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

• 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)

• 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

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.

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

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.