8 Observation Deck Tickets in New York to Plan a Day Around

1.Empire State Building Observation Deck Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 22,072 reviews · from $48Our pick

Ride up the Empire State Building for the 86th-floor open-air deck, with a choice to add the 102nd floor’s tall windows or upgrade to Express entry. On the way, explore exhibits on the building’s 1931 construction, Art Deco design, elevators, and pop-culture fame. Allow 45 minutes to two hours, depending on your pace and the lines.

“Loved it! It was rainy and foggy, but this somehow just added to our experience. It was quiet, felt like we were the only people there. Staff super nice!”

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2.Edge Observation Deck Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 20,918 reviews · 1 hour · from $39Best value

Enter Edge in Hudson Yards for an indoor and outdoor view of Manhattan from 1,100 feet up. Your admission includes the glass floor, angled glass walls, Skyline Steps, Eastern Point, and a multimedia introduction to Hudson Yards. Plan on about 45 minutes to an hour, though you can stay longer.

“Very good, you get a immersive walk through experience then you see amazing views. Would definitely recommend as it’s great value for money.”

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3.Top of the Rock Observation Deck Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 14,488 reviews · from $44

Ride a high-speed elevator to Top of the Rock’s three indoor and outdoor viewing levels at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Look across Central Park and toward the Empire State Building, visit the Weather Room Café & Bar, or add the Beam Experience. A standard ticket costs $44 per person; VIP access adds a guided tour and extras.

“All the staff were lovely and so helpful, the elevator was an experience in its self!!”

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4.NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6,916 reviews · 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $47

Visit the Empire State Building on your own schedule, with a mobile ticket for the 86th Floor Observatory and exhibits on the building’s construction, films, and sustainability. Upgrade for the 102nd floor or a skip-the-line option. Plan on 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, and dress for the weather on the open-air deck.

“Interactive activities are engaging and educational for all ages! Views are phenomenal. A New York City”

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5.Top of the Rock Observation Deck New York City Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4,556 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $62

Enter Rockefeller Center, pass security, then ride up to three indoor and outdoor viewing decks on floors 67, 69, and 70. Take in the Empire State Building, Central Park, and city views at your own pace. You can add the Beam Experience, a short lift above the deck for an iconic skyscraper pose.

“Highly recommend. The views were amazing and not too crowded. I don't recommend The Beam; it's very underwhelming.”

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6.NYC Edge Observation Deck at Hudson Yards Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 2,242 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39

Head to Level 100 at Hudson Yards for indoor and outdoor views from 1,100 feet above Manhattan. Walk the glass floor, lean toward the angled windows, and step onto the outdoor deck. Choose a timed ticket or an anytime option, with priority access available on some tickets. Food and drinks cost extra.

“This was absolutely incredible!! What an experience “THE EDGE” was. I actually stood, walked, laid and sat on the glass floor, it was exhilarating.. highly recommended”

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7.VIP Rockefeller Center Tour with Observation Deck Entry

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 15 reviews · from $245

Meet your English-speaking guide in Rockefeller Center’s VIP Lounge for a 90-minute tour, then visit the rooftop garden and Top of the Rock. Your pass also includes The Beam, Skylift, a photo package, and a drink at The Weather Room. Guillermo has led tours here, though guide assignments can vary.

“Great tour and guide. Not too long and was willing to cater it to our pace. We were even able to visit the Rainbow Room which is almost always off limits even to this tour. So that was a great bonus.”

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8.New York Edge Observation Deck & Little Island Pier 55 tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 3 hours · from $95Top rated

In three hours, visit Edge’s outdoor deck 100 floors above Manhattan, walk a section of the High Line, and explore Little Island at Pier 55. Timed entry tickets are included, along with an English-speaking guide. Meet in front of the Vessel at Hudson Yards; transportation, food, and drinks are not included.

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