New York Dearest
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The Best of New York · See and do · Views

The best observation decks in New York.

Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 5 places.

Visiting an observation deck in New York City is a must for first-time visitors. The city is full of skyscrapers, but the question I always get from friends and family is.which observation deck is actually worth your time?

As a local who’s hosted dozens of friends, and taken all of them to observation decks around NYC, I’ve done my rounds. There are currently five observation decks in New York City to choose from, and in this guide, I’ll rank them based on the views and overall experience. Let’s dive in!

Antonina PattizI went to every one · how I decide

Best observation decks in New York, 2026

  1. EdgeLandmark · ChelseaEdge is the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, jutting out 100 stories above Hudson Yards with a glass floor and angled glass walls.
  2. One World ObservatoryLandmark · Financial District
  3. Summit One VanderbiltLandmark · MidtownIt’s the best observation deck restaurant in New York City, and the cocktails are nothing to scoff at, either.
  4. The Empire State BuildingLandmark · MidtownArguably the most famous building in New York City, the Empire State Building offers views so legendary, even King Kong couldn’t resist climbing it for a peek.
  5. Top of the RockLandmark · MidtownTop of the Rock delivers the best views in the city, no contest.

On the map

Where they are.

3 neighborhoods, Midtown and Chelsea most of all.

Midtown

Chelsea

Financial District

Best observation decks in New York, 2026

The seal

If you're on this list, this is yours.

I went, and I said in my own words that it's worth your time. Nobody paid for that and nobody can. The seal says so, and it links back here, so anyone who sees it reads the whole list and how I decide.

Put it on your site, in the window, on the menu. Keep it linked when it's on the web and keep the words on it. That's the whole ask.

The code. Paste it where the seal should sit.

<a href="https://newyorkdearest.com/rankings/observation-decks-in-new-york/">
  <img src="https://newyorkdearest.com/rankings/observation-decks-in-new-york/badge.svg"
       alt="Best observation decks in New York, New York Dearest, 2026"
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How it looks

Best observation decks in New York, New York Dearest, 2026

On a light site

Best observation decks in New York, New York Dearest, 2026

On a dark site

The files

SVG, lightSVG, darkPNG, lightPNG, dark

SVG for the web, the 1200 px PNG for print and social. Both carry the year.

Is one of these yours? Tell me and I confirm it's you and send the files.

The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: All 5 Observation Decks in New York City (Ranked by Locals).