Empire State Building Vs One World Observatory: Which NYC View Rules?

Two sky-high views, one ultimate NYC decision—how will you rise?

Published: April 28, 2025
empire states

New York’s skyline is famous for a reason—and there’s no better way to appreciate it than from above. Two legendary towers offer unforgettable views: the Empire State Building and One World Observatory. Each gives you a stunning perspective of the city, but the experience, vibe, and even the history feel completely different. If you’re wondering which one deserves a spot on your NYC itinerary, don’t worry. We’re here to help you soar through the options and pick the perfect perch. 

The Lowdown 

Empire State Building 

  • Historic Art Deco skyscraper opened in 1931 

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

  • Recently revamped exhibits featuring the building’s history and pop culture fame 

  • Located in Midtown Manhattan 

  • Open daily, including late-night visits 

One World Observatory 

  • Located atop One World Trade Center, opened in 2015 

  • Indoor observatory on floors 100–102 

  • Features high-tech exhibits like the SkyPod elevators and immersive displays 

  • Modern, sleek vibe with interactive elements 

  • Located in Lower Manhattan 

 

Sounds Good, Tell Me More... 

Empire State Building 

If you want classic New York, nothing beats the Empire State Building. It's a true piece of the city’s soul—an Art Deco marvel that's graced countless movies, postcards, and memories. The newly renovated visitor experience includes detailed exhibits on the building's construction, cultural impact, and role in pop history. Then, it’s up the famous elevators to the 86th-floor open-air deck, where you can feel the wind in your hair and see the city from a dreamy 360-degree panorama. Want to go higher? The 102nd floor offers an enclosed glass observatory for even more jaw-dropping views. It’s romantic, cinematic, and pure New York magic. 

One World Observatory 

If the Empire State Building is old-school glamour, One World Observatory is modern sophistication. Rising from the heart of the Financial District, this sleek experience starts the moment you enter. The SkyPod elevators whisk you to the 102nd floor in under a minute, showing a time-lapse video of NYC’s growth along the way. At the top, floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping, unobstructed views of the harbor, bridges, and beyond. Interactive displays let you zoom in on city landmarks, and the Sky Portal (a glass floor feature) lets you look straight down to the streets below. It's polished, powerful, and filled with a sense of rebirth and pride. 

Okay, So Which One Is Most Impressive? 

Okay, So Which One Is Most Impressive? 

The Empire State Building impresses with its legacy, charm, and timeless design. One World Observatory stuns with its height, tech features, and emotional resonance. It depends on what moves you more—vintage New York magic or cutting-edge NYC resilience. 

Which One Is More Fun? 

One World Observatory leans into the interactive and high-tech side, with digital guides, touchscreen displays, and multimedia storytelling. The Empire State Building is more about soaking up the open-air drama and channeling your inner movie star. Both are fun in different ways, but One World Observatory offers more modern bells and whistles. 

Which Is More Beautiful? 

If you’re chasing romantic, cinematic New York, the Empire State Building’s open-air deck under the night sky is pure beauty. For clean, sweeping elegance with modern design, One World Observatory’s glass walls and polished spaces deliver. Either way, you’ll be taking plenty of photos. 

Which Has The Better View? 

Another tough call. Empire State gives you midtown’s twinkling lights, Central Park, the Hudson River, and the city’s pulsing heart. One World Observatory looks south over the harbor, the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn, and bridges galore. If you want downtown, pick One World. If you want to gaze north and south over the full city grid, Empire State is your winner. 

 

How Do I Get There? 

How Do I Get There? 

Empire State Building 

  • Address: 20 W 34th Street, Midtown Manhattan 

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

One World Observatory 

  • Address: 117 West Street, Lower Manhattan 

  • Subway: Take the E train to World Trade Center, the 2 or 3 to Park Place, or the A, C, J, Z, R, or W trains to nearby stations. 

Both are super accessible by subway and easy to incorporate into a day's sightseeing. 

Best Choice For Families, Couples, Or Friends 

Couples might lean toward the romance of the Empire State Building—especially at sunset or after dark. Families and groups of friends may find One World Observatory’s interactive exhibits and lively vibe more engaging. If you’re traveling with younger kids or tech-loving teens, One World might grab their attention a little more easily. 

