I absolutely love observation decks. And when it comes to New York, we’re talking about a whole new level. The city isn’t just about skyscrapers and yellow cabs – it’s about those unforgettable views that burn themselves into your memory.
Maybe you’ve already ticked off the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock, but if you’re looking for something fresh, modern, different, and maybe even a bit daring, here are three must-see tips that show New York from a whole new perspective.
Edge Observation Deck: Floating Triangle Above Hudson Yards
First Impression: Like Standing on Air
This place reminded me of standing at the edge of a pier for the first time, staring into deep water. Except here, you’re not above a river, but over 100 stories of bustling Manhattan.
The Edge Observation Deck is the highest outdoor sky deck in the entire Western Hemisphere and is located in the modern Hudson Yards district. It looks like a giant triangle jutting out into nothingness, with nothing but glass panels between you and infinity.
Adrenaline Bonus: City Climb and a Drink on the 101st Floor
What I truly love about this spot is the feeling of floating. If you’re brave enough, you can step onto a glass floor and look straight down – it’ll either thrill you or buckle your knees. And if you’re craving a real adrenaline rush, get ready for City Climb.
You literally climb to the tip of the skyscraper. After a quick safety briefing and harnessing in, you ascend the outer edge of the building all the way to the top. From 387 meters up, the view is wild – and you can even lean out a bit (safely, of course). The perfect ending? A drink at the bar on the 101st floor. The whole experience feels like New York from another dimension.
The Vessel: Architecture Straight Out of Sci-Fi
Unique Design with a Strong Visual Impact
Just a few steps from the Edge, you’ll find something entirely different but equally impressive: The Vessel. It’s not just an art installation – it’s a spiral, a hive, a space-age structure.
Call it what you want. It’s made up of 154 interconnecting staircases that wind like a beehive. Looking up from the ground, I felt like an ant inside a futuristic creation.
Closed for Safety, But Still Worth Seeing
Originally, visitors could climb it for free. Unfortunately, after a series of tragic incidents (yes, jumps into the void), it’s now closed. There’s ongoing discussion about how to make it safer – the current railings only reach an adult’s chest, which is dangerously low.
Still, even if you can’t climb it, The Vessel is captivating from the outside. The surrounding area is beautifully designed with benches, cafés, green spaces, and often live music or art performances. So even without going inside, it’s worth your time.
The Summit One Vanderbilt: A Mirror Dream
A Futuristic Gallery of Views
As you approach Times Square, you might not notice one of the city’s tallest buildings rising nearby – One Vanderbilt. And at 366 meters high, it offers an observation deck that goes beyond height and dives into aesthetics.
The Summit is like an interactive art gallery: mirrors, glass, light. Reflections, shadows, illusions. And you, right in the middle of it all.
Practical Tips: What to Wear and When to Go
The views here are epic – the Chrysler Building feels within arm’s reach, the Empire State Building is just across, and Central Park stretches in the distance. If you’re feeling bold, step into the glass box that juts out over the city.
A tip: don’t wear skirts or short dresses – thanks to all those mirrors, you’ll be visible from every angle. Sunglasses also help because the light bouncing around can be intense.
The elevator ride itself is fully transparent, so the experience starts the moment you go up. And if you visit in the evening, you’ll catch a sunset that makes the whole city sparkle like a shattered diamond. Absolute magic.
Summary: When New York Unfolds Below You
These Views Are About More Than Just Height
New York isn’t just about what you see at street level. The best memories – and photos – come from above. Whether you go for the futuristic mirror wonderland at the Summit, the adrenaline rush of Edge, or the architectural fascination of the Vessel, each of these spots reveals the city in a way you’ve never seen before.
The Emotions That Stay With You
It’s not just about the views. It’s about the emotions this city stirs when you see it laid out below you – and your heart starts to beat just a little faster. These are the moments when your breath catches, when you realize how small we are in the grand world around us.
But also how powerful we can feel standing so high, looking down. This is New York. And these are its new heights.
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Join the conversation – What do you think?
Which of these three views would you love to experience first? Or have you already been to one? Drop a comment and tell me your favorite NYC skyline moment!
FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About NYC’s New Observation Decks
What is the highest observation deck in New York City?
Currently, Edge at Hudson Yards holds the title of the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere, standing at 345 meters (1,131 feet) above ground. For an even higher experience, you can try City Climb, which takes you to 387 meters (1,271 feet).
Which NYC observation deck has the glass floor?
Edge features a thrilling glass floor that lets you look straight down 100 stories. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s one of the most unique experiences in NYC.
Is The Vessel open to visitors?
Unfortunately, The Vessel is currently closed to the public due to safety concerns. However, you can still admire its architecture from the outside and explore the beautiful Hudson Yards area around it.
What makes The Summit One Vanderbilt unique?
Summit One Vanderbilt is more than just a view – it’s an immersive art experience. It combines mirrors, glass, and light to create stunning visual illusions. It’s also home to Levitation, glass skyboxes that extend out over Madison Avenue.
Are these observation decks good for photography?
Absolutely! All three offer incredible photo ops, from skyline selfies at Summit, to dramatic full-body shots on Edge’sglass floor. Go during golden hour or sunset for the best lighting.
How much time should I plan for each visit?
You’ll want to set aside 60–90 minutes for each observation deck to enjoy the views, explore the installations, and take your time with photos. For City Climb, add at least an extra 45 minutes.
