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NYC Observation Decks Compared: Which Skyline View Is Actually Worth It?

New York now has more high-up viewpoints than ever, and they are not cheap — so the real question isn't "is the view good" (they all are) but "which one is right for you ." Here's an honest breakdown of the main observation decks, what makes each different, and who should pick which. Empire State Building — the classic The 86th-floor open-air deck is the one you've seen in films for ninety years, and the building itself is the icon. The trade-off: because you're standing on the Empire State Building, it's the one skyline you can't photograph. Best for first-timers who want the historic, quintessential New York experience. Top of the Rock — the best all-round view At Rockefeller Center, Top of the Rock gives you the shot most people actually want: the Empire State Building and Midtown in one direction, and Central Park spread out in the other. For photographers and for anyone choosing just one deck, this is usually the smartest pick. ...
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NYC Tipping Calculator: How Much to Tip in New York City

Tipping in the United States can be one of the most confusing parts of a trip to New York, especially for visitors from countries where it is not customary. In NYC, tipping is not optional in most situations — service workers rely on it as a core part of their income. Use the calculator below to work out the right amount for restaurants, bars, taxis, hotels and more, then read on for a plain-English guide to who you tip and how much.

NYC Tip Calculator

Estimates for guidance only. Standard NYC practice is shown; adjust up for excellent service or large groups (many restaurants add an automatic gratuity for parties of 6 or more).

How Much to Tip in NYC: A Quick Guide

At sit-down restaurants, the long-standing standard is 18 to 20 percent of the pre-tax total, and 20 percent is now the norm for good service. A fast way to estimate it is to double the New York sales tax shown on your check, which runs at 8.875 percent, giving you roughly 18 percent. For bars, a dollar or two per drink, or 15 to 20 percent on a tab, is expected.

For taxis and rideshares, 15 to 20 percent is typical, and the in-cab payment screens will usually suggest amounts. Hotel housekeeping is commonly 3 to 5 dollars per night left daily, and a bellhop who carries bags gets a dollar or two per bag. At nail salons, barbers, and spas, plan on 15 to 20 percent.

Who You Don't Need to Tip

You generally do not tip at fast-food or self-service counters, though a tip jar is always optional. There is no obligation to tip the staff at a coffee counter where you order and carry your own cup, although many people round up or drop in their change. Government and transit workers, including subway staff, are never tipped.

Why Tipping Matters in New York

In New York State, tipped workers can be paid a lower base wage on the understanding that tips make up the difference. That means your tip is not a bonus for exceptional service in the way it might be elsewhere — it is a meaningful part of how servers, bartenders, and many other workers are paid. Tipping well is simply part of participating in the city's hospitality culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is tipping mandatory in NYC?

Tipping is not a legal requirement, but it is a strong social expectation at restaurants, bars, taxis, and personal-care services. Leaving nothing is considered rude unless the service was genuinely poor.

Do I tip on the pre-tax or post-tax amount?

Customary practice is to tip on the pre-tax subtotal, though many people simply tip on the total for convenience. Either is acceptable; this calculator uses the amount you enter.

What is an automatic gratuity?

Many NYC restaurants automatically add a gratuity, often 18 to 20 percent, for larger parties (commonly six or more). Check your bill before adding more so you do not tip twice.

How much should I tip a taxi driver in New York?

Around 15 to 20 percent of the fare is standard. For a short ride, rounding up to the nearest few dollars is perfectly acceptable.

Related guides

Put together by our editorial team to help visitors navigate New York with confidence. Tipping customs evolve, so treat these figures as a practical guide rather than a fixed rule. Questions? Reach us through our contact page.

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