Chasing skyline views: Compare the observatories in NYC (Edge vs Top of the Rock vs SUMMIT)

Viewing down from the top of New York City is a feeling that is unmatched by any other. NYC is full of top spots for viewing, and we are just about to learn about a few of the main ones in the city. These viewpoints offer breathtaking views of the city that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Chasing skyline views. Here’s a look at how to compare the observatories in NYC. Here we’ve included Edge vs Top of the Rock vs SUMMIT observation decks.

Chasing skyline views: Compare the observatories in NYC

In order to compare the observatories in NYC, you need to have an understanding of the different types available. There are many types of observatories in the city, of which the main three are Edge, Top of the Rock, and SUMMIT. These observatories provide visitors with unparalleled views of New York City. Visitors can get different experiences from each of these observatories in NYC.

Edge

Edge is the highest outdoor sky deck in the entire western hemisphere. It is located 100 stories high up on a nerve-wracking glass floor that juts out of the building. This is a must-experience with 360-degree views, a glass floor, angled glass walls, and skyline seats. Suspended over 1100 feet in the air, the EDGE offers panoramic views of the Hudson River, Manhattan, and beyond that. The Edge is located in the building named 30 Hudson Yards (or North Tower). It is the seventh-tallest building in NYC and the ninth-tallest in the United States. The Edge is a triangular-shaped observation deck. It is the second-highest outdoor viewing deck with optically transparent flooring in the world. It comes after the Skywalk in Madeira, which is the highest outdoor observation deck with optically transparent flooring.

Top of the Rock

Top of the Rock is a recently opened 3-tiered observation deck located on the 67^th, 69^th, and 70^th floors of The Rockefeller Center. The Rockefeller Center is located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York City. The panoramic, unobstructed views from the 70^th floor, 850 feet in the sky, are definitely worth visiting on your trip to New York City. The observatory is open from 8:00 am until the last elevator goes up at 11:00 pm. The main entrance to the building is located on 50^th Street, lying between 5^th and 6^th avenues. You must plan to spend at least 1 to 2 hours savoring the panoramic views from the observatory.

Top of the Rock Tickets: Compare the observatories in NYC

 

All-In Pass

 

You can enjoy the popular Top of the Rock attractions via this pass. This pass includes The Beam Experience and SKYLIFT. Moreover, this online combo ticket has regular offers, so don’t forget to keep an eye out for them. The All-In Pass is well worth it if you want to enjoy stunning views of the NYC skyline at an affordable price.

 

General Admission

 

This provides access to 3 floors of unobstructed panoramic views of New York City. With this pass, you can access the Welcome Gallery, The Weather Room Café & Bar, and the indoor and outdoor viewing decks. Therefore, the general admission is a good way to experience the Top of the Rock if you cannot afford the more high-end passes.

 

Sunset VIP Pass

 

This gives access to the observatory during the golden hour. It provides VIP access, a private BEAM Experience, SKYLIFT, a champagne toast, and more privileges. This is an exclusive pass offering a luxurious experience and is well worth it for those who can afford it.

 

Express Pass

 

The Express Pass gives you priority, allowing you to skip the long lines for entry. You are provided with flexible access on a date of your choice. Moreover, you get 20% off on purchases at the Top of the Rock Shop. This way, you can skip the lines and make your visit a quick one, especially if you are short of time.

SUMMIT

The SUMMIT lies on the top of Midtown Manhattan’s tallest skyscraper, Summit One Vanderbilt. Standing at a height of 1401 feet, it is an observatory located high above Grand Central Terminal. The SUMMIT is unique in that it has glass ledges, exterior glass-floor lifts, and beautiful art installations. You have to enter the SUMMIT through the Grand Central Terminal’s main concourse. The observatory elements of architecture, art, technology, and thrill take the concept of an observation deck to new heights. It is open for visitors from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Last entry to the SUMMIT is at 11:00 PM. The observatory is open for viewing all week long.

Compare the observatories in NYC: Edge vs Top of the Rock vs SUMMIT

In brief, Edge offers unique angled views of the Hudson River and the West Side. Its glass floor offers thrilling views of the city below. Top of the Rock is a classic observatory providing panoramic views and excellent photo opportunities of Central Park and the Empire State Building. SUMMIT provides an immersive multi-level experience. It uses modern architecture with indoor/outdoor layout and reflective rooms.

If you are in for a modern viewpoint and for a sensory experience, SUMMIT is ideal. If it is unique and iconic photo opportunities that you are looking for, go to the Top of the Rock. Edge is for those looking for a thrilling and unique architectural feature in an observatory.

Compare the observatories in NYC: Edge vs Top of the Rock vs SUMMIT

Here’s how to compare the observatories in NYC.

Edge

Edge has an outdoor cantilevered deck. It has a glass floor that protrudes out of the building. It doesn’t wrap all the way around and provides a focused view that faces the west side. This is ideal for thrill-seekers who want to enjoy views of the West Side and the Hudson River. It provides the best views of this side of NYC. However, you may miss views of Central Park and the Empire State Building from here.

Top of the Rock

Top of the Rock has three levels of indoor and outdoor viewing decks. These wrap a full circle around the building, providing panoramic views for visitors. You can see excellent views of Central Park to the north and the Empire State Building to the south. If you want to capture classic New York-style photos, this observatory is the best for it. However, you may not have views of the west side from here.

SUMMIT

SUMMIT has different zones at multiple levels. It consists of reflective rooms to add to the viewing experience. Moreover, it has an outdoor terrace that allows for a conventional viewing experience. This modern observatory provides excellent views of the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building. This multi-sensory viewing experience could be over the budget for some people. Furthermore, this is a more recent addition to the list of skyscrapers and viewing decks in NYC. Therefore, it is worth a visit if you are able to do it during your NYC tour.

Conclusion

When you compare the observatories in NYC, each has its own features, pros, and cons. The Edge, Top of the Rock, and SUMMIT are the three major observatories in NYC. Each of these viewing decks provides unique and beautiful views of New York City.