High-End Tourism: Five New York Skyscrapers That Give You a View of the City

Some of New York's tallest skyscrapers offer tourists interesting attractions, including exhibitions, simulations and unforgettable views of the city. SCMP tells where the most amazing panorama of the city from a bird's eye view opens up.

The history of observation decks in New York begins around 1850. The wooden Latting Observatory with iron brackets in Midtown Manhattan at a height of 100 meters looked like a cross between an oil rig and the Eiffel Tower.

At the time, it was the tallest building in the city, long before the 102-story Empire State Building soared into the sky. It was built to provide visitors and residents of the metropolis with an unrivaled view of the city.

On the subject: Skyscraper Without a Single Window: Man Who Worked There Tells About Mysterious Building in New York

Today in New York, new skyscrapers are constantly rising like beautiful perfume bottles. Making big money with unrivaled views is the city's DNA.

A day trip with a museum, food, an attraction, and a Broadway show can cost $300, plus another $XNUMX for a hotel.
Those who run popular skyscrapers also want a piece of this pie.

They sell experiences that combine a beautiful view with a special atmosphere or even a thrill. The cost of such entertainment, including lunch, will cost at least $100.

What are my options?

1. Empire State Building (443,2 meters)

Like a giant rocket, the Empire State Building has been a symbol of New York for 95 years. It is the crown jewel of observation decks.

Allow extra time during your visit to this skyscraper to take in the exhibits and installations. A carefully curated exhibition explores the history of the Art Deco building. For $79 instead of $44, you can climb to the relatively small top of the tower on the 102nd floor, 381 feet above sea level.

There, visitors feel like they are in a lighthouse – in good weather, the view extends for more than 100 km.

2. 30 Hudson Yards (390 meters)

One of the new, young and wild skyscrapers focuses on adrenaline. 30 Hudson Yards looks like a chicken from the ground; its “beak” is a large observation deck on the 100th floor called the Edge.

For $44, visitors can not only enjoy stunning views of New York City in all directions, but the bravest can look down through a glass floor.

"This is probably the most spectacular sight I've ever seen," said German vacationer Maico Kahlen, who was enjoying the sunset on Edge with a friend. "Perfect timing, it's just gorgeous!"

You can even take part in the City Climb at Edge safety climbing challenge for just $200.

3. One World Trade Center (541 meters)

It is not only the tallest building in the city, but also in the Western world. The main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center, known as One WTC, is 541 meters tall including its mast.

Visitors to Lower Manhattan can ascend 387 feet to a view that is completely different from other locations in Midtown.

Once you reach the observation deck, you will see impressive video installations and an elevator. They simulate a journey through time from the birth of New York to the present day. The basic ticket costs $44.

4. Rockefeller Center (259 meters)

Remember the photo "Lunch Break on a Skyscraper" of workers sitting on a steel girder above New York City?

New York wouldn't be New York if you couldn't recreate this photo somewhere.

At the Rockefeller Observation Deckcenter You can do it yourself. A replica of a steel beam that can accommodate several people awaits you.

Once you board, you'll be hydraulically lifted several meters into the air and gently rotated to give you a perfect view of the horizon.

Views from the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center are still available from $1.

5. One Vanderbilt (427 meters)

For those who don't have problems with sensory overload, we recommend the observation deck with the most bells and whistles.

One Vanderbilt is the name of a building literally next to Grand Central Station. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in a parallel world 330 meters above the ground for just $60.

Inside the Summit, almost everything is mirrored and flooded with light—and it’s not entirely clear where your own existence ends and the New York skyline begins.

Silver spheres float in the air like bubbles, adding to the surrealism of the scene. It’s a wonderland made for Instagram. And if you’re in the mood for luxury, there’s champagne on offer.