← The full verdict on Empire State Building

The Verdict · New York · for the Bucket-list Checklister

Is Empire State Building worth it for a Bucket-list Checklister?

Worth it

Worth it for you. It's strong on beauty & photography.

The icons, efficiently. Crowds are just part of it.

Why it lands

  • you care about beauty & photography and it delivers
  • the iconic / grand / photogenic vibe is your kind of thing

What to weigh

  • heavy on the time it takes, which you're sensitive to

About Empire State Building

The deco lobby and the building's own legend carry it, and from the 86th floor the city sprawls in every direction. But the lines snake, the upsells stack, and you can't photograph the building you're standing on.

Price
$44 (86th); more for 102nd
Time needed
1.5–2 hrs
Last verified
2026-06-06