NYC Midtown: Empire State & Top of the Rock Tour Review

New York City, it’s this spot that buzzes with just about everything. You see iconic skyscrapers, it has busy streets, and a bunch of experiences that, to be honest, everyone should see. Two spots stand out for, like, capturing the real vibe of this whole place, though: the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock. I recently went on a tour that covers both, and I wanted to share, just maybe, my thoughts on what it’s really like.

Hitting Up the Empire State Building

The Empire State Building, this gigantic landmark, you know, kinda screams “New York.” Right from the moment you step in, the grandeur just, you know, hits you. Security was, well, rather tight, but it seemed that the lines moved quickly enough. One cool thing to look at, at least in my view, while waiting is that there’s all these exhibits on the history of the building. And get this, like, you learn some pretty wild facts. I didn’t know, for example, that the whole building went up in just about a year. Can you believe that?

Then, too, there’s the elevators. These rockets just zip you to the top surprisingly quick. When you step out on the observation deck – 86th floor – the views, well, are just something else. You see the entire city kinda spread out underneath you, that includes Central Park. And on a clear day, you may even be able to see spots out in Jersey and Connecticut. It’s kinda wild. Being up there just feels, like, so classic New York. I got some super good photos too, obviously. Going around sunset, too, adds a different level of gorgeous when all the city lights start to pop on. Still, so expect it to be extra packed. Maybe it could be better to head up either earlier or later to miss the crowd.

Soaring to Top of the Rock

Top of the Rock, you know, that’s in Rockefeller Center. So, in some ways, the vibe is different than the Empire State. I found that, you know, the whole experience feels more streamlined, a little modern, actually. There’s plenty of cool displays on the history of Rockefeller Center as you’re heading up. The observation decks themselves? It’s got them on three floors. Now, here’s what makes it unique. Unlike the Empire State, Top of the Rock got these glass panels that give a totally, fully unblocked view. It’s fantastic. Seriously. It is the spot to soak up killer views of Central Park. The views, for me anyway, look a bit more expansive in some respect, too, so I think that you also get to see more of Midtown.

Another awesome plus? The crowds are, you know, often way more manageable. So it might be that you get more room to walk around, take photos, whatever, just really soak everything in. You know? The staff, anyway, was pretty helpful when I was there, happy to help with any questions and giving photo tips. This might be, arguably, an awesome place for those that may not love heights as much. With all of those safety things and extra space, you just have the chance to move around with a bit more comfort.

Comparing the Views: Empire State versus Top of the Rock

Ok, you know, choosing between Empire State and Top of the Rock, well, it kind of just relies on what you really would like in a view. If what you need is to have that, very classic experience, well, then it might be that the Empire State just may grab you. It just drips, you know, New York history. Plus, being up there is amazing because the observation deck wraps around the tippy top of the building.

Top of the Rock? This may be an awesome alternative for, like, clear, picture-perfect, unobstructed panoramas. You know, that view that has the Empire State Building right smack dab in the skyline, the fact is that’s truly hard to beat. Plus, some folks, like me, may enjoy a little less chaos that it may offer, allowing for a relaxed time as you drink in all those beautiful scenes.

Now, to be honest, for pictures? It might be that Top of the Rock offers a real better setup with those, very clear, barricade-free shots. That is that with Empire State you get fences or bars, so that can kinda get in your pictures at times. In order to get that awesome cityscape photograph, just think on where you may be wanting to get those pictures from.

Tips for Your Midtown Tour

Want to make it a bit easier? Here are a few spots, I mean points, to kinda think over: Buy those tickets ahead of your visit. Think of coming at off-peak hours. So check the weather before you even show up. So think about that New York CityPASS. Know where stuff is and what your restrictions are.

Thinking about going sometime? First you might want to buy your tickets. It helps to not stand around in lines and ensures your slot, especially at the busy times. As I was saying, think of coming to see those famous towers super early or super late, too. When the crowds lighten up, what you see just may be more enjoyable, or might not. Nothing I can guarantee. Seeing that New York weather be really unstable you will need to check on that ahead. Fog? Rain? Could really block those sick views, even slightly ruining the whole trip up.

You could save some bread with a New York CityPASS! If you are just itching to see a bunch of hot spots, this pass might lower each ticket’s prices to several famous stops, at the end of the day. Getting the Empire State, anyway, comes with certain security protocols; be sure you know what the spot allows when you step up into line. Finally, getting familiar with that floorplan? Totally might assist in maximizing the views.