Empire State Building or Top of the Rock?

I just cant decide whether it would be better to go for the Top of the Rock or que forever to get up the Empire State Building. Does anyone any views as to which is the better option?

Empire State Building or Top of the Rock?

Top of the Rock, for the following reasons:

- Little to no queue

- Friendly staff

- Cool elevator ride

- Great views of Central Park, AND the Empire State Building

Have fun!

Empire State Building or Top of the Rock?

I agree. TOTR is fantastic. But if you want to do both, go to TOTR when it%26#39;s light, and ESB when it%26#39;s dark. Have fun and take lots of pics!

Thanks for that advise, Top of the Rock seems to be the better option, so I think we will go with that. Would it be best to pre-book?

I read a post a few months ago of a couple who went to TOTR very late in the day and got to see all of Central Park and the city right down to Battery Park. Then, as it turned to dusk saw the city in lights........thats what I am planning to do.

There really is no need to prebook TOTR.

I would go right before dusk, this way you see Central Park before it gets dark, and watching the city light up is a sight to behold.

Thanks LauraAshley and NYC girl sounds wonderful, looking forward to it. Do you know how long you can stay up there, is there a restricted time limit?

You can stay as long as you want, no restrictions.

thanks NYCgirl a great help.

Can%26#39;t wait to get to NY now!

You%26#39;ve all convinced me to put TOTR on my list too... during our first NYC trip we stood in line for ESB for HOURS and got up to the top after dark, so I%26#39;d like to try the Rock during daylight.

For those of you asking about booking ahead, you might want to just buy earlier in the day; here%26#39;s some useful info I found on the TOTR site:

';Once you purchase your ticket at the ticket counter, you can leave then return at your designated time slot. Lines are a waste of your valuable time. There is so much for you to enjoy in Rockefeller Center and Midtown Manhattan, we wouldn%26#39;t want you to miss any of that by standing in a line instead.'; (box office opens 8am)

I would personally advise against the ESB at any time. It%26#39;s more of a carnival than anything else, IMO. Every time you turn around they are trying to suck money out of you. Pictures with King Kong, pictures at the top of the elevator, up-selling of ticket packages... it%26#39;s all a bit much.

They have the chance to explain about the ESB%26#39;s building process, the workers that put it built it, the economy at the time, and what it all meant to the city and country... but, they try to sell you King Kong pictures instead. Very lame.

Ya, a sore point with me. :)

The Rock has great views without all the hassle.

Have fun!