Empire State Building & Top Of The Rock

I love the Empire State Building. Always have. As you approach the city it's the first thing in Manhattan you see from almost any direction. Astonishingly it took just 14 months to build at a cost of $24 million. That's about half the price of New York's most expensive co-op in 2007. It's a top attraction for tourists. But...there is one problem with the Empire State Building. From the building's 86th floor observatory you can't see the Empire State Building. But you can see it from the Top Of The Rock, the recently reopened 68th floor rooftop observatory at the top of the GE Building in Rockefeller Center. Now I'm not saying don't go to the Empire State Building. Go. It's great. But also go to the Top Of The Rock. Spectacular views of Central Park and the ESB, a very cool elevator ride and perhaps best of all, no lines. Indoor and outdoor viewing areas. Don't forget to go to the upper deck for unimpeded views (no glass) all around. 212-698-2000 or 1-877-NYC-ROCK. The entrance is at 50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues. Good, fast and inexpensive lunches can be found along 48th Street. Nearby - Radio City Music Hall, NBC Studio Tour. Photo by Tour Guide Mark.