Empire State Building, New York

Come early (so you avoid queues) and enjoy one of the best attractions in the city of New York. More than impressive. If you like it, go and check the light coding they have, one per night !

I visited with my husband and 4 children in May. We got in quite qucikly which was a relief. Once inside I have never met so many people who dislike their job so much. No smile, just very very rude people. My kids were tired from walking and sat on the floor they got shouted at and so did I. O yes and the cheesy photo you are supposed to pose for. My husband is from Yorkshire, and if you know yorkshire people they don't like to be messed about he wound't pose, very very cheesy and expensive. We were crammed in the lifts like sardines. The view was brilliant once we got to the top. Shop at the top is overly expensive. I would visit again just for the view.

If you go to New York, you pretty much have to go here in order to tell people back home, "Yes, I went to the Empire State Bldg." I've been to the CN Tower, Sears Tower, Space Needle, Renaissance Center, etc. To me there's not a vast difference. Sure, New York is a really cool city to look at from a bird's eye view. But it's not SOOOOOO great that it's worth waiting a total of 1 hour 20 minutes to see. A lot of the other tall buildings and towers have information areas, fun activities, indoor and outdoor viewing. At ESB you go around this narrow walkway outside with a couple hundred other people, it's totally cramped or you can go inside to the store. No extras whatsoever. My advice--LIE--say you went there and instead, go shopping or to a show.

It was great going to one of the tallest buildings in the world but when we were there, it was so cloudy we couldn't see! Don't plan on buying anything in the EXTREMELY overpriced and overrated giftshop.

Go early! long lines towards the top is a test of patience.

The ESB provides a great view and tour of New York City, but the lines are long. You pay between $13 and $19 for a ticket ($13 just to go up, $6 for a recording that tells you what you're looking at) which seemed a little steep. (The Hancock Tower in Chicago only charges $9 by comparison.) The ESB is definitely a must-do when you're in NYC, but do it with friends. Solo is dull.

We took the last tour to the top at 11:30pm. The view at night is sensational. Great way to learn about and take in the city in an unusual fashion. The scenery with all the lights appears to be computer generated. It was well worth the half hour wait, and a must do on anyone's to do list in NYC.

The lines are long and at times you think you'll never see the top but once you are there it is certainly worth it, the views are wonderful. I bought a combo ticket which included a short but fun simulator ride around New York City this then gets you into the elevator line quicker then if I had bought an observatory ticket only. Cost $22.00

the lines may be long..it may take you hours to get to the top..but id tell you its worth the wait! esp when youre in line with someone special..the time just flies by..and when youre up there..its so high that you can touch the heaven..you can just spend hours on top and the view is extravagant!definitely priceless!

I went here on my senior trip and it was beautiful! The only complaints I have are, that it was too crowded to walk around in and that the people who own some of the restaurants downstairs are VERY VERY rude!