Empire State Building or Top of the Rock ?
 

We are undecided about whether we should fit in a visit to Empire State or Top of the Rock.
We would like to hear from anybody who has done one or both . We have 2 kids, 10 and 13, and waiting in line for too long with two kids can be a bit tough. When I check the ESB website it says 45 min waiting time after clearing security, and that sounds ok, but it of course depends on how long it takes to clear security? What is the total waiting time on average in peak season? We will be in NY at the end of July but are only in town för 2 full Days so we don´t want to spend a 2-3 hours in line to go up ESB. Have Heard that there is hardly any waiting in line at Top of the Rock, but is it as good and ESB. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Top of the Rock is much better and you can see the ESB from there. Just buy tickets in advance. We didn't have any wait at all and the views from the top are fantastic.

The general consensus on here is TOTR becuase of no waits and the fact that you can see the ESB FROM there.

I went to the Empire State bldg but bought tix ahead, so don't recall any long wait time. I loved the Art Deco design. It's so historic, and such an American icon. I hope to visit TOTR next time.

If only one -- then TOTR for sure, for the reasons mentioned.

been to both and Top of the Rock is better IMHO, less crowded, fabulous views

Thank you all ! Seems like Top of the Rock gets the most votes. Would be great to hear if anyone had information on average waiting time for ESB and ToTR in July.

Much prefer ToTR. You can see Central Park and northern Manhattan as well as get a great view of the ESB. And it's easy to get advance tickets for any time you want. Around sunset is good so you see the city both during the day and as it lights up at night.

If you have advance tickets the wait to get in is usually not more than a few minutes.

Top of the Rock - much better views over the city .

ESB depends entirely on the day and time, but you are usually in line for more than an hour most times. The big advantage of the Empire State Building is that it's open so late. If you want to go, consider going after midnight. But with only 2 full days in the city, I think you're crazy for doing anything where the line takes twice as long as the experience.