NYC: Empire State Building & Optional Top of the Rock Tour

If you’re planning a trip to New York City and looking to get a true sense of its iconic skyline, a tour that combines early access to the Empire State Building with an optional visit to Top of the Rock could be just what you need. We’ve looked into this experience to help you decide whether it’s worth the price and how it stacks up against other sightseeing options.

What immediately catches your eye is the chance to skip the long lines and start your sightseeing with a smooth, guided entrance. Plus, with the chance to enjoy panoramic views from two of the city’s most famous observation decks, it promises a comprehensive perspective on Manhattan’s famed skyline. It’s especially appealing if you’re eager to see key landmarks with expert commentary, but it’s worth noting that the experience can feel a bit rushed—something to keep in mind if you prefer taking your time.

We like that this tour gives you early access—no waiting in crowds—plus the small group size (no more than 20 people) helps keep things intimate and engaging. The guide’s knowledge is often praised, making the experience more enriching than just wandering around on your own. However, some reviews mention that the tour can be hurried, limiting how long you can enjoy each viewpoint, which is worth considering if you’re a photography buff or simply want to soak it all in.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a guided overview with expert insights and are okay with a somewhat brisk pace. If you’re traveling during a busy season or just want a straightforward, informative way to see some of NYC’s most famous sights, this tour could fit well into your plans. But if you’re someone who prefers to linger longer at each spot, you might find it a bit rushed, especially at the Empire State Building.

Key Points

• Early Access: Bypass the crowds and enjoy a smoother entry into the Empire State Building.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides provide context, making the views more meaningful.
• Short Duration: The tour lasts about 2.5 hours, which means it’s quick but packed.
• Small Groups: Limited to 20 people, ensuring a more personal experience.
• Optional Top of the Rock: An extension to see even more of the skyline, including Central Park.
• Price Point: At $79 per person, it offers a guided, skip-the-line experience, which can be good value considering the hassle avoided.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point and Meeting

The tour begins at a conveniently located spot in Midtown Manhattan, right in front of the Starbucks Reserve at the corner of 34th Street and 5th Avenue. The guide, easily identifiable by their branded attire and flag, welcomes you to this small group, promising a personalized experience.

Getting there by subway is straightforward—trains N, W, 4, 5, 6, 2, and 3 all bring you close to the meeting point. We appreciate the clarity here, because NYC can be a maze, and knowing your transportation options helps set expectations for the day.

Early Access to the Empire State Building

Once inside, you’ll skip the often lengthy lines, a major plus during peak tourist season. The tour includes a guided walk through the Art Deco lobby—a visual treat—and then takes you up to the 80th floor to see the Dare to Dream Exhibit. Here, the guide shares engaging stories about the building’s rapid construction and the significance of this iconic skyscraper.

From the 80th floor, you’re led to the 86th-floor observatory, which is what most visitors are after. This level offers 360-degree views of Manhattan, with sights stretching across the boroughs and even into five neighboring states on a clear day.

The View and the Guide’s Commentary

Here’s where the tour shines—your guide points out landmarks, shares interesting facts, and helps you identify the key sights. From the Empire State Building itself to the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and beyond, their commentary adds a layer of understanding that elevates the experience beyond just looking out from above.

One review mentioned being “not allowed much time” to take everything in—about 20 minutes. This is typical of guided tours that aim to keep things moving but is something to weigh if you’re a fan of photography or want to linger at each view.

More Great Tours Nearby

Optional Top of the Rock Extension

If you opt to extend your tour, the next stop is the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center. From here, you’ll enjoy another set of breathtaking views, including Central Park and the Empire State Building itself, giving you a different perspective of the city.

This extension is especially popular because it offers more panoramic vistas and a chance to see the city from a slightly different angle. Many guests find it the perfect way to finish their day, with views that are just as stunning as those from the Empire State but from a more central, accessible location.

Duration and Group Size

The entire experience lasts roughly 2.5 hours, which is brisk but manageable. The small group size (max 20 people) often receives praise for making the guide approachable and the overall experience more personal. However, some reviews caution that the pace can feel hurried, especially if you’re a slow observer or want to spend more time soaking in the views.

The Value of This Tour

At $79 per person, the price includes skip-the-line access, a guided tour with an expert, and the optional visit to Top of the Rock. When you weigh this against the cost of individual tickets—plus the hassle of waiting in lines—it’s often seen as a good deal. That said, the limited time at each observation deck means you might need to return later if you want a longer, more relaxed experience.

Some travelers noted that they’d prefer to skip the guided tour altogether in future visits and spend more time exploring at their own pace. Others, however, found that the knowledge shared by the guide really enhanced their understanding and appreciation of the buildings and views.

The Experience in Practice

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of convenience, insight, and views. You start your adventure in a strategic location, avoid the crowds, and get the chance to see some of NYC’s most iconic sights from two of its tallest spots.

The views from the Empire State Building are clearly stunning, with one reviewer stating, “the view from the top of the building was absolutely outstanding.” Yet, the sense of being rushed slightly diminishes the overall enjoyment for some, especially those wanting to take longer photos or read more about the landmarks.

The guide’s commentary is often praised, with comments like “Leo was our tour guide, he was very good at his job, very informative and made it interesting.” Knowledgeable guides can greatly enhance a sightseeing experience, helping you make sense of what you’re seeing and making the visit more memorable.

Practical Tips

• Arrive early at the meeting point to start on time and maximize your experience.
• Prepare for some walking and standing, especially at the observation decks.
• If you’re prone to vertigo or have mobility issues, note that the tour might not be suitable.
• Bring your camera or smartphone for photos—just be aware that time at each deck may be limited.
• Consider whether you prefer guided commentary or a more leisurely personal visit; if the latter, visiting independently might suit you better.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a solid way to see two of New York’s most famous viewpoints with minimal hassle. The early access and knowledgeable guides make it a practical choice for those who want to avoid long lines and get a concise, insightful overview. The optional extension to Top of the Rock is a smart addition, providing more perspectives of the city’s skyline.

However, if you’re someone who wants to take your time to soak in the views or loves photography, the somewhat rushed pace might be a downside. Also, for travelers with mobility issues or vertigo, this might not be the best fit.

Overall, it’s a good value experience that balances convenience, education, and spectacular views. It’s best suited for visitors who want a guided snapshot of NYC’s skyline without spending an entire day on each site.

FAQ

Does this tour include skip-the-line access?
Yes, the tour provides skip-the-line entry to both the Empire State Building and, if you choose, Top of the Rock, helping you avoid long waits.

How long does the whole tour last?
About 2.5 hours, making it a quick but rundown of two of NYC’s top observation spots.

Is the tour suitable for families or children?
While not explicitly tailored for children, the tour is generally suitable for most visitors. However, it’s not recommended for those with mobility impairments or vertigo, and strollers are not allowed.

Can I just do the Empire State Building without the tour?
Yes, you can book tickets for the Empire State Building separately. This tour, however, includes a guide and the convenience of early access.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera or phone for photos, wear comfortable shoes, and be prepared for some walking. Remember, the experience is quite rapid, so plan your time accordingly.

Is the optional Top of the Rock worth it?
If you want more of the city’s skyline and different angles, many find it well worth the extra cost. It offers a different perspective of landmarks like Central Park and the Empire State Building itself.

To sum it up, whether this tour is perfect for you depends on your preferences for guided insight versus leisure time, and your interest in seeing the city from these famous heights. It offers a practical, well-organized way to tick off two major NYC attractions with professionals who know their stuff. If you’re eager to maximize your skyline experience without too much fuss, this could be a solid choice.

You can check availability for your dates here: