New York City’s iconic skyline is home to five stunning observation decks, each offering a unique way to take in the breathtaking views.
If you’re torn between One World Observatory and The Edge, you’re not alone—choosing between these two cutting-edge and highly popular attractions can be a challenge.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from their locations, heights, and views to experiences, ticket options, crowd levels, accessibility, best visiting times, and dining opportunities, helping you decide which observation deck is the perfect fit for your NYC adventure.
Top Tickets
New York Explorer Pass includes access to One World, The Edge, Empire State Building and Top of the Rock.
What’s ahead
Quick Overview
One World Observatory might be a good choice if you’re interested in a historically significant location with interactive exhibits and breathtaking nighttime views.
If you prefer a thrilling outdoor experience with panoramic daytime views and the opportunity to test your limits, The Edge could be the better option.
Observation Deck | The Edge | One World Observatory |
---|---|---|
Price | $43 | $49 |
Height | 1,131 feet (345 meters) | 1,268 feet (386 meters) |
Opening Hours | 10 am to 10 pm (lean season) | 9 am to 9 pm |
Outdoor Deck | ✔ | ✖ |
Best Time to Visit | Daytime | Evening |
Unique Features | Glass floor, angled glass walls | SkyPod Elevators |
Best For? | Thrill seekers | Panoramic views |
Ticket Purchase | Buy Tickets | Buy Tickets |
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The Basics: Height and Views
When it comes to breathtaking views of New York City, both One World Observatory and The Edge offer unique vantage points.
While One World Observatory boasts unparalleled height as the tallest in the Western Hemisphere, The Edge provides an exhilarating outdoor experience.
Here’s how their heights and views compare.
Height: How tall are they?
At 1,268 feet (386 meters), One World Observatory is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, making it the world’s tallest observatory. The observation deck spans three levels: 100, 101, and 102.
Located on the 100th floor of 30 Hudson Yards, The Edge stands at 1,131 feet (345 meters) and is the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere.
Views: What will you see?
Located in Lower Manhattan, One World offers views of the Financial District, the Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor, the Hudson and East Rivers, the Brooklyn Bridge, and parts of New Jersey.
While you can see the Midtown skyscrapers from One World Observatory, they appear farther away than from Midtown observatories.
The Edge is on the west side of Manhattan, offering views of the Hudson River, the Statue of Liberty, and the Manhattan skyline.
You can see the Chrysler Building, Times Square, and Central Park from The Edge.
Its location on the edge of Midtown provides a wider perspective of the city’s western edges.
top Observation decks of New york
Indoor vs. Outdoor Experiences
One World Observatory is fully enclosed with floor-to-ceiling glass windows on the 100th, 101st, and 102nd floors. There’s no open-air experience.
The Edge fares better regarding viewing platforms because it offers indoor and outdoor decks.
You can enjoy the enclosed viewing areas on the 100th floor or step onto the outdoor sky deck, extending 80 feet (24 meters) from the building with angled glass walls and a glass floor section.

If you love observation decks, you can buy New York’s Go City Explorer Pass or New York Sightseeing Pass. Access to Edge at Hudson Yards, One World Observatory, the Empire State Building, and Top of the Rock is included with both discount passes.
New York has five world-class observation decks, so it’s natural to get confused about which one to visit. Find out the best observation deck in New York.
Unique Features and Experiences
Both the New York observatories have their unique features. We list them below:
One World Observatory
SkyPod Elevators: The five high-speed elevators travel at 23 mph (37 kph) and reach the 102nd floor in 47 seconds. During the ride, you see a time-lapse video of New York City’s transformation over the past 500 years.
Forever Theater: On the 102nd floor, the Forever Theater shows a two-minute video about New York City. After the video, the screen rises to reveal views of the city skyline.
Sky Portal: A 14-foot (4.2-meter) wide circular glass disc on the 100th floor allows visitors to see the streets 100 stories below.

City Pulse: On the 100th floor, City Pulse is a series of interactive, high-definition monitor rings where visitors can learn about New York’s landmarks and neighborhoods.
Explorer iPad: Available with the Priority ticket, the Explorer iPad offers virtual helicopter tours of over points of interest in the city. It comes with an all-inclusive ticket.
