Prior to the pandemic, in 2019, New York City was ushering in over 66.6 million visitors, a tenth-consecutive annual record according to the city's official tourism bureau NYC & Company. While significantly down since then due to the pandemic and accompanying travel restrictions, the numbers are expected to bounce back later in the decade.
As they do, observation decks allowing people to see the city's skyline from a great height will undoubtedly make their way on the list of things to do in New York. The Empire State Building welcomes more than four million visitors a year, and a growing number of observation decks have sprung up on noteworthy buildings, offering experiences and views seemingly made for social media. Hudson Yards' Edge and One Vanderbilt's Summit both opened in recent years, and other major building owners have proposed observation decks at or near the tops of their towers.
As they do, observation decks allowing people to see the city's skyline from a great height will undoubtedly make their way on the list of things to do in New York. The Empire State Building welcomes more than four million visitors a year, and a growing number of observation decks have sprung up on noteworthy buildings, offering experiences and views seemingly made for social media. Hudson Yards' Edge and One Vanderbilt's Summit both opened in recent years, and other major building owners have proposed observation decks at or near the tops of their towers.
According to Crain’s New York, Jamestown is tinkering with the idea of redeveloping One Times Square with an observatory for New Year's Eve revelers to be front and center of ball-drop festivities (this year's have been scaled back, but will nevertheless take place). The iconic 23-story tower was the former home of The New York Times and garners the attention of millions for its famed ball drop every New Year’s Eve.
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Last year, Aby Rosen, owner of the Chrysler Building, received unanimous Landmarks approval
to alter the building's 61st-floor terraces in an effort to open an observation deck and reopen the Cloud Club venue near the top of the Art Deco-styled tower. It will be located just above the silver eagles that jut out from the tower and shielded by virtually invisible glass walls.
The most ambitious of them all may come from Gary Barnett's Extell Development, the country's pre-eminent builder of skyscrapers of this century so far. Planned for a large site just off Times Square at 740 Eighth Avenue, newly-approved plans
show the developer is aiming to build a massive 1,350-key hotel topped by a telescopic observation tower soaring 1,120 feet high into the skyline. The massing of the tower, as seen photographed in the wind tunnel study above, shows a somewhat unwieldy design. Extell failed to acquire the full Eighth Avenue blockfront resulting in an awkward footprint wrapping around low-rise holdouts. To prop the observation floors higher than the adjacent buildings, an approximately 300-foot-tall central core will jut out from the building to support a half-dozen floors high above the city.
For all the exciting new overlooks, some lucky New Yorkers can experience the Manhattan skyline without leaving their homes. Below, we rounded up two dozen recent listings with memorable skyline views. We also interspersed five of the city's most popular open observation decks. In the age of the coronavirus pandemic, these decks are requiring proof of vaccination and must adhere to all of the city's and state's health and safety protocols.
From the Listing: Fall in Love again with this five- room, convertible 3-bedroom home with direct views of the George Washington Bridge and the Hudson River. Once you enter the apartment, you are greeted with a spacious layout, postcard views, high ceilings and hardwood floors. This home offers a master bedroom with exposed brick and easily fits a king size bed with room to spare. There are two additional bedrooms; one can be used as a home office. You will enjoy the beautifully renovated, windowed kitchen with top of the line stainless steel appliances, counter-tops, lots of cabinets and steel back splash. Let's not forget about the renovated bathroom, too. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Perched up high on the 19th floor, relax and unwind under the brilliant glow of the iconic Empire State Building. Located in the heart of Manhattan, move right into this beautiful one-bedroom with high ceilings plus laundry on the floor. The living room with custom built ins is an inviting area. The windowed kitchen with its custom cabinetry and countertops is perfect for your inner chef! The tranquil king sized bedroom enjoys A welcoming foyer, dining area that comfortably seats 6, new HVAC and closets galore complete this amazing residence. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: The architecturally driven renovation of this high floor junior one bedroom with northeastern views features custom millwork and lighting throughout. A classic 9'3" beamed ceiling highlights the living room, which has space for relaxing, dining and entertaining. The adjacent windowed kitchen has not an inch of wasted space and is equipped with a stove and microwave by Fischer & Paykel, a Leifheit refrigerator and Blomberg dishwasher. The vented bathroom has a glass enclosed tub/shower combination with a marble feature wall, glass tiled walls, a stone tiled floor and vanity with storage. See floor plan and full details here.
