New York Tickets Observation Decks Comparison

NYC Observation Decks Compared

Empire State Building, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, Top of the Rock and Edge side by side

New York has four big observation decks in Midtown and Hudson Yards: the Empire State Building, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, Top of the Rock and Edge. They differ in height, in how much of the visit is open-air and in what the experience includes. Here is how they compare.

At a Glance

Empire State Building

Height: open-air 86th floor at 1,050 feet and enclosed 102nd floor at 1,250 feet. Open-air: yes, the 86th floor. Time to allow: 30–45 minutes on the 86th floor, plus 20–30 minutes for the 102nd. Quietest time: 12–2 pm, according to the venue.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Height: floors 91 to 93; the Levitation boxes hang 1,100 feet above Madison Avenue. Open-air: an outdoor terrace. Time to allow: about 90 minutes. Highlights: mirrored rooms and glass Levitation ledges. Hours: 8 am to midnight, last entry 10:30 pm.

Top of the Rock

Height: floors 67, 69 and 70, 850 feet (260 m) above sea level. Open-air: the 70th floor is fully open-air. Time to allow: 45 minutes to an hour, longer with the Beam or SKYLIFT. Quietest time: the first slots after opening; sunset is the most popular.

Edge

Height: 1,100 feet (335 m), on level 100. Open-air: yes, an outdoor sky deck. Time to allow: 60–90 minutes. Highlights: a glass floor and angled glass walls. Quietest time: weekday mornings and early afternoons; sunset is the busiest.

Free Cancellation

Approx 2h

Empire State Building General Admission: Main Deck

Highlights

Explore the historic Empire State Building, renowned as the world’s most famous skyscraper.

Enjoy sweeping 360-degree vistas from the 86th-floor open-air observatory.

Discover interactive museum exhibits on the 2nd floor that highlight the building’s construction and cinematic history.

Benefit from fast-track entry options available during checkout.

Access an audio guide app featuring multiple languages for a richer experience.

Free Cancellation

Approx 2h

4.3

(8)

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Highlights

Experience panoramic 360-degree views of New York City, featuring up-close sightlines of the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building.

Walk through Air by Kenzo Digital, an immersive art installation with mirrored halls, light-reflective spheres, and dynamic digital cloudscapes.

Step out onto Levitation, a heart-racing glass ledge suspended 1,063 feet directly above Madison Avenue.

Free Cancellation

Approx 2h

Top of the Rock - General Admission

Highlights

Three levels of observation decks, with terraces facing north, south, east and west.

9,500 square feet of outdoor viewing space.

An open-air 70th-floor deck with views of Central Park, the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center and Lower Manhattan.

Free Cancellation

Approx 2h

Edge NYC: Entry Ticket

Highlights

Ascend to a sky deck standing 1,100 feet high for panoramic views of New York.

Walk on transparent glass floors and walls for a thrilling perspective.

Explore the uniquely designed Vessel by climbing its interlocking staircases.

Capture stunning photographs of New York’s skyline and architectural marvels.

Enjoy flexible entry within the operating hours, allowing you to plan your visit at your pace.

Which One Is Right for You?

For the classic view

The Empire State Building, with its restored Art Deco lobby and an open-air deck at 1,050 feet.

For photos and art installations

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, with mirrored rooms and glass Levitation ledges above Madison Avenue.

For a fully open-air top deck in Midtown

Top of the Rock, whose 70th floor at 30 Rockefeller Plaza is open to the sky.

For the glass-floor thrill

Edge, an outdoor sky deck with a glass floor 1,100 feet above Hudson Yards.

If you are short on time

Top of the Rock (45 minutes to an hour) or the Empire State Building’s 86th floor (30–45 minutes) take the least time.

Tickets for Each Observation Deck

Empire State Building

Two observation decks: the open-air 86th floor at 1,050 feet and the enclosed 102nd floor at 1,250 feet.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Mirrored rooms and glass Levitation ledges 1,100 feet above Madison Avenue, next to Grand Central.

Top of the Rock

Three levels on floors 67, 69 and 70 of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, with a fully open-air top deck.

Edge

An outdoor sky deck 1,100 feet up at Hudson Yards, with a glass floor and angled glass walls.

Good to Know

Sunset

Sunset is the most popular slot at Top of the Rock and Edge, and sunset slots sell out first at the Empire State Building. Book ahead if you want golden hour.

Opening hours

Hours change during the year at the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock and Edge, so check the available times for your date when you book.

Tickets

Prices and cancellation conditions for each ticket are shown in the booking selector before you pay.