I went to the Empire State Building and Top of The Rock in 2014 and I really want to see The Edge and One World Trade Center would be my second choice.
I like One world the best for 3 reasons: - The Elevator Experience is by far the best. - Because its in Downtown you get that amazing skyline view looking up towards Midtown and the Empire. - I prefer enclosed Observation decks as seeing people hang phones and cameras over the railings that high up gives me serious anxiety.
The ESB is over crowded although, I would like to go the renovated 102nd fl ! Top of the Rock is awesome and wwwaayyy less crowded. My friend and I waited 20 mins for TOTR versus 2hrs at the ESB.
@@MitchellBPYao Frankly, the Statue of Liberty was not intended for tourists to climb inside. Not a great walk up and you have to move on for the next guy very quickly. Suggestion, take the Staten Island Ferry and sail by it. Much less money.
When I visit New York in 1998 - I visit World Trade Center. I was about 300 meters up there. I cut see the other tower on the left. And there were long way down and a great view. This is my number one. I visit Empire State Building at night - I was outside. I love all the light - and view. Crysler Building (I will love to see next time - I visit the city), was beautyfull in the night.
The best was on top of WTC Twin Towers 2 WTC South Tower. It was open, almost 12 floors higher and you could look at the North Tower right next to the South Tower.
Just got back to the UK from NYC. I have done most of the Obs decks in the past but this time, we did Top of the Rock. Absolutely the best. With the others, you look down on absolutely everything. It all seems a bit flat. Top of the Rock isn’t that high, around 69 floors so you do look down on a lot but you also see the taller buildings from a great angle.
We got to visit NYC in February and we did Top of the Rock and the Empire State Building. Out of both of them I would agree that TOTR is better for the views but been from the UK we felt like we had to visit the Empire State Building too as it’s so iconic.
I'm from the UK also. Did 3 of the 4 & Rock gave a good view of the Empire. One World was great & was fortunate to go up the old World Trade Center as well, which you can see the remains of, from the top of the One World obs 👌
We could only justify one observation deck on our trip, so we paired One World Observatory with the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. It was a cold, but clear, day in March so being enclosed actually worked out well for us. That skyline reveal is pretty amazing, even when I knew it was coming. Knowing that it's number four on your list, I guess we'll just need to go back.
Oh absolutely. I went to the South Tower back in August ‘98. That was a real observation deck. You had a choice of indoor and outdoor atop the roof and they were both massive. One World Trade is good but it’s a big disappointment without the outdoor deck. Plus the indoor deck there is actually a lower elevation than the 107th floor one inside the South Tower.
That’s what people thought when they were being built but then it became an icon. At least another freedom tower should have been built. It doesn’t feel like WTC with any twin towers
It’s crazy because I live NYC and it’s like I see these buildings almost everyday and when I watch videos like this it shows how much I take it for granted
Summit one Vanderbuilt hands down the most beautiful, fun exciting Bldg in NYC. Safe coved test required, it’s more then a Bldg it’s an experience. Also easy to get to everyone can get to Grand Central just take the shuttle. Feeling very safe. Can’t think of a con.
Lifelong New Yorker with my two cents. Haven’t made it to the Edge yet but I’ve been to Empire, Rockefeller and the original WTC. I would recommend Top of the Rock if you have pick one. He does a great job covering all the reasons. Not the highest but you are among a crowd of other skyscrapers, it feels like you are eye level with giants. The view of the Empire State is the best from here by far. Also much less crowded. Like he said, try to make sure the weather is clear and if you can go at sunset to get both the day and nighttime views. Another fun option for nice views are the rooftop bars, there are lots of them. Cheers! 🙂
I’ve been to the top of Empire 5 times. Largely because I love the history of the building. It’s so iconic. But next time it’ll be the Rock so I can be a little lower and among other buildings plus you can take great photos of Empire. For me, those being outside are fantastic. Wish WTC was outdoors like the original was. I paid $20 to go to Empire about 10 years ago. Wild how much it’s increased
Having lived near NYC my whole life, I’ve been to all the observation decks except the edge, and I like top of the rock the most bc it’s right in the middle of midtown, and you feel surrounded by other buildings
Empire State Bldg is still the best for m because of nostalgia and being iconic. Then Top of the Rock next for the Empire State view. I've been up the Empire State about 3x and I don't mind heading up to the 86th floor once in a while. Planning to do it again when I get to head back to NYC again. I go during the winter and there are no lines.
I'm a huge skyscraper nerd, so I like to visit as many as I can, each one has its charms. Now, something that might be a decision making factor- if you or anyone you are traveling with suffers from foot pain, mobility issues, or gets tired easily, you might want to take that into consideration- Top of the Rock has lots of places to sit inside and out, which can make the difference between having an enjoyable visit and having to cut things short. One World has some benches inside, I don't know about the Edge, but I know Empire State has nowhere to sit once you're up there.