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

One World Observatory wins this round. The SkyPortal, virtual city maps, and dynamic elevator experience are more exciting for kids (and grown-ups who are young at heart). Empire State Building’s exhibits are beautifully done but less interactive. 

What’s The Accessibility Like? 

Both venues are fully accessible, with elevators, wheelchair-friendly layouts, and staff trained to assist guests with disabilities. Both experiences are designed to be welcoming to all visitors. 

 

Best Lunch Spots Nearby?

Best Lunch Spots Nearby?

Near Empire State Building 

  • Keens Steakhouse – Historic steakhouse with legendary chops and an old-school vibe. 

  • Joe’s Pizza – Perfect for a quick, delicious New York slice. 

Near One World Observatory 

  • Eataly Downtown – Italian food hall with pizza, pasta, and plenty of options. 

  • Blue Smoke – Great BBQ spot near Battery Park. 

  • Hudson Eats – Stylish food court with waterfront views and gourmet options. 

Where Are The Best Photo Opportunities? 

At the Empire State Building, sunset on the 86th floor is pure magic. The moody lighting, city skyline, and Art Deco spires create unforgettable shots. At One World Observatory, you’ll get dramatic, expansive views with sparkling water, bridges, and boats dotting the harbor—especially dreamy at golden hour or early evening. 

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

Near Empire State Building 

  • Refinery Rooftop – Stylish rooftop bar with Empire State views and creative cocktails. 

Near One World Observatory 

  • Manhatta – Elegant bar and restaurant with jaw-dropping city views. 

  • Eataly’s Terra – Rooftop bar inside Eataly Downtown with fresh cocktails and small plates. 

Any Other Good Stuff Nearby? 

Near Empire State Building 

  • Bryant Park – A beautiful green space perfect for relaxing. 

  • Macy’s Herald Square – NYC’s flagship department store. 

  • The High Line – Walkable from Midtown, if you're up for a longer stroll. 

Near One World Observatory 

  • Brookfield Place – Upscale shopping, waterfront dining, and relaxing views. 

  • Battery Park – A peaceful spot to watch ferries and visit the Statue of Liberty departure point. 

Whether you're chasing classic romance or cutting-edge modern views, both the Empire State Building and One World Observatory deliver New York at its finest. One brings you the history, heart, and cinematic spirit of a true icon; the other offers a sleek, sky-high glimpse into the city's resilient future. With Go City®, you can visit either—or both—and make your NYC trip unforgettable without breaking the bank. The real question isn’t which tower is best. It’s which one you want to conquer first. 

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! 

Powered by AI

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.

