Empire State Building

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

Empire State Building-Look Up-Way Up
Empire State Building-Look Up-Way Up cc licensed photo by alistairmcmillan

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

Phone: (212) 736-3100

Official Website: Empire State Building

Empire State Building Reviews

Rated 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating

4 Star Rating My visit to the Empire State Building was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I entered the iconic building, I was struck by its grandeur and historical significance. The Art Deco architecture is stunning, and the lobby itself is a sight to behold. The elevator ride to the observation deck was smooth and quick, and the staff were friendly and efficient. Once at the top, the views were absolutely breathtaking. Seeing New York City from such a height is truly awe-inspiring. The 360-degree panorama allows you to take in all the major landmarks, from Central Park to the Statue of Liberty. The exhibits on the way up were informative and added to the overall experience, providing interesting insights into the building’s history and construction. The binoculars on the observation deck were a fun addition, allowing for an even closer look at the city’s details. In summary, the Empire State Building is a must-visit attraction in New York City. The combination of its historical charm, architectural beauty, and stunning views makes it an experience not to be missed.
Sacha - in the last week

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5 Star Rating We arrived about an hour before sunset and there was a short queue outside of the building, but no wait as we moved quickly. Once we were in, we went through security similar to an airport. Like many others who entered at the same time as us, we found ourselves confused about where to go as there were no employees or directions telling us where to go next or when to scan our tickets. We found ourselves walking back and forth until an employee finally appeared telling us to take the stairs to go up a level. The building itself cannot disappoint. It's iconic and majestic in so many ways. There was definitely a large crowd on the observation deck, but this was of course expected. The views were beautiful and the weather was perfect. It doesn't need to be said, but if you're in NYC and haven't visited, please do!!
Yomna - in the last week

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5 Star Rating An unforgettable experience! The view from the Empire State Building is truly breathtaking. The panoramic views of the city are stunning, and it's a unique perspective on the concrete jungle. I visited at night and the city lights were mesmerizing. The staff was friendly and efficient, and the experience was well-organized. The exhibits inside the building are also worth checking out. Definitely a must-see NYC landmark. Worth every penny!
Jiak Papa - a month ago

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5 Star Rating The price to go up to level 86 is $44 pp exclude vat and $5 reservation fee. Beautiful views over the skyline and nice building to watch. Money worthy. Also a option to go to level 102 (cost price little bit more). You can buy the tickets online and also in the building on the second floor (card). After the view you can buy souvenirs. Staff people very nice and helpful
gerrit van de ruit - a week ago

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5 Star Rating Absolutely stunning! I was here 20 yrs ago, there have been many upgrades and exhibits added. The building itself is gorgeous! We went up at night this time to check out the city lights, what an amazing view, breathe taking! It was not busy at all 10:00pm so we could take our time and soak in the views from all directions, wow! Up top on the outside observation deck was the most peaceful and quiet time I had during my stay in NYC. Highly recommended! You must do the Empire State building while in NYC.
Troy Metlin - a month ago

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Directions

Subway Line Nearest Station Walking Time
1, 2, 3, A, C or E34th Street / Penn Station5 minutes
B, D, F, N, Q or R34th Street / Avenue of the Americas2 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.

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