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.

Address: 20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001, USA

Official Website: Empire State Building

Empire State Building Reviews

Rated 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating This was an awesome experience. Typically, these tourist trap kind of places are not worth the money. But from the second you walk in, it's evident that they are very serious about making this an awesome experience. Every staff member I spoke with was practically over-the-top friendly and helpful, and dressed in cool era-appropriate uniforms. For being such an old building, everything was immaculately clean. Honestly, it's Disney-like in its attention to detail and quality. The little museum is nice, although it's mostly just reading vs looking at artifacts. The elevator ride has a cool movie kind of thing on the ceiling, which probably cuts down on the nerves for some of us, and makes the ride enjoyable for the rest of us. Once on the 86th floor, there's ample space to walk around, both inside and out. There are restrooms, some snacks, and plenty of places to sit up there too. Oh, last thing - BRING A COAT. It was cool at ground level with very little wind. It was incredibly windy and bitterly cold at the top. There are heated spaces to sit/stand, but the best view comes from the coldest spots :D
A.J. Harnak - a week ago

Show More
Show Less

5 Star Rating Visiting the Empire State Building’s observation deck is nothing short of magical — the kind of experience that reminds you why New York City is called the city that never sleeps and why people from all over the world fall in love with it again and again. From the moment you step inside, you’re wrapped in the building’s rich Art Deco elegance. The exhibits whisk you through history, giving you a sense of the ambition and brilliance that brought this iconic skyscraper to life. By the time you reach the elevators, you already feel like you’re part of something timeless. But then — the doors open, and there it is: a panorama so breathtaking it feels like the city is unfolding just for you. The observation deck is a place where skyscrapers look small, taxis move like fireflies, and the Hudson gleams like a ribbon of light. Whether you visit by day, when every building stands crisp and proud, or at night, when the city sparkles like a sea of stars, the view is pure enchantment. It's the kind of sight that quiets the world for a moment and fills you with awe. What makes it even lovelier is the atmosphere — peaceful, breezy, and surprisingly intimate. Couples whisper dreams into the wind, friends share gasps of wonder, and families point out landmarks with the excitement of discovering New York for the first time. It’s more than an observation deck. It’s a reminder of how high human imagination can climb — and how beautiful the world can look from just a little closer to the clouds. A truly unforgettable experience, perfect for dreamers, romantics, and anyone who wants to feel the heartbeat of New York from above.
Richard Statham - 2 weeks ago

Show More
Show Less

4 Star Rating Very cool spot with views you can’t really get elsewhere, at least not nearby. The big thing I would say is that I was surprised as to how much it costs to go up to the observation deck. It was $112ish with fees and taxes for 2 or us. There’s a museum, which is kind of kitschy, but has some fun stuff, too. The views are epic! From the 80th floor (all indoors looking through windows) you can get a perspective that’s very cool. The final elevator takes you to the 86th floor and that’s a 360 degree view from an outdoor viewing area (think Sleepless in Seattle). The views from there are even more impressive since you can see a great deal better than from indoors on floor 80. We didn’t go to floor 102 since it would almost double the cost as an add on. Just didn’t seem worth it to me.
Patrick DeBono - a week ago

Show More
Show Less

5 Star Rating Any day is a good day to be on top of the Empire State Building. If you are nervous about heights, they have indoor area. Lovely views. Check the weather. Best part in addition to the epic views are the staff! Danny G is amazing and my wife and I spent the best time taking selfies and learning about the history of this great building. We went on a Monday eve and the line wasn’t too bad. Peace and joy to the world!
Jonathan Flores - 2 weeks ago

Show More
Show Less

5 Star Rating One of the most famous sites in the world is the Empire State Building, which can be found at 20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001. Seeing it is a genuinely remarkable experience. You are astounded by this architectural marvel's majesty and historical significance as soon as you walk in. The refinement of early 20th-century craftsmanship is elegantly preserved and improved with modern elements in the Art Deco style, both inside and out. From its amazing construction during the Great Depression to its significance in film, culture, and international fame, the museum on the lower levels provides an intriguing trip through the building's history. Visitors of all ages will love the interactive and captivating exhibits. Naturally, the viewing decks are the main attraction. The expansive views of New York City are just amazing, whether you visit the outside deck on the 86th floor or climb all the way to the 102nd floor. Landmarks like Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and even areas outside of the five boroughs are visible on a clear day. The city lights at night produce a shimmering, enchanted scene that perfectly encapsulates the essence of New York, the city that never sleeps. Even during peak hours, the personnel guarantees efficient crowd control and is polite and helpful. The recently remodeled elevators and lobby contribute to the visit's overall opulent atmosphere. All things considered, the Empire State Building represents aspiration, tenacity, and eternal beauty in addition to being a popular tourist destination. It always inspires you, whether it's your first visit or your second. Anyone who want to see the heart and spirit of New York City from above the clouds must come here.
M K - a month ago

Show More
Show Less

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.

Map & Instant Route Finder

Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.

Finding Your Route - Please Wait

Accommodations near Empire State Building:



Photo Gallery

Video

✨ To watch this video, please update your cookie settings and make sure ad blockers are turned off.
We use cookies to display embedded YouTube content. See our Privacy & Cookies Policy.

New York City Hotel Deals


Book Now, Pay Later
Price Matching
2,563,000+ Properties Worldwide
24/7 Support
booking.com logo

Visiting New York City? Here's why we use Booking.com for our hotel bookings.

Best SelectionDaily Deals Price Matching Pay at the Hotel 24/7 Support

Explore these exciting New York City Experiences


Visiting New York City?
Here's why we use Booking.com for our hotel bookings.
Best Selection
Daily Deals
Price Matching
Pay at the Hotel
24/7 Support
Share on Pinterest
Share on Pinterest
Help us grow! Please Share
Thanks for Visiting!