Empire State Building vs. Top of the Rock vs. One World Observatory: Which Offers the Best NYC Views?
One of my essential experiences in any city is ascending to a high vantage point for a bird's-eye view. New York City's stunning architecture and island layout make its observation decks among the top 10 attractions. But which is the best? While rooftop bars offer great ambiance, they can't match the height and panoramic scope of dedicated observatories. NYC boasts four major ones: Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, One World Observatory, and The Edge (opened March 2020). Summit One Vanderbilt, now open, adds exciting competition.
These decks reveal the city's layout, borough connections, and proximity to New Jersey, creating unforgettable memories of the Big Apple's grandeur.
With over 50 rooftop bars, NYC has no shortage of elevated drinks, but their lower heights limit views. (Rooftop bar details below.) Free skyline spots exist too.
Which NYC Observation Deck is Best?
I've visited all three iconic Manhattan decks—Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, and One World Observatory—multiple times. Here's a detailed comparison of pros, cons, features, and tips.
Empire State Building: The Iconic Classic
Overview
Once the world's tallest, the Empire State Building remains NYC's most iconic skyscraper and oldest observatory. It's the 5th tallest in the U.S. and 28th globally, starring in countless films.
The 86th-floor main deck offers indoor/outdoor views; the 102nd requires extra. The latter is enclosed with glare-prone glass—a $20 add-on I skipped, as 86th-floor views suffice.
Height: 1,250 feet (381 m); 1,454 feet (443 m) with antenna. Decks: 1,050 feet (320 m) at 86th; 1,224 feet (373 m) at 102nd.
Floors: 86th (indoor/outdoor); 102nd (indoor, note occasional closures).
Pros: Outdoor Midtown views; no glare for photos.
Cons: Building not in your photos.
Details
Admission: $38 (86th); $65 express; $55 AM/PM; $125 sunrise. +$20 for 102nd. Prices subject to change.
Address: 20 W 34th St, NY 10001 (Fifth Ave entrance).
Subway: 33 St (4/5/6, 5 min); others nearby.
Hours: 8am-2am daily; sunrise specials vary.
Website: Empire State Building
One World Observatory: The Modern Heights
Overview
Atop One World Trade Center (Financial District), opened 2015 post-9/11 rebuild. 13th highest globally. SkyPod elevators dazzle with skyline history projections in 60 seconds to floor 102.
Great for repeat visitors seeking southern views.
Height: 1,776 feet (541 m, nodding to 1776); deck at 1,268 feet (387 m).
Floors: 100-102.
Pros: NYC's highest; Brooklyn/Coney Island/Liberty/Bay views; drinks available.
Cons: Indoor (glare); timed entry (stay unlimited).
Details
Admission: $34 general (timed); $44 priority; $54 flexible. Check for updates.
Note: Select time slot for general admission.
Address: 285 Fulton St, NY 10007 (West St entrance).
Subway: WTC stations nearby.
Hours: Vary seasonally (e.g., 9am-9pm); holidays adjusted—check site.
Website: One World Observatory
Top of the Rock: The Perfect Panorama
Overview
Atop 30 Rockefeller Plaza (NBC Studios home), this is my favorite. Shorter than rivals but unbeatable: Central Park views + Empire State in frame.
Dine at Rainbow Room or Bar SixtyFive (5pm-midnight, closed Sat, dress code, reservations advised).
Height: 872 feet (266 m).
Floors: 67/69/70.
Pros: ESB/Central Park/Midtown density; outdoor sections.
Cons: Lower elevation.
Details
Admission: $36 general (timed); $54 Sun & Stars; $92 VIP. Flexible tickets recommended for weather.
Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, NY 10112 (50th St).
Subway: 47-50 St-Rockefeller Center (B/D/F/M) direct.
Hours: 8am-midnight (last up 11pm).
Website: Top of the Rock
Rooftop Bars vs. Observatories
Rooftops offer vibes but lack height/panoramas. Top picks:
- Bar 54 (Hyatt Times Square, 54th fl)
- Monarch Rooftop (ESB views)
- Upstairs @ Kimberly (30th fl)
- The Skylark (Mon-Fri)
- The Crown (50 Bowery)
- The Heights (glass floor)
- Pod39 Rooftop
- PHD Lounge (Dream Downtown)
See 41 top rooftops or Condé Nast's 17 best. Which is your favorite?
