SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Vs. Empire State Building Comparison

By Stuart Bak

Selecting the best observation platform to visit when in New York is a very tall order indeed (pun intended), with five titanic towers to choose from. These, for the uninitiated, are the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, Edge, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt and the One World Observatory. Each of these has its own unique quirks and views, but perhaps the greatest contrast in experience is to be found between hit-tech newbie SUMMIT and Art Deco OG the Empire State Building. We pitched these two skyscraping icons against one another to find out which one should top your Big Apple bucket list. Dive into our SUMMIT vs Empire State Building comparison to find out...

Empire State Building

Empire State Building at night

Name: This one requires no introduction... the Empire State Building is up there with the Eiffel Tower, Taj Mahal and Sagrada Familia as one of the planet’s most famous structures.

Age: Construction of the Empire State Building began in March 1930 and was, quite remarkably, completed just 14 months later in April 1931.

Empire State Building in a Nutshell: Surely the most iconic Art Deco edifice on the planet, the Empire State Building was the world’s tallest building for over four decades, until topped by the World Trade Center’s North Tower in 1970. This monolithic Manhattan masterpiece has starred in hundreds of movies and TV shows over the last century, including King Kong (obvs), plus Tom and Jerry, Independence Day, Friends, The Smurfs and, well, the list goes on and on. Its observation platform on the 102nd floor is still one of the highest (and most visited) in the city, nearly a century after that monster gorilla first took the al fresco route to the SUMMIT.

Empire State Building: Vital Statistics 

  • Height: 1,454 feet (443 meters) to the tip of the tower on the roof. The top-floor observation platform is 1,224 feet (373 meters) up.
  • Number of floors: 102.
  • Elevators: 73.

What’s the Empire State Building Experience Like?

Observation platform at the Empire State Building

You’ll get some of the best views of the Chrysler and Flatiron buildings from up here. In fact, arguably the only downside is that the awesome views don’t include... the Empire State Building itself. Console yourself by papping some of the Big Apple’s other landmarks, including Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge and the One World Trade Center (to name just a few). The 86th floor is where you’ll likely want to spend the most time, thanks to its open-air platform and unparalleled photo opportunities, but it would be remiss not to go all the way to the top while you’re here. Be aware though that the platform on the 102nd floor is fully enclosed, a bit smaller, and has a tendency to get quite busy.

Fascinating Empire State Building Fact of the Day

The narrow tower that rises a further 200 feet above the Empire State Building’s roof was originally designed as a mooring point for zeppelin airships, once considered the future of international air travel.

Empire State Building Fast Facts

Empire State Building

But how does the Empire State Building compare to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt? Let’s find out...

SUMMIT

Mirrored room at SUMMIT

Name: Officially SUMMIT One Vanderbilt to hammer home that the platform is at the very top of the One Vanderbilt building in Midtown. 

Age: SUMMIT opened in October 2021, making it (at time of writing) the newest observation platform in town. Fittingly, the building that hosts the immersive, space-age SUMMIT experience is a soaring futuristic wedge of steel, glass and terracotta tiles.

SUMMIT in a Nutshell: It’s testament to SUMMIT’s desire to add something new and unique to the observation platform scene that the resulting experience is somewhat tricky to summarize. There are the views of course: great, sweeping panoramas over Manhattan’s iconic skyline and beyond. But what makes SUMMIT really stand out are the dreamlike immersive experiences and cool art installations within; all clouds, mirrors and optical illusions that will – if the PR blurb is to be believed – help you ‘escape the boundaries of perception’.

SUMMIT: Vital Statistics 

  • Height: One Vanderbilt is the fourth tallest building in New York (disclaimer: at time of writing), standing 1,401 feet (427 meters) high. SUMMIT’s observation platforms hover a knee-weakening 1,100 feet (336 meters) above Madison Avenue.
  • Number of floors: 93.
  • Elevators: 42.
  • Visitors: SUMMIT welcomed a whopping 1.4 million visitors in its first year.

What’s the SUMMIT Experience Like?

SUMMIT

This one isn’t just about the views. A standard ticket also includes access to SUMMIT’s trippy journey through mirrored rooms, floating silver orbs and clouds bearing your own face. Transcendence sets the scene with reflective surfaces that repeat the Manhattan skyline, the clouds and, well, you, to infinity. Enter a dreamlike state as you pass through Unity and Affinity before experiencing the ultimate thrill in Levitation, a series of perspex boxes that protrude from the building and seem to float above the city streets, affording heart-stopping views of Madison Avenue 1,063 feet below. You’ll also bag some of the best snaps of the Empire State Building and Lower Manhattan from up here in the clouds. Requiring an additional ticket, Ascent takes thrill seekers higher still aboard (and we can’t stress this terrifying detail enough) glass-bottomed elevators that rise a further 120 feet into the sky.

