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

Official Website: Empire State Building

Fee: Yes.

Closed Now

Regular Hours:
Hours may be subject to change. Please verify on the official website.

  • Monday: 9:00 am - 11:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 9:00 am - 11:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 9:00 am - 11:00 pm
  • Thursday: 9:00 am - 11:00 pm
  • Friday: 9:00 am - 11:00 pm
  • Saturday: 9:00 am - 11:00 pm
  • Sunday: 9:00 am - 11:00 pm

Category: Landmarks & Historical Buildings Observatories

Address: 20 W 34th St
New York, NY 10118

Phone: (212) 736-3100

Reviews

Yelp Rating:
4 out of 5 4 Star Rating
Based on 2178 Reviews.

See all reviews on Yelp

5 Star Rating I don't know if I'd come here on a holiday weekend but New York's original eighth wonder is still impressive no matter how many times I visit. Completed in... Read More

Michael N. May-29-2023

3 Star Rating The Empire State Building observatory is the epitome of FOMO: "We're here, we might as well do it." "But it's $44 each!" "We'll regret it if we don't" And... Read More

Armando M. May-26-2023

5 Star Rating Add this spot to your must-see list. My husband and I visited this place as we visited New York. This is one of the most famous buildings in the whole state... Read More

Noel K. May-12-2023

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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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