We just got back from a weekend trip to New York City and had the best time! One of the touristy boxes we wanted to check was to see as many of the observatories we could. Now that we’ve experienced most of them, I have them ranked for you below! Check out which ones were our favorites, and which ones you might want to skip.
1. The Edge NYC
The Edge is hands down our favorite of the 5 observatories on this list. This observation deck is in the Hudson Yards neighborhood of the city, and stands 100 stories high! The lead up experience to The Edge is informative and timed perfectly as you head up to the observation deck. We purchased tickets for the opening slot, and didn’t have a lot of trouble with crowds. The Edge has a beautiful observation deck outside overlooking the city, the Hudson, and East River that is to die for. If you only have time for one observatory, pick this one!
2. Summit One Vanderbilt
If you want an experience filled with lots to see outside of overlooking the city, you will love the Summit at One Vanderbilt. There is a ton of lead up to the observatory floors, so be prepared to spend some real time here. The first floor houses a fully mirrored room with city views and a room filled with reflective floating beach balls. The next floor gives an elevated view of the mirrored room, and the grand finale is the exterior observatory area. Know that you’ll spend extra time here for all the experiences, but it will absolutely be worth it!
3. One World Observatory
Located in the same complex as the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, One World Observatory provides an incredible view at the highest point in the city. An immersive elevator ride shows you through giant screens how the city has built up and changed over time to bring you to the 102nd floor of the building. After watching another immersive video that opens up to a beautiful city view, you walk into the all encompassing observatory floor of the experience. This observatory is 100% enclosed, so regardless of weather you get a great view!
4. Top of The Rock
Located in Rockefeller Center, Top of The Rock is another awesome observatory experience. This building is much more centrally located, so the views are extra special. With a great view of Central Park, you can see the city from a different perspective that the top 3 observatories on this list. I love that this experience has the outside deck to take in the view, and an interior viewpoint if you don’t want to be in the elements. With how conveniently located this deck is, you have to take time to enjoy this view!
5. Empire State Building
This list wouldn’t be complete without the iconic Empire State Building. This observatory experience offers 2 levels, stopping at the 86th and 102nd floors depending on how much time and money you want to spend. My advice is if you’re there, you should see both! The glass elevator gives a spectacular view on the way up which is only enhanced on the observation deck itself when you arrive. Again, the Empire State Building is so centrally located that you have no reason not to make time to check this out!