NYC Observation Decks: One World Observatory vs. Empire State Building vs. Top of the Rock

By Casey Makovich

Visiting one of New York City's iconic observation decks is a must-do lifetime adventure.
There’s an endless amount of fun things to do and historical landmarks to see, but a visit to an observation deck (or two, or three...) is one of the most memorable things you can do on your trip to NYC. Plus, it's a great way to 'see' everything there is to see in NYC. New York City is home to 3 of the best observation decks in the world: the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock and One World Observatory. We've put together a comparison of New York's most popular observation decks so you can get an idea for what the difference is between the Empire State Building vs Top of the Rock vs One World Observatory so you can decide which one suits what you want to do and see best.

Free Entry with The New York Pass®

Free entry to many of these popular New York attractions and activities are included on The New York Pass®. Used by over 3.5 million travelers, the New York Pass is the ultimate sightseeing pass, which includes admission to 90+ attractions, Fast Track Entry at select attractions, a free guidebook, & much more. Learn more about the New York Pass benefits & how to save up to 70% off attractions.

1. The One World Observatory

The One World Observatory is an icon of the city skyline with its amazing spire. Travelers can take one of its 70 elevators up to three observation decks in under 50 seconds; it's an elevator ride that feels like a launch. The views: One World Trade Center is located on the south-western side of the Manhattan peninsula (close to the tip of the peninsula), so you'll get close views of the Hudson River, New Jersey, and Manhattan. You can see Ground Zero, the 9/11 Memorial Museum, and the Financial District. You'll be able to see the Empire State Building (though your view will be farther than from Top of the Rock) and Top of the Rock (though you might need to reference a skyline map to pick it out from its surrounding buildings!). All around, it has views that stretch from Westchester and Rockland counties to New Jersey, Brooklyn, and Long Island in addition to the mighty metropolis of NYC. Then, step into the Main Observatory and view high-definition footage of Manhattan’s streets. Enjoy some artisanal cocktails the bar One Mix and indulge in some culinary delights at One Dine. The structure and its observatory decks are a rebirth of downtown Manhattan after the tragedy of 9/11. Experience the city's rebirth. Admission: One World Observatory tickets are sold separately from The New York Pass.

2. The Empire State Building

The Empire State Building (ESB) shows 360-degree views of the city. At night, this international icon displays dazzling light shows to celebrate various occasions, which are often synchronized to music. In addition to its 86th-floor observatory, there's the Top Deck. You can see up to 80 miles away and get a full picture of the city. The views: the Empire State Building is located right in the middle of Manhattan, so from its top Observation Deck, you’ll get one-of-a-kind vistas of the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and the brilliant city streets below. You'll also be able to see New York City's other popular observation decks; the view from ESB of One World Observatory is much closer than the view you get of it from Top of the Rock, and similarly, the view from ESB of Rockefeller Center is much closer than the view you get of it from One World Observatory. Be sure to check out the Dare to Dream exhibit, which pays tribute to the builders and architects who helped create this historic landmark. There are period photographs, mementos, architectural sketches, and more. If you plan your visit to the Empire State Building around meal time, consider dining at its STATE Grill and Bar for breakfast, lunch or dinner. In exceptional Art Deco design, it showcases New York State’s winemakers, brewers, and farmers.
Admission: Empire State Building tickets are included with the New York Pass.

3. Top of the Rock

The Top of the Rock is a must-do on any tourist's bucket list. The Top of the Rock Observation deck is nestled in the heart of Rockefeller Center. Ascend 70 floors up and take in a sweeping view from three indoor and outdoor viewing decks.There are indoor viewing areas on the 69th and 67th floors Rockefeller Center is chockful of beautiful architecture, culture, and rich history. Take it in with a guided tour through its gardens and significant buildings.
The views: the Top of the Rock is located just south of Central Park, right in Times Square, so you'll get the best views of Central Park when compared to other observation decks. In the other direction, you'll be able to see the Empire State Building framed by the sprawling city, the Bank of America Building, Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, and more. From Top of the Rock, the view of the Empire State Building is closer than the view of the Empire State Building from One World Observatory.
After you pass the Swarovski chandelier in the lobby, there are artifacts and photos outlining the history of Rockefeller Center and an open-air deck on the 70th floor. Compared to the Empire State Building, the Top of the Rock is less claustrophobic.