The only reason why I never wanna go to empire state building and one world observatory is because I you can't see those building from those buildings. Those two are my favorite so I want them as a part of my view. So top of the rock is #1
Top of the Rock was worth the money. I had amazing visibility and views and I never felt like I was cramped by crowds because it was spread out so well
When I was young, we played hooky from school, went to the ESB, picked an elevator, and went to about the 80th floor. We found a vacant area, walked over to the window, and were blown away when the window easily opened up. Holy cow! After a few minutes, we were busted and told to leave by some elders. A great free experience. About 1970.
I went to Rock for the first time in 1974. I still take my visiting friends there. Sorry to see that the MoMA tower and 57th St. towers are taking away the view of CP.
I totally agree. I worked on the 49th floor of 30 Rock from 2010 - 2017. The view of the park changed drastically during that time! Not for the better.
We went to Top of the Rock, like you suggested and it was EXACTLY as you described! You ROCK. Love your channel and your accurate descriptions and commentary!
Hard to pick a favorite, but I’d say the best views are from 30 Hudson Yards. Midtown looks truly massive (and close) from there, and the view of Downtown is superb.
Ive just been to NYC and ive been to The Empire State Building, One World Observatory and The Summit. Here are my pros for each one: 1. One world Observatory - The elevator ride - the experience up there - the music and the stories displaying at the ground level - the buildings history - the view ofc 2. Empire State Building - before the elevator, you get a nice story of the building being built - you got interesting parts like the king kong part, the part where it shows every movie the building was in ect. - the view and the ability to go outside - the elevator experience 3. The Summit - Theres a short film at the start thats so good it gave me chills - the check-in procces - the elevator experience - the feeling of being in an endless void on the top - the clean view - the transprent floor on the 92nd floor - and the ascend So in conclusion if you want an adventure while wanting to see the whole NYC, i reccomend The Summit EDIT: i didnt watch the whole vid before writing this and i relise he talked about the same stuff lol
One world is my favourite, granted haven’t done the Edge yet. Bringing the whole family in December (fingers crossed) so will definitely have to do it then! I love the Art Deco at Empire State and the night view from top of the rock.
Starting this year we visited New York for the first time and decided to go to the One World Observatory because of the video you made. We had only a few days and most of them were foggy, the very last the fog let us see the city (It was early January and already dark) the city lights were amazing, but photographing with the glare of the glass wasn't easy. Still an amazing experience to live in the moment. It was cool that when we checked Google maps (using their WiFi) to map our way back to the hotel it showed we were in the middle of the water. Thanks for ALL your recommendations! You made our trip unforgettable!
I've been in NYC in 2003, 2010 and 2018. In 2003 I went to the 86th of the Empire state as part of the city pass. Top of the rock wasn't either accessible or included in the city pass back then and the other 2 weren't there yet. In 2010 I went to both top of the rock and the 86th with the City pass and paid the extra 30 bucks to visit the 102th. One WTC was still under construction. In 2018 it was just a one day visit. I wanted to go up one WTC but my buddy was too cheap to pay the entrance fee so we've only walked the grounds. Next time I will definately go up.
I’ve only done One World Trade (I go every year old 9/11) and The Edge. One thing you left out about the Edge is that if you have an Equinox membership you can go for free 6am Wednesdays for their Edge Yoga class.
Visited 3 of them in my last trip in feb. Wish i can visit the edge someday! Really enjoyed view from top of the rock, spend about 3 hours until sunset.
An informative, dispassionately non-committal, lucid comparison! It is so gratifying that 1, World Trade Canter is exactly 1776 feet tall ! One suggestion: Why not give, in addition to the brilliant narration, some pointers on the nearest accessible NYC MTA Subway-Stations / MTA Bus Stations ? Thanks and BRAVO for a wonderful guidance! Please keep up the Good😀 Work!
I recommend the ESB an hour before it closes. Crowds are pretty tame. I love the ESB because they have done a great job of making you feel like you have stepped back into the 1930s. I do love 30 Rock too, I just wish you had a better view of the Chrysler building. I've never been to the Edge. I'll check it out soon.
I've done Empire State and One World Trade. They're both different so hard to say which one is better. I loved being at One World because of what the building represents. I'd been there in 2003 and saw the start of construction so in 2019 I finally got to stand in what was built. I didn't like that the best view had the smallest window, with people clamouring to get a photo from that window. The Empire State is amazing for the history. But it was so windy the first time I went, I didn't really enjoy it too much. The 2nd time was the middle of summer and it was nice and warm, and still. I did late afternoon to see day/night. Same with One World. I loved Empire because I spent my childhood wanting to one day go up it, so it was a big wow factor. The view itself wasn't that impressive though. There was no
Funny you mentioned how the Empire State Building observatory is open until late at night. One time when I was visiting NYC I was up late and couldn't sleep. So I did exactly that, I went up to the observatories and got a really cool selfie on the 102nd floor, with Times Square lit up behind me while looking down toward the street. The ESB is still my favorite building ever, maybe tied with the Chrysler Building, and is absolutely an Art Deco masterpiece.
