Visiting one of New York City's iconic observation decks is a must-do when you're in the Big Apple. There are an endless amount of fun things to do and historical landmarks to see, but a visit to an observation deck (or two, or three...) is one of the most memorable things you can do on your trip to NYC. Plus, it's a great way to 'see' everything there is to see in New York.
New York City is home to 3 of the best observation decks in the world: the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, and One World Observatory.
We've put together a comparison of New York's most popular observation decks, so you can get an idea of what the difference is between the Empire State Building vs Top of the Rock vs One World Observatory so you can decide which one suits what you want to do and see best.
1. The One World Observatory
The One World Observatory is an icon of the city skyline with an amazing spire. Travelers can take one of its 70 elevators up to three observation decks in under 50 seconds; it's an elevator ride that feels like a launch.
The views: One World Trade Center is located on the southwestern side of the Manhattan peninsula (close to the tip of it), so you'll get close views of the Hudson River, New Jersey, and Manhattan. You can see Ground Zero, the 9/11 Memorial Museum, and the Financial District.
A bonus is that you'll be able to see the Empire State Building and the Top of the Rock. (though your view will be farther than from the Top of the Rock) and Top of the Rock. It has 360-degree views that stretch from Westchester and Rockland Counties to New Jersey, Brooklyn, and Long Island.
Then, step into the Main Observatory and view HD footage of Manhattan’s streets. Enjoy some artisanal cocktails at the One Mix bar and indulge in some culinary delights at One Dine. The structure and its observatory decks show a rebirth of downtown Manhattan, after the tragedy of 9/11.
Admission: One World Observatory tickets are sold separately from The New York Pass®
2. The Empire State Building
The Empire State Building also showcases 360-degree views of the city. At night, this international icon displays dazzling light shows to celebrate various occasions, often synchronized to music. In addition to its 86th-floor observatory, there's the Top Deck. From here, you can see up to 80 miles away and get a full picture of the city.
The views: the Empire State Building is located right in the middle of Manhattan, so from its top Observation Deck, you’ll get one-of-a-kind vistas of the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and the brilliant city streets below.
You'll also be able to see New York City's other popular observation decks; the view from the Empire State Building of One World Observatory is much closer than the view you get of it from Top of the Rock.
Similarly, the view from the ESB of Rockefeller Center is much closer than the view you get of it from One World Observatory.
Be sure to check out the Dare to Dream exhibit, which pays tribute to the builders and architects who helped create this historic landmark. There are period photographs, mementos, architectural sketches, and more.
If you plan your visit to the Empire State Building around a mealtime, consider dining at its STATE Grill and Bar for breakfast, lunch or dinner. In exceptional Art Deco design, it showcases New York State’s winemakers, brewers, and farmers.
Admission: Empire State Building tickets are included with the New York Pass®.
3. Top of the Rock
The Top of the Rock is a must-do on any tourist's bucket list. The Top of the Rock Observation deck is nestled in the heart of Rockefeller Center. Ascend 70 floors up and take in the sweeping view from three indoor and outdoor viewing decks. The indoor viewing areas are on the 69th and 67th floors.
Rockefeller Center is chock-full of beautiful architecture, culture, and rich history. Take it in with a guided tour through its gardens and significant buildings.
The views: the Top of the Rock is located just south of Central Park, right in Times Square, so you'll get the best views of Central Park compared to the other observation decks. In the other direction, you can see the Empire State Building framed by the sprawling city, the Bank of America Building, Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, and more.
From Top of the Rock, the view of the Empire State Building is closer than the view of the ESB from One World Observatory.
After you pass the Swarovski chandelier in the lobby, artifacts and photos outline the history of Rockefeller Center and an open-air deck on the 70th floor. Compared to the Empire State Building, the Top of the Rock is less claustrophobic.
Admission: Top of the Rock tickets are included with The New York Pass®.
The biggest differences between the top New York City observation decks
Each observation deck experience provides an educational and informative experience on your way up to the deck, complete with exhibitions and displays. One World Observatory, being the most recently built, features a more modern design and feel and its exhibits explore the development of downtown Manhattan, the impact of 9/11, and how the One World Observatory building came to be.
