View from One World Observatory

Top of the Rock vs One World Observatory - Comparing the Two Observation Decks

Whichever vantage point you pick, you'll get a spectacular view of New York's finest skyscrapers.

Climbing up to an iconic viewpoint and watching as the city unfurls before you is one of the most popular activities when visiting New York. Whether you're up there in the daytime or visiting at sunrise or sunset, you'll surely be spellbound.

What’s the difference between Top of the Rock vs One World Observatory (formerly known as the Freedom Tower)? They're both historic and cultural icons that stand out in the New York City skyline, offering sky-high views of NYC's landscape from their observation decks.

They're both located in Manhattan, but each building offers a different experience when visiting their respective observation decks. We’ve put together a list of the key similarities and differences between the two attractions broken down by:

  • What’s included with general admission
  • Location
  • Scenic views of New York
  • Building history
  • Tips for visiting

Thinking about visiting the Empire State Building or One World Observatory?

Save up to 50% on admission to Top of the Rock plus your choice of other top New York attractions with the New York City Explorer Pass! Please note: One World Observatory is separately ticketed and not available on the Go City® New York passes.

 Another great observatory for amazing city views you can use your pass to visit is the Empire State Building. Check out our post on comparing the Top of the Rock vs the Empire State Building.

What’s included with general admission:

Both observation decks feature special exhibits and experiences as part of general admission, here’s a summary of what each experience includes:

Top of the Rock General Admission:

woman-filming-view-manhattan-empire-state-building

Top of the Rock General Admission:

  • A mezzanine exhibit highlighting the history of Rockefeller Center, including photos and artifacts that explore the life of John D. Rockefeller, Jr., the building's construction, and the creation of Top of the Rock. There's a short video presentation about NBC's history and ties to Rockefeller Center, and the interactive Beam Walk exhibit simulates what it was like for construction workers walking on the beams 69 floors above Manhattan.
     
  • Sky shuttle elevator ride that ascends 850 feet in less than a minute bringing visitors right to the top with an entertaining light show along the way.
     
  • Access to three floors of indoor and outdoor observation decks on the 67th floor (includes the Radiance Wall and gift shop), the 69th floor (featuring the breezeway, which is entirely outdoors), and the 70th floor, with an outdoor open-air roof deck, free of a glass structure)

One World Observatory General Admission:

observatory-one-world-trade-center-building

One World Observatory General Admission:

  • Access to the first floor/building foundation exhibit where you can walk through the Manhattan bedrock that the building it built on
  • Sky Pod Elevator ride with a virtual time-lapse that illustrates 500 years of New York City's ever-changing landscape
  • SEE FOREVER THEATER™, an audio-visual experience that explores NYC's skyline
  • Admission to the main observatory on the 100th floor with 360-degree views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, New Jersey, and the surrounding waters
  • Observatory: Sky Portal, a clear glass floor that provides views of the city streets 100 stories below foot

Location:

Both buildings are located in Manhattan near other popular attractions, but the two buildings are about 4 miles apart. 

Top of the Rock: Top of the Rock is located in Mid-Manhattan closer to Central Park and Times Square. 

One World Observatory: One World Observatory is located near the southern point of Manhattan, in the Financial District, and close to the water.

Comparing the scenic views:

Though only 4 miles apart, the views from the two buildings are very different. Closer to the southern point of Manhattan, One World Observatory has views of the Financial District's surrounding buildings, the Statue of Liberty, and the water. Alternatively, Top of the Rock offers great views of Midtown Manhattan's surrounding buildings, Central Park (you can't see it from One World Observatory at all), and Times Square.

Both observatories offer stunning views of the Empire State Building (from Top of the Rock you can see it while looking south, from One World Observatory you can see while looking north). While One World Observatory is completely enclosed, the Top of the Rock offers both enclosed and open-air viewing decks.

View from the Top of the Rock:

oin-operated-binoculars-sunset-light

View from the Top of the Rock:

The observation deck at the Top of the Rock is 800 feet above ground. From the Top of the Rock, you'll see:
 

  • Empire State Building (looking south), Chrysler Building (partially obscured), One World Trade Center, Central Park, Bank of America Tower, Flatiron Building, Brooklyn Bridge, surrounding buildings in Midtown Manhattan, and more.

View from the One World Observatory:

one-world-trade-center-freedom-tower

View from the One World Observatory:

The observation deck at One World Observatory is higher than Top of the Rock's at 1250-feet above ground. What you'll see from One World Observatory:
 

  • Empire State Building (looking north), Chrysler Building, Grand Central, Flat Iron Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Guggenheim Museum, Rockefeller Center (partially obstructed), Trump World Tower, other buildings in the World Trade Center complex, Statue of Liberty, surrounding buildings in the Financial District, and more.
  • The observation deck is high enough that you can see the curvature of the earth
  • The streets below from a glass-bottomed viewing deck

Building history:

Even though One World Observatory is almost a century younger than Rockefeller Center, they were both built in response to tragedy and stand as symbols of American resilience, hope, and prosperity.

