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: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 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
out of 5 The Empire State Building offers an unforgettable experience that truly captures the essence of New York City. Visiting the observation deck on the 86th floor provides breathtaking panoramic views that stretch for miles. As you step out, you’re immediately greeted by a stunning skyline, where iconic structures like the Chrysler Building and One World Trade Center come into view.
The atmosphere is electric, with visitors from all over the world marveling at the city below. The well-organized layout allows for ample space to take photos and enjoy the scenery. On clear days, the visibility is remarkable, making it feel like you’re standing on top of the world.
Additionally, the informative displays about the building’s history and architectural significance enrich the visit, offering fascinating insights into this landmark. The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring a smooth experience for everyone. To avoid large crowds, I recommend visiting either early in the morning or later in the evening, as this allows for a more relaxed atmosphere.
Overall, my experience at the Empire State Building was nothing short of magical. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone coming to New York City, and the views are worth every moment spent there. I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary!
Huy Nguyen - 3 weeks ago
We visited the Empire State Building about three weeks ago, and it was such an amazing experience! I highly recommend it to everyone. The rich history, breathtaking views, and fun photo ops with King Kong make it an experience people of all ages can enjoy. The museum is incredibly interactive and fun, making it a blast for the youngest kids and the oldest adults alike.
Esther Z - 4 weeks ago
We loved taking the elevator up and seeing the city from high. It was spectacular with all of the lights. We chose a clear night and booked tickets for 8:30 pm on a weeknight. It was definitely much colder up at the tip and we were glad to have jackets with us. Definitely peek through the binoculars up there. Cool information to read at bottom where you enter. We only got tickets to go to the 86th floor based on reviews we read. Great experience. I would definitely recommend to do at least once!
Linda Segerqvist - 2 weeks ago
This was an amazing feat of architecture which was built so quickly that it exceeded all records. It was so interesting to learn of the construction and the history of the building. It is iconic New York and this is evidenced by all of the movies that incorporate the building. The displays are wonderfully well done and very easy to follow. The views from the top are spectacular and worth the visit. The whole of NYC is laid out and one can orientate oneself so easily. The night visit is also worthwhile as the city is gorgeous by night. It shines and radiates an energy and a vibe that can be felt from 86 floors up. Visit this building if you are in New York.
Karen S - a month ago
My visit to the Empire State Building was absolutely incredible! The process was smooth and efficient—having purchased tickets in advance, I was able to skip the long lines and head straight in. The staff was friendly and guided us through each step. The museum artifact section was a fascinating way to learn about the building’s history and construction, with interactive exhibits and iconic memorabilia that really brought the story to life.
When we made it to the top, the views were breathtaking! You get a 360-degree panorama of New York City that feels surreal, especially at sunset. It was an unforgettable experience, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting NYC. Definitely worth every penny!
Lindsey Gilbert - a month 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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