Observation Decks in New York
Tickets for New York's observation decks: Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, One World Observatory, Edge, and Summit One Vanderbilt. Each one frames the skyline differently, so the view depends on which deck you pick.
NYC SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Tickets
★ 4.5 (11782)
From $55
New York The Edge Tickets with scheduled time slot
★ 4.6 (5949)
From $50
New York Top of the Rock Observation Deck Tickets
★ 4.7 (3378)
From $51
Empire State Building Tickets
★ 4.7 (6007)
From $50
NYC One World Observatory Tickets
★ 4.6 (2440)
From $44
Empire State Building Tickets with 102nd Floor Access
★ 4.8 (1671)
From $82
NYC The Edge Tickets without a Specified Time
★ 4.6 (1023)
From $83
New York The Edge Sunset VIP Tickets
★ 4.7 (25)
From $108
NYC One World Observatory Priority Access Tickets
★ 4.8 (1687)
From $54
Observation Decks
New York SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Ascent Tickets
★ 4.7 (25)
From $82
New York The Edge Tickets with Champagne
★ 4.7 (25)
From $60
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt and Grand Central Terminal Tour
3 hours · ★ 4.8 (2736)
From $135
New York One World Observatory Priority Access Tickets with Flexible Entry
★ 4.8 (533)
From $65
New York Top of the Rock VIP Experience Tickets
1 hour 30 minutes · ★ 4.7 (1355)
From $203
New York SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Guided Tour
★ 4.8 (49)
From $164
9/11 Memorial Tour in New York with National Museum and One World Observatory Tickets
from 2 to 5 hours · ★ 4.5 (1016)
From $115
Manhattan Tour with SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Tickets
1 day · ★ 4.7 (1153)
From $141
Empire State Building Skip-the-line Tickets
★ 4.5 (2326)
From $94
Empire State Building Sunrise Experience Tickets
★ 4.8 (1711)
From $139
New York Tour with One World Observatory Tickets
6 hours · ★ 4.8 (885)
From $90
New York Grand Central Terminal Private Tour with Summit One Vanderbilt Tickets
1 hour 30 minutes · ★ 4.8 (2440)
From $272
Manhattan Guided Tour with Top of The Rock Tickets
2 hours · ★ 4.6 (1994)
From $46
New York Private Tour by Car with Top of The Rock Tickets
4 hours · ★ 4.8 (2043)
From $1,244
New York Guided Tour with Top of The Rock Tickets
5 hours · ★ 4.7 (2727)
From $120
New York Top of The Rock Private Tour
from 2 to 5 hours · ★ 4.9 (1091)
From $377
Top of The Rock Tickets with New York Private Tour
6 hours 30 minutes · ★ 4.8 (1806)
From $440
New York One World Observatory Private Tour
from 2 to 4 hours · ★ 4.9 (1835)
From $292
New York Empire State Building Sunrise Tickets
from 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes · ★ 4.7 (1594)
From $146
New York Guided Tour with Empire State Building Visit
4 hours · ★ 4.6 (1364)
From $167
New York Empire State Building Private Tour
from 2 hours to 4 hours 30 minutes · ★ 4.9 (1345)
From $297
New York Private Tour with Empire State Building Tickets
3 hours · ★ 4.6 (1031)
From $277
New York Empire State Building Private Tour with Express Pass
from 2 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes · ★ 4.8 (1416)
From $483
New York Empire State Building Guided Tour with Harry Potter Shop Visit
3 hours · ★ 4.8 (1877)
From $128
New York Hudson Yards and Times Square Guided Tour with The Edge Tickets
3 hours · ★ 4.8 (1965)
From $130
New York The Edge and Little Island Guided Tour
3 hours · ★ 4.6 (1671)
From $95
New York High Line, Chelsea and Hudson Yards Private Tour with Optional The Edge Tickets
from 2 to 5 hours · ★ 4.9 (2475)
From $170
New York The Edge Skip the Line Tickets
★ 4.7 (1328)
From $99
High Line, Chelsea & Hudson Yards Guided Tour with Optional Edge Observatory Tickets
1 day · ★ 4.8 (25)
From $27
New York Hudson Yards Guided Tour with Optional The Edge Tickets
2 hours · ★ 4.8 (24)
From $41
Empire State Building Guided Tour
1 day · ★ 4.8 (25)
From $180
Observation Decks
New York Top of the Rock Tickets with Skylift Access
★ 4.8 (25)
From $68
Observation Decks
New York Top of the Rock All-Inclusive Pass
★ 4.8 (25)
From $79
About
Five major observation decks split New York's skyline between them, and they don't show the same view. Top of the Rock looks south at Midtown and the Empire State Building. Empire State looks both north and south and lets you see Central Park frame Midtown. One World Observatory looks down the harbor toward the Statue of Liberty. Edge and Summit One Vanderbilt are the newest decks, with glass floors, sky boxes, and mirrored installations that lean into the spectacle.
Tickets go on sale months ahead and the popular sunset slots sell out first. A timed entry is the easy way to skip the line at the door, and most decks let you stay as long as you like once you're inside.
Pick a deck by the view you want. For Manhattan framed by skyscrapers, Top of the Rock. For the Art Deco classic, Empire State. For the harbor, One World. For glass-floor thrills, Edge or Summit One Vanderbilt.
Frequently asked questions
Which observation deck has the best view?
There is no single best deck because each one frames a different part of the skyline. Top of the Rock includes the Empire State Building in the view, while Empire State itself sees Central Park. Edge and Summit lean into glass-floor experiences. Pick by which view you want.
What is the difference between Top of the Rock and Empire State Building?
Top of the Rock has an open-air deck and sees the Empire State Building in the view. Empire State Building is the classic Art Deco landmark with both north and south outlooks. Both have indoor and outdoor levels.
When is the best time to go?
Sunset is the most popular slot but sells out first. Mid-morning is the quietest. For night photography, the last hour before closing tends to have the smallest queues.
Are tickets cheaper at the door?
No. Online prices are the same as at the door, and online booking saves you the queue at the ticket window. Sunset slots are usually only bookable online.
Are observation decks accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?
All five major decks are wheelchair accessible by elevator. Strollers are allowed at all decks. Specific accessibility notes for each elevator level are on the operator's website.
Can I bring a bag or backpack?
Small bags and backpacks are allowed but go through airport-style security. Large bags, tripods, and outside food are typically not allowed. Check the rules for your specific deck before arriving.
Do I need a separate ticket for sunset or after dark?
On most decks the ticket is the same, but the slot you book matters. Sunset and night slots are priced and timed separately on some decks (Top of the Rock, Edge), so check the time-slot grid before booking.
What is the cancellation policy?
Most tickets are refundable up to 24 hours before the slot. Some last-minute and discounted tickets are non-refundable. Each option shows the policy at checkout.