Empire State Building, Midtown West
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Learn more and get tickets here
Home of the city’s most iconic observation deck, the Empire State Building has seen millions of visitors and countless proposals since it first allowed visitors to peer at the New York City skyline through a telescope. The open-air observatory on the 86th floor looks out on 360-degree views of New York’s most iconic landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge, while the 102nd-floor “Top Deck” observatory features floor-to-ceiling windows on all sides.
Top of the Rock, Midtown West
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Learn more and get tickets here
Top of the Rock, the observation deck we’ve come to know and love at the top of 30 Rockefeller Center, quickly established itself as a New York destination following its reopening after renovations in November 2005. The Landmarks Preservation Commission recently rejected a plan for renovations that include a new elevated platform and movable, Instagram-friendly attraction, but none of these would have improved upon the views from Central Park to the Lower Manhattan skyline.
One World Observatory, Financial District
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Learn more and get tickets here
One World Trade Center is at the center of the new Lower Manhattan skyline, and the crowning glory is a spectacular sky deck on the 100th through 102nd floors. A SkyPod elevator shoots to the top of the deck in 47 seconds, where guests will enjoy panoramic views of New York Harbor and the Manhattan skyline. On the 101st floor, ONE Dine offers five-star dining enhanced by picturesque vistas.
Edge, Hudson Yards
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Learn more and get tickets here
At 100 stories and over 1,100 feet in the air, Edge is the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. Angled glass walls look out on 360-degree views of Manhattan, and the glass floor gives a feeling of floating in the sky. The venue has hosted group yoga classes in the summer, visitors can enjoy cocktails on the deck all year round, and it recently introduced City Climb, which allows visitors in safety harnesses to scale the side of the building.
Summit, Midtown East
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Learn more and get tickets here
Just over a year after One Vanderbilt’s ribbon-cutting ceremony, its observation deck on the 91st through 93rd floors opened to the public. Willy Wonka’s great glass elevator has nothing on the “skyboxes” that take visitors up the side of the building, and an open-air terrace is home to the Nordic-themed Apres cafe. In addition to enjoying the classic Manhattan skyline, visitors have access to Air, an immersive art installation created by Kenzo Digital.
From the Listing: Bring your contractor to this sunny high-floor one-bedroom apartment with a balcony and create your own personal oasis in New York City! Enjoy wide open views of the city and the Hudson River, and great light all day in this wonderfully laid-out apartment. You can have coffee on your balcony in the morning, and watch the sunset there in the evening with a glass of wine. The kitchen has plenty of counter and cabinet space, as well as full sized appliances including a dishwasher. The living space has a wall of windows and space for a dining or desk area. There is room for a queen-sized bed plus furniture in the bedroom, which features a large closet and big windows with fabulous views. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: This one-bedroom, one-bathroom home on the corner of the 40th floor captures unobstructed, panoramic views spanning miles over the New York City skyline. Upon entering, the north and west-facing floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the home with a tremendous amount of natural light. Laid with wide plank maple flooring throughout, the expansive great room allows for an inviting entertaining space and as well as a designated dining area. The windowed chef's kitchen boasts a contemporary design with granite countertops, frosted aluminum glass framed cabinets, and top-of-the-line Sub-Zero and Miele appliances. The northern facing bedroom showcases incredible, open views and ample storage space. The marble bath features Kohler fixtures and a luxurious soaking tub. Sponsor unit - no board approval required. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Lovely southern exposures provide beautiful city and river views as well as sunlight all day. This one-bedroom, one-bathroom home offers an large living area with floor to ceiling windows. The kitchen features plenty of storage and clean white finishes. The large en suite bathroom has been updated with modern black and white marble and separate shower and Jacuzzi bathtub. This is the perfect pied-a-terre, investment apartment or full-time residence. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: This sophisticated, turn-key 2-bedroom/ 2-bath apartment with balcony has everything you are looking for: new renovation, private outdoor space, views, split bedrooms and low maintenance! As soon as you enter the apartment, you will be wowed by the amount of natural light that floods the apartment from the large open windows. Enjoy river views from your north-facing balcony perfect for enjoying a drink or watching the boats go by. Direct East River views can be seen from the windowed kitchen which boasts sleek white cabinetry, glass backsplash tiles, marble countertops, and top of the line stainless steel Samsung appliances, including a Fisher & Paykel refrigerator. The bathroom in the primary bedroom has a custom shower stall with Grohe bath fixtures, glass mosaic tiles and an additional nook right outside the bathroom perfect for working or as a dressing area. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: This large 2-bedroom/ 2-bath with expansive river and bridge views to the north has been newly renovated while still maintaining the original pre-war details including a decorative fireplace and original herringbone floors. This sun-filled airy layout offers well-proportioned rooms, over-sized windows, high ceilings (9'3"), and tons of closets throughout. The windowed kitchen has white cabinetry, Silestone Quartz countertops and backsplash, with top of the line appliances; the stove and microwave are GE, while the refrigerator, dishwasher, and washer/dryer are all Bosch. The primary windowed bathroom designed with porcelain tiles has beautiful river views, a Duravit toilet and a custom shower stall complete with chrome Grohe fixtures. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: This turnkey high-floor apartment boasts 889 square feet of stunning remodeled interiors, a large outdoor balcony, and dramatic panoramic views shown from floor-to-ceiling windows bathing the ambience in natural light. Lounge and entertain in modern style in the fabulous open-concept west and north-facing living area presenting a backdrop of mesmerizing sunsets over the city, and a glimpse of Central Park and Billionaires' Row. Vistas are equally captivating from the private balcony where you can savor the cityscapes from your oasis perched on the 32nd floor! The open windowed kitchen enjoys an open northern viewpoint and is finely appointed with premium-grade cabinetry, sleek black countertops and backsplash, and professional stainless steel appliances including an integrated refrigerator and wine fridge. The spacious king-size bedroom is a peaceful retreat with a wall of glass and balcony access. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Residence 22D is a northwestern facing one-bedroom home offering both value and gracious living. This residence features a formal entry foyer which leads into an expansive living area. This efficient layout is easily furnished and highlights an open kitchen with a desirable breakfast bar. Appointed in a sophisticated and light palette of natural materials such as marble, bleached oak, and white lacquer, outfitted with Miele appliances, the kitchen is a chef's dream. The spacious primary bathroom feels like a tranquil spa getaway with walls clad in oversized soft white marble tiles and an intricate mosaic floor pattern comprising of three different marbles. Sinks and showers are complimented by The Grace Collection, Paris Forino's custom line of faucets and fixtures for Waterworks in polished chrome, produced exclusively for VU New York. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Unit 7F is a large two-bedroom, two and a half bathroom duplex residence with a generous west-facing private terrace. The apartment features two levels: the first one includes living, dining, powder room and kitchen, while the second has two bedrooms each with its own en suite bathroom. The apartment offers a clean layout, real bright oak floors and 9.2-foot high ceilings. The big triple-pane windows provide excellent sound insulation, and great light. The west exposure makes the apartment very bright, and offers breath-taking sunsets from all windows. A spectacular modern kitchen is appointed with Bosch and Liebherr stainless steel appliances, high-gloss custom cabinets, soft close drawers, custom stainless steel backsplash, and a large window with western exposure. The L Haus was completed in 2010, is comprised of 123-units, and has a 15-year tax abatement expiring in June 2025. See floor plan and full details here.
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From the Listing: Perched on the 24th floor facing Central Park and the city skyline, Apartment 24F offers a true updated/renovated 2-bed, 2-bath home with gorgeous eastern views and brilliant sunlight from every room! Hardwood floors and kitchen cabinets were replaced only three years ago. Bathrooms and lighting were updated a few years before. The windowed kitchen has an open island connecting to the huge living room with ample space for a sectional sofa and dining. Fantastic storage throughout with oversized doors offering easier access to your closets. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: High in the sky, Apartment 32F is a one bedroom with sensational skyline and Hudson River views. This apartment features 850 square feet of turn-key renovations. The open kitchen flows into the substantially sized living room with southern exposure and endless sunlight.