Top of the Rock

Rockefeller center

Top of the Rock

Completed in 1933, the building is one of the most recognized skyscrapers in New York and embodies the architectural style of its time, with lots of classic Art Deco details. The building was commissioned by John D. Rockefeller and construction began and continued during the Great Depression, sealing the building's status as an icon of American prosperity and hope in times of economic downturn and despair.

30 Rockefeller Plaza is the official address of the Center's tallest building, also known as '30 Rock,' and is the location of the show 30 Rock, starring Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan, Jane Krakowski, and Jack McBrayer, among others.

One World Trade Center:

One World Trade center

One World Trade Center:

Completed in 2013, One World Trade Center is the second-tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, and the sixth-tallest building in the world. The building of the World Trade Centers was part of the WTC reconstruction and site materialization response to the devastating terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

Tips for visiting the One World Observatory and Top of the Rock:

Top of the Rock Tips:

Top of the rock tips

Top of the Rock Tips:

  • Plan to visit Top of the Rock early in the morning and/or on a weekday to avoid the largest crowds.
  • Plan to spend at least 1 hour visiting the Top of the Rock and take your time at the exhibits, once you pass through, you cannot go back to the exhibits.
  • Entry tickets are timed, bring your pass to Top of the Rock in the morning to reserve a timed ticket for later in the day for the best chances of going up during your ideal time.
  • If you want to catch the sunset, plan to get to the top well before (one hour before sunset offers the best lighting for photos).
  • Download the FREE Top of the Rock app for a skyline guide that identifies what buildings you’re looking at and has audio tours you can listen to.
  • Bring layers to wear and remember, it's likely colder and windier at the top.
  • Pack a camera and binoculars to capture the best views.
  • Check out our post for even more Top of the Rock tips for visiting.

One World Observatory tips

One World tips

One World Observatory tips

  • To avoid the largest crowds, plan to visit One World Observatory early in the morning. Weekday visits tend to also be less busy.
  • Be prepared to pass through TSA-style security to keep lines moving at a quick pace.
  • Check the forecast before you go, a low visibility day will affect your views.
  • Check the time of sunset before you go if you want to be at the top for the "golden hour" before sunset.
  • Consider renting a One World Explorer iPad (+$15 if purchased in advance) to enhance your visit with software that identifies buildings and landmarks in your viewing screen with supplemental information about each one.
  • Bring a camera and binoculars to capture the best views.
  • While in the area, visit the 9/11 Tribute Museum: Gallery Admission & Walking Tour (and save on admission with a New York City Explorer Pass) located right outside One World Trade Center in the original location of the Twin Towers.
  • On exiting, visit the new Oculus structure at the World Trade Center transportation hub, serving as a connection between the New Jersy PATH trains and NYC's metro.

In summary (the biggest differences):

Both attractions offer a unique experience and are extremely popular, but the biggest differences are the views from the observation decks (from Top of the Rock you get a close-up look of Midtown Manhattan and can see the Financial District in the distance.

From One World Observatory you get a close-up view of the Financial District and can see Midtown Manhattan in the distance). Top of the Rock offers both indoor and outdoor viewing opportunities while One World Observatory is indoor only.

Can't choose? No need, see it all with Go City®

Discover our full line-up of New York attractions including The Empire State Building, Top of the Rock Observatory, the Statue of Liberty, and more.  

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.    

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

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Top of the Rock vs Edge
Blog

Top of the Rock vs Edge - Compare Observation Decks

Do you know what's better than one observation deck overlooking Manhattan? Two observation decks overlooking Manhattan. That's right, we're talking about Top of the Rock and Edge. Double trouble. The gruesome twosome. Now imagine, if you will, that these two static buildings suddenly came to life. No, please don't click away. So they're alive, right? And they have to, like, fight and stuff. Who would win? Well, let's explore their strengths and weaknesses as Top of the Rock faces off Vs. Edge. Let's get ready to rumble! Top of the Rock Vs. Edge: A brief history You'll find Top of the Rock at the top of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. If that combination of words sparks recognition in that withered brain of yours, it's likely due to the hit sitcom 30 Rock, which takes place within its walls. The Plaza is nearly 100 years old, being built back in 1933, so it's certainly the older of the two. It's also been home to some of America's biggest companies, including General Electric, Comcast, and NBC - 30 Rock's network, funnily enough. Edge, on the other hand, is the baby of the two. It's a newly-established observation deck at the newly-renovated Hudson Yards, which has evolved from a shipping district to a cool, gentrified neighborhood. It's named as such due to its proximity to the Hudson River. But other than that, there's not much more history to cover. Top of the Rock Vs. Edge: The view As you'll find both, there are bound to be landmarks you'll see from both Top of the Rock and Edge. So, let's explore each in more detail, so you'll know what to point your camera at! From the Top of the Rock observation deck, you'll get clear views of the Empire State Building, the whole of Central Park, the Statue of Liberty (on a clear day, but don't count on it), Times Square (more likely a night due to all the LED light), and the Chrysler Building. So, plenty to see! From Edge, you'll also see the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and maybe Lady Liberty on a good day. But what else will your eyes gaze upon? Well, you'll see the One World Trade Center, The Vessel (an interactive art installation in Hudson Yards, and the Hudson River. What can you do at Top of the Rock? Yes, there is the observation deck, but we'll get to that. Patience is a virtue, after all. Why are we making you wait? Well, because there's more to 30 Rock than just the observation deck. Start at the bottom, where you'll find multiple exhibits dedicated to the building, the area, and New York in general. You'll see video footage of the Rockefeller Center's historic 10-year construction during the Great Depression in the 1930s. You'll even learn more about the life and times of the building's namesake, John D Rockefeller. Drink all that in, and then it's time for the ascent. The ride up itself lasts but a minute, shooting you up into the sky like some kind of advanced catapult - though a lot more comfortable. Then, you'll exit the elevator and be hit by the view. Get your camera or phone out and get snapping. Snap like there's no tomorrow. Snap like your life depended on it. After that, you're done! Feel free to head back down and explore Manhattan! What can you do at Edge? No messing around here. Head straight in, and take the elevator up to the 100th floor. Then, step out onto the open-air viewing platform and see for yourself. When you're up there, you can drink the view. Ah. Just sip it so it lasts longer. Delicious view. In the middle of the observation deck, you'll find a glass floor. Why is that there? Well, it's for daredevils like you to walk on top of, so you can see the ground hundreds of feet beneath you! Then, when you're done, head back down and take a mosey around Hudson Yards. It's not just newly built flats but an entire ecosystem of shops, restaurants, bars, and parks to explore. How to get to Top of the Rock There are several ways to get to Top of the Rock. These are them! If you're going on the subway, the B, D, F, and M lines stop at the 47-50th Streets-Rockefeller Center station, just a short walk from Top of the Rock. Alternatively, take the 1, E, or C subway lines to the 50th Street station. If the bus is the best boy, you're in luck; several routes head into the area, including the M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7, M27, M50, and M104. If you're driving, there are several parking garages in the area. However, traffic downtown can be utterly brutal. So maybe leave the car at home. You could always get a taxi if you want it to be someone else's problem! Then, when you're there, purchase a ticket or show your pass to beat the queue and get in straight away. How to get to Edge If you plan on taking the subway, the closest subway station to Hudson Yards is the 34th Street-Hudson Yards station (funnily enough), that's served by the 7 train. From the subway station, you can walk to Hudson Yards in a few minutes. If you're taking a bus, several routes serve the Hudson Yards area, including the M12, M34, and M34A. If driving's your poison, you'll find several parking garages in the area. But parking in Manhattan can burn through cash quicker than a bad habit, and driving around there isn't much better. Then, when you're there, purchase a ticket or show your pass to beat the queue and get in straight away. Save on New York Activities and Attractions And now you know everything anyone ever need know about Top of the Rock faces off Vs. Edge. Rather than pick just one, go to both to make the most of the differing views and experiences! Does booking both sound expensive? It needn't be. With Go City's All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can head to both, as well as tons more of New York's best bits, for one low price!
Dom Bewley
Statue of Liberty in close-up with the New York skyline beyond.
Blog

Empire State Building Vs Statue of Liberty NYC Comparison

Ask your average Jane or Joe to name as many top New York attractions as they can in 10 seconds and it’s fairly likely the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building will be first out of their mouths. But how do they measure up? Which has been around the longest and which has stolen the most blockbuster movie scenes? We got up close and personal with these two titans of the Manhattan skyline to find out. History The Statue of Liberty arrived on US shores in 1885, a gift from the people of France. This beautifully rendered copper giant was designed by celebrated sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, with a metal framework by his engineering pal Gustave Eiffel. Yes, that Gustave Eiffel. The statue was dedicated on Liberty Island in October 1886, where she has stood ever since, her gorgeous patina earning her the nickname ‘Green Goddess’. Still the definitive emblem of American freedom after more than 140 years, the statue attracts around 3.5 million visitors every year. The Empire State Building joined the party a little later, and will reach its centenary year in 2031. Perhaps the most iconic Art Deco building on the planet, it stands at 1,453ft and was the world’s tallest building for over four decades, until topped by the World Trade Center’s North Tower in 1970. No other building has held the record for that long, just one of many accolades held by this monolithic Manhattan masterpiece, which attracts around four million visitors a year, primarily for the birds’ eye views afforded by its observation platforms on the 86th and 102nd floors, some 1,250ft from terra firma. At the Movies The iconic status of the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building mean both have featured in countless movies, TV shows and music videos over the years. How many can you think of? 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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