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Empire State Building vs One World Observatory

First-time in New York and torn between the Empire State Building and One World Observatory? Both deliver sweeping skyline views and big-name bragging rights. Yet each offers a distinct vibe historic Art Deco icon vs ultramodern sky-high experience- so here’s how they differ and which one fits your day.

Quick comparison – Empire State Building vs One World Observatory

FeatureEmpire State BuildingOne World Observatory

Location

Midtown, 20 W 34th St (Herald Square)

Lower Manhattan, One World Trade Center (WTC)

Price (adult)

From $44 (86th); 86th+102nd from $79. Express & VIP options available.

General Admission from $44; Combination & All-Inclusive tiers available.

What is it?

Historic Art Deco skyscraper with open-air 86th-floor deck + enclosed 102nd.

Modern, fully enclosed observatory with immersive exhibits on floors 100–102.

Built / Age

Opened 1931 (Great Depression era)

Opened 2015 (post-2010 redevelopment of WTC)

Height / Deck elevation

Tower 1,454 ft to tip; 86th deck 1,050 ft, 102nd deck 1,250 ft.

Views “from 1,250 ft” above the streets; floors 100–102.

Timings

Open daily; hours vary by date (e.g., 10:00–22:00+). Check calendar.

Open daily; hours change seasonally (e.g., 09:00–21:00).

Duration needed

60–120 minutes (longer if adding 102nd or photo ops)

60–90 minutes (allow extra for ONE Dine)

Queues / Waits

Peak at sunset & weekends; timed tickets and Express help

Peak at sunset; timed entries smooth flow; arrive 15–20 min early

Best time to visit

Clear mornings or late nights for lighter crowds; golden hour for photos

Clear mornings for visibility; golden hour or after rain for dramatic views

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible routes & restrooms; service animals permitted.

Elevator access throughout; accessibility info on Plan page.

Kid-friendly

ESB Museum & open-air deck excite older kids

SkyPod elevator, See Forever Theater & City Pulse wow all ages

Highlights

Art Deco lobby, ESB Museum, open-air 86th, 102nd glassed observatory.

360° enclosed views, SkyPod elevator, See Forever Theater, City Pulse, ONE Dine

Dining options

Onsite eateries in the building (e.g., restaurants at street level)

ONE Dine restaurant & ONE Mix bar at the top

Nearby attractions

Macy’s Herald Square, Bryant Park, Times Square

9/11 Memorial & Museum, Oculus, Battery Park ferries

Notes / Rules

Airport-style security; large items restricted

Timed entry; security screening; arrive before slot

Verdict – Which Should You Visit?

Short on time and want that classic NYC moment? Choose the Empire State Building for its open-air 86th-floor breeze and Art Deco history.

Crave a sleek, story-driven, all-indoors experience? Pick One World Observatory.

Can’t decide? Do both Empire State Building by night for lights; One World Observatory by day for harbor views.

See both skylines - one smart plan

Bundle the two observatories with timed entries and save planning time. Do One World Observatory by day and Empire State Building after dark for two totally different cityscapes.

Check your options

Major differences between Empire State Building and One World Observatory explained

History and architecture

Empire State Building: A 1931 Art Deco landmark with cinematic pedigree and a museum celebrating its construction and cultural impact.

One World Observatory: A 21st-century experience in One World Trade Center- sleek, symbolic, and tech-forward, with immersive storytelling woven through the visit.

Experience highlights

Empire State Building: Feel the wind on the open-air 86th deck, then ascend to the enclosed 102nd for a higher vantage and tighter framing of Midtown.

One World Observatory: Ride the SkyPod in 47 seconds, watch the See Forever reveal, get live tips at City Pulse, and toast the view at ONE Dine.

Atmosphere and audience

Empire State Building: Romantic, nostalgic, and photogenic- great for night shots and classic NYC vibes; wind and weather add drama on the 86th.

One World Observatory: Smooth, climate-controlled comfort with cinematic pacing- ideal for families who prefer interactive, fully indoor venues.

Location and surroundings

Empire State Building: Midtown hub near Herald Square, making it easy to fold into a shopping or Midtown sightseeing day.

One World Observatory: Downtown base with instant access to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Oculus, and harbor-facing viewpoints.

When to visit

Empire State Building: Go early morning, late evening, or post-rain for clarity; sunset is busy but gorgeous- consider Express.

One World Observatory: Clear mornings are best for long-range views; golden-hour reflections over the Hudson look striking through the glass.

Other practicalities

Empire State Building: Wheelchair-accessible routes and facilities; service animals welcome; timed tickets reduce lines; 102nd costs extra.

One World Observatory: Timed entry, elevator access throughout, and onsite dining make it seamless during heat, cold, or rain.

Visiting Empire State Building and One World Observatory

  • Empire State Building: General Admission to the 86th floor starts from $43.99 ; add the 102nd floor or opt for Express to skip main lines. Prices and hours vary- check the calendar before booking.
  • One World Observatory: General Admission starts from $28 with optional Combination (digital guide) or All-Inclusive (priority + drink) tiers. Timed entries help manage crowds.
  • Seeing both: Book timed slots a few hours apart- daylight at OWO for harbor reach, nighttime at ESB for neon grids. Many resellers bundle both for convenience; compare inclusions and cancellation terms.
  • Doing both independently: It’s realistic in one day. Prioritize OWO morning for visibility, Midtown lunch, then ESB after dark. Allow buffer for security and inter-neighborhood travel.

