NYC Observation Decks - Ranking the Top 5.

Ranking and reviewing the five observation decks in New York City. In the last couple of years there have been two new observatories open in Manhattan. In this video, I visit them with my son and compare them to the other observatories giving you the pros and cons of each.
As a BONUS I recommend two other observation decks that both have spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline, plus a big advantage... both of them are FREE.
The 5 OBSERVATION DECKS of NEW YORK CITY. Chapter Outline:
00:00 Introduction
00:54 Map and History of Observatories in NYC
02:47 The Empire State Building
06:35 The Edge at Hudson Yards
10:03 One World Observatory
12:47 The Summit One Vanderbilt
16:14 Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center
18:12 Two Free Observation Decks?
18:33 Hyatt Centric Times Square
20:05 230 Fifth Rooftop
21:58 Chysler Building Observatoy?
22:40 Final Thoughts
#TopOfTheRock
#EmpireStateBuilding
#OneWorldObservatory
#TheEdgeatHudsonYards
#SummitOV
I recently visited all five observatories in New York City and wanted to share my insights on each. The observatories include the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center, The Edge at Hudson Yards, and The Summit at One Vanderbilt. Each has its own pros and cons. In this video I'll provide a brief overview and some tips while visiting each location with my son.
Starting with the Empire State Building, it's undoubtedly iconic, but it ranks fifth on my list due to a few flaws. While the exhibits and historical displays are fascinating, the 86th floor's suicide prevention barrier obstructs views. Additionally, the 102nd floor comes with an extra fee, and being on top means you can't capture the building itself in your photos.
The Edge at Hudson Yards, opened in 2020, offers a unique west-side perspective. The downward views are thrilling, but there's a downside with waiting times for popular photo spots. The location is trendy but lacks the historical charm found in other observatories.
Moving on to One World Observatory, situated at the World Trade Center, it boasts a photogenic building and an impressive elevator ride. The big reveal at the top provides breathtaking views of Midtown Manhattan, New York Harbor, and the Hudson River. However, the absence of an outdoor deck during certain seasons is a drawback.
The Summit at One Vanderbilt, a newcomer in 2021, takes a creative approach with 3D scanners and reflective elements. While the unique perspective of the Chrysler Building and the open-air deck are appreciated, the sci-fi sounds are criticized.
In my opinion, the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center remains the undisputed best viewpoint. With unobstructed views, a strategic Midtown location, and the ability to capture impressive photographs without barriers, it surpasses other options. Despite the introduction of new observatories, this one remains my personal favorite.
I also have two additional recommendations for free viewing: the Hyatt Centric Hotel's rooftop bar, offering New York City's highest rooftop bar, and 235th Rooftop Bar in the Flatiron District. Both provide unique perspectives, especially for capturing the Empire State Building.
While rumors circulate about a potential observatory in the Chrysler Building, there's no concrete information available. In conclusion, experiencing the legendary New York skyline from any of these observatories is a must, each offering a unique and worthwhile perspective.

[@scottjaxfl]

Thank you for your review. We were in NYC this weekend and followed your advice on Top of the Rock. It's a stunning vantage point to view all of Manhattan. Even with overcast weather, the views were breathtaking!

[@bradball]

Thanks for your comment. Glad you got to experience the Top of the Rock… always an awesome view!

[@kolzjj766]

Because of your fantastic review, I decided to visit the top of the rock and the summit one vanderbilt last week. Loved both. First time in NYC. From London 😊

[@wilsonguimaraes3427]

Your video was the best I watched about Decks. Clear information in a peaceful style, without exaggeration and with good tips. That Cool! Thanks Brad!

[@bradball]

Thanks for the compliment… glad you enjoyed.

[@sunnycrail7911]

Agreed!👍🏻

[@yu-tinglo7384]

So helpful! Thank you for making this video!

[@ericdudley4169]

You are spot on and really get it! Born and raised in NYC, and a frequent visitor now, I’ve always maintained that the view from Top Of The Rock at Rockefeller Center is STILL the best view of NYC… In fact, with all of the exciting new skyscrapers, (30 Hudson, One Vanderbilt, One World, Brooklyn Tower, Central Park Tower, BofA Tower, etc.), AND the classics, (Chrysler Building, Empire State, etc.), the view from Top of the Rock is even better! Thanks for the video (and validation!) 👍🏽

[@bradball]

Thanks for watching... Yep... Top of the Rock is the Crème de la Crème!

