The Empire State Building seems to have maintained a strong positive reputation as a must-visit destination in New York, with a number of reviews highlighting the merit of the iconic skyscraper's views and its historical exhibits. Patrons commonly describe the observatory experiences as 'iconic', 'breathtaking', and 'mesmerizing', pointing to an overall customer satisfaction with the visual spectacle on offer. Notable positive customer service experiences also boost the venue's reputation; staff assistance in recovering lost items and managing the flow of visitors even during busy times were particularly appreciated. Despite these positives, there are occasional mentions of additional costs for accessing certain levels, which some visitors found disappointing, suggesting a need for clearer communication regarding ticketing options. Finally, while personal preferences for views from various buildings in NYC varied, the unique historical and cultural significance of the Empire State Building consistently adds to its appeal.
Positive feedback on the Empire State Building overwhelmingly centers on the stunning views of New York City from its observation decks. The immersive and educational quality of the museum and historic exhibits provide an added layer of visitor satisfaction. Accessibility and convenience through online ticket purchasing, alongside the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, have been frequently commended by customers. The venue's flexibility in allowing visitors to spend ample time during their visit without feeling rushed, coupled with additional cozy amenities like heaters during winter, enhance the overall experience. Personal anecdotes of fulfilling childhood dreams or making memorable trips contribute to the affirming sentiments shared by many individuals who regard the Empire State Building as a quintessential piece of the New York City experience.
On the negative side, some customers express dissatisfaction related to unexpected additional charges, particularly for access to the uppermost viewing platforms which were not clearly communicated during the initial ticket purchase. The quality of nighttime photography has been mentioned as an issue due to lighting and the potential for window glare – an aspect that could affect visitors' expectations. Furthermore, the experience can be dampened by unfavorable weather conditions, which impact the clarity of the views from the observatory. Reviews also suggest that visiting with young children or strollers can present logistical challenges. Finally, although this is more of a personal preference, some visitors note the paradox of not being able to see the iconic Empire State Building from its own observatory.
The standard admission ticket typically includes access to the main observatory on the 86th floor, along with entry to the exhibits and installations within the building. Access to the 102nd floor observatory requires an additional ticket purchase.
Clear days generally offer the best views from the Empire State Building's observatories. Visiting early in the day can help avoid longer lines. Furthermore, certain times, such as sunset, may carry a higher price for tickets due to the popularity of the view at that time.
While the Empire State Building is accessible, navigating with strollers can be challenging due to crowds and space constraints. Special doors and priority for elevators can be provided, but carrying young children may be more convenient than using a stroller.
Iconic, art deco office tower from 1931 with exhibits & observatories on the 86th & 102nd floors.
