← The full verdict on Empire State Building

The Verdict · New York · for the Foodie Wanderer

Is Empire State Building worth it for a Foodie Wanderer?

Skip

Probably skip. It's overhyped and doesn't play to what you care about.

Will plan a whole trip around a meal. Wants the local stuff.

What to weigh

  • heavy on crowds, which you're sensitive to
  • heavy on the hype, 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