USA · OBSERVATION DECKS
Four of the best are within twenty blocks of each other in Manhattan, and they are not the same experience. These 12 compare height, opening hours, sunset pricing and which ones put you outdoors.
Head to the Empire State Building for the 86th floor open-air deck, interactive galleries, and Art Deco details. Add the 102nd floor for floor-to-ceiling windows and a quieter indoor view. Allow 45 minutes to 2 hours, pass airport-style security, and consider Express entry if you want to spend less time in line.
“The price was absolutely ridiculous just to go to the 86th floor.”
At Hudson Yards, ride to Edge’s 100th-floor observation deck for indoor and outdoor views from 1,100 feet up. Walk the glass floor, lean against angled glass walls, visit the Eastern Point, and enjoy the Hudson River, Central Park, and Statue of Liberty views. Allow 45 to 60 minutes, with no time limit once inside.
“Very good, you get a immersive walk through experience then you see amazing views. Would definitely recommend as it’s great value for money.”
Ride 70 floors above Rockefeller Center to three indoor and outdoor decks with wide views of Central Park, the Empire State Building, and Manhattan. Your visit includes the Swarovski chandelier, a short Rockefeller Center film, and a fast 43-second elevator ride. Add The Beam or VIP pass for extra thrills, photos, and lounge service.
“Amazing experience, highly recommended booking at sunset, beautiful view.”
Visit the Empire State Building on your own schedule with a mobile ticket. Explore exhibits on construction, films, and sustainability before reaching the 86th floor open-air observatory. Upgrade to the 102nd floor for floor-to-ceiling windows and views across up to six states. A skip-the-line option is also available.
“I was not able to attend the tour due to winter storm, however I contacted Viator for my refund and the tour operator directly . Jared at the Empire State was extremely helpful and promptly approved my refund! Looking forward to visiting nyc again and taking my kids to the Empire State ! Thanks”
Visit Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center for wide views of Central Park, the Empire State Building, Hudson River, and East River. Your mobile ticket includes the observation decks, with indoor and outdoor viewing on floors 67, 69, and 70. Add the Beam Experience for a brief recreation of the famous skyscraper lunch photo.
“The view of the city was amazing! A must do when visiting NYC! My family thoroughly enjoyed this experience!”
Ride one of North America’s fastest elevators to the 94th floor of 875 N. Michigan for wide views over Chicago, Lake Michigan, and four states. You’ll explore a renovated concourse, CloudWalk art, CloudBar, and the Magnicity app. TILT is optional and must be added on site.
“amazing experience staff superb and the views were incredible”
Visit Edge at Hudson Yards, rise 1,100 feet to Level 100, and step onto the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. Walk the Glass Floor, lean against angled glass walls, and see Manhattan, the Hudson River, and beyond. Choose timed, anytime, or priority admission. A digital photo and Sky Assurance return visit are included.
“Had so much fun at The Edge with so many holiday props & spectacular views of NYC on a beautiful sunny day with brisk cold weather”
Ride up the STRAT Tower for 360-degree views from climate-controlled indoor and open-air decks. You can visit by day, return after sunset within the ticket’s valid period, use viewfinders, and buy drinks or snacks upstairs. English assistance is available, and the tower is wheelchair accessible.
“We visited The Strat SkyPod Observation Deck this past Saturday evening, and even though it was a busy night, it didn’t take long to get up to the deck. We opted out of the rides, but had access to two floors of the viewing deck. The bottom floor had a nice 360° view of the city and was even able to pick up a drink at the bar. There were stairs that led up to the open air deck, and while it was high, it still felt safe with all of the railings in place. It was cool to visit the top of this staple in Las Vegas.”
Spend about 90 minutes exploring View Boston on the top three floors of Prudential Tower. Your ticket includes indoor and open-air viewing decks, Boston 365, a 270-degree theater, interactive neighborhood planning, and access to dining with city views. Sunset is especially popular, but clear mornings can be quiet and uncrowded.
“amazing, 360 views great bar at the top. beautiful sunny wxperience”
Ride a high-speed elevator to the 94th floor of 875 N Michigan Ave for wide views of Chicago and Lake Michigan. Explore the renovated concourse, Cloud Walk, and Magnicity app, then add a CloudBar drink or buy TILT onsite. Choose a flexible start time, but check the weather before you go.
“Great opportunity to relax and enjoy the view literally. Wonderful photo moments all around, very nice attended early on a clear day!”
Ride up Reunion Tower to the indoor and outdoor GeO-Deck for 360-degree views of Dallas from 470 feet. Use interactive screens and zoom cameras, then collect a complimentary digital photo. The visit lasts about 45 minutes to an hour, and mobile tickets make entry simple.
“Great atmosphere, nice people and stunning views. An awesome choice for Valentine’s Day! Would definitely recommend to anyone.”
Spend 90 minutes at 360 CHICAGO on the 94th floor of 875 N. Michigan. Your adult ticket includes fast elevator access, Chicago exhibits, CloudWalk, CloudBar entry, and one drink from the Sip Menu. Add TILT onsite for a 30-degree view over Michigan Avenue. The Magnicity App supplies extra facts and stories.
“Vista linda, alto astral, bar no topo com drinks e snacks.”
Pick a skyline, a canyon or a stretch of water.
