Empire State Bldg - long lines?
 

Hi all. My sister and I are taking my son to NYC next month (Sat or Sun). She wants to go up the Empire State Bldg. I've heard the lines for this get really long. Does anyone know what they are like around 11am on a Sat or Sun? I've already been to the top (many years ago) and I don't really want to wait really long to do this. Maybe I'll go over the Strand and let them wait!

Any experiences?

I don't know how long the wait will be, but you can buy your tickets online before you go and at least skip the ticket purchase line while you're there.

http://www.esbnyc.com/index2.cfm?CFI...FTOKEN=8870304

Karens,

I'd say the best advice is to get there right when it opens, or even 15 minutes before.

If you've been, you'll remember that the line for the elevators is in a loong, closed-in, airless hallway. We went in April last year and it was so uncomforabtly hot with all the bodies packed in there that many people gave up and left the line.

Ultimately, I decided it was worth the wait (from buying thte tickets to arriving on the observation deck may have been close to two hours); my husband felt it definitely was not.

Purchase your tickets in advance on-line and don't worry if the elevator line is long -- it moves fast.

And enjoy!

Expect a long wait. Really. When we were there on a Saturday afternoon the line was around the corner. Advance ticket purchases used to let you bypass the initial line and get to the second floor, but that wasn't the case a week ago. Once inside, you do skip the ticket purchase line, but so many people are savvy to this now, the ticket line was only an additional 15 minutes more. Or so the guard said; we had tickets in hand.

Go there when it opens, or BEFORE sunset. We went during the week, on a Monday night (which won't help you) and arrived just before sunset. Total time for us was under an hour. If the line is outside, expect over two hours.

Yep, it's hot inside. They are doing construction. We came prepared: Husband and I brought books, and my kids brought their Gameboys. Whadya gonna do?

If the weather is gross, it will be nasty at the top and you may luck out on a short wait. If it's gorgeous, well, pack a lunch.

Late weekend mornings would be peak times for the Empire State Building. Buying tickets in advance will save some time, but you'll probably still encounter lines.