Top of The Rock - Dare I say, better than the Empire State Building?

I've heard people say that the Top of the Rock actually has better views of New York than the Empire State Building, but never believed them. (I've been to the Empire State Building at night; it was as beautiful as you would think it is.) However, after my trip to the Top of the Rock, I have to say that I'm officially on the side of The Rock.

Not only are the views better on the Top of the Rock (particularly the side facing towards Central Park), but the trip up and the all around experience is better, too. It took about half the time to get to the top versus the Empire State Building, and the service was friendly and inviting the whole way up. Plus, when you're at the top, you can take the escalator or stairs to the secondary perch atop the Rock and enjoy unimpeded views of the city from all angles. I was lucky enough to visit on a clear NYC morning (a Monday, no less - definitely go on a weekday if you can), and I took some fantastic views from above the streets of New York.

One thing I would suggest is to combine your ticket with one of the package deals the Top of the Rock offers. I bought the MoMA package, and was able to tour the Top of the Rock and the Museum of Modern Art for $38. (You save $12 total.) Plus, the voucher you're given for MoMA upon purchase is good through the end of the year, so it's not like you have to rush off to the museum that day. Definitely worthwhile if you plan on seeing both attractions. (There are also packages available that include NBC Studio Tours, too.)

Overall, if you've never been to the Top of the Rock, I highly recommend checking it out. I imagine the views are stunning at sunset, but they're pretty beautiful on a clear morning, too. And yes... It's BETTER than the Empire State Building. There. I said it.

See All of Manhattan at Once!

The Top of the Rock Observatory gives NYC tourists a stellar view of all of Manhattan.  In my opinion, going to the top of the Empire State Building can get old after you’ve seen it once, so I was excited to see the City from a different perspective.

Before you head to the top, as you walk through the entrance, you’ll watch a short interesting video of the history of Rockefeller Center and how this landmark came to be what it is today.  It informs viewers of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting and how the tradition started as well. 

Once you step into the elevator, the real fun starts.  The elevator shaft is all lit up and the elevator is clear on all sides so you can see how fast you’re going.  It felt like a Disneyland ride.  There is also a screen on the ceiling of the elevator that plays more video about this awesome attraction.

The observation spots are on 3 different levels, and the very top is the best- a clear view of New York City with no glass in between.  It’s an amazing spot for photos and you can walk around the different sides of the building to take photos of the different areas of Manhattan.  My favorite part was looking down on Central Park with a clear view of the Great Lawn, the castle, the pond, and all the other wonderful places within the park.

Top of the Rock is an awesome attraction, and allows you to see some of the most famous sights in NYC all at once, with great views of the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Chrysler Building, Central Park and so much more. 

See the Whole City on the Top of the Rock NYC

Rather than running around the NYC streets to try to get a good view of Manhattan, you should take a trip to the Top of the Rock NYC.  Once you're at the top of this Rockefeller Center building, you'll understand why they can charge you a hefty price to get there.  You have a view of so much of Manhattan, from the Empire State Building to Central Park. You'll want to bring a map, so you can figure out which buildings are which.

This review is provided by an NYCTourist staff member and is a composite of actual reviews. This may be a paid advertiser.

Get the Best View in New York at the Top of the Rock NYC

With so many great sights to see while in New York City, people are constantly searching for the best vantage point.  Well, you can see everything from the Empire State Building to Central Park from the Top of the Rock.  Though it is a little bit pricey considering you're not getting an actual tour of anything, seeing New York from the top of the building at 30 Rockefeller Center is definitely something that visitors should do at least once.

This review is provided by an NYCTourist staff member and is a composite of actual reviews. This may be a paid advertiser.

Unbeatable Views - Top of the Rock NYC

Justifiably, views of New York City are recognized as some of the most amazing in the world.  If you're visiting NYC (especially for the first time), the view from the Top of the Rock is completely breathtaking.  While many people flock to the Empire State Building when they visit Manhattan, heading to the top of the building at 30 Rockefeller Center will give you a better view of NYC because you'll be able to see the Empire State Building as well as Central Park.

Though you'll get some pretty unforgettable views from the Top of the Rock, you will have to pay a little to get up there.  Since you're paying to go up to the top of a building, you will likely only want to do this tour once.  However, it is definitely worth the price to see this view once.

This review is provided by an NYCTourist staff member and is a composite of actual reviews. This may be a paid advertiser.