I've done both... the Empire State and Top of the Rock. From my personal experience, I would recommend Top of the Rock over Empire State a million times over!!! I bought the "Rock Pass" which includes the NBC Studio Tour (review available), Radio City Stage Door Tour (review available) and a visit to Top of the Rock observation deck. The... more

We had already been up the Empire State Building first thing in the morning, but found that at 3.30pm we had some time spare to do something else. We decided to go to The Top of the Rock, and WOW it was amazing. We had timed it perfectly, as we saw the city in daylight, during sunset, and at night,... more

Date: november 1st 2008 TripAdvisior Member Ireland I only queued for 5 mins to get my ticket and then entered. I was ushered into a video area in a very effecient way by friendly staff. The short videos about the Rockefeller Centre, Rockettes and NBC were interesting. Then we went up in a lift to the Observation Decks. The views... more

Went to the Top of the Rock in mid-September. We went up around 9:30 P.M. and the view was wonderful. I also enjoyed this better then the Empire State Building which we visited several years ago. The line was short and purchasing the ticket was a breeze, credit cards are accepted. Be sure not to miss the movies they show.... more

This was for me too the first attraction I visted in New York with my boyfriend. We both agree that this was simply fantastic: the view you get over there is amazing, something you cannot describe! After this, I did'nt even feel the need to visit the Empire State Building, maybe I'll do it next time, but this was worth... more

If you decide to visit both you will find that top of the rock wins hands down for viewing. I have visited this twice now at different times of the day and have never had to queue. I have visited the ESB twice also but had to queue both times. The views from TOTR are fantastic. more

We went to the Top of The Rock today and it rocked. We had a clear, beautiful autumn New York day and went about about 4 in the afternoon. It was easy to get to and between buying a ticket and looking out over the top deck was about 10 minutes. There were lots of people, but it we weren't... more

This was the first attraction we visited on our first visit to New York City and both myself and 20 year old son agree it was the highlight of our fantastic trip. Even though we knew what the view would be like it still took our breath away , and I must confess to shedding a tear or two! We... more

This is a must see attraction for NYC visitors. The whole Rockefeller experience is a much calmer event than other observatories such as the Empire State Building. To begin with, the Rockefeller Plaza has a lot to offer including a pleasant square which is transformed into an ice rink during the fall/winter months. It also has a small parade beneath... more