First trip to NYC.....24 hours , which would you choose?

hubby wants to do Empire State Building

I want to do Rockefeller

Definitely not doing both

Pros and cons on these icons?

Thanks. :cool:

Pretty easy:

Empire State Building

Pros: Iconic, Great views

Cons: Can be long lines, can't actually see the ESB

Top of the Rock:

Pros: Great views, great view of the ESB, typically shorter lines

Cons: Not as Iconic

BTW, you probably can do both, just pre-book. Do one (probably ESB) early in the day and the other at or near dusk. Top of the Rock would be a quicker visit that way. Not saying I would do both, you should be able to.

ESB is more well known (and older) .... not sure Top of the Rock has as much significance to many people.

If you’re going at lunch time, Heartland Brewery is in the bottom of ESB. That would impact my DH’s choice.

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ESB 8 am-2am

Top of the Rock - 8 am-12 am

Lots of opportunities to go early or late.

I think sunset would be best time. Have so much ground to cover so definitely not both.

He is more into classic and I like the reviews on trip advisor on Rockefeller

Keep on voting pros and cons!

I think sunset would be best time. Have so much ground to cover so definitely not both.

 

He is more into classic and I like the reviews on trip advisor on Rockefeller

 

Keep on voting pros and cons!

What are the rest of your plans for the day? Are you staying in Manhattan? Curious what ground you have to cover, as if you're overlapping either location, it's not that big of a detour to do both, with pre-purchased tickets.

Empire State Building is a nightmare unless you really enjoy long lines. You could probably do Rockefeller and ride the Staten Island Ferry while he waits in line. Or visit a museum.

What are the rest of your plans for the day? Are you staying in Manhattan? Curious what ground you have to cover, as if you're overlapping either location, it's not that big of a detour to do both, with pre-purchased tickets.

Ditto to these questions. It looks like you're on the Escape on Sunday 4/29/18. Your sightseeing objectives/plans, your hotel location, and arrival time will affect how much time you will actually have for either of these activities.

Yes the Escape :cool:

I want central park, bagels , pizza. :')

If you do top of the Rock you can see Empire State Building too. I would go at dark. Nothing like seeing the city lit up at night. You can easily do the Central Park, pizza and bagels too.

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Yes the Escape :cool:

 

I want central park, bagels , pizza. :')

Where are you staying? When do you get in town?

Do you have a Top 5 or Top 10 that you want to see? Do you already have a pizza place and a bagel place on your list, or are you just looking for bagels in the morning and pizza later in the day with no real plan?

Seriously, you can do both skyscrapers, see all of Central Park you want to, and stop for bagels and pizza, and still have hours of the day left over!

I would do Top of the Rock. Pretty amazing views, and cheaper than ESB. Last year the wife and I acted like tourists for a day. We hit a ton of things between 10am and 4p. Was able to do Bryant Park, Top of the Rock, Central Park, Chelsea Market for lunch, the High Line and the WTC Memorial.

If you want some really good pizza, hit off Pizza Suprema on 31st and 8th.

Have fun and feel free to ask any questions.

Born/raised/work in NYC.

Both are great options.

Keith

Top of the Rock offers better views, IMO. Recently did it at night and it was breathtakingly beautiful to see the city all lit up from that height.

TOR would be my choice,

You are closer to central park at the Rock as the ESB is further south (close to Penn Station). Plus you get to see the ESB from the TOR.

My choice would be Rockefeller. Especially if you are going to be there during the holiday season. A couple of blocks north is Central Park and a few blocks west is ST. Patrick’s Cathedral. Research the area, there’s lots to do.

Yes forgot Chelsea Market....probably will get lots of food there!

Going to be staying one night only near Times Square

Yes forgot Chelsea Market....probably will get lots of food there!

Going to be staying one night only near Times Square

You can walk the High Line down to Chelsea Market area

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Rockefeller Center is right across from St. Patrick's - also worth seeing; in a more attractive part of the city, and the TOR gives comparable views with less hassle. Plus, many good spots for lunch or dinner while 34th St. ESB area is kind if dismal.

If you end up doing TOR, book your tix on line before you go.

https://www.topoftherocknyc.com/ticket-menu/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxvrUqZTs2AIVkI-zCh3HvwvKEAAYASABEgKkr_D_BwE

Saves you the hassle of waiting on the ticket line once you get there.