Fascinating SUMMIT Fact of the Day

Ok, it’s hardly a crowded field, but the great glass elevators that rise 120 feet above the SUMMIT terrace are the largest of their kind in the world.

SUMMIT Fast Facts

  • Opening hours: 9AM-midnight, year round. Last entry is at 10PM.
  • Tickets: there are several booking options available on the SUMMIT website.

Closest transport links: the entrance to SUMMIT is located on the main concourse of Grand Central Terminal.

Silver orbs at SUMMIT

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt vs Empire State Building: Which Should You Visit?

Apart from the fact that these both boast observation platforms some 1,000 feet (and then some) up in the sky. SUMMIT and the Empire State Building are really quite different prospects. Visitors who crave old school New Yoik vibes should definitely plump for the Empire State Building’s selfie-tastic Art Deco lines and angles. Indeed, this century-old stalwart is worth visiting for the bragging rights alone. If, however, you fancy something a little different, it has to be the hypnotic futurism of SUMMIT’s immersive zones and its gravity defying glass platforms that permit fearless visitors to gaze straight down to the street far below.

Save on New York Activities and Attractions

Save on admission to dozens of New York attractions, including the Empire State Building, with The New York Pass. Check out @NewYorkPass on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.

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Pass It On: Erin Roach's VIP Day Out

