- CHIBulldog09's Rating
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.
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