The Edge
Glass Floor: You can stand or lie down on the glass floor section of the outdoor observation deck and look down to the streets 100 stories below.
Angled Glass Walls: You can lean against the angled glass walls for unique photo opportunities.
Skyline Steps: You can sit on the Skyline Steps to get a higher view of the city.
Eastern Point: The Eastern Point, where the glass walls meet in front of the Manhattan skyline, is a popular spot for photos.
City Climb Experience: For thrillseekers, the City Climb Experience allows you to scale the building’s exterior to reach The Apex at 1,271 feet (381 meters).
Ticket Prices
One World Observatory offers a range of experiences starting at $36 for adults with the Standard Ticket, providing access to its three observation levels.
For those seeking premium experiences, options include Skip-All-The-Lines tickets ($64) and All-Inclusive Flex Package ($71).
The Edge’s General Admission tickets are priced higher at $44 for adults, granting access to both its indoor and iconic outdoor deck.
For more flexibility, the Flex Pass ($65) allows visitors to arrive at any time, while the Priority Access ticket ($96) allows them to skip all lines.
Elevators at the attractions
Tourists who visit One World Observatory are thrilled by its high-speed elevator that uses time-lapse technology to showcase New York City’s transformation over the last 500 years.
The five high-speed elevators travel at 37 km per hour (23 mph) and reach the 100th floor in 47 seconds.
Edge at Hudson Yards is on Level 100, and a high-speed elevator takes you there in 52 seconds.
During the ride, you get to see the city of New York forming right in front of your eyes.
Crowd to Expect
As a landmark of historical significance, One World Observatory at the World Trade Center receives an impressive 3 million visitors annually.
In comparison, The Edge welcomes around 2 million visitors each year.
Despite the difference, both attractions experience heavy crowds during peak tourist seasons (summer months) and high-traffic hours.
To enhance the visitor experience, both observatories offer ticket options designed to bypass the lines. The Edge provides Priority Tickets, while One World Observatory offers Skip-All-The-Lines tickets, ensuring a smoother and more convenient entry.
Location and Accessibility
One World Observatory is located in Lower Manhattan at 285 Fulton Street, One World Trade Center, close to the Financial District. Get Directions
Most visitors combine a visit to the observatory with a trip to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, which is also part of the complex.
The Edge is located on the 100th floor of the 30 Hudson Yards building on the bank of the Hudson River. Get Directions
One World Observatory in Lower Manhattan provides better views of the Financial District and the harbor. At the same time, The Edge, further north in Midtown, offers panoramic views of Midtown and the city’s western edges.
Both observation decks are easily accessible by public transportation.
Best Time to Visit
For a magical experience at One World Observatory, visit in the evening to marvel at the city’s dazzling lights as the skyline comes alive.
At The Edge, daytime visits offer the clearest views of the surrounding area, while sunset provides a dramatic spectacle.
If you want to avoid the crowd, plan your visit to either observatory on a weekday morning.
Dining Options
On the 101st floor of One World Observatory, One Dine restaurant offers an upscale dining experience paired with breathtaking panoramic city views.
For a more casual option, ONE Mix, also located on the 101st floor, serves lighter fare and beverages in a relaxed atmosphere.
Similarly, the 101st floor of The Edge also features a restaurant – called Peak. It is a fine dining destination known for its exceptional cuisine and stunning views of the city.
Adjacent to it, the Peak Lounge provides a more laid-back setting for cocktails and light bites.
If you are visiting during the peak summer months or peak times of the day, we suggest booking your table in advance.
Why Not Visit Both Observation Decks?
Both One World Observatory and The Edge offer unique experiences and perspectives of the NYC skyline.
When you try them together, you:
- Experience a high-tech, historical experience (One World Observatory) and a thrilling outdoor adventure (The Edge).
- Enjoy the unique views that each location provides. One World Observatory showcases Lower Manhattan and the harbor, while The Edge highlights the Hudson River and the expanse of Midtown.
- Maximize your time in NYC by visiting nearby attractions: the 9/11 Memorial and Museum near One World Observatory, the High Line, and the Vessel near The Edge.
You can buy their tickets individually or opt for the NYC Observation Decks Pass, which gives you access to three observation decks – The Edge, One World, and Top of the Rock.