A Sky-High Showdown: NYC's Elite Observation Decks in 2025

Hey culture chasers! Remy here with your exclusive peek at Manhattan's most electrifying viewing platforms. As your backstage pass to the city's highest hits, I'm breaking down what's fresh, fierce, and absolutely unmissable in 2025's observation deck scene. Let's elevate your NYC experience – literally.

Edge: The Sharp New Kid on the Block

Leading our lineup is Edge Observation Deck, Hudson Yards' crown jewel that's redefining what it means to touch the sky. With a jaw-dropping 4.9 rating from over 4,400 visitors, this glass-bottomed adrenaline rush lets you step 100 floors up into thin air. Think you're brave? The latest addition to Edge's thrill arsenal is the City Climb experience – where you can actually scale the building's exterior. Yes, really.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt: Where Art Meets Altitude

Next up is SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, which has mastered the art of the gram-worthy moment. This isn't just an observation deck – it's an immersive art installation floating above Manhattan. The mirrored infinity rooms and levitation boxes create surreal photo ops that have exploded across social. Pro tip: Their new night experience is absolutely electric, transforming the space into a luminous playground after dark.

Empire State Building: The Classic, Reimagined

Don't sleep on the Empire State Building, which just rolled out a complete reimagining of its 86th and 102nd-floor experiences. The iconic Art Deco masterpiece now features state-of-the-art exhibition spaces that tell the building's story through interactive displays. For the ultimate VIP experience, book the Sunrise package – watching dawn break over Manhattan from 1,050 feet up is pure magic.

One World Observatory: Power With a View

Standing proud at the site of resilience, One World Observatory continues to wow with its elevator ride that recreates 500 years of NYC history in 47 seconds. The new VIP experience includes priority access and an expert guide who'll share insider stories about the city's evolution. Those sunset views over the harbor? Absolutely unbeatable.

Top of the Rock: The Photo Pro's Choice

Rockefeller Center's Top of the Rock remains the photographer's favorite for that perfect Central Park shot. The newly launched Beam & Skylift experience lets you recreate that famous 'Lunch atop a Skyscraper' photo – with modern safety measures, of course.

Multi-Deck Magic

Can't choose just one? tickadoo's got you covered with the NYC's Best Observation Decks package. This combo deal lets you hit multiple viewpoints and compare their unique personalities. Or level up with the SUMMIT + Edge combo for the ultimate high-altitude day out.

Making Your Choice

Each deck brings its own flavor to the table: Edge for thrill-seekers, SUMMIT for the art crowd, Empire State for history buffs, One World for the tech-savvy, and Top of the Rock for photographers. My hot take? Hit at least two – the contrasting perspectives will blow your mind.

Ready to touch the sky? Book these elevated experiences through tickadoo for exclusive pricing and skip-the-line access. Trust me, your Instagram feed will thank you later.

Until next time, keep reaching for those sky-high dreams!

- Remy