[@gillianstore1499]

Thank you for this. I’m coming up to a second visit & was trying to decide what observation decks to visit this time. You helped me finalise that decision.

[@sueiversen3159]

Ver well done video. Precise and on subject and great video.

[@bradball]

Thank you for your kind words. Enjoy NYC.

[@sunnycrail7911]

Awesome review …thanks!❤

[@carlinschelstraete682]

What a great overview! Nice work on this video.

[@bradball]

Thanks for your kind comments.

[@orbitaaltube]

I have watched various videos on this topic. This is by far the best. Thank you sir.

[@bradball]

Thank you for watching… I’m glad it was helpful!

[@efortin9543]

Best review I have seen, thank you!

[@bradball]

Glad it was helpful!

[@davids5522]

What a well done video! I will be visiting New York in April this year from Germany. This review makes me even more excited!

[@bradball]

Have fun on your upcoming trip!

[@joeMJ276]

Thanks for the video!

[@tzarvalis]

Congratulations and thank you for your excellent evaluation !!!!

[@bradball]

Thanks for your kind comments.

[@johnbald9639]

Just right, thanks. Informational and good views of the views!

[@bradball]

Glad you liked it!

[@RightNowMan]

Great video! Cheers for the info.

[@garettsmith6906]

Great video on top observatories one of my favorite videos so far.

[@bradball]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@wesleyb1458]

Thanks for the video in was very informative and its going to help with my trip!

[@bradball]

Glad it was helpful. Enjoy your time in NYC!

[@wallybcool]

Great video, loved the maps. Thanks

[@bradball]

Glad you enjoyed

[@nabil11123]

Thank you for this interesting video !!

[@bradball]

Thanks for watching… I hope it was helpful!

[@hochiify]

Thank you for uploading! I want to go to new york city someday! my favorite is top of the rock!

[@drjuicefire7025]

Great video sounds very professional !!

[@bradball]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@Douglas_Aguirre]

thank you for the video!

[@bradball]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@jessicajones6032]

What about seeing magnificent views from the Highline? It’s free and breathtaking 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@thamiryschuengue125]

thank you so much

[@GoldenRing2023]

I literally became the 34,000th viewr to this video!, Great work and commentary

[@bradball]

Wow, thanks for watching.

[@cedricbottom2932]

Wow really enjoyed this but found the edge was really good when it's raining as there is hardly anyone there 😂👍👍I will look forward to watching more of your videos

[@bradball]

Thanks for your comment. The Edge would be terrific during a storm.

[@matthewforeman6579]

Just for future reference, I went to the edge recently, and I went on a Wednesday and it wasn’t packed at all. There were no lines or anything. So if you’re planning on going, go on like a weekday

[@bradball]

Excellent advice. Also…. you’ll surely find fewer crowds during the off-season. NYC in Jan - March is generally much less crowded.

[@user-cy9vw1hd7x]

My top 5,first edge, second TOTR,thirdly summit,fourthly ESB,fifth one world

[@carenhernandez426]

Amazing

[@bradball]

Thanks for your comment.

[@prasannaskatti5315]

Excellent video...Thanks a lot from India

[@bradball]

So nice of you, thanks for watching.

[@prasannaskatti5315]

Now, I have booked One Summit Vanderbilt for morning, should I also book the the Rock observatory for evening?

[@sampa2nyc]

Thanks for the review. A proposal for an observation deck has recently been approved for the Chrysler building . It will be on the 61st floor (floor with the silver eagles). it will include new restaurants, retail and a food hall and should open either '23 or '24. Fingers crossed.

[@shanekeenaNYC]

Just adds to this new Observation Decks Arms Race.

[@bradball]

I will be excited to go to the top of this observatory. The Chrysler building is my favorite skyscrapers of all time… a true beauty queen! That being said… I don’t believe the Chrysler building is tall enough or positioned well enough (it’s too far East) to offer the most spectacular views of the city.

