Empire State Building vs The Shard - Comparing the Major Differences

By Katie Sagal

World travelers often wonder how the globe’s most famous observation decks stack up against one another. While there are some obvious differences, when it gets down to the tiny details it can be a difficult task to sort out when the attractions are in different countries. If you’re trying to compare the Empire State Building and the Shard, we’ve put together a handy guide to help you consider which attraction appeals to you the most. Visit one, or visit them both on different trips. Both observation decks are located at significant heights above street level, and both have plenty to offer adventurers looking for an exciting view of the city below. Each is also located in a building of cultural significance. However, there are many differences between the two, the most basic of which is their location: the Empire State Building is located in New York City and the Shard is located in London. For your convenience, we’ve put together a list of the more nuanced differences and similarities between the two attractions, arranged by:

  • What’s Included with General Admission
  • Location
  • Scenic Views
  • Building History
  • Tips for Visiting

Thinking about Visiting the Empire State Building or The Shard?

Save up to 50% on admission to the Empire State Building plus your choice of other popular New York attractions with the New York City Explorer Pass. Tickets to The Shard are separately priced and are not included with the New York City Explorer Pass. Another fun alternative in New York City the Top of the Rock, which also provides stunning aerial views of the city and is also available on the New York City Explorer Pass. Or, if your trip takes you to London, a great alternative is the Coca-Cola London Eye, a famous observation wheel that’s an iconic part of the London skyline.

What’s Included with General Admission

Both attractions include admission to the relevant observation decks, as well as informative exhibits and guides.

Empire State Building General Admission Tickets

  • Access to the Main Deck, which is an 86th-floor open deck observation space.
  • Access to the popular multimedia Sustainability Exhibit and Dare to Dream Exhibit. The Sustainability Exhibit showcases the Empire State Building’s admirable efforts to reduce carbon emissions and energy waste. The Dare to Dream Exhibit offers an engaging collection of historical documents, photographs, sketches, architectural drawings, and more, which recount the story of this famous building’s construction.
  • Access to the legendary Art Deco Lobby, which is one of the very few building interiors in New York to be officially designated as a historic landmark. Recently restored to the original early twentieth-century beauty, this striking lobby features stunning ceiling murals (overlaid with 24-carat gold leaf) and an intricate etching of the building on a wall.
  • Access to the recently revamped Visitor’s Center, located on the second floor of the building. Learn more about the attraction, pick up tickets, or scan your Explorer Pass here.
  • Access to the elevator ride that escorts you from the 2nd floor to the 86th.

The Shard General Admission Tickets

  • Access to the observation decks on the 69th and 72nd The 72nd floor is the open-air observation deck, while the 69th floor is entirely enclosed.
  • Access to a high-speed elevator ride that whisks you from the base of the building all the way up to the 69th
  • Access to the 68th floor Sky Boutique, which is a nice place for Shard-related souvenirs and other London accessories.
  • Access to the friendly Guest Ambassadors who are there to answer any questions you might have about the views below.
  • Access to London’s highest champagne bar – excellent for those of you looking to make it a romantic experience.
  • The London Landmark Guarantee, which ensures that if the weather is bad and obstructs your views, you can come back another time for free.

Location

Empire State Building: Located in Midtown Manhattan by Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal, and the famed NYC Macy’s. The Shard: Located in Southwark, London, near the iconic Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and the HMS Belfast.

Comparing the Scenic Views

Each observation deck offers unique views of their respective cities, and both are located at a significance height above ground level. The Empire State Building offers panoramic views of Midtown Manhattan, as far north as Central Park, and as far south as the Statue of Liberty. The Empire State Building offers open-air and enclosed observation decks. The Shard offers excellent views of the Thames, the Tower of London, and the London Bridge, as well as London riverfront. You can also see as far as 40 miles in any direction on a clear day. The Shard also has both open-air and enclosed observation decks.

View from the Empire State Building

Image of Building, Cityscape, Urban, City, Outdoors, The Main Deck of the Empire State Building is on the 86th floor, providing lovely aerial views of Central Park, the rivers, the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, the bustling Times Square, and the Statue of Liberty, as well as the wealth of attractions in Midtown Manhattan below.

View from the Shard

Image of Building, Cityscape, Urban, City, Outdoors, Water, Nature, Bridge, The indoor observation deck of the Shard is found on the 69th floor, while the open-air observation deck can be found on the 72nd floor. From the Shard, you can see up to 40 miles in any of their 360-degree views on a clear day. Highlights include the Thames, the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge, Big Ben, the Coca-Cola London Eye, and more.

