The Empire State is on many people’s must do list for NYC and I was no exception. You have the option to go to the 86th floor, or you can go to the observatory at the very top. We decided on the former after taking advice from the concierge who said he didn’t think it was worth the extra cost. Be warned – you have to queue for ages to get to the top (via two packed lifts) but your patience is rewarded by the view. We went around 4 p.m. and queued for about an hour, but morning visitors probably have a much longer wait.