NYC Observation Decks: The 14 Best Tickets

1.Empire State Building Tickets – Observatory & Museum

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 25,757 reviews · 45 minutes - 2 hours · from $47Our pick

Visit the Empire State Building’s 86th Floor Observatory, explore its interactive museum, and add the 102nd Floor for wider views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Allow 45 minutes to 2 hours. Choose a regular or Express ticket, with wheelchair access and free entry for children under six.

“We were lucky to have booked on a clear night with almost no queues. Booking process was easy and the staff were so helpful and friendly. A great experience for us all.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.One World Observatory Skip-the-Line Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 12,329 reviews · 1 day · from $30Best value

Enter One World Observatory at the Freedom Tower and ride the SkyPod to floors 100 through 102 in 47 seconds. See the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, harbor, and 9/11 Memorial. Choose standard, priority, flexible-entry, or VIP guided access.

“The observatory is really special. The fact that it’s 1776 feet tall is amazing for two our country in New York.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6,916 reviews · 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $47

Visit the Empire State Building on your own schedule, explore exhibits on construction and pop culture, then take in 360-degree views from the 86th floor. Upgrade to the 102nd floor for glass-walled views across up to six states, or add skip-the-line access for a faster visit.

“Great experience. I would recommend if you are visiting New York. Well organised and something to tick off your bucket list”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.All-Access 9/11: Ground Zero Tour, Memorial and Museum, One World Observatory

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,886 reviews · 2 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $109Top rated

Meet a local guide for an outdoor walk past the Oculus, FDNY Memorial Wall, Survivor Tree, and 9/11 Memorial pools. Then explore the museum on your own or with a VIP guide before riding to One World Observatory. Guides such as Rob, Meghan, James, and Jake add personal context.

“James out tour guide was 10/10.. very knowledgeable, fun and helpful! Team james had a very moving but enjoyable afternoon :)”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Top of the Rock Observation Deck New York City Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4,556 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $62

Ride to Rockefeller Center’s Top of the Rock for three indoor and outdoor viewing levels, including the open-air 70th floor. See Central Park, the Empire State Building, both rivers, and more. Add the Beam photo experience for a brief lift above the deck.

“One of the best observation decks in New York. This is the one to book. It is cake for money as there are 3 viewing points that give views across the whole city. You also get a fabulous view of the empire state building.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.New York City One World Observatory Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,636 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $30

Enter One World Trade Center for a timed visit to One World Observatory. Watch New York rise around you in the SkyPod elevators, explore city history, enjoy 360-degree views, and choose a Standard or Combo ticket with priority lanes, an iPad guide, and a $5 food or shopping credit.

“It was an amazing experience you feel sitting on top of the world you can see all of the New York area it was a spectacular place”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.NYC Edge Observation Deck at Hudson Yards Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 2,242 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39

Visit Edge at Hudson Yards, ride to Level 100, and step onto the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. You can walk across the Glass Floor, lean against angled glass walls, and take in 360-degree views. Choose timed, anytime, or priority admission, with a digital photo included.

“Great experience and atmosphere 👌! Wonderful place to gather with family and friends! Great view of New York!”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.9/11 Memorial Tour and Optional Observatory Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 841 reviews · 90 - 150 minutes · from $39

Meet your English-speaking guide inside the Oculus, then walk from St. Paul’s Chapel to the 9/11 Memorial pools and Survivor Tree. Expect a sensitive, story-led tour with personal New York perspectives. Add One World Observatory for a timed Sky Pod ride and wide city views.

“Our guide's first name is Tim and he exceeded our expectations. He's an outstanding tour guide!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.New York 9/11 Memorial Tour with Optional One World Observatory

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 637 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $39

Begin at St. Paul’s Chapel, then walk less than a mile through Ground Zero with a guide who may share a personal 9/11 connection. Hear stories at the Fireman’s Memorial and reflecting pools. Add One World Observatory tickets for 360-degree views, or arrange a separate museum visit.

“Jake was a great guide. We enjoyed all of his stories during the tour. He had a lot of knowledge to share.”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.City Climb Skyscraping Experience Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 511 reviews · from $204

City Climb takes you up the outside of 30 Hudson Yards on a 45-degree staircase, then lets you lean over Manhattan from 1,200 feet up. Certified guides such as Devon, Eugene, and Jayden keep the mood calm and safe. Your ticket also includes Edge access, a climb video, and the observation deck’s glass attractions.

“Amazing experience! A must do if you feel brave enough! :)”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Hudson Yards Tour With Optional Edge Upgrade

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 483 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $49

Walk Hudson Yards and the High Line with a local guide, hear the story behind Manhattan’s newest district, then visit Vessel and optionally Edge. The 2:30 p.m. tour includes about 1 to 2 miles of moderate walking. Guides such as Steve, Ellen, Justin, and Kevin are known for lively storytelling.

“The tour was extremely informative due to our wonderful tour guide, Ellen. Not only did she take us to each spot and give us the standard information, but her clear passion and knowledge of history made it feel as if we had behind-the-scenes knowledge of everything Hudson Yards. The stories were fascinating, and her background in theater helped carried her voice and make the stories even more exciting. Highly recommend for an educational experience with a bit of relaxing exercise (walking)!”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Pick 1 Attraction + Edge New York + Top of the Rock

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 188 reviews · from $119

Use one digital Go City pass for Edge, Top of the Rock, and one more New York attraction. Plan across 30 days, reserve in the app when needed, and choose from options such as the Empire State Building, 9/11 Museum, Statue of Liberty Ferry, MoMA, and more.

“The view was awesome. But the ride up and down in the elevator was also an experience. We were lucky to be just the two of us in the elevator and got to enjoy the show”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.One World Observatory Skip-the-Line All Inclusive Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 164 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $67

Visit One World Observatory on your chosen day and arrive at any time for priority access through security, entry, and exit elevators. From 102 floors up, enjoy broad views of Manhattan and the rivers, use the One World Explorer iPad, and spend a $15 credit on food, drinks, or shopping.

“Fantastic view, it’s fun and amazing too! They are very courteous and friendly people there. You won’t be disappointed”

Check availability →Read our full review

14.World Trade Center Tour with 911 Museum & Observatory All Access

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 159 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $128

Spend about five hours at the World Trade Center with a small group of up to 15. A guide such as Christopher, Andrew, or Richard leads the outdoor history tour, then you explore the 9/11 Museum and One World Observatory at your own pace.

“Christopher was excellent, very knowledgeable and had lots of pictures of the original scene that he would show us when he was explaining points”

Check availability →Read our full review