View from the top: A guide to NYC's best observation decks, from the Empire State Building to the Top of the Rock

Katie WarrenSep 2, 2020, 21:20 IST

The view of Manhattan and the Hudson River from Edge at Hudson Yards.Courtesy of Related-Oxford

After temporary coronavirus closures, New York City's observation decks have reopened to visitors.
The most popular observatories are at the top of iconic skyscrapers including the Empire State Building, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, and One World Trade Center.
Ticket prices for adults range from $36 to $72.
The highest outdoor observatory is Edge at Hudson Yards, which reopened on September 2.
But the tallest observation deck overall is 1,268 feet above street level at One World Trade Center.

For many visitors to New York City, a trip isn't complete without a visit to one of the Big Apple's quintessential destinations: the top of the Empire State Building.

But the iconic skyscraper's observatory, which has been featured in movies like "Sleepless in Seattle," is not the only sky-high observation point that offers panoramic views of the city.

There's the Top of the Rock at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, from which you can get a stunning view of the skyline that includes the Empire State Building itself. At One World Trade Center, the observatory is the highest in the city at 1,268 feet. And in March, the Western Hemisphere's highest open-air observation deck opened in Hudson Yards and then temporarily closed just two days later due to coronavirus concerns.

The city's other observatories also underwent temporary closures in March, but they've all since reopened with updated safety precautions such as limited capacity, temperature scans, and required face coverings.

Here's a breakdown and comparison of four of New York City's highest and most popular observation decks by location, height, price, and their COVID-19 guidelines.

Manhattan's observatories range in height from 800 feet to 1,268 feet — but the highest are enclosed rather than open-air.

Ruobing Su/Business Insider

The observatory closest to street level is the Top of the Rock at 30 Rockefeller Plaza at 800 feet, while the highest is 1,268 feet at One World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan.

But the highest open-air observatory is Edge, the 100th-floor deck that opened at Hudson Yards in March. It's 50 feet higher than the Empire State Building's 86th-floor open-air observatory.

The observatory closest to street level is the Top of the Rock at 30 Rockefeller Plaza at 800 feet, while the highest is 1,268 feet at One World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan.

But the highest open-air observatory is Edge, the 100th-floor deck that opened at Hudson Yards in March. It's 50 feet higher than the Empire State Building's 86th-floor open-air observatory.

The cheapest observatory for adults is One World Observatory, and the priciest is the Empire State Building's 102nd-floor top deck.

Ruobing Su/Business Insider

The $72 ticket for the Empire State Building includes access to the 86th floor observatory and the museum on the second floor.

If you're a New York City resident, however, the cheapest observatory to visit is Edge, which offers a discount for locals, making it $34 for adults — just under the price to get into One World Observatory.

These prices don't include taxes and fees, which can tack on almost $9 to the ticket cost in some cases.

The $72 ticket for the Empire State Building includes access to the 86th floor observatory and the museum on the second floor.

These prices don't include taxes and fees, which can tack on almost $9 to the ticket cost in some cases.

The city's observatories all closed temporarily in March due to the coronavirus, but they've since reopened with updated safety guidelines that are summarized below.

A visitor at the Top of the Rock observation deck on August 6, 2020. ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images

Top of the Rock: The Top of the Rock reopened on August 6 with new hours of operation from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Its updated COVID-19 guidelines require guests to pass a temperature screening upon entry, and each elevator cab has been limited to no more than four people or a single party. Employees are required to wear face coverings and gloves. Tickets can be bought online or at the box office.

Edge: The Hudson Yards observatory reopened on September 2 with operating hours of 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and its capacity reduced by 75%. Visitors over the age of 2 are required to wear face coverings — which Edge will provide for those who need them — and pass a temperature check upon entry. The observatory has also implemented a one-way movement system and reduced capacity in its elevators. Tickets must be bought online in advance.

Empire State Building: The Empire State Building reopened its observatories on July 20 with capacity reduced by more than 80%. Its updated hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m in September. Online reservations are required. At the entrance,visitors must be wearing a face covering and undergo a temperature screening.

One World Observatory: One World Trade Center's observation deck has reopened with limited capacity, contactless payments, and enforced social distancing in queues. Guests are required to wear masks and pass a temperature check. Through September 7, the observatory's operating hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. From September 8 to December 17, the deck is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The observatory is encouraging visitors to buy tickets online.

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View from the top: A guide to NYC's best observation decks, from the Empire State Building to the Top of the Rock

Manhattan's observatories range in height from 800 feet to 1,268 feet — but the highest are enclosed rather than open-air.

The cheapest observatory for adults is One World Observatory, and the priciest is the Empire State Building's 102nd-floor top deck.

The city's observatories all closed temporarily in March due to the coronavirus, but they've since reopened with updated safety guidelines that are summarized below.