When you go to NYC for the first time, one of the first things you will want to do is visit the Empire State. I know this was the first thing I did.
I went to at about 10.00 am in December 2002. It was not incredibly busy but we were told if we purchased the Sky Ride ticket as well you would jump the queue. This was not entirely true.
I did actually want to go on the Sky Ride so I thought this was ok.
Now the Sky Ride you may have heard of it or been on it.
If not it's a simulator ride that makes you think you are flying over NY.
This was total waste of money!! Honestly we thought it was rubbish and un-realistic, granted some of the people thought it was amazing.
While waiting to go on this so called ride. We were shown a video about the Empire State building, and how in the past people have tried to bomb it. Then they showed you about the Twin towers.
Now this I was not happy about. I was about to go up 86 floors in a rackety old lift and I personally felt a bit unsafe.
Anyway all that aside, I guess it took about an hour from start to get to the observation deck.
The views were great, like others said extremly windy though.
It is really nice, especially if it is one of your first tourist things to do in NYC. I mean you get to see pretty much the whole of NY and it is amazing. You will get some great photo's.
I will admit though I did feel a bit unsafe while I was up there. More to do with watching that stupid video of the Twin Towers. It ruined it slightly for me as I could not relax as much as I would like.

Would I go up the Empire Estate again 2 Years on?
Yes I would.
Next time though I would love to go just before twilight and watch all the city lights come on.


Hope you found this review somewhat helpful.

We arrived at the Empire State Building a little after it opened and were greated by a line around the building. Two hours later, after numerous lines to 1) get into the building 2) get tickets 3) get into elevator #1 3) get into elevator #2, we arrived at the top of the building. The views are excellent but in January, the wind is so strong that you cannot stand there for more than 5 minutes. Be sure to bring something to cover your head if going during the winter months!!! On our way out, we had to once again wait in a long line to get out of the building and noticed that we were not the only ones leaving after less than 10 minutes on top. In general, the views were not worth the very long wait.

We went during Thanksgiving week and went at night time maybe around 9 pm. The views from the top were beautiful seeing all the city night lights. We got those walking talking guides that tell you what you are looking at when you push the button at the numbered area and that was better than I expected it to be and I enjoyed it very much. Since it was so late and maybe the time of year our wait didn't really seem like that long. The only thing they could do to make it any better is the interior while walking through looked like it could use some major upkeep and maybe some city decorations to help anticipate what you will be seeing from the top. Something so famous and important should look it's very best in my opinion. I would go again and recommend everyone that can to see it for themselves.

well what can i say about this place,this landmark?!from the outside it might not look much,it is a building full of offices,but once you get to the top and see the views your completely fall in love with the place!!we didn't buy tickets on-line and found it quite easy to get to the top.we did it twice the first we waited about 1.5 hours and the second time we manged to sail through!!take a camera,the views are spectacular,we went at dusk and in the night-time!!it is quite amazing,that is all i can say!!a sight to behold!!