Tours, sightseeing tours, activities & things to do | Viator.comEmpire State Building Observatory
based on 142 reviews
Duration: 2 hours (approx.)
Location: New York City, New York
Product code: 2194EMPIRE
142 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.
We delayed our visit by a day as it was very cloudy and visibility was poor. The views from the top are great but the pedantic organizing of people from one queue to another to get to the lifts is exhausting. Go early to avoid the queues, ie 8am.
Reviewed by: David D, United Kingdom, December 2007
We didn't go up the day we'd picked as the cloud base was very low. But, we got up the next day in time for the best sunset ever!
Reviewed by: Victoria M, United Kingdom, December 2007
It was a great experience going to the 86th floor. It was a beautiful day and we could see for miles.
Reviewed by: Anonymous, United States, December 2007
The Empire State Building was great; I arrived at 4.00, so I got to see New York in daylight and also as it got dark, and I saw New York light up. I don't think it was worth buying ticket in advance, because we still had to queue at ticket office to get proper ticket issued. I'd go for advanced booking where you get your ticket in your hand. As luck had it, there were not too much waiting.
Reviewed by: Julie O, United Kingdom, December 2007
Would advise an evening visit to the Empire State Building as the queues seem far less and time is precious when in New York.
Reviewed by: S. A. E, United Kingdom, December 2007
We went to the Empire State Building at lunch time on a Tuesday and barely had to queue at all, which was great. Fantastic views and would highly recommend the audio tour - a bit cheesy but gives a really good explanation and history of what you're looking at from different vantage points. No need to buy the map sold if you have the audio tour unless you want a souvenir!
Reviewed by: A M, United Kingdom, December 2007
Very enjoyable.
Reviewed by: John T, United Kingdom, December 2007
It is definitely worth going to as the view from that high up is breathtaking. My biggest complaint is the line ups. It takes far too long to get through. And when we eventually got up to the 80th floor there were more long lines. We ended up taking the stairs up the remaining 6 floors. Worth the trip up to see it, but I would never go on such a busy weekend again to see it.
Reviewed by: Walley S, Canada, November 2007
Definitely worth doing - it is one of the most famous buildings in the world! Best to get there early on a clear day as it can get really busy and the security upon entry can take a while. Spectacular views give you a great opportunity to get your bearings and see the layout of the city at a glance. We walked away with fantastic holiday snaps to treasure, but had to be patient to get them as the viewing platforms get really crowded.
Reviewed by: Michael B, United Kingdom, November 2007
Something you have to do when you visit New York, but I felt the organisation let the experience down.
Reviewed by: Heather H, United Kingdom, October 2007
What a fantastic way to start our trip. We arrived late afternoon, and this was the first of 3 trips booked. It was amazing to see NYC all lit up at night.
Reviewed by: Hayley S, United Kingdom, October 2007
The tickets were easily exchanged. This is hands-down the best view in New York.
Reviewed by: Rodney H, United Kingdom, October 2007
The only problem was that your information said Viator customers could skip the ticket line and go to elevator line. That is not correct, and we still had to stand in line to exchange the voucher for tickets even after upgrading to the "expedited status" due to the length of the lines.
Reviewed by: Robin R, United States, October 2007
There was no difference between getting our tickets at the ticket booth or in advance at Viator. You still need to exchange your voucher for a ticket. The view was worth it though.
Reviewed by: Anonymous, United States, October 2007
Great views from up there!
Reviewed by: Bert F, Netherlands, September 2007