Back in sunny July, we decided to give one of you something amazing. Two day-long New York Passes, a VIP Tour of the Empire State Building, a $150 gift card to State Grill, the Empire State Building's beloved restaurant, and pedestal tickets to the Statue Of Liberty. All we asked for in return? A little story about your favorite hidden gem in New York, be it a street food cart that amazed you, a bookstore that inspired you or hairdresser who gave you the best bangs ever. And in August, we picked our winner. Erin Roach stole the show with her inspiring story about 'Westsider Rare and Used Books' on the Upper West Side. So we sent her two well-deserved passes with all the trimmings, with only two instructions to follow: have as much fun as you can, and let us know all about it. This is Erin, and her mother's, tale. Day One: The Journey Begins On any normal day leaving the house at 6am would have seemed a form of punishment, but this was an exception. Operating solely on caffeine and adrenaline, we made our way to Manhattan via a somewhat out-of-the-way (but completely rewarding) layover in New Orleans, which we may or may not have booked entirely to get beignets. Lady Liberty greeted our LaGuardia-bound flight before we landed to sunny skies and unseasonably warm weather. Our Super Shuttle driver provided us with an additional and somewhat unexpected tour of Harlem, which our fellow passengers did not appreciate. My mother and I, however, took in all the sights and sounds, as if we had never left the house our entire lives. We arrived at our hotel a little worse for wear but buzzing from all we’d already seen. Our room on the 23rd floor presented us with a glittering view of the city, which was just donning its evening attire of sparkling lights. Enchanting. Grabbing an unneeded umbrella and a power charger, we made our way to the Rock Center Café in Rockefeller Center for a much-needed meal. The restaurant’s view of Prometheus is enough to delight, but being the dark-humored people that we are, we mostly enjoy seeing the rookie ice skaters fall down. I’m definitely not much of an athlete, but you also won’t find me pulling my way around the rink wall. Parents marionette their well-meaning but clumsy children onto the ice in droves. It’s hard to say who is less inclined to be there in the first place. It’s hilarious. It’s a must-see in my opinion. Day Two: Renita, Jewel of the Empire State Building After waking up in the city that doesn’t sleep, we made our way to 50th Street to meet up with our tour guide for the On Location Tours New York TV and Movie Sites Tour. I find that even if you’re not a movie fan, (which I happen to be) the bus tours offered in Manhattan are a wonderful way to see the city without walking your feet down to nubs. We toured 5th Avenue, Chelsea, SoHo, NoHo, Washington Square Park, Midtown and the Meatpacking District. Our tour guide Roseanne pointed out celebrity homes and shooting locations while providing related clips. As if that wasn’t enough, we were given a black and white cookie for our time. Nothing says New York like a black and white cookie. After stopping for a brief lunch at the Seinfeld-fabled Soup Man (also seen on our tour) we made our way downtown to do a bit of thrift store shopping ala Carrie Bradshaw. We were even able to pop into the Starbucks Reserve Roastery without the golden ticket supposedly needed for admission. Willy Wonka himself would be hard-pressed - pun intended - to find a more exciting café. We decided it best to get our Hawaiian blends to go and made our way back to the hotel with just enough time to change before catching the train to our VIP Empire State Building tour. So many visitors seem apprehensive to use the subway to get around, but it can be an attraction in itself. In the few days, we were in the city, we passed gospel singers, violinists, orchestras and shamisen players. Also, we didn’t get caught in traffic once. The doorman at the 34th Street entrance greeted us and ushered us indoors. We waited only a few moments before Renita, the world’s best tour guide, met us in the lobby. I had been to the Empire State Building once before, but this was my mother’s first time. I think it may have ruined all future trips for me. Renita was warm and knowledgeable. She led us past the lines and down a red carpet, ending at a private VIP lounge. Champagne was promptly uncorked and our tour began as we were comfortably seated in the plush green room. Surrounded by memorabilia of previous celebrity guests, we were provided with a private bathroom and makeup room, as well as a live stream camera to take photos for their website. Did I mention champagne? There was also champagne. We felt very metropolitan. Renita explained the history of the art, the architecture, the marble, the construction and the renovation. She seemed to be more of a fixture there than King Kong, who we also ran into along the way. We were escorted to the front of the line at each exhibit and photo op, as any proper VIP should. We rode an express elevator to the exclusive 102nd floor, which offered a floor to ceiling glass view of the city in all of its 360-degree splendor before descending to the 86th floor observatory to mingle with all the commoners who were not afforded our posh lifestyle. It’s nice to rub elbows with those less fortunate once in a while. I had arranged for dinner at 8:30 after our tour, but misgauged a bit and arrived early. Renita proved invaluable yet again, speaking to the hostess on our behalf and moving the reservation up. I’m sure there are many great guides available on the VIP tour, but I truly can’t imagine having one as wonderful as she was. Renita was truly was the highlight of our day. Dinner at the State Grill and Bar was a delight. After our reservation adjustment, we were promptly seated by the window in a warm candlelit booth. We feasted on cheese plates, honeycomb, olives, pumpkin salad and seafood before reaching the limit of digestive endurance over a piece of chocolate cake. Agonizingly full, and having adored every moment of our meal, we rolled home. Day Three: Modern Art, and the Books that Brought Me Here “Don’t you just love New York in the fall? Makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a freshly sharpened bouquet of pencils if I knew your name and address.” Nora Ephron understood New York better than anyone and her true love was the Upper West Side. The setting of such films as You’ve Got Mail and When Harry Met Sally, it offers an unparalleled charm. It’s also home to the New York Gem that afforded me this trip when I wrote about it as part of the Pass It On Giveaway: 'Westsider Rare and Used Books'. I was surprised to see they had taken on a new employee since my last