bird flying over the city during daytime
city skyline during night time
gray building
All attractions

Empire State Building

New York, U.S.A.
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bird flying over the city during daytime

Photo by Laila Zouaki

Rising high and proud above midtown Manhattan, the Empire State Building remains a wonder for travelers, architects, and dreamers alike. A symbol of ambition and resilience, its soaring Art Deco spire lights evening skies and draws millions of visitors each year. For anyone crafting a classic New York City itinerary, this iconic landmark offers not just sweeping views but also stories, inspiration, and unexpected moments tucked behind every marble column and window.

Visiting Info

Currency
Entrance fee
44 USD

Contact Information

Location
Address
20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001, United States
Website

Planning your visit

Planning a visit to the Empire State Building means preparing for excitement and a little patience. With millions of admirers flocking here, crowds can grow—especially in peak months and just before sunset. Still, with some simple planning, even families with young children or travelers in a hurry can enjoy a smooth adventure. Tickets are best booked online to skip lines and to select the right experience, from standard observation decks to deluxe packages. Public transit drops off nearby, and hours stretch late for nighttime city views.

  • Best time to visit: Early morning or late evening; weekday visits offer fewer crowds, especially in winter or spring.
  • How to get there: Subway lines B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W stop at 34th Street-Herald Square, a short walk away. Penn Station offers easy access for Amtrak and New Jersey transit riders.
  • Accessibility: Elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms throughout; staff trained for mobility and sensory needs. Strollers welcome.
  • Average visit duration: 1.5 to 2 hours, including security and elevator wait times. Add extra time during holidays or weekends.

Must see stuff

The Empire State Building delivers thrills from street level to the tallest open-air deck in the city. While the observation decks never fail to dazzle, the landmark’s history and behind-the-scenes details make a visit special. In recent years, the lobby’s restored Art Deco murals and the immersive 2nd-floor museum add new layers to the story. The views are legendary. But don’t miss what’s inside.

  • Main and Top Observation Decks: Soak up sweeping cityscapes from the 86th floor, then take the glass elevator to the 102nd for quieter, stunning vistas.
  • 2nd-Floor Interactive Exhibits: Explore exhibits on engineering feats, celebrity connections, movies, and more. Engaging for curious kids and history fans.
  • Art Deco Lobby: Gaze up at the ceiling murals, gold-leaf accents, and marble in the recently restored lobby. Quick tip: entrance is on Fifth Avenue.
  • Sunset and Night Visits: Watch city lights flicker to life—from Central Park to the harbor, the panorama glows. Fewer crowds, more romance.
  • Photo Hot Spots: Capture photos at corner glass windows, near the exterior eagles, or looking up from 34th Street at dusk for dramatic angles.
  • Cultural Facts: Built in just 1 year and 45 days, the Empire State Building became a symbol of hope during the Great Depression. Its spire was originally designed for airship docking—an experiment that ended quickly, but the legend lives on.

Tips for your visit

The Empire State Building is dazzling, but little things can make a good trip into a great one. Expect strict security—think airport style. Weather changes quickly on the high decks, so jackets come in handy even on summer evenings. Elevators move fast, but lines can build during peak hours. And while elevators are accessible, the outdoor deck can get windy.

  • Best times to avoid crowds: Arrive before 10am or after 10pm. Weekdays, especially in the off-season, mean shorter waits.
  • What to bring: Camera or phone for photos, closed shoes for comfort, portable charger, lightweight jacket for windy decks. Refillable water bottles save money and avoid waste—as allowed by security.
  • Etiquette and rules: Quiet voices in lobbies, no tripods on decks, respect roped-off and staff-only areas. Smoking and vaping are not allowed anywhere.
  • Safety and comfort: Stay behind rails on observation decks. Hold children’s hands. Ask staff for help if needed—they’re used to every question imaginable.