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: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Address: 20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001, USA
Phone: (212) 736-3100
Official Website: Empire State Building
Empire State Building Reviews
Rated out of 5
Awesome experience!!! Incredible building! The museum and and Art Deco styling throughout is so cool. I highly recommend making it a must do when visiting NY city. We bought the General ticket which included the museum and the observation decks on the 86 and 102 floors. Beautiful day and spectacular views!!! All the staff were professional, helpful, and friendly. A huge Thank You to all for making it such a great experience for me and my family. -It’s always been one of my favorite buildings, so happy I finally got the chance to see it in person.
-And FYI, the ticket buying process was easy/user friendly and the times were convenient, we practically walked in, bought tickets, and started the tour.
Thanks again to all who helped us have such a great time. Hope to do it again next time I visit 😁
Paul Duffe - a week ago
I first had this impression of not doing a dedicated viewpoint cause "How different can it be?". But actually made this last minute as my sister prompted me. Definitely worth it. Not a huge fan of all the exhibits on the way to the top of the building. I was only interested in the views.
The best past is that the viewpoint is in a balcony. So you can get truly magnificent photos and locations in Chicago and similar has a glass in the middle. Breathtaking views. Highly recommend.
Chanaka Hettige - 3 weeks ago
My fiance and I are from Long Island and have not been to the Empire State Building in many years. We brought our 2 friends who are visiting from France. They have done a great job revitalizing the Empire State building. The walk through the museum is great. Plenty of group photo opportunities. We went all the way to the top where the views are incredible. If you are debating whether or not to spend the extra money, I highly recommend it! The staff were funny, friendly and informative. Thanks for a great visit!
Matthew Terrano - a week ago
A worthy visit in the heart of the urban jungle, this mainstay in pop-culture is beckoning.
There is a museum along with multiple photo opportunities as part of the tour prior to reaching the observation deck. Take advantage of these.
The views amongst all the skyscrapers are impressive, and lend a different perspective on the city.
I found pricing to be less agreeable than One World Observatory, which also takes you higher.
Charlie Morse - a week ago
The Empire State Building is an iconic New York City landmark and a must-see for any visitor. Its Art Deco architecture and panoramic views from the observation decks are breathtaking, providing a stunning perspective of the city skyline. However, be cautious if you have a fear of heights, as the sheer altitude can induce vertigo. Despite this, the experience is unparalleled, offering a unique glimpse into the city's grandeur. The building's rich history and magnificent vistas make it an unforgettable stop on your NYC itinerary.
Carolina Carmona Montenegro - a week ago
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.
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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: 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: James E. Petts - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: thart2009 - cc license via Flickr
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