not to sure about the location but it is a very nice photo. If you would move more towards the statue i think you could get a better shot of the surroundings also.
both are well metered shots with nice b&w contrast, but the first one is inferior to the second in my eyes for the first one has a clostrifobic feel to it due to the proximity of the camera to the railing. the second is just a much better framed shot yeilder a more comfortable look.