The Top of the Rock or Top of Empire State Building debate has been going on for years. So, what’s the difference between the two? Well, the obvious answer is that the Top of the Rock offers a view of the Empire State Building from its location in the heart of Manhattan. On the other hand, the Top of the Empire State Building offers a view of Central Park and the Hudson River from the observation deck.
The Top of the Rock is located 70 stories high on the top of the Rockefeller Center. It features three observation decks offering stunning 360-degree views of Manhattan, New Jersey, and the surrounding region. The most spectacular view is of the Empire State Building and the surrounding city skyline. The tickets for the Top of the Rock are less expensive than the tickets for the Top of the Empire State Building. A ticket costs about $37 for adults and $34 for children.
The Top of the Empire State Building stands at 1,250 feet above the ground and is one of the most famous landmarks in New York. Visitors can take in the impressive view of Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and the Hudson River from the 86th floor. The Empire State Building also offers a unique view of Central Park. The tickets for the observation deck cost about $38 for adults and $32 for children.
So, which one is better? That depends on what kind of experience you are looking for. The Top of the Rock offers an amazing view of the Empire State Building and the city skyline. The Top of the Empire State Building offers a view of Central Park and the Hudson River. Both observation decks offer breathtaking views and unique experiences. Ultimately, the decision is up to you.
Come for the Views; Stay for the Atmosphere: The Top of the Rock vs. the Empire State Building
When visiting New York City, one of the city’s most iconic attractions is the view from the top of the Empire State Building or the Top of the Rock. Both offer spectacular views and experiences, but which one is better?
The Empire State Building is one of the most recognizable landmarks around the world. Standing at 1,454 feet, it was the world’s tallest building from 1931 to 1970, and though it has since been surpassed in height, it is still an impressive site. The observation deck offers stunning views of the city, from the iconic Statue of Liberty, to the sprawling Central Park, to the hustle and bustle of the streets below.
The Top of the Rock offers its own unique experience. At 875 feet, it is shorter than the Empire State Building, but its location is one of its greatest features. Sitting atop Rockefeller Center, it offers views of both Midtown Manhattan and the downtown skyline, giving visitors a unique perspective of the city.
The Empire State Building offers two observation decks, the main observatory and the Top Deck. The Main Observatory is located on the 86th floor of the building, and offers panoramic views of the city from 1,050 feet up. The Top Deck is located on the 102nd floor, and offers stunning views of the city from 1,250 feet up. The observation decks are open to visitors from 8am to 2am, and tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket office.
The Top of the Rock Observation Deck is located on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors of the Rockefeller Center. It is open to visitors from 8am to midnight, and tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket office. It offers 360-degree views of the city, with an outdoor balcony on the 69th floor where you can get the best views of the Empire State Building and Central Park.
The ticket prices for both attractions are similar, with the Empire State Building offering slightly cheaper rates. Both attractions offer audio and multimedia tours, as well as access to the observation decks. However, the Top of the Rock does offer exclusive access to the outdoor balcony, which is not available at the Empire State Building.
So, with both attractions offering spectacular views of the city, which one is better? Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. The Empire State Building offers a more iconic experience, while the Top of the Rock offers an unbeatable view of both Midtown and Downtown Manhattan, and exclusive access to the outdoor balcony. Whether you’re looking for an iconic experience or an unbeatable view, both attractions offer a memorable experience that will make your visit to New York City an unforgettable one.
| Attraction | Height | Views | Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empire State Building | 1,454 ft | Iconic view of the city from 1,050 – 1,250 ft | $32 |
| Top of the Rock | 875 ft | 360-degree views of the city, with exclusive access to outdoor balcony | $37 |
Weighing the Pros & Cons of the Top of the Rock & Empire State Building
When it comes to iconic views of New York City, the two prime locations are the Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center and the Empire State Building. Both offer spectacular views of the city, but which one is the better choice? Weighing the pros and cons of both locations can help you decide.
The Empire State Building is a great option for tourists. Its iconic architecture makes it a popular spot for photos, and it is located in the center of Manhattan. The observation deck on the 86th floor offers 360-degree views of the city and beyond. The building is open from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily, with tickets ranging from $20 to $48 depending on the time of day.
The Top of the Rock offers panoramic views of the city from 70 stories up. It is located on the roof of the iconic Rockefeller Center, which is a great destination in its own right. The observation deck is open from 8 a.m. to midnight daily, with tickets ranging from $22 to $38. It is an especially good option for those who want to watch the sunset over the city. The view from the top is a great way to take in the beauty of the city.
When comparing the two locations, there are many factors to consider. Both offer amazing views, but the Empire State Building is more centrally located and offers more extended hours. The Top of the Rock is less crowded and has great sunset views, but it is more expensive than the Empire State Building.
Pros & Cons of the Top of the Rock
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Less crowded | More expensive |
| Iconic location | Shorter hours |
| Spectacular views | Not as centrally located |
| Great for sunset views | None |
Pros & Cons of the Empire State Building
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More centrally located | More crowded |
| Iconic architecture | Less spectacular views |
| Extended hours | More expensive |
| 360-degree views | None |
Ultimately, which observation deck you choose depends on your budget and the time of day you are visiting. The Empire State Building is a great option for those who are on a tight budget and want to get the best view of the city. The Top of the Rock is a great option for those who don’t mind spending a bit extra for the iconic views and an amazing sunset experience.
The Top of the Rock is located on the 70th floor of the Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan, while the Top of the Empire State Building is located on the 86th floor of the building.
The Top of the Rock is located on the 70th floor of the Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan, and the Top of the Empire State Building is located on the 86th floor of the building in Midtown Manhattan.
Yes, both the Top of the Rock and the Top of the Empire State Building have elevators to take visitors to the top.
The Top of the Rock offers 360-degree views of Manhattan, Central Park, and the surrounding area, while the Top of the Empire State Building offers 360-degree views of the city and beyond.
The Top of the Rock is open from 8:00am to 12:00am, while the Top of the Empire State Building is open from 8:00am to 2:00am.
The Top of the Rock has an observation deck, gift shop, and cafe, while the Top of the Empire State Building has a museum, gift shop, and an open-air observatory.
The Top of the Rock offers timed tickets, while the Top of the Empire State Building offers both timed tickets and admission tickets.
The Top of the Rock hosts a variety of special events, such as movie screenings and concerts, while the Top of the Empire State Building holds occasional special events such as live music performances.
Yes, both the Top of the Rock and the Top of the Empire State Building offer discounts for students, seniors, and military personnel.
The Top of the Rock offers 360-degree views of Manhattan, Central Park, and beyond, making it the best option for taking in the city skyline.