Empire State Building Vs Edge: Which NYC View Will Take Your Breath Away?

Empire State Building Vs Edge: Which NYC View Will Take Your Breath Away?

We compare the Empire State Building and Edge to help you find your perfect New York view.

Two towering experiences, one big decision—how will you see NYC?

When it comes to jaw-dropping views, New York City knows how to deliver. But when you have two incredible observation decks—one dripping in vintage glamor, the other pushing architectural limits—how do you choose? The Empire State Building and Edge offer two unforgettable ways to see the city from above, but each brings a totally different vibe. Whether you're chasing classic movie magic or heart-pounding thrills, we've got the lowdown to help you pick your perfect perch. 

The Lowdown 

Empire State Building 

  • Iconic Art Deco skyscraper from 1931 

  • Open-air observatory on the 86th floor, plus indoor 102nd floor observatory 

  • Newly renovated exhibits showcasing history and pop culture fame 

  • 360° views across Manhattan, Central Park, and beyond 

  • Romantic, classic New York experience 

  • Open late for stunning nighttime visits 

Edge 

  • Newest addition to NYC’s observation decks, opened in 2020 

  • Outdoor sky deck at 100 stories high with a glass floor 

  • Glass walls angled outward for an unobstructed thrill 

  • Indoor sky-high bar for drinks with a view 

  • Modern, daring, and designed for adrenaline junkies 

  • Located at Hudson Yards on the West Side 

 

Sounds Good, Tell Me More... 

Empire State Building 

There’s nothing quite like standing on the 86th floor of the Empire State Building and seeing New York stretch endlessly in every direction. This Art Deco masterpiece has graced movie screens, marriage proposals, and dreamers’ lists for decades. The new museum exhibits on the second floor dive into its history, its pop culture moments (hello, King Kong!), and its place in New York's skyline. After taking in the museum, you'll head up to the open-air deck for classic, unobstructed views—and maybe up to the 102nd floor's fully enclosed observatory if you’re feeling extra fancy. It’s timeless, cinematic, and full of heart. 

Edge 

Edge 

Edge is a whole different beast—sleek, daring, and designed to wow. Suspended in mid-air, the outdoor sky deck juts out from Hudson Yards, offering the highest outdoor viewing platform in the Western Hemisphere. The glass floor section lets you look straight down to the streets below (deep breath), and the angled glass walls make you feel like you’re literally leaning over the city. The vibe here is energetic, architectural, and a little daring. Plus, there’s an indoor bar for sipping champagne at 1,100 feet. If you want a thrill with your skyline, Edge definitely delivers. 

Okay, So Which One Is Most Impressive? 

The Empire State Building wins for historic wow-factor—you can’t beat that feeling of standing in the same spot as countless icons. But Edge blows minds with its daring design and gasp-worthy layout. If you want grandeur, go Empire. If you want adrenaline, Edge is your place. 

Which One Is More Fun? 

Edge turns sightseeing into an experience, with heart-racing moments on the glass floor and those famous “lean-out” selfies. The Empire State Building is more about slowing down, soaking it all in, and getting lost in the romance of the city. Both are fun in their own way—choose your flavor of excitement. 

Which Is More Beautiful? 

The Empire State Building feels like stepping into a living piece of history, with gilded interiors and sweeping skyline vistas. Edge is minimalist, ultra-modern, and breathtakingly sleek. If you're after old-school beauty, Empire State is the winner. For cutting-edge (pun intended) style, Edge takes the crown. 

 

Which Has The Better View? 

Which Has The Better View? 

Empire State gives you panoramic views in every direction—from Central Park to the Statue of Liberty and far beyond. Edge offers stunning Hudson River views, and since it's positioned west, the sunsets are nothing short of spectacular. For all-around classic cityscape, pick Empire. For jaw-dropping sunsets and modern drama, go Edge. 

How Do I Get There? 

Empire State Building 

  • Address: 20 W 34th Street, Midtown Manhattan 

  • Subway: Take the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R to 34th Street – Herald Square or the 1, 2, 3 to Penn Station. 

Edge 

  • Address: 30 Hudson Yards, Manhattan 

  • Subway: Take the 7 train to Hudson Yards – 34th Street. 

Both are easy to reach, but Edge sits a little further west in the shiny new Hudson Yards development. 

Best Choice For Families, Couples, Or Friends 

Couples will swoon over the Empire State Building’s timeless romance—especially at sunset. Friends and thrill-seekers will love Edge’s adrenaline-pumping outdoor terrace and Instagrammable moments. Families? Both are fun, but if you’ve got adventurous teens, Edge might feel extra exciting. 

 

I’ve Got Fidgety Kids To Entertain – Which Has More ‘Hands-On’ Activities? 

I’ve Got Fidgety Kids To Entertain – Which Has More ‘Hands-On’ Activities? 

Edge wins if you define “hands-on” as standing on a glass floor 100 stories above the ground! The physical thrill of Edge’s outdoor deck makes it a hit with energetic kids and teens. The Empire State Building is more about looking and learning, ideal for kids who are a little older or into history. 

 

What’s The Accessibility Like? 

Both sites are fully accessible. Elevators, wide pathways, and accessible restrooms make the experience smooth for all visitors. Staff at both venues are trained to assist with special needs requests. 

Best Lunch Spots Nearby? 

Near Empire State Building 

  • Maison Kayser – Chic French bakery with sandwiches, soups, and pastries. 

Near Edge 

  • Queensyard – British-inspired menu with elegant city views. 

  • Blue Bottle Coffee – For a casual coffee and pastry stop before or after your sky-high adventure. 

