the line is ridicously long... many steps and at least 40min before get on the top... they made us lostvthe sunset. do not buy tickets outside.. they're just more expensive.
Do NOT do the Skyride. It's a scam not affiliated with the Empire State Building. Buy tickets inside, not from the people in blue standing outside harassing tourists as they get out of cabs.
Don't listen to the guys selling tickets outside. Lied and said it was over 2 hours without an express pass. Said express pass (extra 10) would have us up in 25 minutes. Took 1hr:15min. Total waste.
Soaring 1,454 ft. (443 m.) above Manhattan, the Empire State Building is the region's #1 tourist attraction & the heart of New York City. Our 86th & 102nd floor Observatories offer the two highest viewing decks in NYC along with unobstructed 360-degree views. On a clear day, you can see five states!