Empire State Building - (212) 736-3100

Once you've made it upstairs to the top of the building you will undeniably see a great view. If you've never done it... enjoy. There are so many other great places in the city to see views though and museums that shouldn't be missed (AMNY, MOMA, etc).

I've been living in the city for 10 years and I just went to the top of the Empire State Building because I was entertaining my 9 year old niece and my 11 year old nephew. We all loved it. They thought I was special because I purchased our tickets online which meant we bi-passed a gazillion people and saved us a least 45 minutes of standing in line.

Great views can see 50 miles out on a clear day. Nice breeze on the observatory. Great for romantic moments as well as fun for the whole family.

going up when its a bit chilly and windy isn't a good idea! i felt like flying off after awhile but depending on which side of the building you are on, the wind isn't that bad and the view is actually super pretty! yess.. the lines are super long! but if you're going up with people you enjoy being with, talking to them during the wait won't be bad at all. after the first 10 mins or so, the line moves much quicker once you get closer to the metal detectors. past that, its mostly waiting for elevators. but that wasn't that bad either considering waiting for elevators should feel like forever with so many people in line! i will have to say though, that my friends and i were only up there for about 15 mins? it wasn't crowded but the windy weather and cold wasn't that great. still, it was nice up there! once in a lifetime experience : )

My wife and I were just recently in NY and wanted to go up in the Empire State Building. Once we found out it was $20 per person, we did an about face and spent our money elsewhere. That is way too expensive to ride an elevator, look out the observation deck for 15 minutes and leave. I had as good of view from the 39th floor of my hotel.