After almost five years of living in New York, I finally went to the top of the Empire State Building tonight. My friend from San Francisco is visiting, and she really wanted to go up. Despite the beautiful view at night of the city and different perspectives, it wasn’t worth the wait, especially when you compare it to the Top of the Rock. The Top of the Rock is cheaper, the wait is almost nonexistent, and the views are more stunning than from the top of the Empire State Building. You can see the breathtaking 180-degree view of Central Park plopped in the middle of Manhattan, and actually take pictures of the Empire State Building. And there’s no barbed wire in your way (and in your photos).