Morning – One World Observatory (9:00–11:00)

  • By subway: E to World Trade Center; 1 to WTC Cortlandt; R/W to Cortlandt St. Arrive 15 minutes early.
  • Highlights: SkyPod, See Forever Theater, City Pulse.
  • Optional: Coffee at illy Caffè upstairs.

Lunch (12:00–13:00)

  • Nearby: Oculus eateries or stone-oven slices on Church St.
  • Transfer: Subway E or R/W uptown to Herald Square (~20 minutes).

Afternoon – Empire State Building (14:00–16:00)

  • Arrival: 20 W 34th St (Herald Square).
  • Highlights: 86th-floor open-air deck; add 102nd if skies are crystal.
  • Optional: Bryant Park photos or Macy’s window-shopping.

Evening (Optional)

Dinner: Koreatown (W 32nd St) or a Midtown rooftop; swing back to ESB for blue-hour lights if your ticket window allows.

Empire State Building:

  • Address: 20 W 34th St, New York, NY | Find on Maps
  • By subway: B/D/F/M & N/Q/R/W to 34 St–Herald Sq; 1/2/3 & A/C/E via Penn Station area.
  • By bus/car: Midtown routes; garages nearby.

​Empire State Building directions >

One World Observatory:

  • Address: One World Trade Center, 117 West St, New York, NY | Find on Maps
  • By subway: E to World Trade Center; R/W to Cortlandt St; 1 to WTC Cortlandt; 2/3/4/5 to Fulton St.

​One World Observatory directions >

Empire State Building:

  • Open daily with seasonal hours (often around 10:00–22:00+). Check the date-specific calendar; last elevator typically ~45–60 minutes before close.

​Empire State Building timings >

One World Observatory:

  • Open daily with seasonally changing hours (e.g., 09:00–21:00); last entry generally 1 hour before close.

​One World Observatory timings >

Duration & best time:

  • Empire State Building: Plan 60–120 min; quieter late evenings.
  • One World Observatory: Plan 60–90 min; clearest vistas in the morning or just after rain.
  • Open-air vs. enclosed: Empire State Building offers a breezy, open-air 86th deck; One World Observatory is fully enclosed- great for extreme weather days.
  • Sunset strategy: Book sunset at One World Observatory only- it’s the priciest and busiest slot. Do the other at morning or late evening to balance crowds.
  • Photo planning: Bring a small lens cloth; reflections are common at One World Observatory. At Empire State Building, wind can shake phones- use railings for stability.
  • Weather watch: After rain, visibility spikes. If skies are hazy, prioritize the 102nd (Empire State Building) for higher angle shots.
  • Accessibility prep: Both offer elevator access and accessible restrooms; confirm accommodations and any loaner wheelchairs before you go.
  • Dining: For a splurge, reserve ONE Dine at One World Observatory; in Midtown, eat around Koreatown or Herald Square before/after Empire State Building.
  • Timing buffers: Arrive 15–30 minutes ahead to clear security without stress, especially on weekends and holidays.

Frequently asked questions about Empire State Building vs One World Observatory

Can you visit both in one day?

Yes. Do One World Observatory in the morning for clear harbor views, then head to Midtown for the Empire State Building at night. Subway between Downtown and Herald Square takes about 20 minutes.

Which is more budget-friendly?

Base adult tickets start around $44 at both, with pricier skip-the-line and premium tiers available. Empire State Building charges extra for the 102nd-floor upgrade; One World Observatory tiers bundle add-ons like a drink or digital guide.

Which is better for first-time visitors to New York city?

For that classic movie-poster moment and open-air thrills, Empire State Building wins. If you want modern storytelling, all-indoor comfort, and dramatic harbor sightlines, One World Observatory edges it.

Which is better for kids?

One World Observatory's SkyPod elevator and multimedia reveals land well with kids. Empire State Building is great for older kids who love outdoor decks and history exhibits; windy days can feel intense on the 86th.

How far apart are they?

They’re in different parts of Manhattan- Midtown vs Lower Manhattan. Expect roughly 3.5–4 miles apart; the subway ride is the quickest link.

What if I only have time for one?

Choose Empire State Building for open-air photos and night vistas; choose One World Observatory for daytime reach over the harbor and a smoother, weather-proof visit.

Which has the better elevator/show experience?

One World Observatory-the SkyPod plus See Forever Theater create a cinematic build-up before the views.

Are either included in city passes?

Inclusions change some New York city passes periodically feature one or both. Always verify the latest pass line-ups and whether timed reservations are required.

How long do you need at each?

Plan 60–120 minutes at Empire State Building (longer with 102nd). One World Observatory typically fits in 60–90 minutes, plus more if you book ONE Dine.

Which is higher?

Both advertise viewpoints around 1,250 ft above street level; ESB also has an open-air deck lower down at 1,050 ft. OWO’s observatory spans floors 100–102.