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
Fee: Yes.Empire State Building Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Address: 20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001, USA
Official Website: Empire State Building
Empire State Building Reviews
Rated out of 5![]()
Visiting the Empire State Building is definitely a must when you’re in New York City. Getting there is very easy since it’s right in the heart of Manhattan, surrounded by subway stations and bus stops. Once inside, however, be prepared for long lines, strict security checks, and lots of people—it’s not the easiest place to explore. That being said, the moment you reach the observation deck, all the effort feels absolutely worth it. The views of the city are breathtaking, especially at sunset, and you really get to appreciate New York from a whole new perspective. It is a bit expensive compared to other attractions, but considering the history, the architecture, and the unforgettable skyline, it’s truly one of those experiences you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Muhammed Cimen - a week ago
Honestly, visiting the Empire State Building was such a cool experience. You always see it in movies and pictures, but standing there in person feels completely different. The building is massive, and the lobby inside is beautiful. Everything is set up really well for tourists, so it doesn’t feel too confusing even though there are a lot of people.
The museum on the way up was actually pretty fun. I didn’t think I’d care much about it, but it shows how the building was made and all the history behind it, which makes the visit feel more special. Then the elevator ride to the top is super quick—it’s kind of exciting how fast it goes.
The view from the top is unreal. You can see the whole city, from Central Park to the Statue of Liberty, and even out into New Jersey. I went in the afternoon and stayed until it got dark, and that was the best choice because you get both the daytime city view and then the night skyline all lit up, which is amazing.
It’s a little pricey, but honestly worth it for the experience and the views. Definitely something you should do at least once if you’re in New York.
Teodora Šujak - a month ago
Visiting the Empire State Building was truly an unforgettable experience. From the moment I entered, everything was well-organized, smooth, and welcoming. The staff were friendly, helpful, and made the entire process enjoyable.
The exhibits leading up to the observatory were fascinating, offering a great look at the history and significance of this iconic landmark. The elevators were fast and comfortable, and the ride itself felt exciting.
The highlight, of course, was the view from the observatories. Standing high above New York City and taking in the breathtaking 360-degree views was absolutely incredible. Whether it was spotting Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, or the sparkling city lights at night, every angle was stunning.
What impressed me most was how clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully managed everything was. It felt safe, spacious, and truly special. The experience perfectly balanced history, architecture, and modern hospitality.
Overall, visiting the Empire State Building is a must-do and exceeded all expectations. It’s not just a building—it’s an experience full of wonder, beauty, and iconic New York energy. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city!
Irina1983 - a month ago
I recently visited the Empire State Building with my family and it was a really amazing experience. The building itself is so big and impressive when you see it in person. Going inside felt exciting because it is such a famous place. We took the elevator up and it was very fast, and when we got to the top the view was incredible. You can see all of New York City, the bridges, the rivers, and so many buildings everywhere.
We spent a while just looking around and taking photos. It was a bit windy at the top but that made it feel even more fun. Inside there are also displays and information about the history of the building and how it was made, which was interesting to learn.
Visiting the Empire State Building with my family was a great memory for us and we enjoyed every moment of it.
Dmitri Valencia - a month ago
05 Sep 25- Visited for a site seeing tour. An afternoon well spent. It was amazing to experience this engineering Marvel and to go through the architectural history of this building. Truly there is no limit to human ingenuity and creativity. It has wonderful exhibits including photos and paintings by well known artists.
A must visit if you are in New York.
anand sonsale - 2 weeks ago
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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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Accommodations near Empire State Building:
Photo Gallery
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View of Manhattan from the Empire State Building cc licensed photo by Harshil Shah -
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

