New York

Travelers' Takes

Rates and Deals

Empire State Building

More Photos
adm
adm
First Reviewer
4 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
43
Reviews
96
Photos
Sort by: Most Recent|Positive|Negative|Most Useful
6-10 of 43

Empire State Building

  • March 15, 2007
  • Rated 5 of 5 by Traveling Jen from East Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Empire State Building

The Empire State Building observatory has some breathtaking views. My only regret is that I tried to time it for just before sunset, I wanted to be on the observatory for long enough to take some great shots while still light out and some at sunset and after dark. Well, we were up there for quit a while, got the daylight shots and waited and waited… sunset never came.

Everyone was a bit tired and cold, and ready to come down. About 10 minutes after we ventured back into the building… was my sunset! Next time I’m timing it better, I’ll check the weather report and get the exact time for sunset. Yup, that’s what I’m going to do. The admission to the observatory is also included in the New York City Pass (as I said earlier… definitely worth it).

From journal New York City on the GO!

Editor Pick

Empire State Building

  • March 11, 2007
  • Rated 3 of 5 by CHIBulldog09 from New Haven, Connecticut
It sort of goes without saying that one of the things you have to do while visiting New York City is to go up the Empire State Building. In my opinion, it won't disappoint.

First, the facts: The Empire State Building is located at 34th Street on Fifth Avenue. The building has a remarkably nondescript entrance, with a simple awning that says "Empire State Building." If you didn't know better, you could easily overlook it while you walk on the street. Once you go in, you have to go up a level to purchase tickets to the observatory. The standard is $18 an adult, but there are varying other prices for kids, seniors, etc.

And that is where they start trying to get your money. After that, they'll try to get you to buy a ticket to a simulator ride over NYC in combo (don't, it is a waste of money). Then they'll take your picture to try to guilt you into buying it later. Then they'll try to sell you an audio tour. They'll also make you walk through a gift shop or two. Anything to make a buck, I guess.

But if you can get past that, the view is amazing. There is nothing like seeing New York from above, and the lower observatory is on the 86th floor. That is pretty high up there.

Here's a helpful tip: We went at 10:45pm on a Friday, and we faced literally no line. There were very little people there. As a result, what would at some points take a very long time to get through, we did in a very short period of time. If you want to go in and get straight up, you might try going later.

Anyway, it really is worth it. The other advantage to going at 10:45pm is that you can see New York at night, which is an amazing view. Totally worth it.

From journal Quick New York Getaway

Empire State Building

  • November 26, 2006
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Asia Traveler from Onalaska, Wisconsin
Empire State Building

My husband had never been to New York before, so we had to do a few of the "touristy" things while we were there. We went up the Empire State Building to catch some views of the city.

We had decided to spend the money ($30) to go all the way to the 102nd floor (there is also the main observatory on the 86th floor), but when we asked for tickets to the 102nd floor at the ticket window on the 2nd floor, we were sold regular tickets ($14) for the 86th floor observatory. We couldn't figure out what was going on - the clerk told us nothing, although there were signs all over the place saying "the 102nd floor observatory is now open!" We thought perhaps you bought a supplement when you got to the 86th floor, but according to their  website, that's not so.

It ended up not mattering. The views are great from the 86th floor - nothing else in that area is as high as the Empire State Building, so you get great views of the downtown skyline. One interesting fact that we learned is that you can see the location of 5 of the world's previously-tallest buildings from the Empire State Building... although two or three of them are no longer there.

We were at the Empire State Building on a Friday afternoon, and it was somewhat crowded. There was a bit of a wait for the elevators and we did have to fight our way to the rail on the observation deck. However, as everyone is constantly moving to get a different view, it wasn't a big deal - someone was always moving along so you could squeeze in fairly easily and quickly.

One note, though - if you think you'll need to use the bathroom, do it downstairs. The only women's restroom I found only had two stalls in it - and one of those was out of order when I was up there.

We enjoyed our visit to the Empire State Building, and even for an "old hand" like me, it was still fun to view the NYC skyline from the observatory.

From journal A First-timer and an Old-timer Visit the Big Apple

Empire State Building

  • November 10, 2006
  • Rated 5 of 5 by mafnet from Lake Forest, California
Due to the 9/11 attacks, security is at an all time high. However, the building is not closed to the public. The wait for the elevator is about a couple of minutes. It quickly takes you to the 80th floor (or near it), where you transfer to another elevator, which takes you to the observation deck. From afar, you can see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island above the skyscrapers of Manhattan. At that height, it gets cold enough to snow, something I missed out on but some of my friends reported to me just after I left. The elevator trip downward is a little rough. If you have ear pressure issues, be forewarned. Your ears will constantly pop, but nothing too serious. Otherwise, the building is a wonderful stop for a classic NY visit!

From journal New York

Empire State Building

  • September 19, 2006
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Kellygan from Colorado Springs, Colorado
It was about 8pm and we decided to see the city from up top of the city. We were warned the we would be standing in line, we were pleasantly surprised. The line was only about a thirty minute wait...so we thought! We bought our tickets and headed to the elevator. We were do excited to get up there. Then...then we got off and stood in another line for a picture to be taken. We knew we were not interested in the picture but could not forgo the line. Finally, 45 minutes later, we were up top. The view is amazing. There were many people up top, but, every one was kind. The view is spectacular. Worth the money, approx. $16.00. The lights of the city are incredible! If only they could get rid of the lines for the pics....We had to stand in line coming back down to view the picture we knew we didn't want!!!

From journal Five Nights in NYC

Sort by: Most Recent|Positive|Negative|Most Useful
6-10 of 43

Compare New York Rates

1. Enter travel information

City

2. Select websites to compare rates

Each selected website will open a new window.

Helpful New York Links

New York Travel Deals