For one of the best views of the Empire State Building, head to Top of the Rock, which opened in 1933 at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, a masterpiece that rose — as the Empire State did — to demonstrate the triumph of capitalism over the depredations of the Depression. It was designed by an architectural consortium of extraordinary talent led by Raymond Hood.

The 55,000-square-foot observation deck is more spacious than the Empire State’s and its three levels offer a variety of vantages and multifloor people-watching. Vistas open dramatically through Midtown’s tallest spires, including intimate views of the new crop of billionaire towers.

The elegant entry point is a tall cylindrical lobby with a curving stair that wraps around a contemporary chandelier. Visitors rarely pause to look at the tired historical photos or the grainy videos that are supposed to ease the elevator wait. I arrived at the 67th floor 25 minutes after entering.

Open from 8 a.m. to midnight; topoftherocknyc.com; $32 to $75.