My family and I are planning a trip to New York City in a few weeks, and we would like to get a good view of the city without spending the money or time to go up the Empire State Building. What is the highest up I can get in NYC and get a good view for free?
Bonus points: What’s the tallest glass elevator we can ride for free?
Does paying for a drink count as not free? If not, then the sky room in Times Square.
How about the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square?
We will have small children, so that doesn’t sound like a good option. Thanks though.
That might be worth a try.
While not as high as some buildings, walking some of the bridges do offer a great view (the Brooklyn Bridge views are iconic).
Some views also from ground level such as Central Park and the free Staten Island ferry, and the west side walkway/bikeway park (riverside park?) should also be considered.
I’m in Manhattan right now. We went up the Empire. Pricey, but after doing so, we decided the location - and history - made it the best choice. You get a good view of both uptown and down. (Be prepared for security checks rivaling airport security. Not sure what they thought I was going to do up there with my belt and wristwatch…)
I believe there is a restaurant near the top of the Edge which is mighty high. Not sure if you could get up there without a reservation or something and grab a peek out the windows (and I hear it is mega pricey.)
We didn’t really look hard, but when researching this trip, no free observation decks came to mind. And, in my immediate experience, don’t plan on going to NYC if you are going to worry overmuch about avoiding spending $.
Best free things so far in our opinion - State Island Ferry and Central Park. I could spend w-3 days in Central Park alone - it is that large and cool.
Also, speaking of how high you can get - I’ve been somewhat surprised at the amount of 2d hand pot smoke I’ve smelt. Don’t know why it surprised me, but A LOT of folk are getting high at all times of the day.
That’s an excellent thought. We had discussed walking the bridge then somehow forgot to put it on the list.
Fair, and this is definitely a pricey trip, but this particular experience isn’t one we thought worth the cost.
I thought asking about marijuana use was not allowed on the SDMB. 
Freedom Tower is $38 and is the highest point in Manhattan. The top of the Rock at Rockefeller center is $40.
The problem with seeing the view from the Empire State Building is that you can’t see the Empire State Building.
It’s been a while but I remember the Art Deco decoration of the elevator cabs and elevator lobbies at the Empire State Building was interesting to see.
Not really a nitpick as I take your point, but now I can’t help thinking how amazing (or more likely, terrified sickness-inducing) it would be if that were literally, completely true (i.e. the building becomes invisible so you appear to be floating at 1,000ft).
Having done both the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock, I concur that Top of the Rock has the better view. Besides the fact that you can see the Empire State Building, it also has a better view of Central Park. The inside of the ESB has much more of the iconic art deco design. though.
I didn’t know Freedom Tower had an observation deck. But I think it wasn’t built yet the first time I visited NYC.
Agree with this. We did the Brooklyn Bridge a few years ago from Long Island to Manhattan. Really awesome - and what could be more New York?
That reminds me of what I’ve heard from several Parisiennes:
“Go to the top of Tour Montparnasse (a modem office building), not the Eiffel Tower. Became from Tour Montparnasse you can see the Eiffel Tower, but from the Eiffel Tower you can see the Tour Montparnasse.”
I forget who the artist was, but apparently he dined at the restaurant on the top of the Eiffel Tower because it was the only place in Paris where you couldn’t see the Eiffel Tower. He wasn’t a fan.
Sure you can - just look down!
We considered the Rock, but my wife chose Empire. Sidepoint, much of Rock Plaza is under construction. Sure would be beautiful without the barriers and all.
$40 a pop would be FAR cheaper than what we paid for Empire. The highest we got for free was the Castle in Central Park. Neat windy staircase for the kids too!
On the other hand, you can see the Eiffel Tower from almost anywhere in Paris, including on the ground. But the view of the Eiffel Tower from its own top is a vantage you won’t get from anywhere else.
The view of the Eiffel Tower from underneath is worth mentioning as well. 
(Was only in Paris one night; didn’t have time to wait through the 2h+ lineup to go up the Tower…)
How long do you get to stay at the Empire State Building observatory?
To the best of my recollection there are no time limits.