Admission: Top of the Rock tickets are included with The New York Pass.

The Biggest Differences Between the Top New York City Observation Decks

Each observation deck experience provides an educational and informative experience on your way up to the observation deck complete with exhibitions and displays. The locations: where each building is situated will impact your views from each of the observation decks. See the image above for a better idea of where each observation deck is relative to the others. The exhibits: One World Observatory, being the most recently built, features a more modern design and feel and its exhibits explore the development of downtown Manhattan and the impact of 9/11 and how the One World Observatory building came to be. Top of the Rock and the Empire State Building both offer a classic and nostalgic New York City experience that highlight the history of the city with a particular emphasis on the American dream and the eventual prosperity post-Great Depression era. The views: the biggest difference between One World Observatory vs Empire State Building vs Top of the Rock is the view you'll get at the top. Of course, whichever observatory deck you choose to visit, you won't see that building in the skyline.
  • One World Observatory (southern-most building): views of the Hudson River and the city skyline looking north from the southern tip of Manhattan
  • Empire State Building (middle building): views from the middle of Manhattan with One World Observatory visible to the south and Rockefeller Center visible to the north
  • Top of the Rock (northern-most building): views of Central Park to the north and views of the Empire State Building and One World Observatory to the south

Popular Things to Do Nearby

In addition to these 3 observation decks (One World Observatory, the Empire State Building, and Top of the Rock) there are other great sites and activities worth checking out while in NYC.

Central Park

This world-famous park is 36 acres of beautiful streams, waterfalls, rocks and winding trails. It’s ideal for strolling and a wonderful sight from each of the observation decks.Take a romantic paddle around the lake or even a Venetian Gondola ride at Loeb Boathouse. Savor some great fare like crab cakes at the Central Park Boathouse Restaurant. Monkey around at the Central Park Zoo. There’s even pot-bellied pigs, penguins and sea lions. You never have to wait for the carnival to come to town in NYC.In the summer, head to Victorian Gardens for an all-American day of juggler performances, cart rides, and funnel cake. In the winter, hit the ice for some ice-skating.

The Statue of Liberty

You can take a ferry over to the Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island. Visit the crown and see panoramic views of Brooklyn. This colossal copper statue was designed by artist Frederic Bartholdi. It’s the symbol of freedom.The Liberty Island Museum is located in the lobby of its pedestal and chronicles the history of freedom. At the pedestal, you can great views of New Jersey, New York, and the New York Harbor.Getting in: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum tickets are included with The New York Pass.

The Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the city’s noblest landmarks. It stretches over Brooklyn, Manhattan and the East River and delivers amazing views. Take a walk across its promenade above the roadway and feel the city’s vibe. It only takes about 40 minutes.Getting in: the Brooklyn Bridge is free and open to the public. Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tour tickets and Bike Rentals you can use to bike across the Brooklyn Bridge are included with The New York Pass.

Grand Central Terminal

The Grand Central Terminal is the world’s largest railway station and a magnificent public space. It’s modeled after an ancient Roman bath and features glimmering chandeliers, an amazing concourse, and a robin’s egg-blue ceiling displaying the constellations.Getting in: Grand Central Terminal is free and open to the public.

The American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History is the largest natural history museum on the globe and without a doubt impressive. It stretches four city blocks and showcases 45 exhibition halls with over 30 million artifacts from outer space, the sea, and the land. Don’t miss it. Getting in: American Museum of Natural History tickets are included with The New York Pass.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Roam the labyrinthine corridors of the colossal Metropolitan Museum of Art where you view more than 2 million works of art showcasing 5,000 years of history.Its Egyptian collection features stone sarcophagi inscribed with hieroglyphics and pages from the Egyptian Book of the Dead.Other highlights include the American Wing with collections of American Arts. There are also stunning Islamic galleries with metalwork and ceramics. Its roof garden serves up fabulous views of Central Park and the city skyline.Getting in: The Metropolitan Museum of Art tickets can be purchased online.

