I'd like to go to the TOTR while visiting NYC next month, but I'm not really wanting to commit to a timed admission. Generally, how bad are the lines/wait times for those who have not pre-purchased tickets? I suppose sunset is one of the most popular times for visitors, eh? I'll be there Friday thru Monday - better on a weekday than weekend?

I walked right up on a midweek

Sorry. Hit enter too quick.

It was the middle of the week when we went and there were very little lines.

For me, I think weekend is better than weekdays.

lines are usually short - if there are any.

I've never seen a line, even in the height of summer. You just walk up to the booth and buy a timed ticket for about 15 or 20 minutes later. If there are lines, they are more likely at sunset, when the views are pretty stupendous.

Thanks, folks - just what I needed to know!

Night is very good time to go....very cool as well

We went on the night of Halloween and walked right in.

We like to save it for after dark, because it's open so late, it leaves us time to do all the things that close earlier in the evening. View at night is amazing!

At night you miss this view:

http://thestarryeye.typepad.com/expl...zone-view.html

which you will never get from the top of the ESB.

OK...I'm taxing my memory, but I believe when I was there just after Christmas in 2009 we walked right in. But then we spent quite some time in the Disney type winding lines and of course they had to take our picture.

I still thought the visit was awesome. I loved the fact that the edge was not totally open. I was always nervous at the Empire State building when I got too close to the edge!!!!

Night is not the best time for Top of the Rock because you don/'t get to see Central Park. It's just a big black hole at night. At least go before sunset to see the park. No need for pre purchased tickets.