Building History

The Empire State Building

In 1931, the Empire State Building came into the world as a symbol of hope in a dark time. Designed and executed by the architecture firm Shreve, Lamb & Harmon Associates, this iconic NYC landmark was among the most beautiful of all Art Deco buildings in the city. Designed to honor American industrial strengths and capitalist progress, the Empire State Building still stands today as a monument to commerce. It was awarded the distinction of being classified as one of the seven greatest architectural achievements in the United States in 1955, and its reputation has only grown since. Today the building is home to a variety of companies – nearly 1,000 all told (including restaurants and bars that are worth a quick trip to snag a cocktail and some photos) – as well as the observation deck and historical exhibits. It is located on Fifth Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets.

The Shard

The Shard is a much newer construction, begun in 2009 and opened to the public in July of 2012. The View from the Shard (the official name of the observation deck) opened in February of 2013. It was designed by iconic Italian architect Renzo Piano (who is also known for his work on the Art Institute of Chicago and the Whitney Museum of Art in NYC). Piano intended for the Shard to evoke the feeling of emerging from the Thames, so the design is very modern and sleek. The Shard was part of the redevelopment of the then very industrial Southwark neighborhood of London, in an effort to revamp the area and bring new business to the city. Today it is home to a number of businesses, including restaurants and a hotel on the ground floor (as well as the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel located on floors 34-52). There are also residential floors above the hotel but below the observation deck.

Tips for Visiting The Empire State Building and The Shard

Tips for Visiting the Empire State Building

  • If possible, plan to visit the Empire State Building early in the morning or during weekdays to avoid elevator lines. Keep in mind that during busy times like the summer or around spring break, even these times may be busy.
  • Give yourself at least an hour to see the exhibits and the observation deck itself. This does not include the time spent in the security line, so plan to budget a bit more.
  • After you check on the second floor, proceed directly to the Sustainability exhibit
  • Be sure to download the FREE app before your visit, available via Google Play or the Apple App Store.
  • Use your New York City Explorer Pass to skip the ticket line and get to the top faster.
  • Bring a camera or binoculars to get the best views of the city below.
  • Don’t forget to wear layers! The observation deck on the 86th floor is open-air, so you’ll really feel the effects of being up so high – especially on a breezy day.
  • If you’re in search of those perfect sunset photos, be sure to arrive at least an early before sunset. This is the best time for lighting.
  • Check out our in-depth guide to visiting the Empire State Building before you go to make the most of your visit.

Tips for Visiting the Shard

  • If possible, time your visit during the early morning or weekdays to avoid crowds. Again, bank holidays or other school holidays may increase crowds even during those times.
  • There is no time limit for the View from the Shard, so plan in as much time as you think you’d need to see all the amazing views (and perhaps sip on some champagne).
  • Take advantage of their interactive photography studio, which can create incredible photo albums filled with pictures of you and your family at the top. This requires an additional fee, but may be worth it to get studio-quality photos.
  • If you’re traveling with kids, consider getting their Family Experience tickets, which are offered at a discount versus buying all those tickets individually.
  • Drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and snacks are available for purchase throughout the attraction, so you don’t need to bring your own.

In Summary (The Biggest Differences)

Each of these attractions is incredibly popular with tourists, but both offer different views and cultural perspectives. The Empire State Building is an iconic historic structure with a long legacy of standing tall and proud in NYC’s skyline. It also features gorgeous Art Deco décor and a variety of special exhibits on multiple floors. The Shard is much newer, but also boasts a beautiful, striking design – by none other than Renzo Piano. The Empire State Building offers views in Midtown Manhattan, where you can see as far north as Central Park and as far south as the Statue of Liberty and New Jersey. The Shard offers views along the Thames waterfront, including Big Ben, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and much more.

Visit the Empire State Building and Save on Admission

Remember to visit the Big Apple with the New York City Explorer Pass! You’ll get admission to the Empire State Building plus tickets to dozens of other top attractions in the city, like the American Museum of Natural History, a Statue of Liberty Ferry, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Top of the Rock, and many more. Save up to 50% on combined admission versus paying at the gate with the New York City Explorer Pass – it’s a smart choice for savvy travelers! If you are planning your trip to London rather than NYC, consider picking up a London Explorer Pass. You can save up to 40% on the city’s top attractions, including another great observation option in the Coca-Cola London Eye.

