Nyc Top of the Rock & Optional Empire State Building Tour Review

Okay, so you’re thinking of seeing New York from way up high, right? You might be wondering if the “Top of the Rock” tour, with that optional Empire State Building add-on, is really worth your time and money. Well, let’s take a closer look at just what this tour actually offers and if it lives up to the hype, which is kind of what you expect.

Why Choose Top of the Rock?

When it comes to amazing city views, New York certainly does have choices, yet the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center brings something pretty unique. Unlike the Empire State Building, which is very, very iconic in its own way, Top of the Rock can offer some truly fantastic, unobstructed views of Central Park and, maybe even more impressive, of the Empire State Building itself. That’s quite something, isn’t it? Plus, there are usually fewer crowds up here, which can really make your visit way more enjoyable. That means less time waiting and more time soaking it all in, something a lot of us crave.

Top of the Rock is situated inside of the Rockefeller Center, it’s kind of hard to describe. Let me see. Well, imagine a bunch of stuff to do. A landmark loaded with history and pretty things that have lights shining at night. That, I guess, is kind of how you picture it.

What to Expect on the Tour

Alright, so what will actually happen when you decide to experience Top of the Rock? Expect a smooth, very organized experience right from the get-go. The entrance is rather easy to locate, and the staff usually does a really good job keeping things moving. After a pretty quick security check, you’re whisked up to the top in a high-speed elevator, that alone can be rather interesting. What you will find is multiple observation decks offering spectacular panoramic views, just amazing ones actually. You could probably spend hours just looking around, trying to pick out all the little landmarks way down below.

Also, depending on the tour option you may pick, you’ll experience an up-close gander at the historical context behind the building and surrounding plaza. Expect a journey with stories about how this grand center came to be through the means of guides giving some info here and there, it can be quite the blast. So, with just a bit of expectation on your side, prepare for that, as you take some steps on your walk.

The Optional Empire State Building Visit

Now, here’s the kicker: should you tack on the Empire State Building part? It depends, so you kind of want to check in. If you are a total New York newbie and really want to see what all of the fuss is about, then why not? The Empire State Building has a certain iconic, larger than life presence, alright? Just be aware that you’ll be dealing with even bigger crowds and potentially long wait times. That is kind of something people aren’t fond of. On the flip side, if you want to save time or have already been up the Empire State Building before, you could probably skip it and just soak in the fantastic views from Top of the Rock, but it kind of doesn’t pack the same oomph, so really consider that as well.

Expect crowds, that is really all. Expect masses of folks moving about slowly, with little ability to change that reality. Expect there to be much more light inside this attraction too. With its fame in movies and various historical spots in pop culture, the Empire State Building brings a light to you like an old friend would. That means more smiles to be had. Still, if you got time for crowds, this part isn’t so bad.

Making the Most of Your Visit: Tips and Tricks

To really make your visit unforgettable, I’ll provide some quick pointers:

• Book tickets in advance, I have no reason to say this, yet booking these tickets might avoid having to have extra line-waiting for an in-demand attraction.
• Go early or late. The sweet spots, if you can. Generally have way fewer people around, providing better opportunities for snapping fantastic photographs.
• Consider the New York CityPASS. It can offer really excellent discounts on several attractions. Which ends up saving you a fair amount of money as well as a decent amount of time overall.
• Bring a good camera. You absolutely don’t wanna miss getting some stunning pictures, those ones that are very, very crisp, so do consider having a great way to take these memories home for friends and loved ones to enjoy.
• Weather Keep an eye on the skies, in some cases there may be heavy fog when it’s time to see a panorama. You would really not enjoy having to look at fog after you had hoped to have seen a gorgeous sunset on some horizon. So plan the weather beforehand if you can.

Taking some moments for prepping these tips might truly get you some of your investment, if you are hoping to enjoy the trip at any moment. Which, who wouldn’t be?

Accessibility

This spot is often well accommodating, providing many spots and features to allow someone of various health conditions to access certain landmarks.

For instance, both The Empire State Building and Top Of The Rock give access via wheelchairs so you aren’t really left in the dark on some way to go with someone if they happen to not be walking all the time. All levels can be reached via elevators. All types of seeing dogs are usually alllowed in certain areas too. Keep this stuff in mind to consider the well-being for anyone attending.

Worth It or Not? A Final Opinion

Overall, a trip to Top of the Rock is totally worth it, mostly depending on your specific priorities. If you like great views, potentially thinner crowds, and iconic snapshots of the Empire State Building itself, this one should be a piece of cake. The added option to swing by the Empire State Building basically comes down to if you actually think that you are that fussed on hitting some extra places for those extra photos, despite the crowds and wait, you understand? Now, while prices usually always fluctuate, hopefully that consideration never matters and any travel adventure taken gets the bang for any buck being given!