NYC Observation Decks

So you’ve decided to make a trip to The Big Apple and you want to see the city from high in the sky, but which observation deck do you choose? There are multiple options and they all are fantastic in their own way!

Kyndal made two trips to NYC in 2022 and gave them all a test, here are her findings on how to make the best decision for your family!

The Edge

First up is one of the newest, state of the art observation decks; The Edge. This observation deck is located in Hudson Yards and gives you a near panoramic view of the city. You can take in the views all around through glass walls that extend beyond the building and over the city below. There is also a small section of glass floor where you can literally walk 100 stories above the street. For those that are a bit more timid of this open air design, there are floor to ceiling views inside where you exit the elevator that still provide a beautiful view of the city.

Kyndal would recommend this observation deck for adventure-seekers and those who are not afraid of heights. This is a great observation deck if the weather is nice and gives one-of-a-kind views from above given the open air design. 

The Empire State Building

Does it get much more nostalgic than the Empire State Building? This is a classic New York City icon where you can feel the rich history enrobed in this building as you make your way to the top. The Empire State Building has one of the shorter observation decks compared to the newer ones, but the views are still fantastic. You can relive movie history as you daydream about King Kong, Sleepless in Seattle, and Elf while taking in the captivating views from each corner of the observation deck. This observation deck also allows you to stay indoors, but the views are much more limited than The Edge because of the deck’s railings.

Kyndal would recommend the Empire State Building for history buffs, movie lovers, and those that want to experience a rich piece of history from the city.

Top of the Rock

Another icon of Manhattan is the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center. Centered in a lively city area where good food and shopping abound, this is a great place to get away high in the sky and see the city from above. There are plenty of indoor and outdoor areas to view the city from all angles as you look North toward Central Park or South toward the financial district. It’s also a great place to see the Empire State Building just a few blocks away and take in the architectural beauty of this observation deck from up above.

Kyndal recommends this observation deck for travelers looking for an underrated view of the city that is less crowded than some of your other observation decks. She believes the views here are just as great as at The Empire State Building, with the bonus of seeing it from above.

One World Observatory

Rounding out our list of NYC observation decks is One World Observatory. Kyndal may have saved the best for last with this one, as it provides 360-degree views of the city. Despite how high up you are in this building, it feels very stable and secure as you do not have the wind blowing, adding anxiety for individuals who may find this unsettling. Her father, who is terrified of heights, was able to go up in this observation deck for about an hour and a half without panicking, and he was grateful for the experience, thinking he’d never get this opportunity. This observation deck also hosts a quaint coffee shop and restaurant where you can dine high in the sky and eat some of the best brussel sprouts!

Kyndal recommends this observation deck for travelers more fearful of heights or families with adventurous little ones.

If you still can’t decide, there are multiple city and sightseeing pass options available for New York City where you can see the views from all of these observation points and decide for yourself which one is your favorite. So reach out to one of our Pineapple Escapes agents today to start planning your next vacation to New York City and receive all of our tips, tricks, and recommendations for making the most of your trip to The Big Apple!

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Post By Kyndal Riorden

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