Several of New York’s highest structures provide visitor experiences featuring exhibits, simulations, and thrill rides.

The towering buildings could very well be the highlight of New York.

Regardless of whether you’re heading to New York by air or driving toward Manhattan, the city looms large before your eyes. Standing tall at an impressive height of 541 meters (1,775 feet), the tallest structure rises above both the Hudson and the East River.

For tourists, getting a bird’s-eye view of New York City is an essential experience—but where should you go for the most spectacular vista? The race is tight between several towering buildings that provide breathtaking views.

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The costs are shockingly steep as well.

The origins of observation decks in New York trace back to approximately 1850. The Latting Observatory, located in Midtown Manhattan and supported by iron braces, resembled a blend of an oil platform and the Eiffel Tower.

Standing nearly 100 metres tall, this structure was once the tallest edifice in the city—well before skyscrapers such as the Empire State Building pierced the clouds. It was constructed with the intention of offering both tourists and locals an unparalleled vista of the urban landscape.

Currently, New York is brimming with towering structures, as new skyscrapers continually emerge resembling elegant perfume bottles. Making money from unparalleled vistas is ingrained in the essence of a city that serves around 60 million tourists annually.

An excursion featuring a visit to a museum, dining out, an attraction, and watching a Broadway performance might easily set you back US$300 – not to mention another similar amount for accommodation.

Those managing certain tall skyscrapers also aim for a share of this market – expanding their attractions past just offering a nice view. These establishments now provide packages that blend the cityscape with ambiance or even excitement, priced at over $100 each.

What are some available choices then?

1. The Empire State Building (443.2 meters)

Similar to a colossal rocket, the Empire State Building has stood as a symbol of New York City for 95 years. This iconic structure, boasting one of the most renowned observation decks known for hosting the yearly staircase race up to the 86th level, underwent a full renovation in 2019.

A detailed showcase centers around the history of the Art Deco structure. For an additional payment of US$79 rather than US$44, visitors have the opportunity to ascend to the relatively small summit on the 102nd floor, which stands at 381 meters high.

Over there, guests get the feeling of being inside a lighthouse—on clear days, the vista extends for about 100 kilometers.

2. 30 Hudson Yards (390 meters)

One of the newer, youthful, and daring skyscrapers emphasizes excitement. From below, 30 Hudson Yards resembles a chicken; its prominent feature is a massive observation deck known as The Edge located on the 100th floor.

Guests get an incredible panoramic view of New York for $44, and those feeling adventurous can even gaze directly downward through the transparent flooring.

“I find this to be the most stunning sight I’ve encountered in ages,” remarks German tourist Mayko Kahlen, who is soaking in the sunset at the Edge alongside a companion. “It’s simply magnificent timing,” he adds.

If you wish to push the limits, you could join a secure climbing experience called City Climb at Edge for roughly less than $200 USD.

3. One World Trade Center (541 meters)

Not only does it stand as the tallest structure in the city, but it also holds this title in the Western world. As for the primary edifice of the reconstructed World Trade Center complex, often referred to as One WTC, it reaches a height of 541 meters when including its spire.

People visiting Lower Manhattan can ascend to 387 meters for a perspective that contrasts with what you’d see from observation decks in Midtown Manhattan.

Rushing towards the observation deck, you encounter stunning video art pieces and an elevator that recreates a voyage through time, starting from New York’s origins all the way to modern times. The price for a standard ticket is set at US$44.

4. The Rockefeller Center (259 meters)

Do you recall the picture titled “Lunch Break on a Skyscraper,” featuring workers sitting on a steel beam high above New York City?

New York wouldn’t be New York if you couldn’t replicate the photograph somewhere else.

At the Rockefeller Center’s observatory deck, you have the chance to do so personally. A scaled-down steel beam, spacious enough for multiple individuals, is ready and waiting.

After sitting down, you’ll be raised several meters into the air using hydraulic mechanisms and slowly spun around, providing a stunning panoramic view of the cityscape.

The sight of the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center remains accessible – beginning at US$40.

5. One Vanderbilt (427 meters)

For individuals unbothered by sensory overload, we suggest the observation deck equipped with the most features and embellishments.

The structure known as One Vanderbilt stands adjacent to Grand Central Terminal, offering guests the opportunity to delve into an extraordinary experience 330 meters up in the sky for less than $60 USD.

Within the Summit, nearly everything is reflected and bathed in light — it’s hard to tell where your presence stops and the New York skyline starts.

Glistening silver orbs hover in the atmosphere akin to balloons, enhancing the dreamlike ambiance. This place is tailor-made for Instagram enthusiasts—and should you desire something sophisticated, champagne can be obtained.

Observe the skyline without purchasing a pass

If budget constraints prevent you from splurging or you simply prefer to save your cash, fear not—you still have alternatives. The cityscape can be equally breathtaking when observed at street level, such as from Transmitter Park in Brooklyn or from the charming area of Brooklyn Heights.

Alternatively, there are multiple rooftop bars located in Manhattan or Brooklyn where the views are equally spectacular. However, you might end up facing additional charges at these spots as well since the beverages tend to be quite pricey.

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5 Thrilling Skyscraper Experiences in New York Worth Every Penny