Is there anything more impressive than the NYC skyline? It just might be the most famous skyline in the world so most people traveling to the city make plans to go up in one of the skyscrapers to check out the view.
Here are my overall impressions: the Empire State Building and the Top of the Rock are the two that are the easiest to compare. They’re in the same part of town and they have similar views. Top of the Rock and the main deck of the Empire State Building are about the same height.
Both the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock have indoor and outdoor viewing areas, but the outdoor viewing platform on the 86th floor of the Empire State Building is MAGICAL.
Rockefeller Center is a nice, tourist friendly area with plenty to see like Radio City Music Hall and the famous ice skating rink. And there are plenty of signs to let you know exactly where the observatory is.
Here’s the pricing breakdown for the Top of the Rock: General Admission is $40/Adult, $38/Senior, $34/Child. The Express Pass (priority entry through security and the elevators) is $75/person.
The Empire State Building has to be among just a small handful of the most famous and recognizable buildings in the world.
Here’s the pricing breakdown for the Empire State Building: Access to the Main Deck (86th Floor): $44/adult, $42/senior, $38/child (6-12), 6 and under are free. Access to the Main Deck AND the Top Deck (102nd & 86th Floor): $77/adult, $74/senior, $71/child.