I loved top of the rock and was cool to be closer to the Buildings. I'm happy I chose that to one world Observatory or empire state building. The new one looked amazing the edge one but i recommend top of the rock on a very nice day.
I really enjoyed the video! Can’t wait to explore New York after some hard months for everyone and it would be so cool to meet you on the streets 😁Like!
The Edge is best by far. It's a complete consumer experience. Compelling urban street and architecture theater. It builds expectations and preps for the real experience of the urban landscape. It helps to celebrate the very sensual soul of NYC.
I'm late to the party, but this was a great video. Of the observatories, I like Top of the Rock the least. I enjoyed traversing multiple outdoor levels and viewing the Rainbow Room. One World Trade Center, though, has a supreme elevator ride and more spectacular views. The Empire State Building will always be my favorite view of one of the greatest cities in the world. I had an unexpected night in NYC after a connecting flight back home was cancelled. I had two hours before I needed to depart for Newark the next day, and there was no way I wasn't doing the ESB. I love it best at night, but the daytime vista is breathtaking, too. Its central position in Manhattan's layout provides, for me, the top-tier vantage point. I will certainly explore the Edge and Summit One Vanderbilt during my next trip. What a great watch.
Talking about the building itself (instead of including an antenna), the tallest building in the western hemisphere is Central park tower. Its roofline is a hefty 55 meters higher than One WTC.
Just to be clear, the Willis Tower is taller by roof height (where people can safely stand without safety gear) and 1WTC by structural height/mast antenna/permanence. The roof of the Willis Tower is 1,454ft and 1WTC is 1,368ft ! The observation deck at the Willis Tower is 1,350ft and 1WTC is 1,268ft. So when standing on top of the Willis Tower, you would be looking down about 8-10 floors on the roof of 1WTC ! This info can be found on Wikipedia, Towerinfo.com and other articles. Great review of the different observation decks btw. Top of the Rock gets my vote as the best one, then The Edge, ESB and 1WTC (it’s far away from Times Square and it’s enclosed).
Now I’ve really got to get to The Edge... born and raised in NYC (Brooklyn), Top of the Rock was always my favorite by far because or it’s crazy views of Central Park and the Empire State and all the other close buildings of mid town... now I have to see what made you pick The Edge for myself! Thanks for you magnificent video!
1.) Empire State Building - Particularly newly renovated 102nd floor. Empire State Building is still the only building in the city that optimizes its elevation and puts you at the VERY top, where an observation deck should be. 2.) EdgeNYC - Glass floor, grand staircase, and hugely spaced terrace gives a very nice wide open expansive feel. Offers both indoor and outdoor. Glass wall railings cut down on obstructions. 3.) Summit One Vanderbilt - Very unique observation experience visually, but this does compromise the functionality of the deck. The glass and mirrors give great optical illusions, but also is uncomfortable in terms of the greenhouse and magnifying glass heating effect and blinding reflection. Also several guards admonish you if you get too close to some of the glass and mirror sculptures (hindering the functionality). The cantilevered glass boxes and multi- level deck ascent give something that no other observation deck in the city gives, though. 4.) Top of the Rock - great and classic observation deck renovated with a modern feel, which EdgeNYC also later took on with glass panel railings to cut out the view. Due to the modest elevation, this deck has a much more intimate feel with the surrounding buildings, feeling more integrated with the skyline rather than perched above it. 5.) One World Trade, I rank last, because it pales tremendously to the previous World Trade Center observation deck. They really dropped the ball when they rebuilt it. Observation deck is much lower in the building than it was in the original WTC and is barely higher now than the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building. There is no more roof access like there was in the original WTC which gave you not just a cityview, but made you also feel one with the sky. Most exciting thing is the elevator ride up. But the observation deck is nothing special and offers nothing exceptional like most newer observation decks around the globe (glass floors, tilted windows, exterior decks, etc.) (Soon to enter the list somewhere.) Chrysler Building 61st floor. Will love this one when it is finally complete, as it will give public access to the upper reaches of one of NYC’s most beloved skyscrapers which hasn’t been seen since 1945.
Great and informative video. I was all in for top of the rock but the edge looks really cool as well. Visiting NYC is my dream so i hope i accomplish it soon 😀
City Services Building / American International Building / AIB - 70 Pine Street - the glass top and elevator does a Transformers transformation as the cab actually goes through the floor. At ground level, mini versions of the building in the doorway
I went to the Empire State Building in the 1980s when I was a kid. It was during the winter, and it was freezing. One Vanderbilt didn’t exist yet, and the twin towers were still standing. I never got to go to the twin towers when it was still standing, but I grew up seeing them in NJ. I’ve been to One World Observatory, and I really liked that I can see everything. The elevator trip in the new building looks better than videos that I’ve seen of the old elevator trips up to the 107th floor of the south tower.
