The best places in New York are high above the mess on the streets. The higher you are, tradition dictates, the richer you are: More silence, more tranquility, and the beauty of an endless horizon.

Thankfully for those who are less well heeled, there are several options for experiencing high-level New York life. The Top of the Rock is consistently ranked a favorite, given its unique position beyond the Empire State right before Central Park.  Top of the Rock has the added cachet of being on top of 30 Rock, home of NBC Studios.  Prior to catching the elevator, a small exhibition explains the fascinating history of how 30 Rock came to be in spite of the Great Depression.

Zoom up to the top and enjoy two levels of viewing. Large clear glass dividers protect visitors from free falling, and are much easier to snap photos through than the wire grates over at the Empire State. 

Top notch, I say!