New York Observation Decks: The 12 Best Views

1.Empire State Building Observation Deck Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 22,072 reviews · from $48Our pick

Visit New York’s Empire State Building, explore interactive galleries and the Art Deco lobby, then ride to the 86th-floor open-air deck. Choose the 102nd-floor upgrade for floor-to-ceiling windows, or pay more for Express entry when queues matter.

“It's 20 years since I last visited the Empire State Building (as a 30 year old working in New York) now I'm 52 and visited with my teenage sons and partner. It didn't disappoint. Staff were great, helpful and considerate, and the experience is much more immersive: animations showing the build in 1931, King Kong peering through the windows, spy holes looking down on New Yorkers back in the 30's – it really was great, a classic, a must see!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Edge Observation Deck Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 20,918 reviews · 1 hour · from $39

Visit Edge at Hudson Yards for a one-hour high-rise experience with multimedia displays, a glass floor, angled glass walls, Skyline Steps, and wide views from Central Park to the Statue of Liberty. You can add champagne or cocktails at the rooftop bar, but food and drinks cost extra.

“Very good, you get a immersive walk through experience then you see amazing views. Would definitely recommend as it’s great value for money.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Top of the Rock Observation Deck Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 14,488 reviews · from $44

Ride the 43-second elevator to Top of the Rock’s three observation levels at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. You’ll get wide views of Central Park and the Empire State Building, outdoor photo spots, the Weather Room Café, and optional Beam or VIP upgrades.

“Staff were excellent. View is amazing. The information given was interesting.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.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’s 86th Floor Observatory for open-air views of New York, then upgrade to the 102nd floor for glass-window panoramas across six states. Your mobile ticket also covers exhibits on construction, films, design, and sustainability.

“It was so much fun!! We fully enjoyed the day and had a great time. Definitely a need to do item!! We learned and laughed a lot. The staff were so nice.”

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

Enter Rockefeller Center and ride to three Top of the Rock decks on floors 67, 69, and 70. Enjoy indoor and open-air views of Central Park, the Empire State Building, and both rivers at your own pace. Add the Beam Experience for the famous skyscraper construction photo.

“Amazing view - cool extras if you want to pay. Rooftop bar. Can look out with no glass on front of you and no roof.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.360 CHICAGO Observation Deck Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,173 reviews · 30 min · from $29

Ride one of North America’s fastest elevators to the 94th floor of 875 N. Michigan for wide views of Chicago, Lake Michigan, and four states. Explore the lower concourse exhibits, CloudWalk art, CloudBar, and the Magnicity app. TILT is optional and costs extra on site.

“This was so much fun to see the whole city and have a romantic drink at the beautiful bar! They have great souvenirs for sale and the Tilt experience looked fun but I didn't try it myself. Our bartender (can't remember her name) was on point with her service and added some personality and humor to the night, she even recommended our dinner spot which was excellent (Doc B's)!! I love the top of the Hancock - it's iconic Chicago and Cloud Bar 360 is worth the price! The souvenir photos (order and pay to take home) they take of you when you walk in are super cute too!! Highly…”

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

At Hudson Yards, ride up to Edge’s 100th floor for wide Manhattan views, then step onto the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. Walk the Glass Floor, lean against angled glass walls, visit the Eastern Point, and use the included digital photo. Food and drinks cost extra.

“Beautiful view but too expensive for only 5 minutes of nothing but view. It should include more activities to do that will make the visit worth”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.STRAT Tower Observation Deck Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,469 reviews · 1 day · from $26

Take the elevator to the STRAT Tower observation deck for sweeping 360-degree views over Las Vegas Valley. Your ticket covers both climate-controlled indoor viewing and open-air decks, with viewfinders, a bar, snacks, and sunset-to-night access.

“Great view of the city, we were there at night and had a lovely glass of wine while looking out at this fabulous view”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.View Boston Observation Deck Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,451 reviews · 1h 30m · from $34

View Boston takes you to the top three floors of Prudential Tower for 360-degree indoor and outdoor views. You’ll explore Boston 365, an interactive 3-D city model, Open Doors theater, and a custom itinerary planner. The 90-minute visit is self-guided, with food and drinks available for purchase.

“I didn’t have a guide but it was beautiful!! Very nice”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.360 CHICAGO Observation Deck Admission

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,206 reviews · 1 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $29

Visit 360 CHICAGO on the 94th floor at 875 N Michigan Ave for wide views of Chicago and Lake Michigan. Your mobile ticket includes admission, Cloud Walk, new concourse exhibits, and the Magnicity app. Add a CloudBar drink or buy TILT onsite for an extra charge.

“Great opportunity to relax and enjoy the view literally. Wonderful photo moments all around, very nice attended early on a clear day!”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Dallas’ Reunion Tower GeO-Deck Observation Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 576 reviews · 45 minutes to 1 hour (approx.) · from $24Best value

Ride 470 feet up Reunion Tower for indoor and outdoor 360-degree views of Dallas. Your ticket includes a digital photo, interactive city screens, and access to high-definition zoom cameras. Plan on 45 minutes to an hour, and choose daytime, twilight, or night for a different view.

“Overall good experience with the exception of the wait time for/to access an elevator. Having one accessible elevator for the moderate crowd was time consuming.”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.360 Chicago Observation Deck Sip and View Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 355 reviews · 1h 30m · from $44

Head to 360 CHICAGO on Michigan Avenue for a 90-minute visit to the 94th floor, a drink from the Sip Menu, CloudWalk, CloudBar, and city views from 1,000 feet up. You will still pass through security, and TILT costs extra. The ticket is for adults 21 and older.

“Had o wonderful experience. Next time I will go at sunset!”

Check availability →Read our full review