visit, a furry black cat named Pig. He was extremely hospitable, although he didn’t provide many recommendations. I left with Steve Martin’s Pure Drivel and a signed copy of Tarzan on Broadway before heading across the street to soak up all the aromas of Zabars. Sadly, this was not a free sample day. We begrudgingly departed the Upper West Side and made our way across Central Park in time for our lunch reservations at the Central Park Boathouse. If the lake views and fall foliage weren’t enough reason to visit, the pressed octopus and pretzel rolls should be. After lunch, we strolled beneath golden canopies of turning leaves and past musicians and street performers. A stranger asked if we would mind taking a picture of him standing naked in the Bethesda fountain. We declined. I love New York! Uniqlo sponsors free admission night on Fridays at the MoMA, so we were thrilled to hear it had reopened after a lengthy renovation just in time for our visit. We spent the rest of the evening viewing the many works there before retiring to Junior’s for dinner. Their cheesecake is not to be missed. We were too full. We missed it. Next time. Day Four: We Just 'Met', and a Walkabout Saturday was the day we had chosen to use our New York Pass. It was also, unfortunately, the day the trip started to catch up with us, so we slept in a bit. We were able to function after a couple gallons of coffee and arrived just in time to meet our tour guide George in front of the world-renowned Plaza Hotel for our On Location Tours Central Park TV and Movie Sites Tour. We were able to take in all the sites I had wanted to see on previous trips but had never taken the time to scout out. We visited the rink from Serendipity, the bridge from Home Alone 2 and The Mall from Kramer vs Kramer. Each site was more illuminated with the rapidly changing colors of the season, without all that pesky cold. Our guide was delightfully snarky and well-informed and kept the tour going at a good pace. Our second tour of the day, When Harry Met Seinfeld, was canceled due to unforeseen and unexplained circumstances, so we used lunch as an excuse to return to the Upper West Side and grab a nova sandwich at Café Lalo (the café where Joe Fox meets Kathleen Kelly in You’ve Got Mail). Freshly fueled and lightly rested, we headed to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to rack up another use of our New York Pass. We had planned to visit the Top of the Rock Observatory, but got distracted by something shiny and stayed until the Met had closed. After a brief hike and short train ride, we ended our day in the corner booth of Sardi’s. Day Five: Storm Over the Statue Sunday was, unfortunately, our last day. And the wettest. We had arranged for our Statue of Liberty pedestal tickets this day, much to our chagrin. After arriving at Ferry Street Station, we opted for a brief rest before continuing our swim through Battery Park. Walking against the wind with our pants legs soaked to the hip, we battled our way into the ticket pickup location, come hell or high water. We presented our soggy passes to the security officer, who directed us upstream past a forsaken umbrella case and a family of huddled trash bag wearers. Give us Liberty or give us death. I’m sure some would have found this experience less than ideal, including the gentleman in front of us whose wife commented she was “sure having a blast”. But my mother and I are always up for an adventure. The sea was as angry as....well, that old man in front of us as we departed from the harbor. We managed to procure a seat before we began heaving towards Liberty Island. I wondered aloud if we should have stayed on deck? It was still monsooning, but what better place to get a picture? We made our way to the stern, colliding with other onlookers in a deluge of humanity. I snapped a quick picture of Lady Liberty while my mom snapped a picture of me wincing as the rain pummeled me into oblivion. Memories. We departed the ferry and reassembled our battered umbrellas before trudging to the pedestal like Lewis and Clark. We were wet and broken, but our resolve was absolute. My umbrella caught the wind and whipped backwards while my mother wrapped her soggy trench coat over her purse. We were explorers. We ascended to the pedestal, and stepped onto the observation deck. I’m told you could see the city from there, but all I saw were my long tresses of hair reaching from the sides of my face to blind me. My umbrella screamed in agony as we reentered the structure. “Wanna go again?” I asked. “That’s ok” my mother replied. We returned back to the ferry. “Did you still want to stop at Ellis Island?” I asked hesitantly. “I mean, I’d still kinda like to see it” she replied, undaunted by the experience. The clock was betraying me and I knew we didn’t have much time left on our whirlwind tour of NY, so we stopped at Ellis Island long enough to take in the 30-minute movie and peruse the gift shop before heading back to Lower Manhattan. Even with two broken umbrellas and soaked clothing, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. The battle we faced was nothing compared to that of those that originally traveled here to seek freedom and a new life. As someone who has been to the city many times, I had never been to the Statue of Liberty before and I felt so glad to have an opportunity to see it. I’m not sure it would have had the same impact on a sunny day. So, even if the weather isn’t what you’d hoped for, you should still take the opportunity to visit. The lines were greatly reduced and the museum and exhibits are indoors. Just allow a change of clothes or dress like the Gordon’s fisherman. We had just enough time to make a final pilgrimage to the Upper West Side one last time. Zabar’s greeted us with hot soup and an incredibly tardy sunny sky. We people watched from the bar seating before pillaging the connecting market and beginning our stroll back to the hotel. Finale There’s a reason so many songs have been written about New York. Where else can you see the things we were able to experience in just five days-time? So many people translate “If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere” to mean once you’ve been you can handle anything, but perhaps what they mean is you can literally make Manhattan be anywhere you want it to be. It can be China. It can be Italy. It can be an enchanted forest. It can be whatever you need it to be. If you’ve been to New York, I think you know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t been, what are you waiting for? “It’s up to you. New York, NY.”
Dom Bewley
Hands forming a heart shape at the Pride festival
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3-Day New York Itinerary: Live Like An Influencer

