Book your tickets on the internet and print them out. It will save you about 20 minutes of queuing time. The Empire State Building rises to a height of 1454 feet. The 86th floor observatory offers incredible views of NYC and the adjacent areas.

High speed elevators take you quickly to the top. The night time view is quite spectacular as well, if you get a clear evening. cost of a trip to the 86th floor observatory is $11 for adults. The Empire State Building observatory is open 7 days a week, with some variation around public holidays, from 9:30 am until midnight. The last admission to the observatory occurs at 11:20 pm each evening. The only problem with going to the top is that you do not see the Empire State Building as part of your view of the New York Cityscape. I would always recommend going to the top of the Rockerfeller Center and Top of the Rock Observation Deck instead of the Empire State Building.

Metropolitan Museum of Art - MET Rooftop Garden Martini Bar

When you are in New York treat yourself to a trip around the Metropolitan Museum of Art and then reward yourself, after taken in all that culture, with a drink in the rooftop sculpture garden of the Metropolitan Museum. If you have difficulty find your way there ask a museum guard to help you find the elevator. The views of the Manhattan skyline and Central Park are fantastic.

It is open weather permitting, from late spring to late fall. Sipping a cocktail under the trellises whilst admiring the newest sculpture exhibit is a very special way to enjoy a less know treat of New York. Hours: May through late fall, weather permitting: Friday and Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.; Martini Bar: 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.; Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Closed Mondays. Location: Fifth floor via the elevator in the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts Galleries.

It is a self-service restaurant serving light fare and cocktails in an informal, outdoor setting with panoramic views of Manhattan. Children are welcome. You will find the MET Rooftop Garden Martini Bar on top of the Metropolitan Museum of Art at 1000 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10028

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