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 – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 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
It was an amazing view from the Empire State Building. From the entry to the elevators they had some good history on how the Empire State Building was built. The elevator experience was also stunning. The view was awesome and they had heaters on the deck for the cold weather. They had several thrilling experiences on the top for which we need separate tickets. They have a cafe on the roof and a seating area to chill and relax. I had a great experience overall and will definitely go back.
Jagadeesh Rahul - 4 weeks ago
Our visit to the Empire State Building Observatory was absolutely magical! We went after sunset, and the view of the sparkling city lights was unforgettable. The ambiance was electrifying, with an air of excitement and wonder that gave us butterflies.
The observatory itself is well-organized, and the staff made the entire experience seamless. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning guest, this iconic landmark is truly a must-see. The combination of history, architecture, and those unbeatable panoramic views makes it a bucket-list destination.
Highly recommend!
Jerry Walek - a month ago
An amazing experience at the iconic Empire State Building! The views from the 86th floor are absolutely breathtaking, offering a stunning panoramic view of New York City. The building itself is impressive with its rich history and beautiful architecture.
However, it was quite crowded, making it difficult to take proper photos and fully enjoy the views. Also, a tip for visitors: arrive a bit earlier than your reserved time, especially if you want to catch the sunset. It can take some time to get to the top, but the view is definitely worth the wait! A must-see attraction when visiting New York!
Thijs van Beukering - 2 weeks ago
Visiting at some point in your travels to NYC is a must. There's a small museum area about it's construction. The first part is indoor views. Then you have another line that brings you to the outdoor views. You can see many iconic sights, though only a tiny portion of Central Park is visible. There's enough room to walk around inside and outside.
Emily Wall - in the last week
I would definitely recommend buying the tickets in advance. The tickets were EXPENSIVE, but it was pretty much worth it. Me and my family had such a great time, and I'm pretty sure almost all the kids in the world likes King Kong!!! The view at the top was amazing, but since we went there in winter time it was very windy. The hot cocoa at the top was pretty expensive too. 10 dollars for each cup! But really, the Empire State Building was amazing and very kid-friendly(except for all the steps we had to climb😉!) I would definitely recommend going there!
Gustavo Pohl - 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.
Map & Instant Route Finder
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Accommodations near Empire State Building:
Photo Gallery
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View of Manhattan from the Empire State Building cc licensed photo by Harshil Shah -
Photo Credit: susanjanegolding - 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: pom'. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: pom'. - cc license via Flickr
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