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.

Upon entering the lobby of the Empire State Building, I was impressed—it is gorgeous. The inside of the building (including the elevator to the 80th floor) was very nice. However, the actual observation deck on the 86th floor is really not that exciting. And it is not even remotely romantic, regardless of how many chick flicks claim it to be. Maybe I'm spoiled since I live in Toronto and we have the CN tower, but the 86th floor didn't seem high enough. There were some interesting things to see, such as the actual size of the Macy's store. It was $16 to get to this level. For an additional $14, you can go up to the 102nd floor, but we didn't spend the extra money.

It was the off-season, so we only spent about 5 minutes in line. However, they had space set up for very long lines. The Empire State Building is part of the overall New York experience, and I am glad I did it once. However, I will probably never do it again.

I had been to the top of the Empire State building about 10 years before and don't remember it being the complete disappointment that it was this time. If you like to stand in line, this is the place for you. Plus, you can't even go to the tippy top, they stopped that five years ago. You're going to the 86th floor observatory deck.

First, waiting in line to get the ticket takes a while. For me, it was a half hour, but it's often longer. Buy tickets beforehand at a nearby shop or I understand you can buy them online. They'll pitch you this "combo" package. It's a ticket to the top and also a ride/movie experience that takes you on a "helicopter ride" of the city. They say if you buy that, you'll get through the line faster. Um, not really. It might save you 15 minutes, but in the grand scheme of a two-hour wait, don't do it unless you really want to see the movie anyway.

Then they catch you when you get to the top. You have to stand in line again to get your photo taken. They won't let you bypass it -- how annoying. Another chance to make a buck.

Now you're at the top. Big deal. There's New York -- behind a fence with a lot of grafitti on it. Yes, I know for some it's just to say you've been to the top of the Empire State building. Make it last on your list if you've other things to see.

Now, you have to wait in line to get DOWN the darn thing. That was another 45 minutes. Ugh! Plus, it's not air conditioned, so prepared to be hot and sticky. The random fans give momentary relief -- until the line moves again.

In case you haven't already garnered this, I thought it was a huge waste of time and energy. Nothing like when Meg Ryan rushes to the top to meet Tom Hanks -- let me assure you. Do it if you must, but be prepared for lines and depending on the weather, a view that's not all that.

The Empire State Building is one of the New York skyline's most famous landmarks. It is a limestone classic, built in 410 days at a cost of $40 million during the Depression. I always think of it as the vertical perch off which King Kong was knocked.

When it was completed in 1931, this was the tallest building in the world. Now it is the tallest in Manhattan. It is 1,450 feet high, used 60,000 tonnes of steel and has 6,500 windows (all of which have to be washed).

It is not the most beautiful skyscraper in the city - the Chrysler Building wins this, but it is definitely the most iconic. At night it looks beautiful, bathed in lighting chosen the reflect the season or holiday.

We bought our tickets in advance on-line - highly recommended as it saved us about 45 minutes queuing to buy them. We paid $19 each, under 5's are free. You still have to queue to go through security and for the lifts, but you skip the long lines waiting for tickets. Be sure to show the staff you have your tickets, otherwise they just let you line up anyway.

The lifts go to the 86th floor observation deck where there is an outdoor viewing area. Be prepared for the crowds - even on a Friday morning it was so crushed and packed up there you could hardly move. The views are good though and it's fun to look down at all the shorter skyscrapers reaching up to you. You get an 80 mile view from the top.

As well as the Empire State Building, there are other sights of interest not too far away. The New York Public Library is a short walk away. It is an impressive building with 2 majestic stone lions out at the front - called Patience and Fortitude, and during our visit they were wearing holly garlands. The library building is 2 blocks long with 2 million books inside.

Grand Central Station is also not far away. Definitely go there as it is so beautiful. Built in 1913, this was the gateway to New York, with trains arriving from all directions. It has been beautifully restored. The Main Concourse has a 4 sided clock in the centre, 2 grand staircases and on the high vaulted ceiling is a blue and gold mural depicting the night sky.

At Christmas time in Grand Central they have a holiday lights laser show on the ceiling every 15 minutes. It is quite pretty and interesting to watch.

There are also lots of lovely little shops in the walkways and a great food market. During December they also have a Christmas Market - the stalls all have lots of lovely trinkets, Christmas ornaments and great ideas for gifts and souvenirs. We loved it there and ended up spending a small fortune.

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.