In my humble opinion, NOTHING beats the Rock. NOTHING. The views are phenomenal, and you get to see ALL OF New York's beautiful, iconic buildings, that, and you can even go outside! NOTHING beats it, I can't tell you how many times I've been up there!!!!
I enjoyed this head-to-head comparison of the 4 observations decks, along with the pros and cons, and recommendations as to who should visit which attraction. I've not been to any of them, but I'm thinking I'm going to check out Top of the Rock on my next trip. Thanks for the awesome video, and here's to hoping all of these attractions will be able to reopen sooner, rather than later!
Wow so "new wtc" is your Least Favorite? Well I think it's Disgraceful or Even Disrespectful and how they had the nerve to make an Observation NOT ON THE TOP OF THE ROOF Nevermind Just NOT REBUILDING
Been to 3. Empire State, 30 Hudson yards and WTC 1. All have cool sights of the city and different parts of the city too. I liked all 3, want to do top of the rock next.
Thank you so much for sharing your video. I look forward for my visit to New York this summer and I definitely visit the Scotton Yard observatory. The view look amazing in your video.👍❤️✈️
Can’t wait to be able to travel overseas again and visit NYC , even though there are cities now with bigger skylines they don’t have the charm and feel of NYC . I will visit all 4 as I am a skyscraper geek.
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I went to the Empire State Building and Top of The Rock in 2014 and I really want to see The Edge and One World Trade Center would be my second choice.
Can’t wait for the new observation deck on the Chrysler and one Vanderbilt tower 🙏🙏
Def the Hudson Yards one..the way its locate it...👋👋👋👋
Jon, you should put "Can't see the Empire State Building from The Empire State Building" on a T-shirt
hahahahaha. I'm sure they'd love me.
"You can't see the Empire State Building from the Empire State Building"
Thar's why the Rock is better.
So true
Technically you can look around it's upper floors at the balcony
You can't see none of the 4, when you are in them though??
You can't see your face from your face
I like One world the best for 3 reasons:
- The Elevator Experience is by far the best.
- Because its in Downtown you get that amazing skyline view looking up towards Midtown and the Empire.
- I prefer enclosed Observation decks as seeing people hang phones and cameras over the railings that high up gives me serious anxiety.
My personal ranking (haven't been to Edge Sky Deck):
1. Top Of The Rock
2. One World
3. Empire State
The ESB is over crowded although, I would like to go the renovated 102nd fl ! Top of the Rock is awesome and wwwaayyy less crowded. My friend and I waited 20 mins for TOTR versus 2hrs at the ESB.
Is the statue of liberty one
My favorite was the old World Trade Center. 110 stories. Outside.
The Summit just took #1. It was amazing and I highly recommmend it.
@@MitchellBPYao Frankly, the Statue of Liberty was not intended for tourists to climb inside. Not a great walk up and you have to move on for the next guy very quickly. Suggestion, take the Staten Island Ferry and sail by it. Much less money.
Excellent comparison! The Edge Sky Deck was my favorite too!
Thanks for the smooth b-roll of the ESB :)
Untill one Vanderbilt elevator...reshuffle the cards....One Vanderbilt the no.1 atraccion in NYC..Elevator accent
Hi action kid
Thanks, now I don't have to watch a 20 minute video.
When I visit New York in 1998 - I visit World Trade Center. I was about 300 meters up there. I cut see the other tower on the left. And there were long way down and a great view. This is my number one. I visit Empire State Building at night - I was outside. I love all the light - and view. Crysler Building (I will love to see next time - I visit the city), was beautyfull in the night.
The best was on top of WTC Twin Towers 2 WTC South Tower. It was open, almost 12 floors higher and you could look at the North Tower right next to the South Tower.
Just got back to the UK from NYC. I have done most of the Obs decks in the past but this time, we did Top of the Rock. Absolutely the best. With the others, you look down on absolutely everything. It all seems a bit flat. Top of the Rock isn’t that high, around 69 floors so you do look down on a lot but you also see the taller buildings from a great angle.
We got to visit NYC in February and we did Top of the Rock and the Empire State Building. Out of both of them I would agree that TOTR is better for the views but been from the UK we felt like we had to visit the Empire State Building too as it’s so iconic.
I'm from the UK also.
Did 3 of the 4 & Rock gave a good view of the Empire.
One World was great & was fortunate to go up the old World Trade Center as well, which you can see the remains of, from the top of the One World obs 👌
We could only justify one observation deck on our trip, so we paired One World Observatory with the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. It was a cold, but clear, day in March so being enclosed actually worked out well for us. That skyline reveal is pretty amazing, even when I knew it was coming. Knowing that it's number four on your list, I guess we'll just need to go back.
