In this weeks bonus article I’ve decided to compare our recent topics: Empire State Building vs Top of the Rock.

Which one is better? Which one has the best views? Which one costs more?

Keep reading to find out!

Empire State Building vs Top of the Rock

I’m going to be straight up front with you…

if I only had one choice and had to pick between the Empire State Building and the Top of the Rock I would choose Top of the Rock

I’ll tell you why and then I’ll discuss the differences below so you can choose for yourself.

In my opinion, the Top of the Rock has one huge advantage…

You can actually see the Empire State Building. 

It is majestic to see from any angle in NYC but from the top of Rockefeller Center,

the Empire State Building is just…

BAM in ya face.

What’s more New York than the Empire State Building??

Now the views from the open-air deck at the Empire State Building are absolutely stunning…

they are…no doubt…I would still say Top of the Rock is better.

Just trust me.

Which has the Best Views??

Let’s compare a few iconic angles and let you decide:

Chrysler Building

There is a great view of the Chrysler Building from the observation deck of the Empire State Building…

Not so much from Top of the Rock…

You can see the top of it below but not much.

Central Park

You do have a direct view of Central Park from the Empire State Building…

but Rockefeller Center is closer so the view is unobstructed…

absolutely gorgeous!

One World Trade

The view of lower Manhattan from the Empire State Building is spectacular!

You can see the Flat Iron building in this shot as well!!

But I prefer the same shot with the Empire State Building in it…

Which is Better Price-Wise?

They’re basically the same price.

Approximately $39 per person.

Each location has different add-ons you can get for an additional cost.

Which is Better Time-Wise??

Top of the Rock hands down!

It took us a good 45 min to get to the open-air deck of the Empire State Building and we had the NYC Explore Pass so we could bypass the ticket line.

To get to Top of the Rock it took approximately 20 mins and we had to have our passes scanned and paper tickets issued. Much quicker. 

If I only had one day in New York City and had to choose between Empire State Building or Top of the Rock I would choose Top of the Rock…specifically at sunset.

Which one did you, or would you, choose?!?

Let me know in the comments below!

Enjoy Your Adventure!!

Be sure to check out my 5 Things You Must Do in New York City if you’re headed to the Big Apple!

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