The Most Beautiful Observation Decks in New York 🏙 | Flights to NYC from $98 RT ✈️

The Empire State Building

It's Impossible not to start this list with this icon of the Big Apple.

Climb to the 86th floor of this iconic New York building to access the highest outdoor platform in the city. It offers a breathtaking 360° view of the heart of Manhattan.

Note: an interactive museum is on the 2nd floor of the tower, don't miss it, it is included in the price of the ticket.Notre avis de pirates:

Our Pirate Opinion

Obviously, the view is magnificent, but it is not our favorite. By being in the Empire State Building, it is not part of the panoramic view. We prefer platforms that allow you to observe the Empire in the middle of the Skyline. Also, there are grilles on the 86th floor, which can interfere a little with observation.

Top of the Rock

The second great classic, Is the Top of the Rock, which offers breathtaking views of the Empire State Building, the Financial District, and Central Park.

It is a must-visit. You will have access to three observation floors, both indoors and outdoors, and this time the view is absolutely unobstructed, so you can enjoy it 100%.

Our Hacker Advice:

Even if it has a cost, we advise you to go on several of these platforms because they each are specially unique. and will give you very different experiences. The idea is also to vary the schedules by climbing on one during the day and on another at sunset.

The Edge

This new deck was opened during COVID and offers a very nice view of the west of the city. It is also located in a neighborhood that I really like in New York, near the High Line and Chelsea Market.

This platform is impressive, it is suspended in the air and has inclined glass walls and glazed flooring for a most dizzying effect.

To Note:

If you need adrenaline, know that it is possible to book an even crazier experience: City Climb. You will climb to the top of the skyscraper before hanging in the void.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

The SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is not only an observation platform, but it is also an immersive and multi-sensory artistic experience of the most atypical.

Perched more than 1,050 feet above Manhattan, you will have the opportunity to test your resistance to vacuum in one of the two glass boxes, and let your imagination run wild on the floors filled with floor-to-ceiling mirrors or in the room full of silver balloons.

Our Pirate Opinion:

We really liked the three floors and the indoor and outdoor experience. However, the attraction is a victim of its own success and you have to be prepared for a small walkabout to access it.

The One World Observatory

The One World Observatory is also a must in our opinion, indeed it is the highest tower in the city, and the only one south of Manhattan, in the Financial District.

The elevator that will take you to the 102nd floor in less than 50 seconds is already an experience in itself, allowing you to visualize the changes that have taken place in the city since the 1500s.

At the top, you will have access to a glass cabin offering a spectacular view of the city's streets and peaks. And thanks to the observatory's location, you'll also have stunning views of the Statue of Liberty.

Our Pirate Opinion:

The 360° view is one of a kind and well worth the trip. The symbol of the tower makes it - in our opinion - a must on a trip to New York. However, be aware that this is not an outdoor observatory, everything happens indoors.