Ranking and reviewing the five observation decks in New York City. In the last couple of years there have been two new observatories open in Manhattan. In this video, I visit them with my son and compare them to the other observatories giving you the pros and cons of each.

As a BONUS I recommend two other observation decks that both have spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline, plus a big advantage... both of them are FREE.

The 5 OBSERVATION DECKS of NEW YORK CITY. Chapter Outline:

00:00 Introduction
00:54 Map and History of Observatories in NYC
02:47 The Empire State Building
06:35 The Edge at Hudson Yards
10:03 One World Observatory
12:47 The Summit One Vanderbilt
16:14 Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center
18:12 Two Free Observation Decks?
18:33 Hyatt Centric Times Square
20:05 230 Fifth Rooftop
21:58 Chysler Building Observatoy?
22:40 Final Thoughts

#TopOfTheRock
#EmpireStateBuilding
#OneWorldObservatory
#TheEdgeatHudsonYards
#SummitOV

I recently visited all five observatories in New York City and wanted to share my insights on each. The observatories include the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center, The Edge at Hudson Yards, and The Summit at One Vanderbilt. Each has its own pros and cons. In this video I'll provide a brief overview and some tips while visiting each location with my son.

Starting with the Empire State Building, it's undoubtedly iconic, but it ranks fifth on my list due to a few flaws. While the exhibits and historical displays are fascinating, the 86th floor's suicide prevention barrier obstructs views. Additionally, the 102nd floor comes with an extra fee, and being on top means you can't capture the building itself in your photos.

The Edge at Hudson Yards, opened in 2020, offers a unique west-side perspective. The downward views are thrilling, but there's a downside with waiting times for popular photo spots. The location is trendy but lacks the historical charm found in other observatories.

Moving on to One World Observatory, situated at the World Trade Center, it boasts a photogenic building and an impressive elevator ride. The big reveal at the top provides breathtaking views of Midtown Manhattan, New York Harbor, and the Hudson River. However, the absence of an outdoor deck during certain seasons is a drawback.

The Summit at One Vanderbilt, a newcomer in 2021, takes a creative approach with 3D scanners and reflective elements. While the unique perspective of the Chrysler Building and the open-air deck are appreciated, the sci-fi sounds are criticized.

In my opinion, the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center remains the undisputed best viewpoint. With unobstructed views, a strategic Midtown location, and the ability to capture impressive photographs without barriers, it surpasses other options. Despite the introduction of new observatories, this one remains my personal favorite.

I also have two additional recommendations for free viewing: the Hyatt Centric Hotel's rooftop bar, offering New York City's highest rooftop bar, and 235th Rooftop Bar in the Flatiron District. Both provide unique perspectives, especially for capturing the Empire State Building.

While rumors circulate about a potential observatory in the Chrysler Building, there's no concrete information available. In conclusion, experiencing the legendary New York skyline from any of these observatories is a must, each offering a unique and worthwhile perspective.

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