Top of the Rock vs. Empire State Building in New York City
Which Observation Deck is Better in Terms of View, Crowds and Wait Times, and Price?
Top of the Rock vs Empire State Building: View
Both Top of the Rock and Empire State Building are locating in mid-town Manhattan about 15 blocks from each other. So the views from their observation decks are similar with clear shots of The East River, Hudson River, Central Park, and structures like the Chrysler Building. The observation deck at Top of the Rock is 70 stories above the streets while the Empire State Building's is 86 stories up. So in terms of view, The Empire State Building gets you higher in the air, but the shots are relatively the same as Top of the Rock. *Remember, weather will always be factor in your view from these observation decks.
Top of the Rock vs Empire State Building: Crowds and wait times
I have been to the Empire State Building observation deck twice in the last 4 years: fall 2005 and winter 2008. Because the Empire State Building is a world famous monument, wait times are incredibly long to get to the observation deck. Both times I waited over 2 hours to get to the 86th floor. For an extra fee, you can buy an Express Pass go straight to the front of the line, but I chose not to do this due to price. Once at the observation deck of the Empire State Building, it was nearly wall to wall people crowding for a view and photo op.
At the Top of the Rock, I had no wait time on a Sunday afternoon in the summer of 2009. Got straight to the barely crowded observation deck, took pictures, sat on a bench, and leisurely strolled the deck at my own pace. So, by far, Top of the Rock wins in terms of less crowds and shorter wait times.
Top of the Rock vs Empire State Building: Price
Both the Top of the Rock and the Empire State Building observation deck tickets cost about $20. However, Empire State Building charges an extra $15 to go to the 102nd floor. And that Express Pass I talked about earlier would cost you $45 not including the extra $15 for the 102nd floor. So your wallet gets more of a workout at the Empire State Building.
Top of the Rock has one ticket price and gives discounts with a AAA membership card. You can also purchase one of many combination tickets that let you see Top of the Rock and other attractions like the NBC Studios and the Museum of Modern Art for one discounted fee. So in terms of pricing, Top of the Rock wins this category also.
Top of the Rock vs Empire State Building: Conclusion
If all you care about is a nice view of Manhattan, I'd highly recommend Top of the Rock. It's a bit cheaper and less crowded. But if you are visiting New York City for the first time, you almost have to go to the Empire State Building regardless of any inconveniences, as it is one of the most famous buildings in the world.
Sources:
Personal experience
Published by J Budd, RN - Featured Contributor in Health & Wellness
I am a registered nurse and former radio broadcast journalist in the NYC/NJ area for over a decade. Some of the stations I have worked with include Bloomberg News Radio, Sirius Satellite Radio, Fox News Rad... View profile
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6 Comments
Post a CommentTop of the rock is also better for one very important reason: You can see the empire state building from it!! You obviously can't do that from the top of the empire state building. Of course, you won't get to see Rockefeller Center (The rock), but it's not a particularly interesting building anyways..
Excellent comparison and exactly what I needed to know! Thanks :)
Great article. I had no idea it was so expensive. It makes shows & museums sound like a bargain.
Very good comparison and information.
I think I shall visit them both thanks for the reviews of them.
That's the thing - it is a branding issue. Most people don't ask if you went to the Top of the Rock when you come back from NYC. Me, I'd take the cheaper alternative. Crowds that high would make me nervous, especially with everyone elbowing for a photo op.