The High Line

Just years ago, the High Line was a railroad track carrying freight trains. Today, it's a railway-turned-beautiful city retreat situated high above the busy city streets.Take a stroll along the path and check out the park's many features, including picnic tables, seating, curving walkways, and well-manicured gardens while you take in the unique views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline.
Getting in: admission to the High Line is free and open to the public.

Remember to Save on Observation Decks and New York Attraction Admissions

New York City's top 3 observatory decks are at the top of many tourists itineraries. They're all popular attractions, but how can you manage to afford the admission price at each? New York Pass grants you free admission to two of these Observation decks, with Empire State Building tickets and Top of the Rock tickets, plus, admission to over 90 additional attractions in NYC. Get a New York Pass and start saving on admission to top attractions during your trip. For more information get the New York Pass here.

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Read on, for the very best NYC events on St Patrick's Day 2020. Featuring: New York's timeless paradeThe best Irish foodDrinks that will have you seeing greenAnd coffee to keep you goingSt Patrick's Day Parade 5th Avenue No list would be complete without the obvious, so let's start there. Now in its 254th year, New York's St Patrick's Day Parade predates American Independence from the villainous redcoats. Thousands of people attend the streetside shindig every year, so if you're visiting from another land, why not check it out? If you're thinking of going, here's what you need to know. When is NYC's St Patrick's Day Parade in 2020? Tuesday, March 17. The very day of St Patrick's celebrations. Festivities kick off at 11 am, and the parade ends at 5 pm. Where is the parade? Starting on 44th Street, the parade then heads up Fifth Avenue. Eventually, it passes St Patrick's Cathedral, and finally ends at East 80th Street, which is the home of the American Irish Historical Society. What an appropriate place to end the parade! What to see at the parade Green. Lots of green. Parade floats, marching bands, and more shamrocks than you can shake a green stick at. Also, a lot of people. There are always big crowds for the parade. Tips for attending the parade Get there early if you want a decent spot. Also, if you move, you're going to lose your space. You'll have a small army of keen, green celebrators right behind you. Avoid driving anywhere near the thing. A road-based event plus a megaton of people equals closed roads, traffic diversions, and plenty of sad, sad drivers. Instead, look to get public transport from wherever you're staying. Or, if you're lucky, simply walk there. In the spirit of the celebrations, St Paddy's can be pretty lively. Many a Guinness and other assorted beverages will likely be imbibed by parade-goers. 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Along with classic American cuisine like burgers, wings, and potato skins, they also have an entire section dedicated to Irish delights. Shepherd's Pie, Irish Lamb Stew, Sausage and mashed potatoes, pot pie, corned beef and cabbage. The list goes on. Molly's is simply an unmissable experience if you want authentic Irish cuisine. ...and then get an authentic Irish drink Multiple venues What better way to celebrate St Patrick's Day than with a cool, refreshing Irish beverage. There's a large contingent of Irish pubs across New York that will be even more lively on March 17. On the Upper East Side you've got Doc Watson's, which attests to having the best pint of Guinness this side of the Atlantic. Not only do they have bands playing all day over St Paddy's, but they're only a few minutes from the parade. So if you're going to one, you've no excuse not to go the other. Or you could try McFadden's in Midtown. Every year they hold a pre-parade celebration where you can get unlimited beer and mimosas from 8 am - 12 pm, as well as all you can eat at the breakfast buffet for $35. An absolute steal. You can even head stop by after the parade, as St Patrick's celebrations go on until 4 am. Just book the following day off. No one needs to see you all bleary-eyed, fumbling through spreadsheets the following day. Alternatively, if you're looking to add a little variety, and a few more steps, to your session, why not check out a Spirits on Foot beer, spirits, and wine pub crawl? Alongside Irish offerings, you'll also stop by watering holes in different parts of the city. Plus, you'll learn a little more about New York's cultural cauldron too. And get authentic coffee You may well need one of these the morning after. If you're feeling brave, or simply crave a little hair of the dog, why not start the following day with a gut-warming Irish coffee? 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Dom Bewley

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