Yes, the view is beautiful and the information/displays on the way up are interesting to learn about but it was hard to get over the sticker shock. The base rate is expensive enough but then they charge extra to go to the highest level and charge extra to go at sunset. Guess that's about as America as you can get.

Going through the building there are many different museum-like areas where you can stop and learn interesting facts about the building. The Observatory itself has indoor and outdoor areas to stop and enjoy the views. Can easily spend hours here to take everything in. There was confusion on when you can actually enter the building based on your reservation time. Other than that the experience was worth it.

Went with family of varying ages just after Christmas. Everyone enjoyed it overall and of course it's an epic view from the top. But.. Had visited a few years ago and it was a calm, pleasant experience. I'm not sure if it's just the way it is now or due to the time of year/day (probably both), but it was extremely busy. Security at JKF was nice compared to being barked at on entry here! Literally herded like cattle at a fast pace, barely any chance to take things in without being shouted at. Was hoping to be able to store a stroller, but unfortunately had to fight our way through everyone with it the whole time which was a bit of a chore. Once in it was better, time to look at all the new exhibits about the history, etc - making the ticket price more worthwhile. Attractions for the kids to look at history, the building, the workings, etc. Photo opportunity with King Kong, well is hand anyway! Up to the observation deck on the 86th floor and of course the amazing views. Although again it was painfully crowded, almost having to push your way for every step, and trying to keep track of 8 people (including kids) was almost impossible. Despite the moaning, it's definitely worth visiting and experiencing - set yourself a couple of hours aside to take it all in and be prepared if it's busy.

Furst impressions not great. Disorganised queuing system and the most utterly rude ‘doorman’, speaking to customers so disrespectfully. Once in, experience to 80th floor was fine. The queue to get to the 86th was nearly an hour. I gave up and asked to be allowed to exit and was questioned why I didn’t want to go up to the higher floors. Do I really need to explain myself? I would have preferred to go to Summit One in all honesty. Customer service needs looking at!

A very memorable tour. The flow of the crowd is very well managed and the overall tour had a number of very interesting exhibits done with a very good presentation style. Of course there is also the view. Make sure to try and go on a clear day. The additional 102nd floor observatory cost extra but is worth a visit.

You have to go here to see the City views. But be prepared for long line ups, even if you have a booking time ... which you must have unless you want a very long wait. We went at night and the lights are super.

Had a great time and the building is amazing. Unfortunately several of the staff were very rude. Understandable that they deal with thousands of clueless tourists each day. We were on the 102nd floor ready to come down the elevator to the 86th. We pressed the button that said “please select floor” and were scolded by a staff member for touching the button. She claimed we would mess up the elevator and it would get stuck. No need to treat me like a schoolboy.

For the observation deck, the building understandably has created a separate entrance, but our Uber driver dropped us off at an entrance where, as soon as we walked in, a doorman waved us right back out saying the entrance was off to the right. Well, the next entrance was locked and yet another wasn't marked as clearly as expected. Like there needs to be a blatant marquee with flashing lights. We seriously thought we were going to have wasted a couple of hundred bucks on tickets because doors to the ESB were locked. I don't think we were the only ones confused either as another group seemed to be experiencing the same, "Where do we go? How far do we have to travel?" Going about 2/3rds of the way down the Macy's side, we FINALLY found it, but the doorman's instructions of, "Off to the right," wasn't clear enough nor was there signage stating, "Go 200 feet more" or anything. We just thought we needed to go to "the very next" door to the right.

Great view, but $44 per person is way overpriced. Not really worth the trip. Other ways to spend that kind of money on a trip. Nice in general, but wouldn’t go on a busy day.