Tours, sightseeing tours, activities & things to do | Viator.comEmpire State Building Observatory
based on 163 reviews
Duration: 2 hours (approx.)
Location: New York City, New York
Product code: 2194EMPIRE
163 reviews of Empire State Building Observatory
Read what other Viator.com travelers think about the Empire State Building Observatory. What they loved, what they liked and what they think could be improved, it's all here to help you make the most of your next trip.
The views by night were fantastic, but we purchased tickets with audio and were disappointed that this wasn't available when we went up at midnight. There was no mention of audio not being available at certain times when booking.
Reviewed by: Kirsty M, United Kingdom, March 2008
We were disappointed, as the rooms we walked through were being refurbished. There was no mention of this until we arrived at eightieth floor. Views from eighty sixth were fantastic. On a clear day you could see approx twenty five miles away.
Reviewed by: Alison S, United Kingdom, March 2008
We got the tickets through the website, but they were only vouchers, so we ended up having to wait on the ticket line anyway. There was entirely too much waiting: there was a line to get in, a line to go through security, a line to get the tickets, a line to go up to the eightieth floor, and a line to go up to the eighty sixth floor. We went early on a Saturday, and if you plan to go for the sunset, expect a two to three hour wait. It was nice, though. We didn't get the audio or a map; checking out the view and taking photos was enough. Hopefully, you can get there on a clear day, otherwise it would be better to postpone the trip.
Reviewed by: Anonymous, United States, February 2008
Unfortunately, the day we had booked for this was the worst day of weather we had; it had started raining and was so cold it was turning the streets into an ice rink. Visibility wasn't very clear with the weather, still, this is well worth doing for the experience.
Reviewed by: Amanda A, United Kingdom, February 2008
Awesome view, but loads of people and long waiting times. Too expensive for the time you have to wait.
Reviewed by: Christina S, Germany, January 2008
I preferred Top of the Rock, lines were to long and to many people everywhere.
Reviewed by: Karla O, Australia, January 2008
I was very disappointed that the tickets which I purchased on Viator for the Empire State Building did not cut down the waiting time in the ticket line, as advertised on the web site. I purchased the tickets in advance, as we were seven adults and two children, and the promise of a shorter waiting time was advantageous.
Reviewed by: Julie W, Australia, January 2008
There was low visibility, but that's no one's fault. It was just foggy out that day. The Empire State staff did offer a rain check.
Reviewed by: Anonymous, United States, January 2008
Contrary to what was promised, and paid for, we were obliged to take all lines, even after making the payment. We were very disappointed with the lack of service that existed elsewhere.
Reviewed by: Pascal F, France, January 2008
The ability to pre-purchase a ticket did not help with getting in line or aid in a faster trip to the top. So pre-purchasing was worthless as far as I can see it. Also the observation deck was closed due to ice and we were shifted to the inside with poor views. No refund as offered due to this. Would not recommend prepay at all.
Reviewed by: Gary C, United States, December 2007
It was my third time there; it was OK but I would not recommend it. The line was too long; we stood there for 2 hours and then went up to the 80th floor. We had to take the stairs to go upstairs.
Reviewed by: Anonymous, United States, October 2007
Long lines to get in and out.
Reviewed by: Stephanie P, United States, September 2007
The view from the observatory was fantastic! The waiting in line with everyone was not since I already had my Viator voucher. I could have gotten my ticket like everyone else and would not have to be bound by my commitments to a certain day. I was disappointed in Viator.
Reviewed by: Cathy B, United States, July 2007
The view was great but the employees were by far the rudest we encountered on our trip!
Reviewed by: Callie S, United States, July 2007
This was one of those things that you have to do while in NY. However we went at 8:00 when there were no queues. If I had to stand in line for hours then to be honest I probably would not have bothered though the views were awesome. It was a bit daft to find out you could go higher than the 86th floor normal platform only to be told the tickets to do so were back on the ground floor!! Sell them in the gift shop on the 86th then no problem.
Reviewed by: Tracy M, United Kingdom, June 2007