Nothing is going beat the old WTC. You could go up on the roof!
Yeah I can imagine.
Yep, I did that back in '87. Quite an experience.
We only got to the top indoor floor. Was December though.
Oh absolutely. I went to the South Tower back in August ‘98. That was a real observation deck. You had a choice of indoor and outdoor atop the roof and they were both massive. One World Trade is good but it’s a big disappointment without the outdoor deck. Plus the indoor deck there is actually a lower elevation than the 107th floor one inside the South Tower.
Best: Twin Towers outdoor observation deck. Twin Towers should have been rebuilt.
Lol those buildings looked like filling cabinets… they were an eyesore
That’s what people thought when they were being built but then it became an icon. At least another freedom tower should have been built. It doesn’t feel like WTC with any twin towers
@@jordanbelfort9129 typical post 9/11 born kid
No need for that many office spaces downtown anymore.
I can't wait to visit NYC one day 😭❤️
We are looking forward to your visit!! Most of us are really nice.
Scott Edson thank you so much!!
It’s crazy because I live NYC and it’s like I see these buildings almost everyday and when I watch videos like this it shows how much I take it for granted
Ziare Bey whenever I see videos about NYC I’m always in awe that people get to live it and see it everyday!
@@maryammahmoud3733 you will love it. I love heights & the views 👌
I just went to the empire state building yesterday and it was completely empty, I had the whole top of the building to myself lol
I lived in NYC 60 years never had an urge to go to the top. Did Rock center but one Vanderbuilt is amazing 🤩
The video I didn't know I needed
Summit one Vanderbuilt hands down the most beautiful, fun exciting Bldg in NYC. Safe coved test required, it’s more then a Bldg it’s an experience. Also easy to get to everyone can get to Grand Central just take the shuttle. Feeling very safe. Can’t think of a con.
Yes, too bad it wasn't around when I made this.
The Edge Skydeck at Hudson Yards is my favorite place to visit for my first time!
Ive been to 3 of these and would say i agree with you on this! Top of the rock makes it #1 since i havent been back to see the edge yet
Yeah it was the best for a long while. Now it's got competition.
Just came back from NYC and The Summit just took #1. Amazing experience. Glass room, glass box, glass elevator, and much more.
Been to them all, my favorite will always be Empire State Building, the classic art deco skyscraper, it is quintessential New York!
I love these videos because I see these buildings everyday and these vids just show how much I take it for granted
Just had my 1st visit to NYC!! My family & I went to the Edge!! It was great & worth the money.
I went to The Empire State Building in 2011 and Top of the Rock in 2019 all the way from Sydney Australia.
Love Love Love Love Love NYC.
Lifelong New Yorker with my two cents. Haven’t made it to the Edge yet but I’ve been to Empire, Rockefeller and the original WTC. I would recommend Top of the Rock if you have pick one. He does a great job covering all the reasons. Not the highest but you are among a crowd of other skyscrapers, it feels like you are eye level with giants. The view of the Empire State is the best from here by far. Also much less crowded. Like he said, try to make sure the weather is clear and if you can go at sunset to get both the day and nighttime views. Another fun option for nice views are the rooftop bars, there are lots of them. Cheers! 🙂
I’ve been to the top of Empire 5 times. Largely because I love the history of the building. It’s so iconic. But next time it’ll be the Rock so I can be a little lower and among other buildings plus you can take great photos of Empire. For me, those being outside are fantastic. Wish WTC was outdoors like the original was.
I paid $20 to go to Empire about 10 years ago. Wild how much it’s increased
honestly, i would pay for all of them. they all have different and unique views of new york
Having lived near NYC my whole life, I’ve been to all the observation decks except the edge, and I like top of the rock the most bc it’s right in the middle of midtown, and you feel surrounded by other buildings
Empire State Bldg is still the best for m because of nostalgia and being iconic. Then Top of the Rock next for the Empire State view. I've been up the Empire State about 3x and I don't mind heading up to the 86th floor once in a while.
Planning to do it again when I get to head back to NYC again.
I go during the winter and there are no lines.
I'm a huge skyscraper nerd, so I like to visit as many as I can, each one has its charms. Now, something that might be a decision making factor- if you or anyone you are traveling with suffers from foot pain, mobility issues, or gets tired easily, you might want to take that into consideration- Top of the Rock has lots of places to sit inside and out, which can make the difference between having an enjoyable visit and having to cut things short. One World has some benches inside, I don't know about the Edge, but I know Empire State has nowhere to sit once you're up there.
The Edge has a lot of seating too, I could sit on those stairs outside for ages looking at the city.