See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Sprawling 2,400-square-foot home in excellent condition with terrace on top floor with river/city views to the north, east, south, and west. The gracious foyer leads to a spacious living room, separate dining area and terrace. Adjacent to the living room is a media room (can be fifth bedroom) and on the other side of the living room is a windowed eat- in- kitchen with stainless appliances, 2 ovens and a huge walk-in pantry. There are currently 4 bedrooms and a home office/gym. There are 3 walk in closets and 6 additional closets. The storage is abundant. There are 2 windowed bathrooms. A 3rd bathroom and washer dryer can be added with board approval. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Spacious, open, light-filled, 2-bedroom (one currently used as library), 2-bath apartment features superior flow, wonderful, tree-top Central Park views from oversized single-paned windows, separate and dramatically curved dining area, large and quiet primary bedroom with en suite bathroom and separate dressing room, incredible travertine floors and numerous mid-century design details. Available for the first time in fifty years; please bring your architect. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Ravishing aerial Hudson River views, brilliant all-day sun and grand scale proportions adorn an iconic classic five, 2-bedroom home at the perfect West 77th St location. A full service prewar landmark, 50 Riverside Drive was designed with panache in the 1920s by the eminent firm of Gronenberg & Leuchtag, architects known for lavish apartments like this one on Riverside Drive. A large center hall gallery leads to an immense living room favored by extra-large windows offering gorgeous down river Hudson panoramas. A baronial formal dining room, or possible third bedroom, resides in a separate location off the foyer. The oversized kitchen includes a large dining area and the space to create a consummate chef's workplace. This singular home has high ceilings, abundant walk in closets, sublime prewar detail and exquisite red and white oak flooring. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Reach for the stars and enjoy brilliant sunset views from this spectacular 40th floor oasis in the sky at the coveted luxury condominium, 325 Fifth Avenue. The only 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom available in the building, boasting a desirable A line layout and a large glass balcony, 40A showcases stunning city views galore and is bathed in sunlight by floor-to-ceiling windows facing south and west. Airy 10-foot ceilings, gorgeous Biella wood floors, and refined finishes at every turn enhance the elegant ambiance. A gracious foyer welcomes your arrival and opens to a fabulous living/dining room for entertaining guests. Serve coffee or cocktails out on the 12'4" x 7' balcony where you can savor the city sights. The modern kitchen is well appointed for the cook with stainless steel appliances. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: #33A is a 2-bedroom / 2.5-bathroom apartment with wall-to-wall windows that provide stunning open-city views from every room. The open plan living area has large dining area and an open chef's kitchen with granite counter tops and top of the line appliances. The open den next to the living room can easily be converted to a third bedroom. The primary bedroom with south and east exposure has a primary bath with a deep soaking tub and a separate shower. There is central air throughout the apartment and a full-size washer dryer. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: From every window of this 1,777-square-foot two-bedroom, two and a half-bath residence are unobstructed and expansive views of the iconic Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, New York Harbor, Governor's Island, the Verrazano Bridge, Staten Island, Brooklyn, and New Jersey's distant highlands. Located on the southwest corner of the 24th floor of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Battery Park and with floor-to-ceiling windows, 24G is light-filled all day and has the most spectacular, picturesque sunsets. A chef's open kitchen with top of the line finishes and appliances is ideal for creating delicious fare and entertaining while your guests marvel at the passing boats on the Harbor. Along with the most dazzling views, 24G is in mint condition and has an ideal floor plan; a separate primary bedroom suite with 5 piece en suite bath with a bird's eye southern views of Lady Liberty and the New York Harbor. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Stunning high floor corner 2 Bedrooms, 2 Marble Baths, 1,328 S.F. The apartment boasts spectacular vista views through floor to ceiling windows overlooking Madison Square Park with the Empire State Building to the north, the Freedom Tower to the south and open city views to the west. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Penthouse 1 spans the entire twelfth floor and boasts 3,172 square feet of interior space and a full wraparound terrace. Direct, keyed elevator access opens to a private landing creating an elegant first impression and combines a more traditional entryway with the rest of the properties' more lofty semblances and separates the living from the entertaining wing of the apartment. As you enter into the palatial living area, the apartment boasts oversized floor to ceiling windows, 10-foot ceilings, wide plank white oak wood flooring, gas fireplace and all illuminated by open views of the Manhattan skyline, and surrounded by an expansive wraparound terrace. The open kitchen features walnut cabinetry with an expansive island, Pietra del Cardosa stone countertops imported from Tuscany, Dornbracht fixtures, a fully integrated Gaggenau appliance package and tremendous storage and a pantry. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: This remarkable 1,720-square-foot two-bedroom, two and a half-bath corner half-floor residence features over 94 linear feet of wrap around terrace with exposures to the north of Central Park, west overlooking the Midtown Skyline and southern views. The floor to ceiling glass windows and expansive 10' ceilings tie the inside/out living concept together perfectly. The 571 square foot terrace seamlessly connects the great room to an open kitchen outfitted with Italian white glass and aluminum trim cabinetry by Aran Cuchine, book matched honed Calacatta marble slab countertops, a natural white oak island and full-height backsplashes, and integrated Brilliant White glass appliances by Miele including an integrated wine refrigerator. The expansive western facing primary bedroom features three ample closets and a luxurious en-suite primary bath clad with Siberian white polished marble walls and honed marble floors with radiant heating. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Residence 28E is a three-bedroom, three and a half-bathroom duplex residence with southwest corner exposure. This generous layout boasts an open kitchen with large island and double-height great room with adjacent den, all opening onto an expansive wraparound private terrace. The primary suite features a walk-in-closet and primary bathroom with double vanities and freestanding tub. Ceilings soar above 18 feet high in the living and dining space, allowing for abundant natural light through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Each residence is equipped with a built-in Crestron smart home system that regulates temperature, lighting and the motorized window shades. These functions can be seamlessly controlled by residents through any iOS or Android device. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: A rare opportunity to live in a spectacular 8-room duplex as originally designed by Emery Roth with sweeping views of Central Park, the Rose Planetarium and Museum of Natural History, and the Midtown skyline. This masterpiece has only been enjoyed by 3 families in the long history of the landmarked building, 15 West 81st Street. Located on the 12th and 13th floors of one of the Upper West Side's most distinctive prewar cooperatives, this magnificent residence offers unparalleled grandeur, scale, and views. Resplendent with outstanding natural light streaming through the south-facing windows, the sprawling abode features a graceful layout with beautiful herringbone floors, soaring ceilings, classic moldings, and beautifully restored original finishes. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: A private keyed elevator opens directly into this magnificent and approximately 3,208-square-foot fully gut-renovated penthouse loft with 360-degree views of the New York City skyline, Brooklyn skyline, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Williamsburg Bridges, and Brooklyn Bridge Park through nearly floor-to-ceiling windows. This sprawling space includes an open kitchen and living area along with 3 bedrooms, a library, 3 full baths, a powder room, a wine bar, and a butler's pantry. The attention to detail is evident throughout this breathtaking penthouse. The gourmet chef's kitchen and living/dining area are lined with elegant Terrazzo tile which work in perfect unity with the exposed concrete beams and columns, and stunning floor-to-ceiling white oak veneer paneling. Every bedroom includes an individual Nest thermostat, Control4 surround sound speakers, LED lighting, hardwood flooring, and electric window shades. The spa-quality bathrooms include radiant heated flooring and a Toto toilet. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Residence 35-F is a beautiful, sun-filled home of approximately 2,482 square feet, offering northern, eastern and southern exposures. This is one of the best laid out floor plans within the property and has benefitted from the expert touch of New York City-based designer, Jennifer Post, who has created the ultimate urban retreat. With 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 11' high ceilings, solid rift sawn oak floors, floor-to-ceiling windows and generous proportions, this is a wonderful place to call home. As you enter the residence, an elegant foyer with a floor-to-ceiling window looking towards Central Park, sets the tone. An exquisite Venetian plaster adorns the walls and continues through into the dining and living areas. The onyx-clad powder room with its rich interior detail, and generous hall closet, lie off the foyer. As you round the corner, the grand living room sprawls before you and is really the piece de resistance! Facing north and east, with walls of windows, it is awash with light and frames splendid views of the city and park, creating a true WOW moment. Tax abatement in effect until June 2023. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Duplex 38W features 14-28' ceiling heights as well as an eat- in kitchen overlooking the George Washington Bride, Central Park, and Yankee Stadium, with expansive views from 355 feet above, encompassing cinematic views to the south, west and north. This residence of 3,794 square feet includes a separate den and 20'5" x 12'11" primary bedroom suite with a 16'4" x 7' dressing room on the main level. The additional three bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and laundry room are located on the upper level overlooking Central Park and the city skyline. Pre-war style inspired detailing begins in the elliptical private entry gallery with coved ceilings and custom plaster wainscoting, complemented by an oval pattern inset into the herringbone flooring. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: This stunning triplex penthouse boasts a prime Park Avenue location, multiple terraces with views across Manhattan and Central Park, and a floor-to-ceiling glass solarium surrounded by outdoor space. The main level is the epitome of classic living space with a wraparound terrace offering outdoor space to seven rooms. The living room boasts access to an additional private terrace, a tranquil spot with lush greenery and skyline views. The living room, on the west wing of the apartment, is joined by a library, dining room, and a spacious modern kitchen. The east wing holds the expansive primary bedroom suite, which includes a large dressing room and marble-lined bathroom. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors in the primary bedroom open to a terrace large enough for two to enjoy their morning coffee. Adjacent to the bedroom are a sitting room with an en-suite bathroom and office. See floor plan and full details here.
From the Listing: Privacy and seclusion await you in this glamorous Mansion in the sky. Very rarely does a home of this magnitude and proportion become available in downtown New York City. Penthouse residence River House 8, The Crown Prince at the top of the river house condominium is an exceptional 4,100 sqft. See floor plan and full details here.
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Just complete the info below.
Or call us at (212) 755-5544
Would you like to tour any of these properties?