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Things to do During the Day in New York City

So you’re planning a trip to NYC, and you’re all set to experience nightlife in the city that never sleeps. But what do you do while the sun’s still up and the clubs are still closed? Well, we hope you’ll consider checking out a few of these daytime New York attractions. Whether you’re a culture buff, an artsy sort, or just love nature, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the Big Apple. Save on Admission to Daytime Activities in NYC If you want to save on things to do during the day on your New York City vacation, consider picking up a flexible New York City Explorer Pass®. Save up to 50% off your choice of more than 70 daytime options, versus paying admission directly at the gate - Learn more. If you’re looking for daytime activities in New York, check out a few of our favorites, including... Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus Tour Madame Tussauds Empire State Building Central Park Bike Tour American Museum of Natural History 9/11 Memorial and Museum The Met And more! Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus Tour To get a true sense of the city during the day, a comprehensive bus tour seems in order. This hop-on hop-off option from Big Bus is a smart choice because it offers flexibility and freedom alongside entertainment. Choose from more than 25 stops across two popular routes, Downtown and Uptown. If you need anymore convincing, you’ll appreciate the fact that Big Bus is the highest rated bus tour company on TripAdvisor! Getting In: Big Bus New York tickets are included with the New York City Explorer Pass®. Madame Tussauds This perennially popular attraction is full of fun and playfulness and is among the top-visited daytime spots in the city. See exquisitely realistic wax replicas of famous people and characters from NYC and around the globe, and snap a selfie with your favorites. Due to its Times Square location, Madame Tussauds is also easy to fit into a broader NYC itinerary. Getting In: Madame Tussauds New York tickets are included with the New York City Explorer Pass®. Empire State Building You can’t leave NYC without taking advantage of the opportunity to see the city from above on one of its most famous observation decks. (The view from the street is pretty cool, too!) The Empire State Building Observatory is located on the 86th floor and provides 360-degree views of Midtown Manhattan and beyond. There are also a number of informative exhibits that highlight the building’s history, its Art Deco architecture, and more. Getting In: Empire State Building tickets are included with the New York City Explorer Pass®. Central Park Bike Tour For those who love the great outdoors, you simply can’t miss out on exploring NYC’s very own slice of natural paradise – the inimitable Central Park. This massive urban greenspace contains so many attractions within, like Cherry Hill Fountain, the Strawberry Fields and Imagine Mosaic, the Shakespeare Garden, the Naumburg Bandshell, and more. Take a bike tour to explore these sites on two wheels. It’s easy, convenient, fun, and burns off some of those calories you consumed last night. Getting In: Central Park Bike Tour tickets are included with the New York City Explorer Pass®. American Museum of Natural History One of the most enchanting museums in the entire country, the American Museum of Natural History is filled with exhibits, artifacts, and natural objects. Some of their most popular exhibits include their famous collection of dinosaur fossils, brilliant gems, and vivid animal dioramas. Visitors especially love the exhibits in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life. Be sure to also check out the Museum store for some souvenirs that will prove you did more than party. Getting In: American Museum of Natural History tickets are included with the New York City Explorer Pass®. 9/11 Memorial and Museum To truly appreciate the history of this iconic global city, you’ll want to spend a little time honoring its past. A visit to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum is a somber but informative experience that allows you to explore archives, photographs, multimedia displays, and more. Don’t forget to scope out the exterior, with twin reflecting pools that contain the largest manmade waterfalls on the entire continent. Getting In: 9/11 Memorial and Museum tickets are included with the New York City Explorer Pass®. The Met Art lovers from around the globe flock to NYC to explore the impeccable collections of the Met. The seemingly endless galleries feature a wide variety of art objects, from Ancient Egypt to Modern and Contemporary Art. They’ve even got exhibits on Arms & Armor, Asian Art, and Musical Instruments. You can easily spend an entire day roaming these halls. Getting In: The Met tickets are included with the New York City Explorer Pass®. NYC Shopping If you love a good afternoon spent shopping – whether or not an exchange of money and goods actually occurs – you’ll love roaming through the shops of New York City. Still the shopping capital of the U.S. in the age of online retail, NYC has a store to sell you just about anything you can think of. Visitors love to explore the pricier stores along Wall Street and across Lower Manhattan generally, as well as the more affordable options in SoHo and Union Square. The Macy’s in Herald Square and the Bloomies in Midtown are also popular spots. Getting In: New York City Explorer Pass® holders receive an extra discount at Bloomingdales and Macy’s. Save on Admission to Daytime Activities in New York If you’re interested in visiting a few of these top NYC attractions during the day on your vacation, check out the New York City Explorer Pass®. You can save up to 50% on combined admission prices and enjoy additional benefits, too. Think of it this way -- you'll have more money to spend on your evening excursions. Happy travels!
Katie Sagal
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New York in July