I visited New York in april 2019
And i loved it, i feel so cozy under tall buildings
“Throwing a coin out of the building” !! Definitely something I remember from my childhood.
hahaha
That can kill someone I wasn’t that stupid when I went there as a kid
Throw a Nickel
The only reason why I never wanna go to empire state building and one world observatory is because I you can't see those building from those buildings. Those two are my favorite so I want them as a part of my view. So top of the rock is #1
The best outdoor observation deck in NYC if not the world is the penthouse in Central Park Tower on floor 131.
But it is the most expensive at $100 million
Top of the Rock was worth the money. I had amazing visibility and views and I never felt like I was cramped by crowds because it was spread out so well
We JUST got back from NYC and I wish I saw this video before we left. Best video to compare the different decks.
When I was young, we played hooky from school, went to the ESB, picked an elevator, and went to about the 80th floor. We found a vacant area, walked over to the window, and were blown away when the window easily opened up. Holy cow! After a few minutes, we were busted and told to leave by some elders. A great free experience. About 1970.
I went to Rock for the first time in 1974. I still take my visiting friends there. Sorry to see that the MoMA tower and 57th St. towers are taking away the view of CP.
Yeah..
I totally agree. I worked on the 49th floor of 30 Rock from 2010 - 2017. The view of the park changed drastically during that time! Not for the better.
We went to Top of the Rock, like you suggested and it was EXACTLY as you described! You ROCK. Love your channel and your accurate descriptions and commentary!
I am shocked. 2008 I payed $18 to get to the 86th floor ... time flies and prices explode ...
Hard to pick a favorite, but I’d say the best views are from 30 Hudson Yards. Midtown looks truly massive (and close) from there, and the view of Downtown is superb.
I must say that this video was amazing. Congratulations ♥️♥️
Never gone to all of them but I did Empire State and Top of the Rock this February and TOTR was my favourite! Can’t wait to go back to New York soon!
I and my bff will visit NYC this coming April and this is very informative and helpful! Thank you!!!!
Ive just been to NYC and ive been to The Empire State Building, One World Observatory and The Summit. Here are my pros for each one:
1. One world Observatory
- The elevator ride
- the experience up there
- the music and the stories displaying at the ground level
- the buildings history
- the view ofc
2. Empire State Building
- before the elevator, you get a nice story of the building being built
- you got interesting parts like the king kong part, the part where it shows every movie the building was in ect.
- the view and the ability to go outside
- the elevator experience
3. The Summit
- Theres a short film at the start thats so good it gave me chills
- the check-in procces
- the elevator experience
- the feeling of being in an endless void on the top
- the clean view
- the transprent floor on the 92nd floor
- and the ascend
So in conclusion if you want an adventure while wanting to see the whole NYC, i reccomend The Summit
EDIT: i didnt watch the whole vid before writing this and i relise he talked about the same stuff lol
Damn, all 4 have something to offer that the others don't. What a tough call. GREAT video though.
One world is my favourite, granted haven’t done the Edge yet. Bringing the whole family in December (fingers crossed) so will definitely have to do it then! I love the Art Deco at Empire State and the night view from top of the rock.
I agree with just about all of the things you said! I was thinking the exact same things before watching this video.
I do love that these observation decks have elevators that show you a little video as you ascend.
Starting this year we visited New York for the first time and decided to go to the One World Observatory because of the video you made. We had only a few days and most of them were foggy, the very last the fog let us see the city (It was early January and already dark) the city lights were amazing, but photographing with the glare of the glass wasn't easy. Still an amazing experience to live in the moment. It was cool that when we checked Google maps (using their WiFi) to map our way back to the hotel it showed we were in the middle of the water. Thanks for ALL your recommendations! You made our trip unforgettable!
The Empire State Building is the best to visit. The historical value of that building alone makes the view so much more incredible.
I've been in NYC in 2003, 2010 and 2018. In 2003 I went to the 86th of the Empire state as part of the city pass. Top of the rock wasn't either accessible or included in the city pass back then and the other 2 weren't there yet.
In 2010 I went to both top of the rock and the 86th with the City pass and paid the extra 30 bucks to visit the 102th. One WTC was still under construction.
In 2018 it was just a one day visit. I wanted to go up one WTC but my buddy was too cheap to pay the entrance fee so we've only walked the grounds. Next time I will definately go up.
I’ve only done One World Trade (I go every year old 9/11) and The Edge. One thing you left out about the Edge is that if you have an Equinox membership you can go for free 6am Wednesdays for their Edge Yoga class.
Visited 3 of them in my last trip in feb. Wish i can visit the edge someday! Really enjoyed view from top of the rock, spend about 3 hours until sunset.
Sounds fun.
@@HereBeBarr Your videos really helped with my first trip to nyc. Keep going!!!
I cant wait to go back! The way you talk about this great city makes me wanna pack my things and move down to NYC. As always, thank you jon!
