When it comes to breathtaking views of New York City, both The Edge and the Empire State Building offer unforgettable observation deck experiences.
The Edge is a modern, thrilling sky deck that lets you feel like you’re floating above the city, while the Empire State Building provides a classic, iconic experience steeped in history.
In this article, we’ll compare these two observation decks across key factors like height, views, and overall experience to help you decide which is better for your next NYC adventure.
Quick Summary
| Parameter | The Edge | Empire State Building |
| Ticket Price | Adults (12 to 61): US$44 | Adults (13 to 61): US$49 |
| Youth (6 to 11): US$38 | Youth (6 to 12): US$43 | |
| Seniors (62+): US$41 | Seniors (62+): US$47 | |
| Hours | 9 am – 10 pm | 10 am – 11:30 pm |
| Location | Hudson Yards/Midtown West | Midtown Manhattan |
| Best Views | Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Hudson River | Central Park, Chrysler Building, Times Square |
| Stories | 100 | 102 |
| Height | 1,100 (335 meters) | 1,250 feet (381 meters) |
Height of the Observation Deck
The Empire State Building’s top deck reaches 1,250 feet, while The Edge is slightly lower at 1,100 feet.
Although the Empire State Building offers a higher elevation, both decks provide impressive, sky-high experiences.
Experience on the Deck
The Edge delivers a thrilling experience with its outdoor sky deck, featuring a glass floor and angled glass walls that create the sensation of floating above the city.
The Empire State Building, with its open-air observation deck and Art Deco design, offers a more traditional but iconic experience rich in historical significance.
View from the Observation Deck
The Edge offers panoramic views of the Hudson River, the Statue of Liberty, and the entire Manhattan skyline from the west side.
The Empire State Building, centrally located, provides iconic views of Midtown Manhattan, including Central Park, the Chrysler Building, and beyond, offering a more comprehensive view of the city’s core.
Crowd to Expect
The Empire State Building, as a global icon, draws large crowds year-round, often leading to longer wait times.
The Edge, while also popular, tends to be less crowded, particularly because it’s newer, allowing for a slightly more relaxed experience.
Location of the Observation Deck
The Empire State Building is centrally located in Midtown Manhattan, making it highly accessible from all parts of the city.
The Edge is located in the Hudson Yards development on the far west side of Manhattan, a vibrant but less central location that is still easily reachable by subway and bus.
Other Exhibits on Display
The Empire State Building features extensive historical exhibits, including a museum that details its construction and significance in American culture.
The Edge focuses on the thrill of the sky deck itself, with fewer additional exhibits, making it more about the view and the experience than history.
Duration of Visit
A visit to The Edge is typically quicker, taking around 60-90 minutes, depending on how much time you spend on the outdoor deck.
The Empire State Building visit can take longer, especially if you explore both the main and top decks, as well as the comprehensive historical exhibits, making it a more extended and in-depth experience.