Which is the best viewing platform in New York City?
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Prices correct at the time of writing. Click through to each venue for up to date pricing and information.
When we went to New York in October half term there was so much we wanted to see and do. But, one of the main things was going up high buildings and admiring the view! I’m sure this is what many tourists want to experience when visiting New York – either for the first time or on subsequent visits.
Now, like many tourists, we had no idea what viewing platform to choose. Do we go up the iconic Empire State Building? Or Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center? Plus, there are many less well known platforms and newer ones the Edge NYC at Hudson Yards or SUMMIT One Vanderbilt.
In the end, we couldn’t decide, so we did them all. It was a once in a lifetime, bucket list trip for us and so we splurged and did all of the viewing platforms across New York City over the course of our six night trip. You can read about everything else that we got up to as well in our itinerary here.
The viewing platforms in New York City
There are five different viewing platforms across the city – Empire State Building, Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center, Edge NYC at Hudson Yards, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt and the One World Observatory – but I’ve also added in the Statue of Liberty which isn’t technically a viewing platform but gives fantastic views and is such an incredible experience in New York City – on a par with even the best of viewing platforms.
Which is the best viewing platform in New York City?
Here I’ll go through the New York City viewing platforms with basic information about them, the basic ticket prices without any upgrades, some blurb from their official websites and our thoughts. I’ve listed them from our least favourite to our top choice and hope this helps when you’re planning your next New York trip!
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt blends elements of art, technology, architecture and thrill to take the concept of New York City observation deck to entirely new heights. One Vanderbilt is the tallest building in Midtown Manhattan and SUMMIT features three levels of immersive space that will challenge, inspire, and thrill. In this immersive exhibition, be ready to surrender to new perceptions of what is possible.
A trip to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt includes:
- ART – Immerse yourself in rooms designed by Kenzo Digital, including the famous balloon room, Affinity.
- THRILLS – Stand tall 1,100 feet over Madison Avenue in the glass skyboxes, Levitation.
- SIP + SAVOR – Indoor café and outdoor terrace offer innovative coffees and cocktails, and light seasonal bites for additional purchase.
- VIEWS – The sky is the limit with 360 degree views of New York City and beyond, including many famous landmarks.
Our thoughts: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt was one of the last viewing platforms that we experienced, so we had a lot to compare it to. It’s definitely an experience that pushes boundaries, dares to be different and heightens your senses. But, for us, it was just too much. The children called it sensory overload. It’s so bright that you need to wear sunglasses throughout and in parts there are so many reflections in all directions that you can’t wear skirts and can’t even see which way is which.
The whole experience was so incredibly busy, and the famous balloon room was chaos. There were signs saying not to kick or hit the balloons but that is all children were doing, with very little supervision. It looked great for photos but was awful to experience. We could not wait to leave.
We’re glad we experienced SUMMIT but would not go back.
Where: 45 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017 – Entrance located on the Main Concourse of Grand Central Terminal
Cost: From $44 per person.
One World Observatory
One World Observatory claims to give the best views of New York from the tallest tower in the USA. The One World Observatory experience is more than just a view, it’s a journey through the heart, history, and heights of New York City. It features immersive storytelling and interactive exhibits as well as world-class dining in the sky.
One World Observatory offers unrivalled 360 degree views of New York City, where you step into a space where the city stretches endlessly in every direction. From 1,250 feet above the streets, enjoy panoramic skyline views that capture the energy, beauty, and scale of New York like nowhere else. Whether it’s your first glimpse of the Statue of Liberty or a golden-hour sunset over the Hudson, these are the best views in New York City, guaranteed to leave you speechless.
Our thoughts: One World Observatory was the only viewing platform that we experienced at night and, for that reason, it will always hold a very special place in our hearts. However, the glass windows are incredibly reflective, making it very hard to take photos. There’s also no outdoor, open air space which makes One World Observatory feel lacking compared to the other viewing platforms.
