I've always had a thing for skyscrapers, which is why I'm absolutely fascinated by cities like New York. And it's from the tops of skyscrapers that New York always leaves the biggest impression on me.

I've visited most of New York's famous viewpoints - here's my personal ranking of the top 3 skyscraper viewpoints based on the impression they left on me.

And finally, I'm adding a 4th secret tip!

💡 Interested in other tips to visit?

• 🏨 My honest review of my stay at the Plaza Hotel
• 🚇 S ubway in New York - tickets and maps
• 🔭 List of all the sights in NY

1. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt: a unique experience like no other

This is simply #1. No question.

Because SUMMIT OV is not just an ordinary observation deck, but a huge interactive show where you go back to your childhood.

On 3 floors you will discover a combination of a mirror labyrinth, an art installation and a futuristic observatory.

It's not just the views of the Empire State or the Chrysler Building. It's all about how you experience your visit - the halls of mirrors, reflections of light and the Affinity Balloon Room make for a combination unlike any other attraction in New York.

SUMMIT is where I took the best photos of the entire trip!

• The greatest entertainment options and a unique sightseeing concept
• Best views of the Chrysler Building
• ➡️ SUMMIT OV - prices, handy info and other tips

2. The Edge: the best outdoor patio in NYC

One of the most visually iconic terraces is called The Edge and can be found at the 30 Hudson Yards skyscraper.

The Edge is not about design or lighting effects. It's a raw experience in the wind, on an open terrace, where you really feel the height. You're standing above a glass floor, the wind is blowing around you, and Manhattan is spread out right below you.

Every photo here looks good. And most importantly, it's one of the few vantage points in New York that's completely outdoors.

• The largest outdoor observation deck
• Great views of lower Manhattan and the Hudson River
• ➡️ The Edge - prices + our tip on how to visit restaurants with a ticket to the view

3. Top of the Rock: a classic that never gets old

The rooftop terrace at Rockefeller Center is an iconic spot that still holds its value. It doesn't have an extreme experiential moment like SUMMIT or an adrenaline rush like the Edge, but it has something the others don't - the best possible view of the Empire State Building.

Plus a large amount of entertainment and other attractions in close proximity to Rockefeller Center.

It feels the most serene of the three, it's uncluttered, the photos are clear, and you get the "real New York" at its best.

• The most classic view of ESB and the only one to offer a view across towards Central Park
• Indoor view and full outdoor terrace
• ➡️ Top of The Rock - prices, handy info

Secret tip: our favorite rooftop terrace bar

The last tip is not a famous viewpoint with mass attendance, but a cozy little rooftop bar called Overstory in Downtown.

The bar sits on the top 64th floor of 70 Pine Street and, in addition to great drinks and a wonderful atmosphere, has a private panoramic terrace with amazing and unusual views of lower Manhattan, the East River and Brooklyn.

The observation deck is only accessible as a guest of the bar, but reservations are not required.

• ➡️ Bar Overstory - reservations, walk-in policy and pricing

Map of my top vantage points

I've also created a map with the overlooks marked for easy reference.

Why I didn't include the Empire State Building or One World Observatory

The Empire State Building is an iconic structure and historically has its place. But the ESB is mostly beautiful in its own right. That's why the previous views are so well rated - because they show the Empire State Building itself.

Which, logically, you won't experience from the vantage point of the ESB.

One World Observatory has fantastic views out towards the harbor and the Statue of Liberty. However, it lacks the element of surprise or anything that compares to SUMMIT OV or Edge. It's a great addition, but definitely not a first choice for me.

The 10 best hotels in New York

Free alternatives

But it's not just from the heights of the skyscrapers that you'll see the Manhattan skyline in a great way. Here are my picks for the best locations to get the best views of New York and not have to pay an entrance fee.

• Brooklyn Bridge
• Brooklyn Bridge Park
• Roosevelt Island

And in our Tips for New York Hotels article, we also cover tips for the best accommodations with a view. You may not get the view completely free, but at least it's included in the price of your accommodation.