So you’re going to visit the big apple? Your flights are booked. Your bags are packed. If you’re ahead of the game, you’ve probably got a few places in mind that you want to visit, but only a few days to cram everything in - you’re going to have to be smart about your New York itinerary. Don’t sweat it! We’ve sent a seasoned traveler ahead to figure this all out, so you don’t have to. Here’s a rundown of some of the things in this New York itinerary: The Met Museum Guggenheim Museum Madame Tussauds Statue of Liberty Coney Island Big Bus Tour Empire State Building And more Travel like an influencer image credit: hola_nina Over 65 million people visited New York between 2018 and 2019. That’s thousands of people frequenting whichever part of the ‘Big Apple’ you are visiting. That’s also hundreds of extra people standing in line at each attraction. And hours of your day wasted standing behind 'said' people. But what if you could take the stress out of your holiday planning? Hola_Nina is as traveled as they come and has visited the ‘City that Never Sleeps’ on several occasions. This time, Nina went with a handy three-day New York Pass®. The pass helped save her money and time, leaving her more time to explore everything the city had to offer. Check out some of the savings Nina enjoyed with her three-day pass. With over 100 attractions to choose from included with the NYP, this Chinese traveler handpicked the best spots for her three-day trip with VIP benefits like discounts to restaurants and rooftop bars. Needless to say, she holidayed in style. Here’s our first tip: Be sure to pack your camera, because the pics from this trip will take your Instagram game to new heights. New York itinerary - Day 1 Let’s begin with one of the most famous museums in the United States, The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Met The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or the Met, is NYC’s artistic pride and joy, playing host to the annual Met Gala for celebs, stylists, and VIPs within the fashion industry. This picturesque establishment is perfect for those who love to lose themselves in history. It houses over 5,000 years of art within its walls and more than 30 annual exhibits. View the Sculpture Garden, works from Leonardo da Vinci, Monet, and Van Gogh, plus a multitude of designs and architecture. Tip: New York Pass® holders can benefit from free entry to The Met, The Met Breuer, and The Met Cloisters when visiting them on the same day. Getting in: The Met is located on 1000 5th Ave and opens every from 10 am. Tickets run at $32 for adults but are included with the New York Pass®. Just show your pass and enjoy ‘skip the ticket line’ access. Where to eat in New York City Are you thinking about lunch yet? Enjoy a carefree picnic in Central Park with The Family Picnic. Order online then collect your food from their store right by Central Park - NYP holders get 10% off when using the app! Guggenheim Museum image credit: hola_nina Guggenheim Museum is home to impressionist, post-impressionist, early-modern, and contemporary art from around the world. The nautilus-shaped building is an architectural masterpiece designed by the visionary architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. It has featured in numerous films, including Men in Black, Bye Bye Birdie, and When in Rome. View masterpieces by Picasso, Chagall, Kandinsky, and Manet across several rotunda-style floor-levels that break the mould on traditional gallery space. Tip: The Guggenheim hosts several special exhibitions throughout the year and offers a free guided tour, held daily at 2.00 pm. Be sure to check what’s on before your visit. Getting in: You’ll find the Guggenheim at 1071 Fifth Avenue (at 89th Street), New York. Tickets cost $25, but you can save on time and money with NYP 'skip the ticket line’ access. Madame Tussauds With Broadway just around the corner, you may spot a few famous faces on your trip to NYC. If you’re looking for a done-deal and a selfie as proof, then Madame Tussauds is the place to be. Get up close and personal to over 200 wax figures of celebrities like Taylor Swift, Puff Daddy, Marilyn Monroe, and more - with no barrier ropes to hold you back. Tip: Want to see more than wax figurines? Play the zombie apocalypse sensory multi-game in 7D. Or watch Marvel’s superheroes come to life in 4D. Be sure to grab yourself a personalized wax hand sculpture as a memento. Getting in: Head down to 234 West 42nd Street (between 7th/ 8th Avenues). Ticket cost $37.02 for adults and $32.66 for children, but the NYP gets you entry, at no additional cost. Best rooftop bars in New York City If you want to make the most of your evening, the NYP app offers money off nightlife experiences. Save on entry to rooftop bars from Times Square to the Hudson River. New York itinerary - Day 2 No New York itinerary is complete without a few iconic landmarks. Statue of Liberty The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic installations in the United States and a rite of passage for NY visitors. Learn the inspiring creation story behind this beacon of freedom. Visit the Immersive Theatre and the Engagement Gallery. Or view the Inspiration Gallery, which displays the original torch as well as recreations of Lady Liberty’s face and foot. image credit: hola_nina Tip: The Museum is