[@donaldturner2145]

The Statue of Liberty has an observation deck at the top of the pedestal and at the crown. Furthermore, Riverside Church, the Harlem Watchtower, and the Jefferson Mrket Library also have observation decks. There are rooftop terraces at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Whitney Museum of American Art, and the New Museum. On top of this, One Chase Manhattan Plaza, 70 Pine Street, and the Marriott Marquis Times Square have sky high restaurants where one can take in the view.

[@unit0155]

This was an awesome video. Thanks a lot! If you see this, have you found any other free(ish) places to see the skyline?

[@bradball]

Thanks for watching. The two I mentioned near the end of the video are pretty good. I especially like the view from the 230 5th bar/restaurant (great view of the Empire State Building). Another free place to catch a good elevated view of the skyline is just walking across the Brooklyn Bridge… terrific (and 100% free). You also have some decent skyline views (ground level) on the Jersey side… the view from the Jersey City 9/11 Memorial is pretty good.

[@Mike-wt7jq]

I still remember getting my extremely oversized 2009 Yankees WS championship hoodie at the Modell's store where One Vanderbilt now stands. I think the hoodie was 4XL as most of the other sizes were quickly sold out. 😂😂

[@Mike-wt7jq]

Ariana Grande or Billie Eilish is never getting that hoodie!!

[@BT1993-]

Really enjoyed this thank you! Coming in Jan 2023 planning on doing all 5 and 230 fifth (I know that’s a lot but I’m a big view person) already set that I’m going to do Top of the Rock at sunset. Which would you recommend for the night view?

[@bradball]

Thanks for your comment. It's really tough to beat Top of the Rock. Typically when I'm in New York... I'll often visit both places. Good luck and safe travels!

[@octopusman8188]

Great video but it would have been helpful if you included ticket fee for each option as well. Thanks!

[@AaronBall12ofus]

Top of the Rock is my favorite. (Even though I went to the tip-top of Empire).

[@bradball]

It's the best... great minds think alike!

[@LucyAlexandrasWorld]

What about the revolving rooftop restaurant?

[@3markaw]

Yes , I think it is the Times Square Marriot that has revolving restaurant. At least they did , not sure if they still do.

[@ashlynfrits1100]

Is the one at the Hyatt for Hyatt guests only or public?

[@bradball]

General public can go up.

[@YourWantedEscape]

😃

[@LucyAlexandrasWorld]

And I thought Vanderbilt had balloons there???

[@andrewa3216]

Summit is the best for the money. It's kinda hard for me to spend a bunch of money just for a view.

[@bradball]

Thanks for watching. Summit is a terrific view!

[@donaldturner2145]

The Empire State Building was opened in 1931, not 1930.

[@deandecoursey2334]

At least you didn’t state in the title why you hate observatories.

[@bradball]

Thanks for your comment. I like all 5 of these observation decks... each of them has PROS and CONS. Even my least favorite (Empire State Building) I would still rate 8/10.

[@Mike-wt7jq]

For the best city view, you want to be in the ugliest looking one cause that building you are in is removed from the viewing equation.

[@Mike-wt7jq]

The Edge and One Vanderbilt, The Summit should deny anyone access if there is no Instagram account.

[@Nihilanth1982]

TOTR at sunset - the worst experience. do you have any idea of the reality of it when there - the crowd is full, people hogging the best places from earlier tickets getting in early, people refuse to move, and its near impossible to get a good shot of the ESB in sunset because hundreds of others are doing it. get real, dude. and its interesting you don't mention about the obscene waiting times too. same with one vanderbilt. i am avoiding sunset. best to go either first thing in the morning for good daytime view, or after sunset for night lights view. plus, with the weather now and over the next month, sunset is bound to disappoint with the cloudy weather and poor air quality.

[@bradball]

Several clips on the video show Top of the Rock at Sunset… yes, you’ll need to wait in line and there’s always people at the top... it’s NYC not some quaint National Park. If crowds are unbearable… don’t visit NYC in the summer… visit during March/April or Oct/Nov.

[@3markaw]

@@bradball Somebody famous once said : NYC ? nobody goes there anymore , It's too crowded !