Empire State Building | Tickets, Hours & Views

The Empire State Building is one of the most iconic landmarks throughout the entire U.S., and it’s impossible to envision New York City without seeing this massive skyscraper towering over Midtown, one of the best neighborhoods in Manhattan. Of course, experiencing the Empire State Building in person is even better as this is one of the .

Every time we visit the major metropolis, we’re consistently amazed by the scale and elevation of the Empire StateBuilding. Not only that, but this Art Deco skyscraper holds nearly 100 years of history, so it’s one of the most renowned buildings in NYC.

If you prefer an indoor winter activity in NYC, I highly suggest exploring one of New York City’s best museums. For example, The Met houses over two million items from around the globe, allowing for hours of browsing. If it`s your initial visit or you`re short on time, I advise checking out the extensive Egyptian and Roman collections.

Guide to visiting the Empire State Building observation deck

You’re likely eager to see the Empire State Building, but keep in mind that you can’t simply walk in and ascend to the observatories. Don’t worry, because I’ll share all the essentials you need to obtain tickets for the Empire State Building and maximize your time at this incredible attraction, which is specifically significant if you have just 2 days in NYC.

In this guide, I’ll share the most significant details about this landmark NYC structure, like:

• Options for Empire State Building tickets
• Empire State Building hours
• Empire State Building tours
• Additional areas in the Empire State Building

By the end of this article, you’ll have everything you need to .

Empire State Building ticket options

As one of the top observation decks in New York City, the Empire State Building is hugely popular, so purchasing tickets ahead of time is a necessity. There are multiple different ticket choices and packages depending on which Empire State Building observatory you wish to visit.

Empire State Building 86^th floor

The 86^th-floor observatory of the Empire State Building is known as the Main Deck and is 1,050 feet high. It’s famous for its appearance in several movies and TV shows and seeing it in person is even more breathtaking. I recommend including this observation deck on our 3-day NYC itinerary.

This open area, wrap-around deck provides you 360° views of New York City, the Hudson River, and beyond. On clear days, you may even see New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Massachusetts, and Connecticut! Again, you need to obtain Empire State Building tickets beforehand, so secure your skip-the-line admission as soon as you can.

Empire State Building 102^nd floor

For the most impressive scenery from the Empire State Building, you must go up to the 102nd floor. From this height 1,224 feet above the ground, you`ll be positioned to spot sights up to 80 miles distant. It`s the ultimate panoramic perspective of New York`s bridges, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and other iconic landmarks.

After checking out the 86^th floor, take a glass elevator to the highest Empire State Building observationdeck. The 102^nd floor was recently renovated featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, so the experience is incredible.

Best of all, with this admission, you can choose the upgrade choice to see both the 86^th and 102nd-floor observatories.

Attraction passes that include the Empire State Building

If you’re going to spend a couple of days visiting prominent landmarks in New York City, it is worthwhile obtaining a New York city pass. Different tourist cards are available, although we recommend the New York Pass since it provides a variety of options depending on the length of your trip.

All of the passes grant access to the Empire State Building’s 86th floor, and the New York Pass offers a discount if you want to also visit the 102nd floor. We have a complete guide to these attraction passes that breaks down the cost benefits, but I’ll mention here that it presents great value, especially if you want to see other observation decks in NYC like the Top of the Rock.

Empire State Building hours

Before purchasing tickets for the Empire State Building, you ought to consider the operating hours. Doing so allows you to select the most suitable time slot to visit the Empire State Building according to your itinerary and preferences.

Currently, visiting hours for the prominent Empire State Building are from 10 am until 12 am, and the attraction is typically accessible 365 days annually. Most visitors spend approximately 1 to 1.5 hours here, so be sure to consider this when arranging your visit.

Visiting the Empire State Building at night

While the perspective from the Empire State Building is lovely anytime, many prefer visiting at sunset or after darkness falls. Capturing the iconic outlook from this skyscraper stands as one of the best activities to engage in New York City at night, particularly with a significant other!

If you wish to see the Empire State Building at night, I recommend reserving this combination ticket that includes a morning and evening visit. That way, you receive the best of both worlds .

Empire State Building tours

Numerous visitors opt for self-guided touring of the Empire State Building, either with their 86th-floor admission or 102nd-floor admission. Both options include exhibits on the 2nd and 80th floors, which will be explained later.

If you prefer to learn about the history and architecture of the Empire State Building through a guided walk, consider this special tour. It provides entry through the unique ceremonial entrance giving access to the art deco-style lobby. Then make your way to the space named after famous visitors where you can relax with refreshments. Also browse illustrations of notable figures who have come to this iconic high-rise.

Then, participants will meet their guide, who will lead the group to the 86^th-floor viewpoint, all while sharing distinctive insights and information regarding the building’s architecture and design. This 1.5-hour tour is reserved for small groups and incorporates skip-the-line access and a complimentary souvenir photo.

View from the Empire State Building

The observation decks of the Empire State Building provide certain of the greatest photographic opportunities in all of New York City. As mentioned earlier, magnificent views will be experienced regardless of timing of visit, although I believe the prime time to tourthe Empire State Building is around sunset, allowing appreciation of the golden glow over Manhattan. After dark, the entire city illuminates vibrantly, constructing a glittering landscape. It remains no surprise is one of the premier couples’ activities in NYC.

To provide a balanced perspective, if you visit throughout the daytime, you may better distinguish all the sights, like the Hudson and East Rivers, the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty. You’ll also have the ability to view prominent skyscrapers like the Flatiron Building, the Chrysler Building, One World Observatory, and the Rockefeller Center. With some luck, the skies will be transparent, and you can look up to 80 miles into Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania .

Other places to visit inside the Empire State Building

While many visitors go to see the observatories high atop the Empire State Building, that famous landmark has more attractions. Below are some additional things to do at the Empire State Building, including dining and shopping options.

Exhibits and route through the Empire State Building

Regardless of which Empire State Building ticket you purchase, you’ll have access to the exhibits on the second and eightieth floors. I suggest stopping by to learn more regarding the history of this skyscraper, from its construction to opening day in 1931 to its most recent renovations.

One of the exhibits contains a replica of the skyscraper’s original elevator while another is dedicated to the building’s sustainability and energy conservation efforts. The Artistry in Light section is where you can watch a short film detailing the technology involved in the attraction’s light-and-sound shows.

Another small theater shows hundreds of clips depicting the cinematic and popular culture history of the Empire State Building, including famous individuals and public figures who have visited the landmark through the years. There is even an exhibit with an installation portraying the massive gorilla`s hands crashing through the building`s walls.

On the eightieth floor, view the scenes through the viewfinders before snapping a image of the Empire State Building using one of the bronze sculptures picturing construction workers from the 1930s. The fun doesn`t end there, naturally, since then it`s time to ascend to the observatory on the eighty-sixth floor.

Empire State Building restaurants

There are a few eateries in the Empire State Building, so those wishing to enjoy a night out won`t struggle to find a dining spot. For example, STATE Grill & Bar serves lunches, dinners, and beverages, as well as prix fixe menus. Another choice is Tacombi, an eatery providing authentic Mexican tacos and margaritas.

There are also more casual, fast-service options like Chipotle and Starbucks. Some highly-rated restaurants near the Empire State Building include Antoya Korean BBQ and Fine & Rare, where you can get classic American favorites while listening to live jazz.

Shopping at the Empire State Building

If you wish to obtain some souvenirs during your visit to the Empire State Building, you can inspect the gift shop on the eightieth floor. In addition, the Empire State Building is on Fifth Avenue, the most renowned shopping road in NYC. Accordingly, you`ll be close to all kinds of luxury stores like Banana Republic, Armani, Swarovski, Zara, Urban Outfitters, and Macy`s flagship boutique.

Empire State Building history and facts

As you enter the Empire State Building, you’ll find exhibits and photos commemorating its history. I recommend exploring these intriguing displays, although I’ll provide a preview of what to anticipate below.

Empire State Building history

Prior to construction of the Empire State Building, the area was occupied by the prestigious Waldorf Astoria hotel. However, the hotel saw diminishing popularity among New York`s upper class by the 1920s, leading to plans to replace it with an office tower for corporations.

In early 1930, construction on the Empire State Building began. It took just over a year to complete the project, but its opening coincided with the Great Depression, so only a small portion of the office space was rented out.

To help attract more tenants, the owners started advertising the eminent height of the Empire State Building. This drew in many tourists who wanted to visit the observation decks of the Empire State Building, and the skyscraper became more of a visitor attraction.

Empire State Building construction

Construction on the Empire State Building commenced on March 17th of 1930, and it took just one year and 45 days to finish the structure. It required over 3,500 laborers to build the steel skyscraper, which cost nearly $42 million.

Empire State Building height

The Empire State Building’s 86^th-floor observatory is 1,050 feet tall, while the 102nd-floor observation deck is 1,224 feet tall. The roof of the Empire State Building is 1,250 feet above the ground, while the tip towers 1,454 feet tall.

Empire State Building lights

Since 1977, lights on the façade have illuminated the Empire State Building at night, usually on holidays. In 2012, the bulbs were substituted with 1,200 LED lights, allowing for millions of color mixtures and patterns that synchronize to music.

Empire State Building in movies

In addition to its references in television programs and publications, the Empire State Building has appeared in dozens of movies. The most renowned appearance was in 1933’s King Kong, when the massive primate climbed to the top of the skyscraper. The building was also highlighted inSleepless in Seattle,Independence Day, andSpider-Man.

Hotels near the Empire State Building

The Empire State Building in NYC is centrally located in Midtown Manhattan, one of the best neighborhoods in NYC, so it’s close to all kinds of shops, restaurants, and hotels. If you want to stay in this part of town, these are the best hotels near the Empire State Building:

• Hilton Garden Inn West 35th Street – This clean lodging is situated a block from the Empire State Building, providing guests with breathtaking views of the landmark from their rooms.
• The MOXY NYC Times Square hotel – In addition to its complimentary coffee, Wi-Fi, and gym facilities, this property is home to Magic Hour, one of the top-rated rooftop bars in NYC where you can see the Empire State Building.
• U Hotel Fifth Avenue – This luxury hotel near the iconic Empire State Building offers beautiful bathroom spaces crafted from Italian marble, 24 hour concierge assistance, and picturesque perspectives for guests.

For other locations in Midtown and the rest of Manhattan to remain, refer to our guide on where to reside in New York City.

Empire State Building FAQs

If you still have questions about New York’s Empire State Building, here are the answers to some commonly inquired topics.

That concludes this guide to the Empire State Building. I hope you found all the information necessary to plan your visit, but if you have any questions, don`t hesitate to leave me a comment. Have a wonderful time at this manmade wonder!