Can see why you chose The Edge - it does have a great combo of factors
An informative, dispassionately non-committal, lucid comparison! It is so gratifying that 1, World Trade Canter is exactly 1776 feet tall ! One suggestion: Why not give, in addition to the brilliant narration, some pointers on the nearest accessible NYC MTA Subway-Stations / MTA Bus Stations ? Thanks and BRAVO for a wonderful guidance! Please keep up the Good😀 Work!
I recommend the ESB an hour before it closes. Crowds are pretty tame. I love the ESB because they have done a great job of making you feel like you have stepped back into the 1930s. I do love 30 Rock too, I just wish you had a better view of the Chrysler building. I've never been to the Edge. I'll check it out soon.
I've done Empire State and One World Trade. They're both different so hard to say which one is better. I loved being at One World because of what the building represents. I'd been there in 2003 and saw the start of construction so in 2019 I finally got to stand in what was built. I didn't like that the best view had the smallest window, with people clamouring to get a photo from that window. The Empire State is amazing for the history. But it was so windy the first time I went, I didn't really enjoy it too much. The 2nd time was the middle of summer and it was nice and warm, and still. I did late afternoon to see day/night. Same with One World. I loved Empire because I spent my childhood wanting to one day go up it, so it was a big wow factor. The view itself wasn't that impressive though. There was no
Funny you mentioned how the Empire State Building observatory is open until late at night. One time when I was visiting NYC I was up late and couldn't sleep. So I did exactly that, I went up to the observatories and got a really cool selfie on the 102nd floor, with Times Square lit up behind me while looking down toward the street.
The ESB is still my favorite building ever, maybe tied with the Chrysler Building, and is absolutely an Art Deco masterpiece.
Watching this channel is the best observation deck 🌞
I love the beat playing the background
I loved top of the rock and was cool to be closer to the Buildings. I'm happy I chose that to one world Observatory or empire state building. The new one looked amazing the edge one but i recommend top of the rock on a very nice day.
I recommend Top of the Rock. I picked the sunset ticket because I wanted to see the skyline at day and night for the same price
I really enjoyed the video! Can’t wait to explore New York after some hard months for everyone and it would be so cool to meet you on the streets 😁Like!
I can't wait for the observatory at one Vanderbilt to open!!!
Tk. I like to planning everything, so your video is "A MUST HAVE"
The Edge is best by far. It's a complete consumer experience. Compelling urban street and architecture theater. It builds expectations and preps for the real experience of the urban landscape. It helps to celebrate the very sensual soul of NYC.
I love the Edge but The Summit has it beat by far
I'm late to the party, but this was a great video. Of the observatories, I like Top of the Rock the least. I enjoyed traversing multiple outdoor levels and viewing the Rainbow Room. One World Trade Center, though, has a supreme elevator ride and more spectacular views. The Empire State Building will always be my favorite view of one of the greatest cities in the world. I had an unexpected night in NYC after a connecting flight back home was cancelled. I had two hours before I needed to depart for Newark the next day, and there was no way I wasn't doing the ESB. I love it best at night, but the daytime vista is breathtaking, too. Its central position in Manhattan's layout provides, for me, the top-tier vantage point. I will certainly explore the Edge and Summit One Vanderbilt during my next trip. What a great watch.
Talking about the building itself (instead of including an antenna), the tallest building in the western hemisphere is Central park tower. Its roofline is a hefty 55 meters higher than One WTC.
Just to be clear, the Willis Tower is taller by roof height (where people can safely stand without safety gear) and 1WTC by structural height/mast antenna/permanence. The roof of the Willis Tower is 1,454ft and 1WTC is 1,368ft ! The observation deck at the Willis Tower is 1,350ft and 1WTC is 1,268ft. So when standing on top of the Willis Tower, you would be looking down about 8-10 floors on the roof of 1WTC ! This info can be found on Wikipedia, Towerinfo.com and other articles.
Great review of the different observation decks btw. Top of the Rock gets my vote as the best one, then The Edge, ESB and 1WTC (it’s far away from Times Square and it’s enclosed).
The elevator ride alone looks like a good reason to check out the Freedom Tower observation deck
Now I’ve really got to get to The Edge... born and raised in NYC (Brooklyn), Top of the Rock was always my favorite by far because or it’s crazy views of Central Park and the Empire State and all the other close buildings of mid town... now I have to see what made you pick The Edge for myself! Thanks for you magnificent video!
Your welcome
I was supposed to fly to NYC today 😭
Bro I feel you, last month I was supposed to leave the U.S for the first time and go to Ireland. Huge disappointment
1.) Empire State Building - Particularly newly renovated 102nd floor. Empire State Building is still the only building in the city that optimizes its elevation and puts you at the VERY top, where an observation deck should be.
2.) EdgeNYC - Glass floor, grand staircase, and hugely spaced terrace gives a very nice wide open expansive feel. Offers both indoor and outdoor. Glass wall railings cut down on obstructions.
