Empire State Building
An Icon of New York City, the Empire State Building is a must see

Completed in 1930, the Empire State Building is a world-famous Big Apple icon and is a must-see on any visitor's itinerary. Standing 1,250 feet tall, the 102-storey Art Deco skyscraper is once again the tallest building of the New York City skyline, following the destruction of the World Trade Center during the September 11th terrorist attacks in 2001.
One of the "Seven Wonders of the Modern World", the Empire State Building is not only a New York landmark, it symbolises twentieth century man's attempts to break down barriers and achieve the unachievable.
You can visit the Empire State Building's Observatory on the 86th floor for a 360 degree panoramic view of the city from the spacious outdoor promenade and climate controlled glass-enclosed area. The 102nd floor offers a second, fully enclosed observation deck opened in 2005; any higher and you would be swinging like King Kong from the building's enormous spire, originally designed as a mooring mast that would enable airships, but deemed impractical after the Hindenberg disaster. Remember to take the weather into account when planning your visit; clear, dry days offer optimal viewing when you can see the Earth's arc on the horizon.
With ticket lines almost as legendary as the building, save time by buying your ticket online and consider splurging on an Express Pass to proceed directly to the high-speed elevators where you will be whisked 1,050 feet upwards in under a minute. Be prepared for a security check and to carry any items you bring into the building as there is no coat or luggage check. Cameras and camcorders are permitted, but tripods are not.
Once on the observation deck you'll want to take lots of photos and enjoy the breathtaking views. There is a false urban legend circulating that if one drops a penny from the top of the Empire State Building, it could kill someone below. Thankfully, that has been proven false by the Discovery Channel's Mythbusters, however, it is illegal and can incur a hefty fine for anyone silly enough to do so.
Nearby attractions: Madison Square Garden, Macy's and the New York Public Library
Facts For Your Visit
Official Website: Empire State Building
Fee:Get Free Entry with a New York City Explorer Pass
Some attractions may have reduced hours or be closed due to COVID-19. Please verify opening hours with the attraction before visiting.
Open Now
Regular Hours:
- Monday: 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
- Tuesday: 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
- Wednesday: 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
- Thursday: 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
- Friday: 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
- Saturday: 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
- Sunday: 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Category: Landmarks & Historical Buildings Observatories
Address:
20 W 34th St
New York, NY 10118
Phone: (212) 736-3100
Reviews
Amanda M. Feb-22-2021
I've been wanting to visit the Empire State Building since I was 16 so I finally get to check it off my NYC Bucket List. The building is a hybrid of old... Read More
Jun S. Jan-26-2021
I came back to Empire State Building at the end of 2020 after the first visit in 10 years ago, and it was such a fun experience. 10 years ago; it was... Read More
Teresa L. Dec-20-2020
Had a wonderful time visiting the Empire State Building. During the pandemic, tickets were timed to ensure social distancing which was great. I remember... Read More
Accommodations near Empire State Building:
Directions
Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
---|---|---|
1, 2, 3, A, C or E | 34th Street / Penn Station | 5 minutes |
B, D, F, N, Q or R | 34th Street / Avenue of the Americas | 2 minutes |
How to get to Empire State Building by Subway
Take the 1, 2, 3, A, C or E train to 34th Street / Penn Station, walk 2 blocks east to 5th Avenue or take B, D, F, M, N, Q or R train to 34th Street / Harald Square, walk 1 block east to 5th Avenue.
Map & Instant Route Finder
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Photo Gallery
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View of Manhattan from the Empire State Building cc licensed photo by Harshil Shah Photo Credit: Yelp Photo Credit: Yelp Photo Credit: Yelp -
Photo Credit: susanjanegolding - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: pom'. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: pom'. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: pom'. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: pom'. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: pom'. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: pom'. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: pom'. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: pom'. - cc license via Flickr