Welcome to “Was It Worth It Wednesday,” a new feature where you send me to a popular tourist destination, and I tell you if it’s worth the money or not. You all voted between the 9/11 Museum and the top of the Empire State Building, and it was a tie. I tossed my hotel key in the air since I didn’t have a coin, and the fates decided. So, me and my Nomatic collapsible backpack were off to meet King Kong.
The Journey Up
Before you get to the top of the Empire State Building, you have to take a journey. It’s not just a push of a button in an elevator, and you’re there. Upon arrival, you have to go through a security checkpoint. It’s like the airport, but the people working are much nicer than the TSA. Once you are all checked in, you are in for a pretty great experience.
There is a cool mini-museum to start your adventure. It’s filled with history, multi-media exhibits, and plenty of photo-ops. They definitely paid a pretty penny for this, and it shows. Everything from the history of those viewfinders to how the building was made. It was kind of cool to learn the history of one of the most famous buildings in the world.
And this place is visually stunning. I found myself forgetting to take photos of things because something new would catch my eye. One of the coolest things is that they simulated what the elevator shaft inside looked like from the top of the Empire State Building. It was both awesome and frightening. To see how high up you are really makes you hope that the elevator doesn’t break down.
Before the museum part of this journey is over, there is a dark room with giant screens that plays a montage of all the movies that feature this brilliant building. While others strolled by, I stood to the side and watched almost every clip. As a man who LOVES the movies, this was probably the highlight of this museum. From an “Affair to Remember” to “Elf” to “Sleepless In Seattle,” they had all the classics, and I was there for it. A great way to end before you hop on the elevator up.
The Elevator Up To The Empire State Building
Before you head up, you must show your ticket. I wasn’t aware that there were two types of tickets—one that goes to the 86th floor and one that goes to the 102nd. I purchased my ticket from Groupon and only had one option. Honestly, even if I had the option, I would have stuck with what I had. After showing my ticket and handing a “You Choose My Adventure” business card to the person working (Hi if you are reading), it was up, up, and away.
You would probably think that there isn’t much to say about an elevator ride. But, in the case of the Empire State Building, that isn’t true. The ceiling has a video playing as a voice narrates your ride to the 86th floor. It was awesome. Definitely, the coolest elevator I have ever taken.
You would think the ride up to the 86th floor would take a while. But maybe it was the video playing, or it was just speedy. I felt like I was only in there for about 30 seconds. It’s like suddenly you’re at the top and the doors open, and you see that first view from the window before you head outside.
The Top Of The Empire State Building
When you step out of the elevator, you are greeted by an amazing view through a window. But, it’s not till you step outside that you get the 360 experience. I lived in NYC for most of my adult life, and I have never seen it like this before. You can see everything in every direction. And it really is quite stunning.
Because of covid, there were some rules in place. Those viewfinders were off-limits, and they were very strict about what direction you went. I got scolded by a security guard because I went live on Instagram first and had to go back to take photos. I became that annoying tourist in a city I lived in for a long period of time. But I did it for you 😉
The only thing I wasn’t a huge fan of was the giant fence. I totally get why it’s there, don’t get me wrong, but it kind of ruins the experience. Again, I know it’s there for safety, but I was so nervous about dropping my phone and killing someone trying to get a video through the grates. Thankfully I didn’t drop it, and no one was harmed.
Besides that, the view is stunning. To get real with you, I almost wish I would have gone at night. New York is in its prime when it’s all lit up, and there is nothing better than the lights of broadway shining. But it’s still pretty awesome during the day too. This city will always be home to me, so it was cool seeing it from a different perspective.
Was It Worth It?
Overall I am going to say yes. On a scale from 1 to 10, I’m going to say an 8. The museum is really well done, and the view is amazing. But, it’s a little spendy for what you get. It’s New York, and I expect that. But I paid $40 for my ticket, and I would say it’s probably worth $25-$30. But, overall, I am glad I did it, and I would suggest it if you are visiting New York City in the future. It’s a cool thing to mark off your list of things you’ve done, and you are standing on top of an icon. How cool is that?
Score: 8
Cost: $40 to $75 depending on tour
For more information head HERE to check out their website and order tickets.
Have You Ever Been To The Top Of The Empire State Building?
Sound off below and let me know. And if you want to participate in the next “Was It Worth It” post and other daily votes, don’t forget to follow me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram so you can help choose my next stop. Because it’s not just my adventure, but our adventure.
Stephanie Riley
Love this recap!! I guess I will make room for it on my next trip to New York! Cannot wait to see what else is to come!
Johnny
It’s an iconic spot, so I am really glad I did it.
Leslie
This was so fun to read and see! I think I went up once, but I was probably eight years old and I don’t remember a thing about it. But whew… that ticket price is STEEP!
Johnny
Yeah. It’s a little much, and I did a Groupon only to find out that the Groupon was the same cost as the regular ticket.
Mary Jo
I saw the Empire State Building on my honeymoon many years ago.
Johnny
That’s awesome. I’m sure a lot has changed since then. Very cool spot though. And so many great romantic movies took place up there, so it’s a great honeymoon spot.