New York really comes alive in the summertime. With interesting activities and exciting events cropping up all over the city, you’ll find many reasons to love the area this time of the year. Whether you’re looking for fun ideas for Independence Day, or something a little more off the beaten track, we’ve got you covered. So, if you’re planning a great summer vacation, make sure to check out some of our best things to do in New York during the month of July. Get Festive Travelling on Independence Day? You might want to consider checking out Macy’s July Fireworks Spectacular. Attracting a large crowd and broadcast live on NBC, the department store’s legendary display is noted as the largest in the country. Each year, thousands of fireworks shoot from four barges on the East River, granting mesmerizing views of the city skyline as you’ve never seen it before. As if that wasn’t enough, the event also features powerful performances from some of your favorite musical megastars. As exciting as it is magical, you won’t want to miss this one. If you’re looking to view the brilliant display in comfort and style, you might want to think about booking an evening cruise. While sailing across the Hudson River, guests can enjoy the light summer breeze, a delicious sea-food centric dinner and unbeatable views of famous landmarks. In addition, the cruise offers a live DJ playing your favorite party hits and all-you-can-drink beer and wine. Don't forget to take some snaps of the fireworks illuminating the night sky! Another one of our favorite things to do for the month of July in New York is visiting Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Standing out as two of the most popular attractions in the city, these outstanding monuments tell the profound story of how America became a nation. A total must for history buffs, Ellis Island provides a great educational experience for those of all ages - take a walking through the Immigration Museum, check out the historic hospital, or cruise around the city’s most notable landmarks - the choice is yours! And of course, a trip to Ellis Island wouldn’t be complete without checking out the Statue of Liberty. Not only a photo opportunity, this majestic statue stands as a beautiful symbol of hope and freedom. Get Cultured Are you looking to try out some of the city’s best culinary offerings? Well, look no further! Situated in a state park across the East River waterfront, Smorgasburg fest provides a total treat for the senses. With over 100 artisanal vendors serving up pretty much every speciality under the sun, you can feast on Korean rice hot dogs, rainbow empanadas, and souffle pancakes. Order a beer, grab a bite, and enjoy the sunset – what's not to love? Summertime in New York can only mean one thing – music festivals! Combining the stunning backdrop of Central Park with an incredible lineup of world-famous artists and emerging talent, Summerstage festival provides the quintessential New York experience for music lovers. Previous performers have included Patti Smith, the Indigo Girls, and Galactic among others. In addition, the event produces free dance, theater, film and spoken word programs for those who are interested. Summertime in New York brings a whole host of wonderful outdoor events. Held annually against the backdrop of Central Park, Shakespeare in the Park gives travellers the opportunity to enjoy prime theater under the beautiful night skies. Notable past performances have included Meryl Streep in The Taming of the Shrew, Philip Seymour Hoffman in The Two Gentlemen of Verona, and Al Pacino in The Merchant of Venice. This magical, one-of-a-kind experience should be at the top of everyone’s itinerary! Find Fun Activities to Do Those who are looking for a fun and unique way to explore the city might want to head over to Little Island. Floating high above the Hudson River and entirely admission free, this attractive urban landscape would make the perfect day trip for you and your loved ones. The perfect place for kicking back on a sunny July’s afternoon, this stunning green space is home to a wide variety of wildlife and provides magnificent views of the city skyline. On top of it all, the park serves as a venue for a whole host of great outdoor events and first-class musical performances. Take a lazy summertime stroll, watch your favorite side-splitting comedians in action, or catch a drag show– the choice is yours! Though New York is well-recognized for its renowned cultural amenities and fabulous towering structures, the city’s history-rich neighborhoods really shine in the summertime. Situated at the Southern tip of Brooklyn, Coney Island provides the perfect way to catch some rays complete with a lively beach, wooden boardwalk, and dozens of attractions and rides. Whilst you’re visiting, make sure to check out the most famous hotdog stand in the world, which has been operating since 1916. Don’t forget to bring your bathing suit! Want to amble through vast fields of purple and experience the natural beauty of New York State in all of its glory? Well, now you can! Known as one of the largest lavender farms in the United States, Lavender By The Bay provides the perfect relaxing retreat from the city. Here, visitors can take walking tours to admire the breathtaking sight of over 80, 000 colorful shrubs. July is the perfect time to amble through the preservation since the lavender should be in full bloom. Thoroughly Instagram-worthy and relaxing, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend a summery July’s afternoon! There’s nothing quite like New York in the summer. With so much to see, do, and explore, it’s impossible to be bored in this sprawling metropolis. Whether you’re looking to celebrate the fourth of July to its fullest, amble through some lavender gardens, or watch Shakespeare under the stars, the city presents a wide array of exciting activities for every traveller. And now, you don’t have to miss out – with our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can find an exhaustive array of things to do, for cheaper. For more information, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
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New York City School Field Trip - Top Attractions and Things to Do

