This may sound a really silly question, but we'd like to know the best time to visit. We have purchased tickets online to save queuing, as someone said the lines to pay are really long. The question is then whether the lines for the lift are short (ie the lines for paying hold everything up)? We'd like to go at a reasonably quiet time of day (if such a thing exists!)so we are not swamped with other people, but we also want to get the clearest views. I'm inclined to go first thing in the morning, but would appreciate anyone's advice.

I love the building top at night.

I am now leery of going up (my phobia since 9/11).

I surely wouldn't go up on the 9/11 anniversary. I am worried about a repeat performance.

We were there in Feb for a long weekend. Waited until our last day there because the lines were so long during the weekend. We ended up walking pass there on a Tuesday morn and noticed not much of a line. Don't know about know though since the kids are all out of school

Sue, remember that the Empire State Building is a very busy office building, so first thing in the morning you're going to encounter rush-hour crowds. It will be extremely crowded in the lobby, around the building and on the streets. Likewise for evening rush hour, from around 4:30 to 6:30, and at lunch time (noon to about 2:00) expect rushing crowds of people. I'd recommend going in between those rush periods, you'll be better off. Have a fun time, the ESB is a really wonderful landmark.

I also prefer to go up at night and have found that weekend nights are busiest (Friday and Saturday specifically). However, I've had no line at all on weeknights at times.

Hi Sue,
There are always a lot of people going to the top of the ESB so you'll never find a quiet time of the day. Very early or around 9:30pm are the best times to go to avoid the really big crowds. For the best view night is better than day. Have fun.

We went last May (2001), and also went up last thing at night. I beleive we just got the last elevator (Sat. night) and that was at 11:45 PM. There were maybe 5 people ahead of us. It really is lovely at night. This was following advice given to us. We started first thing in the morning at the Towers and ended up at the Empire. Did many things in between, very tired at the end....but will always remember it!

On a visit to New York in May, my daughter and I made the mistake of going to the Empire State Bldg. early on Sunday morning. The lines were unbelievable. They kept telling us that the wait would be from 20 to 30 minutes. The lines were deceptive, as each time you rounded a corner, you saw a longer line in front of you. We waited several hours to make it to the top. People who had bought tickets ahead of time were having the same problem. However, those that chose to attend a movie offered there were herded in a little ahead of us,but they still said it was a long wait. I have heard that late at night or maybe a weekday morning would be better. We stayed as this was my daughter's first visit to the city and she so wanted to do this. Good luck.

Hi Sue

We are going to be in NYC on the weekend of 16th August and I'm curious to know how you booked online? Sounds like a good idea! Pls can you let me know the details.

My boyfriend and I went to the Empire State Building late at night on a weekday and there was no line at all. We went up 45 minutes before closing and only had about 3 couples that went in the same elevator as us. Try it late at night, its beautiful and there's no crowd.

Bonnie, you can book tickets for the Empire State building on the following web site. esbnyc.com Tickets are for anytime for a full year. Hope this helps.

The best advice I can give you is don't bother with the "Sky Ride." It's a big waste of money! As for the right time to go to the observation deck, always call and ask what the visibility is before you go.

Great idea to purchase tickets ahead it will save you waiting time in line. When I was there we went at night (barely made it before they closed) and was totally blown away. It was spectacular!! We had bought a packet of tickets and decided to do WTC during the day and Empire at Night. Loved seeing both views.

If I had to pick one I would probably go at night. If you do choose to go during the day then I would do morning (maybe the air will be clearer) and fewer people. I would guess the observation deck opens at 9 or 10 so you would avoid most of the office rush mentioned.

Have a great time, whichever time you choose to go.