Top of the Rock and the Empire State Building both offer a classic and nostalgic New York City experience that highlight the history of the city with a particular emphasis on the American dream and the eventual prosperity post-Great Depression era.
The biggest difference between One World Observatory vs Empire State Building vs Top of the Rock is the view you'll get at the top, rather than the exhibits. Of course, if you have a favorite skyscraper, just remember that whichever observatory deck you choose to visit, you won't see that building in the skyline.
- One World Observatory (southern-most building): views of the Hudson River and the city skyline looking north from the southern tip of Manhattan
- Empire State Building (middle building): views from the middle of Manhattan with One World Observatory visible to the south and Rockefeller Center visible to the north
- Top of the Rock (northern-most building): views of Central Park to the north and views of the Empire State Building and One World Observatory to the south
Popular things to do nearby
In addition to these 3 observation decks (One World Observatory, the Empire State Building, and Top of the Rock) there are other great sites and activities worth checking out while in NYC.
Central Park
This world-famous park is 36 acres of beautiful streams, waterfalls, rocks, and winding trails. It’s ideal for strolling and a wonderful sight from each of the observation decks. Take a romantic paddle around the lake or even a Venetian Gondola ride at Loeb Boathouse. Savor some great fare like crab cakes at the Central Park Boathouse Restaurant.
Monkey around at the Central Park Zoo. There are even pot-bellied pigs, penguins, and sea lions. You never have to wait for the carnival to come to town in NYC!
In the summer, head to Victorian Gardens for an all-American day of juggler performances, cart rides, and funnel cake. In the winter, take to the ice for some skating.
The Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty
You can take a ferry over to the Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island. Visit the crown and see panoramic views of Brooklyn. This colossal copper statue was designed by artist Frederic Bartholdi. It’s the symbol of freedom. The Liberty Island Museum is located in the lobby of its pedestal and chronicles the history of freedom. At the pedestal, you can great views of New Jersey, New York, and the New York Harbor.
Getting in: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum tickets are included with The New York Pass®
The Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the city’s noblest landmarks. It stretches over Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the East River and delivers amazing views. Take a walk across its promenade above the roadway and feel the city’s vibe. It only takes about 40 minutes.
Getting in: the Brooklyn Bridge is free and open to the public. Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tour tickets and bike rentals you can use to cycle across the Brooklyn Bridge are included with The New York Pass®.
Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal
The Grand Central Terminal is the world’s largest railway station and a magnificent public space. It’s modeled after an ancient Roman bath and features glimmering chandeliers, an amazing concourse, and a robin’s egg-blue ceiling displaying the constellations.
Getting in: Grand Central Terminal is free and open to the public.
The American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is the largest natural history museum on the globe. It stretches four city blocks and showcases 45 exhibition halls, with over 30 million artifacts from outer space, the sea, and the land. Don’t miss it.
Getting in: American Museum of Natural History tickets are included with The New York Pass®.
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Roam the labyrinthine corridors of the colossal Metropolitan Museum of Art where you view more than 2 million works of art showcasing 5,000 years of history. Its Egyptian collection features stone sarcophagi inscribed with hieroglyphics and pages from the Egyptian Book of the Dead.
Other highlights include the American Wing with collections of American Arts. There are also stunning Islamic galleries with metalwork and ceramics. Its roof garden serves up fabulous views of Central Park and the city skyline.
Getting in: The Metropolitan Museum of Art tickets can be purchased online.
The High Line
The High Line
The High Line was once a railroad track carrying freight trains. Today, it's a railway-turned-beautiful city retreat situated high above the busy city streets. Take a stroll along the path and check out the park's many features, including picnic tables, seating, curving walkways, and well-manicured gardens. All while you take in the unique views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline.
Getting in: Admission to the High Line is free and open to the public.
Remember to save on observation decks and New York attractions
New York City's top 3 observatory decks are at the top of many tourists' itineraries. They're all popular attractions, but how can you afford the admission price at each? The New York Pass® grants you free admission to two of these Observation decks, with Empire State Building tickets and Top of the Rock tickets, plus admission to over 90 additional attractions, local hotspots and epic tours, all on one pass, all for one price.
Not only that, but you'll enjoy savings of up to 50%, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.
✈️ Experience everything New York City has to offer with The New York Pass® ✈️
