Empire State Building

Pretty cool outdoor observation deck. Cool flight simulator ride on the 2nd floor.

The observation deck on the 86th floor is open-air, and provides 360 degree views of the city for $16. For an additional $14 you can visit the 102nd floor observatory. If you are interested in an audio tour of what you are viewing, you can get a headset for about $10. The lines are long; plan on about 1.5 to 2 hours on the weekends, and 1 hour during the week. To cut off about a half hour, buy your tickets ahead on the internet. What is kind of surprising is the hours - you can head up as late as 2am on Friday and Saturday and midnight during the week.

The Empire State Building still great after 74 years of life.It is the best building on Earth.

Having visited the ESB in 2001 with my husband and found it a great experience I wished to take my children along.What a nightmare!!!!We were treated like cattle,being herded unceremoniously along in sweltering heat, not paying customers and the so called friendly staff were downright rude-without exception.Security also had many flaws.Don't rely on it! Take my advice,unless you go very early or very late-don't bother,our experience ruined what was otherwise a terrific stay in NYC.

We spent just as much time admiring the beautiful art deco interior as the wonderful view of Manhattan at the top. Don't be in a rush to get to the top if you have time to tour the interior.

Before my visit in August 2002 I had bought a couple of guides to the city. I made sure that they were published and updated after the Sept. 11 attacks for any notable changes. One of the books, which I used the most, warned that the queues for the ESB were notoriously long. When we turned up one evening, however, we found ourselves in the elevator within ten minutes. The view was amazing and the weather was calm, making it great for photos and my digital camcorder. The only thing I would do differently would be to go earlier in the day/evening so that I could see more of the city - the photos did not do the event any justice. Nevertheless, stunning views of every area, including parts of New Jersey, Queens, Brooklyn, etc. The financial district is still magnificent without the towers too. Highly recommended!

I preposed to my fience' (now my wife) tha the top. What an incredible building!

the esb is a gorgeous example of art deco arcitecture. not only is it a symbol of nyc, but it also offers exquisite views of the city.

what a magnificant building!! The World Trade Centers and The Empire State Building are(and were) magnificant, magnificant buildings. Along with the Statue of Liberty. I've been to all 3, and they are all(or were, again, unfortunetly), breath taking and WONDERFUL. I highly recommend visiting NYC. Bring the spirit with you. I love that city!! :)

A defining landmark of the New York City skyline.

The Empire State Building offers a spectacular view at night. I have not been there during the day, it might be just as good. You can learn a great deal about its history, get to the top, and back in an hour or less. If you spend a little time looking at the pictures and reading the plaques, it makes for an interesting attraction. We were staying there in the area and walked over after dinner one night. It was a nice way to finish of the evening.

I am concerned of the age of the structure, built in 1931. It seems that the structure may be stressed because of the tremendos weight. I wonder if they will eventually have to tear it down?

I was there Saturday night and it was a great view of NY. It took about 30-40 minutes to get to the observation area. We had to wait in line to go through a metal detector and then wait to get on a elevator that took us up to 80th floor and then wait for another elevator to the 86th floor. It was a pretty view but the wind was blowing hard. They even had part of the observation deck closed off because of the strong wind. It was really cold. I wasn't outside for more than 5-10 minutes. I may have liked it during the day because you can see more. I give the scenery 5 stars but because of the wait I only say it is worth 3 stars. Remember, I went on a cold night, if it was nicer out then the wait would have been more. I think on a busy day the wait could be 2 hours+ so be careful.

Don't miss the top of the Empire State Building but SKIP the "Skyride", it's not worth the money!

The Empire State building is a great part of NYC besides being a trademark. It also has a great view. You can see for miles around. They have friendly people working there and it is a nice atmosphere. I was not able to go all the way to the top when I was there but the 86 floor view is spectacular.

I am a born and raised New Yorker and I think when you come to visit try to avoid places like the Empire State Building because its JUNK.

I felt like I was on top of the world w/my girlfriend. It was beautiful @ night.

One of the best sights to visit in NY