Observation decks New York: What is the best observation deck?

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September 22, 2024 Citie to Travel Comments Off

There are several observation decks in New York City, but which one is the best and really worth visiting during a NYC city trip.

How many observation decks are there in New York?

In New York (NYC) there are 5 different observation decks. The oldest and most famous observation deck is the Empire State Building. The four other observation decks are; Top of the Rock, the Edge, Summit One Vanderbilt and One World Observatory. There are also plans for an observation deck in the Chrysler Building. This would be the sixth observation deck in NYC.

What is the best observation deck in New York?

If you are in New York, a visit to one of the five observation decks is a must do during your city trip. But which observation deck is really the best and worth visiting? To help you make a choice, we have listed a top 5 below with some practical information and tips.

1. The Summit One Vanderbilt

The Summit One Vanderbilt, also known as the SUMMIT for short, is one of NYC’s newest observation decks. And a visit to the SUMMIT is a must if you are in Yew York during a city trip. The Summit One Vanderbilt is much more than just an observation deck, it is also a special experience with image and sound.

The observation deck of the SUMMIT

The Summit One Vanderbilt is the tallest skyscraper in NYC. And the view from the observation deck at an altitude of 305 meters is truly breathtaking. And because you have a 360-degree view of the city from the observation deck, you can see and admire almost all the iconic buildings, such as the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and you have a nice view of the beautiful Central Park.

How many floors does the SUMMIT have?

The SUMMIT has no fewer than three floors with different rooms with special highlights such as;

The Affinity space

This space in the SUMMIT is filled with hundreds of silver balloons and is a great place to take beautiful photos.

The Levitation space

The Levitation space in the Summit is perhaps the most beautiful space on the observation deck. This room has a glass floor, which gives you the feeling that you are literally and figuratively floating above the city. In addition, you also have a beautiful view of Manhattan from this room.

The Ascent space

The Ascent room is located at the top of the SUMMIT. Here you have a beautiful view of the city and you can enjoy a snack or a drink.

2. The Edge – Hudson Yards

The Edge is also one of the most beautiful and newest Observation Decks in New York. The viewpoint is located at a height of 325 on the hundredth floor. The special thing about this observation deck is that it consists of a point in the shape of a triangle that extends 25 meters. This gives you the feeling that you are floating in the air above the city. You also have a 360-degree view from this beautiful observation deck.

City Climb

Anyone who really likes a challenge should definitely try the City Climb of The Edge. With the City Climb, you climb from the outside of the observation deck via a staircase on the side of the building to a height of 365 meters. At the top you can lean over the edge and enjoy a spectacular view.

3. Top of the Rock

Top of the Rock has been one of the most popular observation decks in New York for years. It has no fewer than three observation decks spread over three floors. The first observation deck is located on the 67th floor at a height of 250 meters, the second observation deck is located on the 69th floor at a height of 256 meters and the third observation deck is located on the 70th floor at a height of 259 meters, where you will find an open-air observatory. The observation decks on the first and second floors are really worth a visit. They are located on the outside of the building and you have an unobstructed view of the city.

The Beam Experience

The Beam Experience on the second observation deck on the 67th floor of Top of the Rock is truly an amazing experience. You rise with the beam, while secured with a belt, 3 meters into the air. This gives you an even better view of NYC. And it is a wonderful experience that you should not miss during your city trip to New York.

4. One World Observatory

One World Observatory is also one of New York’s newest observation decks. It was built in 2006 as a tribute to the Twin Towers. One World Observatory is 541 meters high and is also called the Freedom Tower. The Freedom Tower’s three observation decks are located at an altitude of 387 meters, each with 360-degree views of NYC, Queens, New Jersey and Brooklyn.

Sky Pods

The Sky Pods in One World Observatory are perhaps the coolest elevators in the world. The journey to the observation decks on the 102nd floor takes just one minute. And during that minute you really get the most fantastic 3D experience in an elevator that you have ever seen or experienced. During the ride up you go from the past to the present, as it were, and you see New York City being built before your eyes.

5. Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is also called ESB for short, and it is the oldest observation deck in NYC. The viewpoint is located on the eighty-sixth floor at an altitude of 320 meters. From here you have a beautiful view of the city. Due to the bars on the observation deck you do not really have an unobstructed view and you can take less beautiful photos. This is one of the reasons that many tourists find the observation deck of the Empire State Building less spectacular. There is also an observation deck on the 102nd floor, but you have to pay extra for this and it is not worth it.

Which of the 5 observation decks do we recommend?

All 5 observation decks are worth a visit. One has a better view and the other has more spectacular highlights, but one by one they are beautiful buildings that are definitely worth a visit. But during a city trip you cannot visit all observation decks and you have to choose which one you would like to see. We advise you to visit the observation deck of De Summit One Vanderbilt during your first trip to New York. The SUMMIT has everything, from beautiful views to nice highlights. And you can take great photos and videos there. Do you have time to spare? Be sure to visit the Empire State Building, it may not be the most spectacular observation deck, but you will get the ultimate New York feeling.

Special offers

Are you going to New York soon and would you like to go to one of the observation decks? Then quickly take advantage of the offers below.

Extensive information about New York

Are you looking for more and detailed information about a city trip to New York? Then quickly visit our extensive web page about New York City via the link below.