Top of the Rock

During the two and a half days that my parents were in New York City, we managed to keep ourselves busy.  Tuesday night we dined at the Union Square Cafe, Wednesday night we went and saw "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" starring Daniel Radcliffe (who will always and forever be Harry Potter to me), and then Thursday (in addition to stuffing our faces with all the Thanksgiving goodies) we went to the top of Rockefeller Center.  

My mom managed to get timed tickets so that we could go both during the day and at night.  After having been to the top of both Rockefeller Center and the Empire State Building, I would definitely recommend going to the top of Rockefeller Center (assuming you can only do one and not both).  The reason for my selection is because the Top of the Rock provides a much more breathtaking view of downtown, and then also a much clearer view uptown and especially looking out at Central Park (when viewing the skyline from the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center prevents a clear shot of Central Park).  Additionally, the viewing experience at Rockefeller Center gives a much better appreciation for the architecture of the Art Deco style since the first two levels are encased in glass (as opposed to a chain linked fence).  Granted I have not been to the top of the Empire State Building since I was in seventh grade, but between the two, my memory from the top of Rockefeller Center is much more memorable. 

The tree at Rockefeller Center

Bottom view of Rockefeller Center

The Swarovski Crystal Star

My parents

Entrance to go to the Top of the Rock

Central Park

One of my favorite views overlooking the second-level observation deck.

Downtown

Downtown at night-Empire State Building lit up in Thanksgiving colors.

Family!