–
To enjoy a global view of New York, you must absolutely climb to the top of one of the 3 New York observatories (or do all 3!). The oldest, the Empire State Building is by far the best known and most prestigious. You can also opt for the One World Observatory, the observatory located on the 101st floor of the One World Trade Center tower. Third possibility: the Top of the Rock.
This observatory opened in 2005 at the top of the Comcast building, a building located in the heart of Midtown, a few steps from Times Square. And it is quite simply my favorite observatory! Here’s why :
1/ An ideal location in New York
- Placed in Midtown, the Top of the Rock offers you a breathtaking view of the Empire State Building and all of Manhattan. A real advantage over the Empire State Building Observatory, which won’t allow you to see the Empire State Building (and for good reason, you’ll be on it!) and the One World Observatory, located at the southern tip of Manhattan.
- The Top of the Rock is also the closest observatory to Central Park. You will therefore have a complete vision of Manhattan, with both the North and the South.
2/ Large outdoor terraces
- Another advantage: the observatory is divided into several vast open-air terraces installed on 3 levels. What allow to perfectly distribute the visitors. You’ll feel a lot less crowded than on the narrow observation deck of the Empire State building and less confined than in the closed observatory, with freezing air conditioning, of the One World Observatory.
- The outdoor terraces will also allow you to feel the hum of the city under your feet, with the teeming traffic and the blocks of air conditioning.
3/ No glass or grid
- If you are a fan of photography, the Top of the Rock will make you happy. From the highest terrace, on the 70th floor, you will have a perfectly unobstructed view of New York, without any glass or mesh. A real advantage compared to the Empire State building, surrounded by railings, and the One World Observatory, enclosed in a jar of glass.
- The fact that there is no glass or grid is a real advantage for night photos.
4/ Fewer people than elsewhere
- The Top of the Rock remains much less frequented than the Empire State Building and the One World Observatory, which are the subject of a real crush. To make the most of it, I advise you to arrive in the morning at the opening at 8:30 am. You will be among the first visitors and you won’t wait. Plus, you’ll have the best view of the Empire State Building, with the sun in your back.
- During your checkout, you can also buy a small supplement that will allow you to return the same day, in the evening. This will allow you to follow the sunset over the Empire State Building and Manhattan: a magical spectacle!
5/ The Top of the Rock is included in the pass
- Unlike One World Observatory, which requires admission to be purchased separately, Top of the Rock is included with all New York passes. This allows you to climb to the top for a really low price. More information in the section dedicated to tourist passes in New York.
- And if you prefer to buy only an entry for the Top of the Rock, know that this is also possible: go to the ticket reservation page for the Top of the Rock.
–