04/03/09

Good Attraction but there are better ones

by TerryK123

Once you've made it upstairs to the top of the building you will undeniably see a great view. If you've never done it... enjoy. There are so many other great places in the city to see views though and museums that shouldn't be missed (AMNY, MOMA, etc).

• Pros: Great to see for the first time
• Cons: So many better attractions

09/30/08

I'ts a must do...even if you're not a tourist.

by zenjen

I've been living in the city for 10 years and I just went to the top of the Empire State Building because I was entertaining my 9 year old niece and my 11 year old nephew. We all loved it. They thought I was special because I purchased our tickets online which meant we bi-passed a gazillion people and saved us a least 45 minutes of standing in line.

• Pros: Remarkable views
• Cons: Lines and plenty of tourists

06/16/08

Wondeful

by Traveller101

Great views can see 50 miles out on a clear day. Nice breeze on the observatory.

Great for romantic moments as well as fun for the whole family.

• Pros: Thumbs up
• Cons: pricey

05/03/08

pretty view!

by juliannapham

going up when its a bit chilly and windy isn't a good idea! i felt like flying off after awhile but depending on which side of the building you are on, the wind isn't that bad and the view is actually super pretty!

yess.. the lines are super long! but if you're going up with people you enjoy being with, talking to them during the wait won't be bad at all. after the first 10 mins or so, the line moves much quicker once you get closer to the metal detectors. past that, its mostly waiting for elevators. but that wasn't that bad either considering waiting for elevators should feel like forever with so many people in line!

i will have to say though, that my friends and i were only up there for about 15 mins? it wasn't crowded but the windy weather and cold wasn't that great. still, it was nice up there! once in a lifetime experience : )

• Pros: pretty view at night time!
• Cons: super windy and chilling when i went..

01/23/08

Overpriced

by jetski42

My wife and I were just recently in NY and wanted to go up in the Empire State Building. Once we found out it was $20 per person, we did an about face and spent our money elsewhere. That is way too expensive to ride an elevator, look out the observation deck for 15 minutes and leave. I had as good of view from the 39th floor of my hotel.

• Pros: None
• Cons: Overpriced

10/16/05

Most overrated experience I've ever had

by syoungkin36

My girlfriend wanted to go to the Empire State Building because of Sleepless in Seattle and we were furiously disappointed. As a previous person commented, it consists of nothing but line after line after line (just when you finish one line, you have to hit another) and the workers were ruder than I've ever seen. It was crowded 3-deep at the top and I couldn't see anything. Finally, it took another 1/2 hour to get out of there. I loved everything else I did in NYC but the ESB is a definite skip next time.

• Pros: None
• Cons: Wait, Lines, Service

05/16/05

One of this hemisphere's most magnificent vistas.

by Contributor

The 1931 landmark was the result of a competition between the head of the Chrysler Corporation and General Motors to see who could build the tallest building. GM won, but the Chrysler building got the looks. The Empire State Building has changed hands several times since then, but the 86th-floor observatory has weathered it all. Cinematic, particularly at night, the city is never quite as beautiful as when it's awash in electric light. But night or day, the view from what is again NYC's tallest building is equally astounding--just make sure to go when the sky is clear. Shoot for warm-ish weather, as it can get cold, and expect hordes of tourists. An hour between getting your ticket and reaching the top is part of the deal.

08/24/04

wonderful views

by candidiva

The empire state building is a NY must see! I suggest going at night, when the views are absolutely breathtaking. The only complaint I have and I must warn, is that the building is extremely hot inside, there is no air conditioning. Fortunetely, the staff did their best to keep the line moving to the top where the observatory views are, but this short wait was still a bit unpleasent.

• Pros: excellent views

07/15/04

A "must see" stop in NYC

by hillside_one

I always bring my out of town guests to the Empire State Building and they always love it. A "must see" attraction in NYC. But it can get very crowded and hot. Try to get there early, even before it opens to beat the lines. Their new audio tour is a a great addition to the trip and a great value!

12/12/03

Empire State Building

by daryllgunter

The best place to visit in New York!! I go every time I am in town.