Somehow I just didn’t find the Empire State Building impressive. Granted, the view from the top is very pretty, though, overall it just didn’t live up to my expectations. The classy art deco atmosphere ended in tiled décor of the front lobby. The whole process of actually getting up to the top wreaked of hurried commercialism, with the mandatory group pictures, fading and crinkled Broadway posters, and the insistent "suggestions" to buy the audio commentary (from a "real live New York Cab driver"), or take a ride in a simulator that would "fly" you over New York. I wasn’t hoping for the 1920s age of glamour (well I was but I’m a tiny bit of a realist), but I would have at least settled for letting the building and its views speak for its self. Then again, this is why no one would ever put me in charge of something like this; it would never make any money. Overall, the Empire State Building does seem to have the tall building market cornered, so if that’s your thing, go. Otherwise, I’d spend my time and money somewhere else.

After what felt like an eternity, we reached the elevator to go partway up, and then we queued some more. Eventually we reached the top to be greeted by a man in a dinner jacket playing a small Hammond organ. He was playing "Here comes the Bride." It was St Valentine's Day, and several couples were getting married at the top of this landmark, but at the same time, there was a throng of tourists who had paid money to go up there, which one bride wasn't too happy about, so she started shouting at the queue that they were ruining her wedding. Outside on the viewing deck, we were still tussling for space with wedding-reception guests clutching their champagne glasses, but we managed to take in the views.

The views were impressive, and it is a great way to see the whole city, but it’s not the sort of thing you need to do again, and I certainly won't be booking my wedding up there.

The cons... may not matter, depending on your attitude. There's a lot of standing in line. You stand in line first to go through security (leave your pocket knife at home); then again to buy tickets; then to get in the fast elevator which takes you up... not to the observatory which is located on the 86th floor, but to the 84th floor, where you stand in line all over again to have your picture taken; then to reach the observatory you have to stand in line for the final elevator. The indoor portion of the observatory is all gift shop, of course, full of "I [Heart] NY" mugs and T-shirts, but there's access to the outdoors, too. During all the time you spent standing in line, there have been people sternly telling you to rent an audio tour for $6, because there's no information available at the top; this of course turns out to be false, and there are perfectly good signs explaining what the major buildings are in each direction.

The ESB is pricey. Entry for adults is $16; seniors and youth ages 12-16 are $14; children under 12 are $10 (under 6 free). There's also a "skyride," which is really a video screening on the ground floor, which you can see for an additional fee (though it's not clear why you'd want to). And then there's that picture they snapped of you on the way in, which they'll try to sell to you, for $20, as you're on your way out.

So... your call. I could happily spend a lot of time in New York without going up the Empire State Building, but that may be because I've already been up. How much are you willing to do for a great view?

The funny thing about it was that I never realized I was right on top of the Empire State Building until our friends pointed it out.

The mural in the front lobby was very neat.

One of the main attractions about New York is the Empire State Building. It is located on Fifth Avenue and 34th Street and cannot be missed. It took us about 10 minutes to get up to the top. However, we bought our tickets online and we went early on a weekday.

We visited the Empire State Building on our first day in New York, so it was a great overview of the city. We were able to see all the parts on Manhattan before we explored it. Trying to get pictures up there is more difficult - there are so many people trying to get the perfect shot that you just have to be patient, smile, and enjoy the wonderful views. We explored the 86th floor of the Empire State Building, enjoying the sights and looking around the gift shop.

TIPS:
GO EARLY !
BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE!
ENJOY THE VIEW!

here is the web site: