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New York has great views from every angle, but perhaps none as great as those from above.

Looking down at the collections of skyscrapers that make up Manhattan is what makes the trip for many visitors.

But of course, not everyone has the budget to hire a helicopter for an afternoon. However, as a city of skyscrapers, there are plenty of other great places to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the streets below.

So where are the best observation decks in New York?

Empire State Building

Located at 320 meters, the observation deck at the Empire State Building is arguably the best observation deck in New York City.

The Empire State Building is one of the world’s most iconic buildings, holding the title of the world’s tallest building – for 40 years – and is perhaps the city’s most famous building.

The famous viewing platform has appeared in numerous films and tv shows over the years and offers uninterrupted 360-degree views across the metropolis.

Height: 320 meters

Opening Hours: 10.00-23.00

Best for: One of the world’s most iconic and famous buildings and 360-degree views of the New York Skyline.

Top of the Rock

The Rockefeller Center is already one of the city’s most popular attractions, with ice skating rinks in winter and the new addition of the spring and summer Roller Boogie Palace, as well as the building itself.

Top of the Rock is a multi-level observation deck located on the 67th, 68th, and 69th floors of the Rockefeller Center, while the 70th floor is an open-air observation deck with views of the whole city.

Height: 260 meters

Opening Hours: 9.00-23.00

Best For: Enjoying three levels of both indoor and outdoor viewing areas 70 stories above the city.

Summit One Vanderbilt

This 93-story building has been open for less than three years but has already become one of Manhattan’s most exciting vista points.

Summit One offers a unique way to see the city, with three levels of unique views of the city combined with immersive experiences for the whole family to enjoy.

Explore the different zones before heading out to the wrap-around terrace, boasting views for up to 80 miles around.

Height: 305 meters

Opening Hours: 9.00-00.00

Best For: Something completely different.

Edge

Like Summit One, the Edge only opened in 2020 and has quickly climbed to become one of New York’s newest “must-see” spots.

At 335 meters, the Edge is New York’s highest open-air observation deck and one of the only observation decks with a glass floor in the city – will you be brave enough to step out over the streets below?

Height: 335 meters

Opening Hours: 10.00-22.00

Best For: Glass floor

One World Observatory

The One World Center was completed in 2012 as a tribute to the lives lost in the September 11th tragedy and was built on the original site of the 6 World Trade Center.

The observation deck is the highest in the city, and to get there, you will travel on one of the world’s fastest elevators. As the tallest observation deck in the city, the One World Observatory promises unforgettable views.

Height: 386 meters

Opening Hours: 10.00-21.00

Best For: Tallest building 

Thinking of visiting New York City this spring? The Hotel Beacon is in the heart of the Upper West Side – a great location to enjoy the best of the city.