Home Destinations USA New York New York City Sights Empire State Building

Empire State Building Review

Read our New York City sights reviews. Or post your own.

Empire State Building

Address: 350 5th Ave., at E. 34th St., Murray Hill, New York, NY, 10118 | Map It
Phone: 212/736-3100; 877/692-8439
www.esbnyc.com

Category: Historic Districts/Sites
Location: Union Square

Write a review | Avg. member rating: 3.6/5

Fodor's Review:

Bittersweet though it is, this landmark is once again the city's tallest building. Its pencil-slim silhouette, recognizable virtually worldwide, is an art deco monument to progress, a symbol for New York City, and a star in some great romantic scenes, on- and off-screen. Its cinematic résumé—the building has appeared in more than 200 movies—means that it remains a fixture of popular imagination, and many visitors come to relive favorite movie scenes. You might just find yourself at the top of the building with Sleepless in Seattle look-alikes or even the building's own King Kong impersonator.

Built in 1931 at the peak of the skyscraper craze, this 103-story limestone giant opened after a mere 13 months of construction. The framework rose at an astonishing rate of 4½ stories per week, making the Empire State Building the fastest-rising skyscraper ever built. Many floors were left completely unfinished so tenants could have them custom designed.

Thanks to advance ticketing on the Internet, you can speed your way to the observatory on the 86th floor. If this is your first visit, rent a headset with an audio tour from Tony, a fictional but "authentic" native New Yorker, available in eight languages. The 86th-floor observatory (1,050 feet high) is outdoors and spans the building's circumference. This is the deck to go to, to truly see the city. Don't be shy about going outside into the wind (even in winter) or you'll miss half the experience. Bring quarters for the high-powered binoculars: on clear days you can see up to 80 mi. If it rains, you can view the city between the clouds and watch the rain travel sideways around the building from the shelter of the enclosed walkway. The advantage of paying the extra $15 to go to the indoor 102nd floor is that this observatory affords an easy and less-crowded circular walk-around from which to view the city. It also feels more removed and quieter. Express tickets can be purchased for front-of-the-line admission for an extra $45.

Time your visit for early or late in the day—morning is the least crowded time, and at night the city lights are dazzling. A good strategy is to go up just before dusk and witness nightfall.

Although some parents blanch when they discover both how much it costs and how it lurches, the second-floor NY SKYRIDE is a favorite of the seven- and eight-year-old set. The ride presents a movie, motion, and sights, rolled up into New York's only aerial virtual-tour simulator. 212/279-9777 or 888/759-7433. www.skyride.com. $25.50; $38 combo SKYRIDE and observatory. Daily 10-10.

Cost: $19
Open: Daily 8AM-2AM; last elevator up leaves at 1:15AM
Subway: B, D, F, N, Q, R, V, W to 34th St./Herald Sq.; 6 to 33rd St.

Find more sights in New York City »

Member Reviews and Ratings

Reviewed by bachslunch from US on 12/14/08
One of Manhattan's must-see buildings (and given how tall it is, you won't likely miss it). Less graceful than the Chrysler Building, but elegantly understated given how big it is and just about as marvelous, with a nicely detailed lobby inside. The view is very good on clear days, but be prepared for horrific long lines unless you buy tickets ahead of time, and expect to pay plenty regardless. Still, it's a must.

Member Rating: 4.4
Ratings details: Experience: 5.0 Ease: 3.0 Value: 4.0 Don't Miss: 5.0

Reviewed by spaniard from Virginia on 5/15/07
If you like standing in line and paying an extraordinary amount just to see the city from up above... then it's great... It's a little too pricey and you can't see as much as you would think...