Best viewpoints and observation decks in New York City
The top 3 according to 68 votes from people: Top of the Rock · The Met Cantor Roof Garden · Empire State Building. (Updated Dec 15, 2025.)
Skyscraper decks, rooftops and waterfront parks: the best places to see the New York skyline according to travel guides and New Yorkers.
Top 10
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1
Top of the Rock
Rockefeller Center deck with the best view of the Empire State.
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2
The Met Cantor Roof Garden
Seasonal rooftop above Central Park.
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3
Empire State Building
The classic 86th-floor open-air deck.
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4
DUMBO – Washington Street
The famous view of the Manhattan Bridge framing the Empire State.
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5
Roosevelt Island Tramway
Aerial tram over the East River.
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6
Edge at Hudson Yards
Glass-floored outdoor sky deck jutting from the 100th floor.
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7
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Mirrored rooms and glass ledges next to Grand Central.
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8
One World Observatory
The highest deck in the Western Hemisphere's tallest building.
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9
Gantry Plaza State Park
Long Island City park facing Midtown.
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10
Staten Island Ferry
Free harbour crossing with skyline views.
Candidates
They don't make it into the top 10… yet. Vote for them to move them up.
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11
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Waterfront park facing Lower Manhattan.
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12
Top of the Strand
Rooftop bar with Empire State views.
How is this ranking ordered? By people's votes: each ▲ adds a point and each ▼ takes one away. Anyone can vote and add what is missing.
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