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

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

Published: May 1, 2025
Empire State Building Vs Edge: Which NYC View Will Take Your Breath Away?

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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The Best Time to Visit The Empire State Building

One of the most frequently Instagrammed landmarks in the States – nay, on the entire planet – the Empire State Building is the skyscraping cinematic star of downtown Manhattan. The iconic tower has featured in Hollywood classics from King Kong to Sleepless in Seattle and its dizzying stature (all 443.2 meters of it, to be precise) means that wherever you’re staying in New York, it’s kind of hard to miss. All you need to do is look up! There are a number of ways you can visit: choose from self-guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and premium access-all-areas packages with champagne. We break down the various options below, with our expert guide to the best times to visit the Empire State Building. Opening hours The Empire State Building is open every single day, rain or shine, from morning until late, including all holidays. Pre-booking is essential and opening hours vary, so do check the Empire State Building website for the latest information before making your booking. With Go City, you get access to the 86th-floor observation deck with its uninterrupted 360-degree views of the Big Apple and is accepted for admission until 45 minutes before closing time. The number of NYC icons you can spot from up here is truly staggering. Tick off the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park and more from this sky-high vantage point. Best time to visit the Empire State Building The Empire State Building is one of the most-visited attractions in the Big Apple. It’s rarely anything other than busy but you can avoid long waits and jockeying for position on the observation decks by visiting early in the morning or late in the evening. For families with young kids, the best time to visit the Empire State Building is in the mornings before around 11AM. Bonus: children aged five and under go free. Meanwhile, late evening visits (after 10PM) reward romantics with uncrowded platforms and splendid views of the illuminated Manhattan skyline. The busiest part of the day is between 11AM and 3PM, when the tourist hordes descend (or should that be ascend?) in their hundreds. Similarly, early evening tends to get busy as the offices empty out. Inevitably weekends (especially Saturdays) are when the Empire State Building is at its busiest. The popularity of the Empire State Building means booking is essential. We recommend reserving your slot as far ahead as possible to avoid disappointment. Getting to the Empire State Building The Empire State Building is located on 34th and Fifth, slap bang in the center of Midtown. It’s very hard to miss and you really shouldn’t need a map to locate it! There are stacks of ways to get there. Take the 123 or ACE line to Penn Station, from where it's just a five-minute walk. Or jump on the NQRW and BDFM lines for trains to Herald Square Station, also five minutes away. Grand Central Station, reachable via 7 and 456 lines, is around a 10-minute walk. Of course, if you want to do it New York style, you can also cruise right up to the entrance in a classic yellow taxi cab. Tickets You can pre-book your tickets direct on the Empire State Building website. Options available include access to both the 86th-floor outside observation deck, and the dizzy heights of the 102nd-floor platform, with its far-reaching views across the Big Apple and beyond to six neighboring states. You can also book sunrise and sunset slots or go the whole hog with a premium package that includes a guided 90-minute tour taking in the Art Deco lobby on 5th Avenue, the Celebrity Walk and more, as well as, naturally, full skip-the-line privileges. Save money with a Go City Explorer or All-Inclusive pass for New York attractions, which includes entry to the 86th-floor observatory via the lightning-fast elevator as well as stacks of other top attractions in and around NYC. 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Don’t forget to book your tickets in advance and get ready to experience some of the best views in the Big Apple! Choose Go City to make great savings when visiting this and other popular New York City attractions! Useful links Buy tickets online Get the Go City attraction pass for New York Visit the Empire State Building with Go City Official Empire State Building website
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