On a list of places in the U.S. to go on a school field trip, New York City probably occupies the top spot. With its mix of historic sites, educational institutions, and modern attractions, New York City is a prime destination for school trips of all genres. If you're planning a school trip to the Big Apple and looking for ideas, check out our favorite field trip options: Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus New York Tour American Museum of Natural History Guggenheim Museum Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Museum 9/11 Memorial and Museum Save on Admission to NYC Field Trip Attractions For parents and teachers planning a trip to New York City, the budget is surely a significant concern. Fortunately for you, the New York City Explorer Pass is an excellent resource for school groups. Save up to 50% on combined admission prices vs. paying at the gate. See all attractions, passes, and prices -- learn more. Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus New York Tour For school trips that are looking to introduce students to the cultural and architectural diversity of New York, a bus tour can be very handy. A hop-on hop-off option like this can be used to get between attractions (especially some of the big ones like museums), but it's also a good choice for informative and educational narration should you choose to stay on with the whole group. Choose from the Uptown or Downtown bus routes depending on which other attractions you want to see with your group. Getting In: Big Bus New York tickets are available with the New York City Explorer Pass. American Museum of Natural History Image Credit: American Museum of Natural History One of the best educational attractions in NYC is the American Museum of Natural History. Practically every student in the greater Tri-State area has been here on a field trip at some point! It's filled with learning opportunities, special exhibits, and over 34 million objects in their collections. Some of their top attractions include the Milstein Family Hall of Ocean Life and the David H. Koch Dinosaur Wing. They also offer specific opportunities for class trip planning, including specialized tours and more. Getting In: American Museum of Natural History tickets are available with the New York City Explorer Pass. Guggenheim Museum An architectural marvel that is full of some of the most iconic pieces of art in recent history, the Guggenheim Museum serves double duty as a cultural center and an educational institution. With a collection that is constantly in a state of flux but is based off of a group of early modern masterpieces, the Guggenheim Museum is devoted to showcasing the art of the 20th century and beyond. You'll also find plenty of educational opportunities for kids of all ages, including tours, free audio guides, and more. Please note that children under 12 get free admission to the Guggenheim; for chaperones or older groups, the New York City Explorer Pass can help with budgeting. Getting In: Guggenheim Museum tickets are available with the New York City Explorer Pass. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Museum Another top attraction for field trips from across the country, the Statue of Liberty is a perfect choice for school groups of all ages. Lady Liberty is such an icon in American culture and is an ideal complement to a unit on American history. Likewise, the Ellis Island Immigration Museum is a must-visit for those looking to reinforce lessons on the history of immigration. Good news for the budget-conscious -- admission to both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Museum is free! Use your New York City Explorer Pass to cover the cost of the ferry trip. Getting In: Statue of Liberty Ferry tickets are available with the New York City Explorer Pass. 9/11 Memorial and Museum One of the most important and poignant field trip destinations in the entire city is the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Students will learn about the tragic events of 2001 and 1993, see artifacts from the ruins, scope out artwork inspired by the tragedy, and more. The exterior is also particularly remarkable for its striking man-made waterfalls and twin reflecting pools. Please note that due to the sensitive nature of the content at this museum, it's most appropriate for middle-grade or high-school field trips. Getting In: 9/11 Memorial and Museum tickets are available with the New York City Explorer Pass. Remember to Save on Field Trip Admission So if you're involved in planning a field trip for your students or kids, you'll want to be sure to keep those ticket prices low. To help save up to 50% on admission to the top school trip attractions in New York City, pick up a New York City Explorer Pass. We also offer discounts for large group purchases, which can be a big help to school trips!
Katie Sagal

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