Is the Empire State Building worth it?

[Anonymous]

We go to NYC a lot and have never been. My DD has really gotten into the Percy Jackson series, and in that world, Mount Olympus is at the top. So I was thinking it could be fun to head to the observation deck on our trip next week. But it’s $50 a person!!! Am I just being cheap? Is it worth it?

[Anonymous]

dang that is expensive!! I’m a big fan of encouraging interests so if my kid really wanted it I would probably bite the bullet. but wow.

[Anonymous]

We were just in NYC. I agree that $50 is pricey for Empire State Bldg. Since spouse and I have been up multiple times, we passed while son and his friend went up.

IMHO, I think the views from 30 Rock are just as good, if not better. Bonus from 30 Rock is you get iconic views of Empire State Bldg.

[Anonymous]

It's worth it. Assuming you aren't afraid of heights (it scared me to death up there).

[Anonymous]

Only if you want to re-enact Sleepless in Seattle.

[Anonymous]

I prefer top of the rock- from which you can see the Empire State.

[Anonymous]

We liked Summit One. My tween and teen liked the “extras” as much as the view.

[Anonymous]

It’s worth it once and only if all the kids are old enough to remember it.

[Anonymous]

My 10 year old really liked it

[Anonymous]

My son is a huge Percy Jackson fan, so for us it was worth it. Take your time with the history rooms, and at each viewing level. And bring a jacket. It was warm at ground level, but very windy at the top.

[Anonymous]

If you go to NY regularly, then absolutely, it’s worth it to do once. Time it to an occasion (birthday?) or a trip when you need a distraction or something special. But there’s no reason not to do it once.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I prefer top of the rock- from which you can see the Empire State.

+1

[Anonymous]

Wow. It makes you wonder how much higher they can make the price?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s worth it once and only if all the kids are old enough to remember it.

I went once by myself at dusk and watched the sunset from the outdoor observation area. It was memorably beautiful because of the lovely day.

I have been 2x with my kids and not taken them. They are indifferent to scenic views.

I did not like the indoor view from the old World Trade Center or the roof view from some part of Rockefeller Center anywhere near as much.

Sometimes as a grownup, I'm glad to have done standard tourist attractions with my parents in my youth. Having "done it", I don't need to repeat it. If I liked an attraction enough to repeat, visiting again enhances the original memory.

[Anonymous]

It's even more expensive if you want to go to the VERY top (102nd floor, not just 86) -- $84 if you buy online. Extortionate! When I did it with my husband 10 years ago, it was considerably less but still seemed outrageous (I think it was $59). But we did it, because as soon as we saw the prices, we figured that would be our one and only time.

I guess I'm glad we did it for the sake of doing it. Probably would not do it again.

Top of the Rock is really MUCH nicer, IMO Very spread out, all open, and beautifully located so that you can have a perfect view in every direction, including straight up Central Park.
The view to the south includes the Empire State Building, which is nice to have in your photos. It is less expensive than Empire State but still very expensive, but I would definitely do that one again.