
Next up is a small theater with very short video about NBC and Rockefeller before entering the elevator. You know that famous photograph of workmen sat on metal beam? You can sit on a bench imitating the beam in front of a green screen and have your photo taken, which you can then purchase later in the experience. A horseshoe bend shaped walkway takes you on a journey through the life of John D Rockefeller and how Top of the Rock was created. Once you pass through security and up a flight of stairs spiraling around a sparkling Swarovski chandelier, you will find yourself in the Mezzanine Exhibit. There are also more touristy things to do near Rockefeller. Most first time visitors to NYC will stay close to Times Square or Central Park and Rockefeller is between the two major attractions. However, we’d say Top of the Rock just about edges it on location. Top of the Rock vs Empire State Best Location? Top of the Rockīoth observation decks are extremely easy to access from many parts of the city. Orange Line F, B, M, D – 34 St Herald Sq.No red carpet here, but look up for all the excitement you need.Ĭlosest subways to Empire State Building:

The enormous Empire State Building is squashed tightly between 34th and 33rd streets / 5th and 6th avenues.Īccess to the building entrance is on W 34th Street, half way between 5th and 6th avenues. Head southwest through Manhattan, passing Times Square and Bryant Park as far as W 34th Street to find New York City’s historic landmark and centerpiece. Orange Line F, B, M, D – 47-50 Sts Rockefeller Center.A bright red carpet with ‘Top of the Rock’ in huge letters builds instant excitement. Looking at a map of Manhattan, Rockefeller Center is between Times Square and Central Park.Īccess to the building entrance is on W 50th Street, closer to 6th avenue and opposite Radio City. Top of the Rock observation deck is at the top of Rockefeller Center, one of many buildings located in Rockefeller Plaza on 5th and 6th avenues / 49th and 50th streets. At the end we reveal our overall favorite and why. Let’s take a detailed look at some of the major comparisons between each observation deck experience so you know exactly what to expect.Įach section comes with our choice of which sky deck wins in that particular field. Which is Better – Top of the Rock or Empire State Building? Empire State Building – US$ 41 million in 1931 (US$ 564 million today).Top of the Rock – Estimated ~ US$ 250 million (additional plots of land included).Empire State Building – 86th floor 320 m OR 102nd floor 381 m.Empire State Building – 102 (floor 103 access for VIP’s only).Empire State Building – 443.2 m (base to top of antenna).
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66483101/17_200309_09_41_19_5DSR9801.0.jpg)

Top of the Rock – 260 m (base to top of antennas).Need Help Planning Your Visit To New York City? Top of the Rock vs Empire State Building in Numbers Year Opened: We’ll even throw in some handy photography tips for good measure.īoth are among our epic lost of the 67 best things to do in New York City, but let’s find out which observation deck you will choose to soak up arguably the most recognizable skyline on the planet in the battle of the two towers… We will discuss location, best exhibits, elevator experience, observation decks and best views by day, sunset and night.Īt the end we will determine which is better value for money, has a better overall experience and which we personally call the winner.

In this guide we will explain everything you need to know about both Top of the Rock and the Empire State Building. But we don’t all descend from the Rockefeller family! In an ideal world, you would summit all four observation decks and even include the Statue of Liberty Crown to complete the set. Both offer unique and amazing perspectives over the city and Hudson River, but neither have those quintessential or traditional NYC views of being surrounded on all 4 sides by skyscrapers. One World Observatory (opened 2014) and Edge NYC (opened 2020) are the latest additions to New York’s unrivaled array of mega-view observation deck options. Taking in the famous concrete cityscape from a birds eye view is simply unmissable when planning a vacation to NYC – but which of the classic and iconic observation decks will you stand atop? Top of the Rock vs the Empire State Building? World famous New York City borough Manhattan is one of the most extraordinary urban landscapes on Earth.
