The best NYC skyline views
Which of the five observation decks to pick, what each costs, and the free views that rival them.
Open the interactive NYC guide with map and filtersThe five decks compared
| Deck | Adult price | Height | Pick it for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top of the Rock | From $42 | 850 ft, open-air | The classic photo, with the Empire State Building and Central Park in view |
| Empire State Building | From $46 (86th floor); from $81 with the 102nd | 1,050 ft open-air; 1,250 ft enclosed | The icon itself, open late at night |
| Edge (Hudson Yards) | From $34 booked 14+ days ahead; from $42 otherwise | 1,100 ft, outdoor, glass floor | The thrill, and the best price if you plan ahead |
| SUMMIT One Vanderbilt | From $44 | About 1,100 ft | Mirrored art rooms; great with kids and for photos |
| One World Observatory | From $39 | Floors 100 to 102, enclosed | The harbor, the bridges and the Statue of Liberty |
Which one should you choose?
- Only doing one? Top of the Rock, because the Empire State Building is in your photo.
- Want the thrill? Edge, and book two weeks ahead for the lower price.
- Want the Statue of Liberty and the harbor? One World Observatory.
- Want the experience more than the view? SUMMIT.
- Sunset? Book the slot about 30 minutes before sunset and stay for the lights.
Free skyline views
- Staten Island Ferry: free, 24 hours a day, past the Statue of Liberty and back toward Lower Manhattan.
- Brooklyn Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge Park: the Lower Manhattan skyline at sunset.
- Gantry Plaza State Park (Long Island City, Queens): the Midtown skyline across the East River.
- The High Line and Little Island: Hudson River sunsets.
- More free ideas in our free things to do guide.
Observation decks and harbor cruises you can book
- Edge Flex Pass: Flexible Entry Tickets
- Empire State Building: Observation Decks Tickets
- New York City Helicopter Tour
- One World Observatory Standard Tickets: Skip-the-Box-OfficeLower-sensory by design
- SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Tickets
- Statue of Liberty Sunset Cruise
Tours and attractions on this week
Monday, November 2
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum: Entry TicketLower-sensory by design
- Catacombs by candlelight TourLower-sensory by design
- Edge NYC: Entry TicketLower-sensory by design
- Electric Bike Tour of Central ParkLower-sensory by design
- Empire State Building: Express Entry
- New York City Highlights Bike Tour
- New York City: Cocktail Tour
- New York CityPASS: Save 40% on Admission to 5 Top Attractions
Thursday, November 5
Questions visitors ask
- Which NYC observation deck is the best?
- For most people, Top of the Rock, because it has the Empire State Building in the view. Edge is the best value if you book 14 or more days ahead, and One World is best for harbor views.
- Which observation deck is cheapest?
- Edge, from $34 when booked at least 14 days ahead. One World Observatory starts at $39.
- Where can I see the NYC skyline for free?
- Take the free Staten Island Ferry, walk the Brooklyn Bridge, or go to Brooklyn Bridge Park or Gantry Plaza State Park in Queens.
More visitor guides
- The 40 best things to do in NYC
- First time in NYC: what to know
- Free things to do in NYC
- NYC with kids
- NYC in November 2026
- Christmas in NYC 2026
- This weekend in NYC
- All NYC visitor guides
Visiting soon? Get free NYC picks by email every Thursday, matched to what you like and the dates you are in town.
More ways to plan your NYC visit · Everything on in NYC this week