  • Mercado Little Spain – A bustling Spanish market by Chef José Andrés with tapas galore. 

Where Are The Best Photo Opportunities?

Where Are The Best Photo Opportunities?

Empire State Building offers unbeatable sunrise and nighttime shots—especially looking north over the sparkling grid of Manhattan. Edge is Instagram gold, from the angled glass walls to the glass floor looking straight down. Pro tip: go to Edge at sunset for that ultimate fiery sky shot. 

We’re Finished And Thirsty – Is There A Decent Bar In The Area? 

Near Empire State Building 

  • The NoMad Bar – Swanky cocktails in a stylish, intimate setting. 

Near Edge 

  • Peak – Upscale restaurant and bar perched right above Edge—perfect for a post-visit toast. 

  • Death Avenue – Greek-inspired brewery and bar just a few blocks south. 

 

Any Other Good Stuff Nearby? 

Near Empire State Building 

  • Bryant Park – Relax, people-watch, or grab a coffee nearby. 

Near Edge 

  • The High Line – Stroll this elevated park through art installations and city views. 

  • The Vessel – Futuristic art installation perfect for photos. 

  • The Shops at Hudson Yards – Luxe shopping and dining if you feel like treating yourself. 

Whether you're chasing the classic glamour of the Empire State Building or the thrilling heights of Edge, you’re guaranteed unforgettable views and big New York energy. The Empire State Building captures the magic of old New York, while Edge offers a bold, modern take on the skyline experience. And with Go City®, you can check out either (or both!) while saving money and getting even more out of your trip. No matter which you choose, the sky’s the limit. 

Ready to ramp up your New York experience? Discover Free Experiences Just Steps From The Statue Of Liberty  and Things to do Near Top of the Rock

Step up your sightseeing with Go City®.   

We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  

See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® - just choose a pass to get started! 

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This article was generated with the help of AI to provide accurate and up-to-date information. The Go City team has reviewed and curated the content to ensure it meets our quality standards for accuracy and relevance.

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Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
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The image of King Kong at the top of the Empire State Building, clinging to his beloved Ann Darrow (Fay Wray) and swatting away airplanes like flies before succumbing to their gunfire, is one of the most recognizable in movie history. It’s the Empire State’s mic drop moment, but the Green Goddess is no cinematic slouch either, having appeared on the silver screen many hundreds of times, even as far back as the silent movie era, when she made what is thought to be her debut alongside Charlie Chaplin in 1917’s The Immigrant. As a proud symbol of American freedom, Lady Liberty has also done innumerable stints in disaster movies, representing hope – or the fall of humankind. We’re talking the haunting image of the statue half-buried in sand in the closing scenes of Planet of the Apes as well as appearances in – deep breath – Independence Day, Deep Impact, The Day After Tomorrow, Cloverfield and, um, Sharknado 2. What can you do at the Statue of Liberty? A trip out to the planet’s most famous torchbearer takes in both Liberty Island (where the statue is located) and its near-neighbor Ellis Island, home of the National Museum of Immigration. And it’s well worth visiting both while you’re here. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the rich history of New York and the USA itself, there’s no better place to start. Photographs, heirlooms and a database of searchable historical records track the history of immigration in the US, and you can even peep into the baggage rooms and dormitories once used by ‘the huddled masses’ who arrived in New York in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Of course, the statue herself is the main event, and there are various options depending on what you want to see. You can book to climb to the top of the pedestal on which Lady Liberty stands, or go the whole hog and climb the 162-step spiral staircase inside the statue for epic views from right up inside her famous crown. Tickets for these experiences are available via the Statue City Cruises website, while a pass from Go City includes your ferry ticket plus entry to the museums, as well as dozens more New York attractions including the Guggenheim, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and – yep – the Empire State Building. What can you do at the Empire State Building? Really the only downside of visiting the observation platforms on the 86th and 102nd floors of the Empire State Building is the fact that those crazy views don’t include... the Empire State Building itself. Instead, soak up some of the best selfie opportunities in town with backdrops that include Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge and many other icons of the New York skyline. The 86th floor is in pole position for photo opps thanks to its open air platform, while the top floor is higher up (obvs) but fully enclosed. You can pimp up your visit with a range of direct ticket options that includes skip-the-line tickets, premium champagne packages and guided tours of the building, including the incredible Art Deco lobby. Or go straight for the 86th floor with an attraction pass from Go City. How to get to the Statue of Liberty The Statue of Liberty’s location on Liberty Island means the only way of getting there is by ferry from Battery Park in Manhattan or the Liberty State Park in New Jersey. All passengers are required to undergo a security screening before boarding, so we’d recommend arriving 30 minutes or so before your planned departure, to avoid missing the boat. The Staten Island Ferry is another option if you just fancy a close pass (with stacks of great photo opportunities of both the statue and Manhattan skyline) but without actually physically visiting the attraction. Check out our blog on the best time to visit the Statue of Liberty here. How to get to the Empire State Building Getting to the Empire State Building is an absolute cinch. It’s right in the center or the Big Apple and you really can’t miss it; it’s visible from just about everywhere. The nearest metro stations are Herald Square and Penn Station, or arrive in style at the awesome Grand Central, and make the 10-minute walk from there. Check out our blog on the best time to visit the Empire State Building here. Save on New York Activities and Attractions And that concludes our deep dive into the world of the Empire State Building vs the Statue of Liberty. We hope, in the unlikely event that you choose to visit only one of these big attractions, that in some small way our guide can help you make your decision. If not, and if indecision continues to dog you, remember you can easily visit both and save money thanks to Go City’s All-Inclusive and Explorer passes for New York. So what are you waiting for?
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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