Empire State Building (ESB) vs. Top of the Rock
Jun 26, 2012, 11:13 am
#62
Join Date: Jun 2012
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Here's another vote for the Top of the Rock. Generally, the daytime views from Top of the Rock are better because you can see Central Park (which is a black space at night), and the views at night are better from the Empire State Building (especially of the Chrysler Building). However, the waiting time is awful at the Empire State Bldg., the staff isn't the most pleasant, and they try to upsell you for the Skyride, which is a complete waste of time and money.
There are combination tickets for Top of the Rock and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and they sell a Sunrise/Sunset ticket that allows two entries. Here's their special offers page:
http://www.topoftherocknyc.com/speci...combo-tickets/
There are combination tickets for Top of the Rock and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and they sell a Sunrise/Sunset ticket that allows two entries. Here's their special offers page:
http://www.topoftherocknyc.com/speci...combo-tickets/
Jun 27, 2012, 9:31 am
#63
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Top of The Rock vs Empire State Building
Thanks everyone for the great advice .. Decided to do TOTR . Purchased Sunrise/Sunset and the tour as well.. Looking forward to it.. Now need to find a great app for the NYC subway system 
Jun 27, 2012, 9:55 am
#64
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Jun 27, 2012, 2:05 pm
#66
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I would think that going app is green as you're not contributing to trash or tree felling. BTW there are a bunch of suggestions in your other thread which are all fine. Embark probably has the most up to date timing info though.
PS: One thing that isn't mentioned as being a plus for TOTR is that from TOTR you can see the ESB.
PS: One thing that isn't mentioned as being a plus for TOTR is that from TOTR you can see the ESB.
Jun 27, 2012, 2:20 pm
#67
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 83
Many visitors seem to want to "meet the locals," and the best way to do that is to open a map on the street (be sure to step to the side!). You'll be surprised how quickly a New Yorker (or several) will ask if you need help or directions. Same with the subway. Instead of relying on a phone app, just ask whoever happens to be standing next to you.
Jun 27, 2012, 2:25 pm
#68
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Many visitors seem to want to "meet the locals," and the best way to do that is to open a map on the street (be sure to step to the side!). You'll be surprised how quickly a New Yorker (or several) will ask if you need help or directions. Same with the subway. Instead of relying on a phone app, just ask whoever happens to be standing next to you.
Jun 27, 2012, 6:05 pm
#69
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: New York USA
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As a lifelong NYer, I just went to Top of the Rock for the first time yesterday (with visitors from France 
) and I have to say it's light years better than the ESB. First and foremost is that you get that great view of the ESB. (The view of the Chrysler Building, however, is obstructed by the MetLife Building from this view).
The lines are smaller and the interior wait area is much nicer than the ESB. (Employees were friendlier, too.) The elevator ride up is very cool with a glass ceiling and 'light show' as you ascend.
Top of the Rock has 3 viewing levels and you can get great photos from all angles. They also offered a AAA discount. I would do this over ESB any day.
Have a great visit.
) and I have to say it's light years better than the ESB. First and foremost is that you get that great view of the ESB. (The view of the Chrysler Building, however, is obstructed by the MetLife Building from this view). The lines are smaller and the interior wait area is much nicer than the ESB. (Employees were friendlier, too.) The elevator ride up is very cool with a glass ceiling and 'light show' as you ascend.
Top of the Rock has 3 viewing levels and you can get great photos from all angles. They also offered a AAA discount. I would do this over ESB any day.
Have a great visit.
Jun 27, 2012, 6:22 pm
#70
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Jun 28, 2012, 6:08 am
#72
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As a Flyertalker, I've met a few locals just by participating here, then letting them know when I'm in town.
And like I've done in London, I swam with a masters swim group last night. Everyone was happy to meet me, and surprised that I'd take some time from my vacation to workout. I do this nearly everywhere I travel, so I come prepared with answers to all the questions--they're nearly the same questions no matter where.
I even got the chance to walk back to the subway with 2 gals, one was on the same subway and made sure I got to the stop I wanted.
When I was a kid and would come into the city, it seemed that everyone had a thick New York accent. On this trip, I've hardly heard any.
And thanks for the tips on Top of the Rock. I've been to the Empire State Building several times, but never TOTR. Looking like we'll do that ^
And like I've done in London, I swam with a masters swim group last night. Everyone was happy to meet me, and surprised that I'd take some time from my vacation to workout. I do this nearly everywhere I travel, so I come prepared with answers to all the questions--they're nearly the same questions no matter where.
I even got the chance to walk back to the subway with 2 gals, one was on the same subway and made sure I got to the stop I wanted.
When I was a kid and would come into the city, it seemed that everyone had a thick New York accent. On this trip, I've hardly heard any.
And thanks for the tips on Top of the Rock. I've been to the Empire State Building several times, but never TOTR. Looking like we'll do that ^
Jun 28, 2012, 11:27 am
#73
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Jul 1, 2012, 1:32 pm
#74
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Oct 4, 2012, 7:03 pm
#75
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Just want to add my 2 cents that Top of the Rock was preferable to Empire State Building. Especially with the joint ticket with the NBC Studio Tour.
Was great at night, being able to see ESB.
Was great at night, being able to see ESB.