Continue reading

Blog

Things to Do in New York in August 2018

There's always something to do in the city that never sleeps; home to some of the world's most famous museums, iconic landmarks and unparalleled mix of cultures. Take advantage of the warm weather in NYC this summer out on the water or escape the heat at one of the great museums New York has to offer. If you’re looking for things to do in New York in August 2016, check out our list of the best local activities and attractions, including... Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour New Exhibits at the MoMA Landmark Cruise Star Trek: The Starfleet Experience at The Intrepid Museum and more... Save on Attraction Admission Regular admission to a number of these popular New York attractions is available on the New York City Explorer Pass. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 50% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Please note, the seasonal events taking place at these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included on the New York Explorer Pass. If you want a bigger list of seasonal events, then check out our suggested things to do in New York in the summer. Take a Big Bus New York Sightseeing Tour Get acquainted with New York City on this Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour by Big Bus New York. This tour goes through Manhattan and passes by many landmarks and attractions. You can also get off of the bus and go check out something that caught your eye, then hop back on the bus when the next tour comes by. Getting In: Hop On Hop Off Big Bus New York Tours are available on the New York City Explorer Pass. New Exhibits at the MoMA In addition to the MoMA's famous ongoing galleries, the museum is hosting several temporary exhibits worth checking out this August. Bodys Isek Kingelez (available through January 1, 2019): see sculptures and imagined cityscapes that reflect the vision Bodys Isek Kingelez had for his nation, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) when it declared independence from Belgium. Being: New Photography 2018 (available through August 18, 2018): explore how photography as an artistic mean can capture what it means to be human in this compelling exhibit that challenges conventional photography and tactics such as masking, cropping, and more. The Long Run (available through November 4, 2018): this artistic exhibition takes a closer look at the artistic process itself, discover how invention and 'breakthrough moments' in art are a result of continued experimentation, critical thinking, persistent observation, and other social and political factors experience by artists. Getting In: Museum of Modern Art tickets are available on the New York City Explorer Pass. Take a Landmark Cruise This cruise is one of the most popular in the world and a fantastic way to see Manhattan's skyline. This is one of the "must see" attractions in New York City and will help you become more familiar with the city if you're from out of town. Getting In: NYC Landmark Cruise ticket are available on the New York City Explorer Pass. The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Become a cadet, join the Starfleet program and, learn and interact with this one of a kind exhibit. This year, the Intrepid Museum is celebrating GROWLER'S 60th Commissioning Anniversary with a new exhibition, A View from the Deep; the Submarine Growler & The Cold War. Discover how USS Growler, one of America's first nuclear-missile submarines played a role in the most tense years of the Cold War and what life was like on board. Getting In: Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum tickets are available on the New York City Explorer Pass. New Summer Exhibits at the Guggenheim Museum Visit the iconic building designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright and check out the Giacometti exhibit on view from June 8, 2018-September 12, 2018. You'll get to see almost 200 works of art by Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti including sculptures in bronze and oil, plaster sculptures, and drawings never before seen in the US. Another fascinating temporary exhibit at the Guggenheim this August is One Hand Clapping, an exhibition that explores how globalization affects our understanding and perception of the future through works of art by a range of contemporary artists. Getting In: Guggenheim Museum tickets are available on the New York City Explorer Pass. Remember to Save on Attraction Admission There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in New York in August. Remember, many of these great attraction options are included on the Go New York Card, where you can save up to 50% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the seasonal events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the New York Explorer Pass. Consider adding a few of these fun options to your August vacation itinerary.
Lindsay Eagan
Blog

Last Minute New York Vacation Tips

The prospect of visiting New York City for a day, a weekend or even longer can seem a little daunting at first but don’t let it worry your too much - people have been doing it for decades! The standard belief that residents of the City are rude and obscene is only half true; in reality, New Yorkers are just too busy to stop and help tourists and have no patience for people who slow them down. If you want to have a great vacation in NYC, that’s the first thing you should know - Don’t be one of those people. Here are a few other tips to help make your trip to Gotham the best it can be. NYC Subway Map[/caption] Take a few minutes and familiarize yourself with the city map: Obviously you aren’t going to be able to memorize the map in a few minutes but even just giving yourself a general idea of where certain things are (Wall Street is Downtown) and learning the names of various areas of the city (Midtown, Lower East Side, Hell’s Kitchen) will be a big help. Most of the city is a grid with the street numbers increasing as they head north and the avenue numbers increasing as they head west which makes getting around a little easier than in some places. Also, a good trick to remember when trying to orient yourself is that Broadway runs south throughout much of the City. Don’t forget to look up: Of course you want to be paying attention to what is in front of you and what your kids are getting into (hopefully nothing) but don’t forget to take a peek at what is above you from time to time. New York is filled with buildings both new and old that are architecturally significant and the artist community in NYC also likes to decorate up in the sky. [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="269"] NYC Food Vendor[/caption] Be selective about what you buy on the street: Some people love coming to the city and loading up on all the off-market goods (cologne, perfume, watches, purses, etc) that are readily available in different areas of the city, but remember the old saying - you get what you pay for. Of course it can be nice to get a “designer” watch or purse for a vastly reduced price but don’t be surprised if it doesn’t last too long. As long as you don’t have an overly sensitive stomach, a better way to get bang for your buck is to eat from one of the local food carts or food trucks. Competition among food vendors is fierce and attracting customers is vital, so finding good, cheap eats is easier than you might think.
Go City Expert
Central Park
Blog

10+ top things to do in Central Park

Brace yourself for 843 acres of lush green playground right in the heart of Manhattan.
Sarah Harris

Get your free guidebook!

Plan your perfect trip with our insider guide – top attractions, itineraries and local tips straight to your inbox.