NOR THEA S T Empire State Building Observatory ELEVATED EXPERIENCES Five observation decks showcase New York City from above BY ERICA ZAZO P 64 FEBRUARY 2023 icture this: Commuters shuffling along the sidewalk, the sizzling grill of a street vendor, and a local hailing a taxi at the top of his or her lungs. These sights, smells, and sounds on New York City's streets are all too familiar for group travelers visiting " The Big Apple. " But have you ever experienced New York City from the sky? Thousands of feet above the city streets, groups can see New York City from a different vantage point atop some of the highest and most spectacular lookouts in the city. Hold your breath, take a step, and revel in the breathtaking views from must-see observation decks. 1. EMPIRE STATE BUILDING OBSERVATORY Groups can soak in sweeping views of the never-ending cityscape by day or take in the sight of shimmering lights at night in " The City That Never Sleeps " from the top of the Empire State Building Observatory. Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the PHOTO JULIENNE SCHAER/NYC & CO.