3.) Summit One Vanderbilt - Very unique observation experience visually, but this does compromise the functionality of the deck. The glass and mirrors give great optical illusions, but also is uncomfortable in terms of the greenhouse and magnifying glass heating effect and blinding reflection. Also several guards admonish you if you get too close to some of the glass and mirror sculptures (hindering the functionality). The cantilevered glass boxes and multi- level deck ascent give something that no other observation deck in the city gives, though.
4.) Top of the Rock - great and classic observation deck renovated with a modern feel, which EdgeNYC also later took on with glass panel railings to cut out the view. Due to the modest elevation, this deck has a much more intimate feel with the surrounding buildings, feeling more integrated with the skyline rather than perched above it.
5.) One World Trade, I rank last, because it pales tremendously to the previous World Trade Center observation deck. They really dropped the ball when they rebuilt it. Observation deck is much lower in the building than it was in the original WTC and is barely higher now than the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building. There is no more roof access like there was in the original WTC which gave you not just a cityview, but made you also feel one with the sky. Most exciting thing is the elevator ride up. But the observation deck is nothing special and offers nothing exceptional like most newer observation decks around the globe (glass floors, tilted windows, exterior decks, etc.)
(Soon to enter the list somewhere.) Chrysler Building 61st floor. Will love this one when it is finally complete, as it will give public access to the upper reaches of one of NYC’s most beloved skyscrapers which hasn’t been seen since 1945.
Great and informative video. I was all in for top of the rock but the edge looks really cool as well. Visiting NYC is my dream so i hope i accomplish it soon 😀
1. Rockefeller center
2. The Edge
3. World Trade
4. Empire State Building
5. Statue of Liberty(crown)
Hey Here Be Baar, have you ever been to the observation deck on the South Tower?
I used to work there from 2017 to 2019. I was able to go up for free. Me & whoever with me. I also got a VIP pass. Miss those days.
Great guide - really thorough and detailed breakdown of pros/cons and who it is good for
Thanks Greg !
City Services Building / American International Building / AIB - 70 Pine Street - the glass top and elevator does a Transformers transformation as the cab actually goes through the floor. At ground level, mini versions of the building in the doorway
Top of the Rock for me. I am afraid of heights and I feel very safe up there while enjoying outdoor views unobstructed.
Edge is the best as its an outdoor platform, Summit one is the best looking because of the reflective mirrors
Who would dislike this video? Get a life
hahaha
Some people don't like the opinion of others. 😒
I always thought observation decks were free...when I went to Sears Tower in Chicago many years ago there was no charge...
I went to the Empire State Building in the 1980s when I was a kid. It was during the winter, and it was freezing. One Vanderbilt didn’t exist yet, and the twin towers were still standing. I never got to go to the twin towers when it was still standing, but I grew up seeing them in NJ. I’ve been to One World Observatory, and I really liked that I can see everything. The elevator trip in the new building looks better than videos that I’ve seen of the old elevator trips up to the 107th floor of the south tower.
For western observatories, #1 Half Dome (Yosemite)
#2 Angels Landing (Zion)
Neither are for the faint of heart...
In my humble opinion, NOTHING beats the Rock. NOTHING. The views are phenomenal, and you get to see ALL OF New York's beautiful, iconic buildings, that, and you can even go outside! NOTHING beats it, I can't tell you how many times I've been up there!!!!
Me: Which NYC vlogger has the best videos?
Also me: HERE BE BARR!!!
I enjoyed this head-to-head comparison of the 4 observations decks, along with the pros and cons, and recommendations as to who should visit which attraction. I've not been to any of them, but I'm thinking I'm going to check out Top of the Rock on my next trip. Thanks for the awesome video, and here's to hoping all of these attractions will be able to reopen sooner, rather than later!
Thanks 🙏🏻
Great view of Empire from the Rock 👌
Wow so "new wtc" is your Least Favorite?
Well I think it's Disgraceful or Even Disrespectful and how they had the nerve to make an Observation NOT ON THE TOP OF THE ROOF
Nevermind Just NOT REBUILDING
The grade you made is really perfect
Been to 3. Empire State, 30 Hudson yards and WTC 1. All have cool sights of the city and different parts of the city too. I liked all 3, want to do top of the rock next.
My favorite is the Twin Towers :)
Thank you so much for sharing your video. I look forward for my visit to New York this summer and I definitely visit the Scotton Yard observatory. The view look amazing in your video.👍❤️✈️
Can’t wait to be able to travel overseas again and visit NYC , even though there are cities now with bigger skylines they don’t have the charm and feel of NYC . I will visit all 4 as I am a skyscraper geek.
The wtc2 (south tower) is the best one
That edge building that glass floor😳 my legs would've staterd shaking 😆
I’m planning my first trip to New York!! This helps a lot!! I’m so excited
At night, Top of The Rock.. during the day, Empire State Building.
There's a 103 third floor above the 102 floor pal