However, the One World Observatory is at the top of the tallest building in the USA. It’s an iconic building and one we really liked going up. It’s also in a different part of the city, giving views of the Hudson, the East River, the harbour and the whole of Lower Manhattan, giving different views to any of the other viewing platforms across New York City.
Where: World Trade Center, 117 West St, New York, NY 10007
Cost: From $39 per person but they usually have great deals on Groupon
Edge NYC
Edge is a marvel of innovation and design, offering panoramic views of the city. Your adventure starts with a multimedia experience before heading up over 1,100 feet above the city. Edge’s unique vantage point on the Western side of Manhattan lets you take in the entire skyline from one place.
Feel the thrill of leaning out over the edge with the busy city below. The outdoor deck is made of frameless glass panels boldly angled outward. Stand on top of the glass floor and look 100 stories straight down to see the city streets below your feet.
Our thoughts: We enjoyed Edge NYC but felt it was a little gimmicky. It didn’t really offer anything more than other viewing platforms aside from jutting out from the side of the building. However, it gave fantastic views but was very busy when we visited.
Being in Hudson Yards, it’s a really nice part of the city, with different views to experience and so much to do before or after – shopping, eating, The Vessel, walking the High Line etc. We’d definitely visit Edge again although it’s not our top choice.
Where: 30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001
Cost: From $34 per person
Empire State Building
Experience the views at the center of it all. Set in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the Empire State Building observation decks offer unmatched vistas of New York City and a panorama that stretches across six states. Step onto New York’s most famous open-air observatory on the 86th floor. Take advantage of 360 degree views and see all of NYC including the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty and so much more.
Our thoughts: Such an iconic building, this was a close contender for first place! It gives fantastic views and you get to walk the same paths as you will have seen in so many movies. For us, ESB just had to be done – and it did not disappoint. Plus, you get to learn so much about how the building was constructed too.
The only real down side is because you are up the Empire State Building, you cannot see the Empire State Building in the views – and that is the only reason this didn’t get the top spot – it’s a fantastic viewing platform.
Where: 20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001
Cost: $49 per person.
Top of the Rock
Take in 360-degree views of New York City. Top of the Rock’s three levels of indoor and outdoor observation decks deliver spectacular, unobstructed views of the city skyline. With terraces facing east, west, north, and south, Top of the Rock’s panoramic sights make it the ultimate observation deck in NYC.
Our thoughts: Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center was the first observation deck we experienced, and one of the first things on our trip to New York City. And it blew us away. The views were utterly incredible, with Central Park laid out in front of us as well as seeing the Empire State Building in all its glory. This for us was the viewing platform we would happily visit again and again – and would recommend if you only had time or funds to visit one viewing platform in the city.
Where: Rockefeller Center, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112
Cost: From $42 per person.
Although Top of the Rock was our top viewing platform, I also wanted to include a wild card, something that I feel like every visitor to New York City should do – and that is visit the Statue of Liberty, and climb all the way to the crown if you can!
Statue of Liberty
Visit the Statue of Liberty on a ferry service which takes you to Liberty Island, home of the Statue of Liberty, as well as Ellis Island, where more than 12 million immigrants entered the United States.
With different ticket options available, you can have general admission, taking you just to Liberty Island and giving access to the museum there, or you can have pedestal access, letting you climb to the base of the Statue of Liberty or, crown access – letting you climb all the way up to the Statue of Liberty’s crown! A view like no other.
Our thoughts: We had crown access tickets to the Statue of Liberty and absolutely loved it! You can only climb to the top if you are able bodied and over 12 years old but the view is one that not many people get to see and it was a highlight of our trip – as well as just being so close to such an iconic structure.
Where: Liberty Island, New York, NY 10004
Cost: From $25.50 per person for general admission and from just $25.80 for pedestal access or crown access.
I hope that has helped you plan your next trip to New York City! We had the best time and squeezed so much into just a few days. I’ll be publishing more about our New York adventures soon – watch this space!
