off the train, had breakfast, walked to the edge, got inside the building, and got to the top before I remembered... I was TERRIFIED of heights. Your videos were so amazing they made me forget my fear of heights. Good Job 😂!

[feelerino]

The best one is the top of the rock. The view you get of the south of the island with the Empire State Building framed just in the middle of all is just beyond words

I suggest going there near sunset

[markwisniewski]

The ESB may not have the best view but it is the greatest skyscraper ever built. My great grandfather was an iron worker on this building and I could never thank him enough.

[KrookedDoesStuff]

Wife and I went to One World Observatory, and it was absolutely wild. The gravity FEELS different when you're at the top, the elevator ride is so smooth, and the fact it's entirely indoors is super nice. I thought it was super cool, little sad we didn't do it at night though, feel like it would have really made it

[lorraineshea]

Since I am a history freak and my grandparents immigrated there, ESB has my heart because of the history and how fast it was built. They used to have glass inserts a few years during the renovation that you could see the original builders on the etched glass. I have pictures of them. Plus knowing how hard these men worked and the nerves needed to have to be at such crazy heights.

[christianmaddox]

This is my first trip to NYC. I started watching your videos about 2 months before my wife and I visited. So far using them as somewhat of a guide throughout the city this has probably been my best vacation ever. Thank you for what you do.

[TacoBellFan]

The Edge is the best... trying going at sunset. Summit One Vanderbilt gets too crowded and doesn't have as dramatic a view as The Edge. Top of the Rock is also nice.

[bonniepwtf]

You & Ben, taking one for the team in this. Seriously must have been brutal standing in all those lines. Great video!

[carminaburanafan]

The Edge Observation Deck may be the highest outdoor one in the Western Hempishere now, but not the highest ever. The Top of the World outdoor observation deck was on the very roof of the South Tower of the original World Trade Center. I was lucky enough to go up to that deck back in 1998.

[n_hr]

One world observatory is the best, less wait time.. less crowd, you can enjoy the beauty of the building and the stunning views of New York ❤

[darlagts]

I, absolutely, love ToTR! Have been there several times, at different times of day and night and nothing beats the views of Central Park in the day, the horizon beyond the Hudson River and New Jersey at sunset and the lights of the city with the ESB shining bright at night.

[blakesboxing]

The edge was the one for me, just got back from new york and the edge at night blew me away 👌

[curtisb]

Was just in New York three weeks ago and went to the SUMMIT after visiting the other observation decks on previous trips. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is definitely the coolest of the five. Word of advice: Buy your tickets in advance because they sell out quickly. And be prepared for long lines. I waited nearly an hour to get to the top despite arriving 15 minutes before my scheduled time.

My personal rankings for all five observation decks:

1) Summit One Vanderbilt: It's just so cool and unique. I went in the early afternoon and on clear sunny day and the sunlight bouncing of the mirrors nearly blinded me. lol
2) Top of the Rock: For views of the city, I still think this one is the best because you're right in the heart of Midtown. Strongly advise going at sunset if possible.
3) The Edge: This one is the best at capturing the entire breadth of Manhattan. I highly suggest doing this one at night. The city looks magical.
4) Empire State: Eh. It's an historic building, but doesn't compare to the top three.
5) One World Trade Center: I would put it a spot higher if it had an outdoor observation deck. Also, being the highest doesn't necessarily mean best views. I feel the same way about the Sears Tower in Chicago. The John Hancock building offers superior views despite being smaller.

[margitpartei]

I love Top of the Rock. The view towards Empire State Building (and One Vanderbilt, WTC and Hudson Yards) is just out of this world. The best observation deck for photographers, hands down. Take a wide angle lens and have fun.