USA · OBSERVATION DECKS
This is the shortlist you would text a friend: 11 observation decks tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Review the Empire State Building Observation Deck, with 86th and 102nd floor views, museum galleries, ticket advice, timing, and practical tips.
“Our first trip to NYC. Beautiful day, great views of city. People around us were happy and helpful! Enjoyed it all!”
Review of NYC's Edge, with glass-floor thrills, open-air views, sunset tips, prices, access details, and an honest look at the queues.
“Fog was pretty bad but still had a great time staff were the best”
See Central Park, the Empire State Building, and Manhattan from three indoor and outdoor levels at Top of the Rock, with sunset tips and VIP upgrades.
“Really good experience, not as high as other observation buildings but really enjoyed and much quieter than others. Sunset time is busy as expected on all observation buildings. Lovely 360 views”
Review the Empire State Building observatories, museum galleries, views, ticket upgrades, timing, value, and practical tips for your NYC visit.
“Spends a lot of time going through the history and the empire state building in popular media. The view was amazing, but not for people who are scared of heights.”
Top of the Rock review: compare views, timing, queues, Beam add-on, weather limits, and value before booking this NYC observation deck.
“Truly enjoyable experience and the views are unparalleled. Enjoyed a latte on the terrace just taking in NYC below.”
See Chicago from 1,000 feet at 360 CHICAGO, with fast elevator access, Lake Michigan views, CloudBar, and optional TILT.
“This was so much fun to see the whole city and have a romantic drink at the beautiful bar! They have great souvenirs for sale and the Tilt experience looked fun but I didn't try it myself. Our bartender (can't remember her name) was on point with her service and added some personality and humor to the night, she even recommended our dinner spot which was excellent (Doc B's)!! I love the top of the Hancock - it's iconic Chicago and Cloud Bar 360 is worth the price! The souvenir photos (order and pay to take home) they take of you when you walk in are super cute too!! Highly…”
Review of NYC Edge at Hudson Yards, with glass-floor thrills, 360-degree views, ticket choices, weather tips, and honest value advice.
“View is great. Vendor does not honor the complimentary digital photo as advertised, even after they asked me to show them the offer with my tickets. As with everything else, you are routed through the gift shop. You are primarily paying for the view. Would not do again.”
Review of the STRAT Tower Observation Deck in Las Vegas, with practical tips on timing, views, price, access, and what to expect at night.
“It was a great experience to see the view of Las Vegas from the top of the Strat, we went at night so everything was all lit up..”
Review of View Boston’s 90-minute observation deck visit, with indoor and outdoor views, city exhibits, dining, timing tips, and value advice.
“Great view of the city and surrounding areas. So beautiful.”
Review of 360 CHICAGO, with skyline views, CloudBar, TILT costs, timing advice, weather tips, and practical value at $29.
“It was terrible, we stood in line for the tilt for 45 minutes only to find out that we didn’t have the proper ticket. Then, upon trying to buy the proper ticket we were told that it was sold out until 8:45 so we lost our spot in line. That’s not good communication. Someone communicating while we were in line to make sure people had the right ticket or some signage would have avoided a bad situation especially for my three children.”
See Dallas from Reunion Tower’s 470-foot GeO-Deck, with 360-degree views, interactive screens, outdoor cameras, and a free digital photo.
“Great atmosphere, nice people and stunning views. An awesome choice for Valentine’s Day! Would definitely recommend to anyone.”
Pick a coast, a canyon or a city.