incredibly popular during the summer months. Plan your trip during the spring or fall to beat the crowds. Getting in: The museum is only accessible by boat or ferry, and tickets will set you back $18.50 for adults and $11.00 for children. If you have a NYP you can benefit from a round-trip journey from Battery Park, plus an audio tour of and museum tickets to Ellis Island Museum. Lunar Park and Coney Island image credit: hola_nina Coney Island, or ‘the city’s playground’ as it’s often called, has a host of things to do all year-round like movie nights and concerts. During the summer months, thrill-seekers and sun lovers can make the most of Lunar Park’s exhilarating rides and lounge on one of NYC’s top beaches. If you’re looking for a seat with a view, head to Deno’s Wonder Wheel. The Wheel has been the cities favorite attraction since its construction in 1920. The view from its peak is breath-taking, offering a panoramic of Coney Island and the Manhattan skyline. Tip: Maximise your time and money with an all-day ride wristband and free entry to Deno’s wonder wheel, and access to up to 24 rides with the NYP. Getting in: Lunar Park on Coney Island is closed from November to March. You can get Lunar Park tickets for $39.00 and access Deno’s wonder wheel for $9.00, but you’ll have access to both with a NYP at no additional cost. Need help planning your itinerary? Compare how much you could save when visiting top attractions with the NYP. New York Itinerary - Day 3 By this point, you would have experienced a plethora of art and culture, spectacular views, and a rush of adrenaline. Now it’s time to uncover the hidden gems on NYC’s streets. Big Bus Tour If you’d rather make your way around the city on four wheels instead of two, hop on a Big Bus Tour. Learn about the city’s enthralling history as you make your way past the Empire State Building, Times Square, Central Park, Chinatown, Grand Central Station, and the Statue of Liberty. Jump off at any of the 25+ stops and take your time exploring each area. Then when you’re ready, hop back on and continue your tour. Tip: Need to cross the city with convenience? Take advantage of a Big Bus 1-day classic ticket, included with the NYP. The NYP app allows you to view which attractions are close by via its map, so you can take advantage of the Big Bus’s free Wi-Fi and plan where to go next. Getting in: Purchase your tickets from the Big Bus website for $55 for adults and $45 for children. Then scan your NYP or present your purchased ticket to a Big Bus agent at any of the designated stops. Brooklyn Bridge Bike Tour image credit: hola_nina The Brooklyn Bridge has featured in numerous works by Andy Warhol and Woody Allen as well as films Sex and the City, Limitless’and Selma. The Bridge connects Brooklyn to Manhattan and spans almost 1,600 feet. Venture across this iconic structure at your own pace with a Bike Tour and bike rental from Unlimited Biking. Make a stop at Brooklyn Bridge Park for views of New Jersey or grab some food at any of the food vendors. Tip: The tour includes a free helmet, lock, and basket, but NYP holders can benefit from complimentary drop-offs at any one of the Unlimited Biking’s seven locations (which would usually set you back an additional $5). Getting in: Unlimited Biking is a stone’s throw away from Brooklyn Bridge at 38 Park Row, and tickets cost $45.00. Tours between November and March run daily at 9 am, with bike rental services open between 9 am and 5 pm. Tours between April and October run at 9 am, 12 noon and 4 pm with rentals between 8 am and 8 pm. Best Views in New York City Empire State Building image credit: hola_nina The ESB is located in Midtown Manhattan and welcomes over 3.5 million visitors each year, from soon-to-be-engaged couples to celebrities. It has over 100 floors and a brand new range of interactive exhibits across nine galleries. Tip: Plan your visit between 8 am-11 am to beat the crowds. Can’t wait to experience the views from the deck? Check out the ESB’s live stream, right now. Getting in: The ESB is located on 20 West 34th Street (between 5th & 6th Avenue). You can grab tickets from the attraction website from $43.55 for adults. Alternatively, gain access to the 86th-floor Observatory plus skip the ticket line access with the NYP. Want more of a VIP experience? NYP holders can upgrade to get expedited entry and access to the 102nd floor at a discounted rate. Check out our interview with the Director of the Empire State Building, Jean-Yves Ghazi. Top of The Rock The view from Top of the Rock’s 70th-floor Observation Deck is unparalleled and offers a beautiful nighttime scene of Manhattan. Tip: The venue also has a few unique exhibits. The Interactive Beam Walk display allows you to walk in the footsteps of the fearless construction workers who built the Rockefeller Center. Getting in: Head down to 30 Rockefeller Plaza for this multi-level observation experience. Tickets will cost you $41.37 for adults and $34.84 children, but NYP holders can get in for free. That’s all for our three day New York itinerary! If you're planning your next weekend away, why not see how much you could save with a New York Pass©. In the meantime, for more things to do, places to visit, and where to eat in NYC, look no further.
Shashia Mitchell

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