Empire State Building
Apr 6th, 2003, 11:21 PM
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Empire State Building
It's our first trip to NY in late April,(Thursday to Sunday) as the ESB is a must visit could any of you in the know tell me if I should pre-book to avoid any queues, and the best time to visit? Thanks.
Apr 7th, 2003, 12:21 AM
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As I understand it, pre-booking only avoids the queues for the ticket office, not the queues for the elevators, but could be helpful. We went last month, at about 4pm on a Tuesday afternoon, and there were no lines at all, either for tickets or elevators (I was surprised!). I've also been at 9pm on a Sunday night in October, and also not had to queue at all. I expect weekends and holidays are much busier.
The advantage of pre-booking on the website is that the ticket is not for a particular day or time (I believe), so can be kept for a clear day or night.
I'm not sure which I'd recommend, both the day and the night views are spectacular, but try to pick a time when visibility is good. I found the audio tour very informative and entertaining. We didn't go to the "Skyride" presentation.
The advantage of pre-booking on the website is that the ticket is not for a particular day or time (I believe), so can be kept for a clear day or night.
I'm not sure which I'd recommend, both the day and the night views are spectacular, but try to pick a time when visibility is good. I found the audio tour very informative and entertaining. We didn't go to the "Skyride" presentation.
Apr 7th, 2003, 06:11 AM
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I timed my visit to the Empire State Building to coincide with sunset, which made the incredible views all the more stunning. However, the day I was there (pre Sept 11) there were no lines for either tickets or elevators, so I'm not sure how to plan ahead for sunset without knowing how long a wait there will be.
Apr 7th, 2003, 02:14 PM
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When we were there, there was no line up to buy tickets, but a long lineup for the elevators. So buying a ticket in advance isn't really going to save any time. In fact, there are employees standing outside, selling tickets so you don't even have to line up to buy them.
Have fun.
Have fun.
Apr 7th, 2003, 03:05 PM
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A great tip for ESB that I just became aware of recently (read it on this website - natch'!). There can be long lines waiting for the elevator back DOWN (sometimes 20-30 minutes or longer). You have the option of walking down about 8 - 10 flights and getting one of the regular elevators form the 86th floor to reach the ground (the elevators on the observation deck all transfer to regular elevators on the 86th floor).
Apr 8th, 2003, 05:10 AM
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I've always been between up 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. and never really had much of a line or crowds going up. However, I have have lines coming back down. I have also always noticed really long lines around the building in the earlier parts of the evening (especially on weekends). Therefore, I have always gone in the later part of the evening.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Apr 8th, 2003, 08:00 AM
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Are you planning to take a Gray Line TOur of New York City? If so, you can purchase the Empire State Building ticket at the same time you buy the ticket for the tour. As a previous person pointed out, it will save you from standing in a tciket line at the ESB, but you will still have to wait for the elevators.
http://graylinenewyork.com/
http://graylinenewyork.com/
