Empire Skyline View

Visiting the Empire State Building

Everything you need to know, plus some fun facts

It's one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world: the Empire State Building is calling. Will you visit this majestic skyscraper on your New York trip?

Planning to visit the Empire State Building? Now you can take your vacation to new heights - 1,050 feet high to be exact! Whether you’re visiting New York for its architecture, its history, or its romance, you should not leave The Big Apple without visiting an iconic venue that combines all three.

Check out our helpful guide, packed full of ways to save on admission, tips for visiting, places to eat nearby, and much more.

Visit the Empire State Building and much more with Go City® New York

💰 >>  See how you can save up to 50% on New York attractions 

🗓️ >>  Check out our example New York itineraries 

What can I do at the Empire State Building?

Empire State view

What can I do at the Empire State Building?

The Empire State Building Observation Decks provide unobstructed 360-degree views of New York City. The top of the skyline should undoubtedly top your list of attractions to visit. Don’t miss your chance to stroll through one of the most iconic New York buildings, including the different areas detailed below.

Lobby

The lobby, which has been designated a historical landmark, is truly a sight to see on its own. Marvel at the marble-clad lobby with features of the original 1930s Art Deco glamor of the ceilings, wall panels, and chandeliers. It's certainly not your typical skyscraper business lobby!

2nd Floor Visitors’ Center

The new second-floor Visitor’s Center is where visitors can get their Empire State Building tickets. After passing through security you will get your free multi-media handheld device that you will be able to use throughout your visit. Even those of you who have visited before will learn something new.

Sustainability Exhibit

The Sustainability Exhibit is located on the 2nd floor. Here you will learn about the sustainability and preservation efforts of the Empire State Building which have made it one of the most energy-efficient buildings in the nation. Your personal audio device teaches you the story of the renovation process in a fun, comprehensible way, through a combination of digital displays, sculptures, and actual building materials.

Dare to Dream Exhibit & Empire: The Store

Dare to Dream

Dare to Dream Exhibit & Empire: The Store

Take the elevator to the 80th floor to the Dare to Dream Exhibit, which showcases the planning and the construction of the Empire State Building. Here you will learn about the building’s history and engineering. Take a peek at original documents such as authentic period photographs, construction notes, and more.

The 80th floor is also home to 3,000 square foot, Empire: The Store, which features plenty of great gifts and mementos to help you remember your trip to New York. Here you can find something for everyone, from upscale gifts, children’s toys, coffee table books, and much more.

86th Floor Main Observation Deck

Lobby

86th Floor Main Observation Deck

Up on the 86th floor, you will arrive at the Main Observation Deck, which is New York City’s highest open-air observatory. From here you can enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the city, which features both indoor and outdoor promenades. Check out Central Park, the Hudson River and East River, the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and so much more.

You may remember this 86th-floor observation deck from its appearances in movies like An Affair to RememberLove AffairI Love Lucy, and Sleepless in Seattle.

102nd Floor Top Observation Deck

Empire State Building view

102nd Floor Top Observation Deck

Traveling up the Top Observation Deck will give you even more great views. On clear days, you catch a glimpse of New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.

Empire State Building Run-Up

You’ve heard of the New York City Marathon, but you may not be familiar with the Annual Empire State Building Run-Up. It’s been a unique athletic tradition since the first running in 1978, which began with a few local athletes and has since spread across the globe. Each year, runners from around the world race up the 1,576 steps (approximately 1/5th of a mile) from the ground floor to the 86th-floor observatory, with the fastest clocking in around 10 minutes. Spectators can watch the race from the street.

Tower Lights

Light show at Empire State Building

Tower Lights

Beginning in 1976, the lights at the top of the building would often be illuminated with floodlights in recognition of various holidays, occasions, and organizations. In 2012, an LED light system was installed capable of displaying 16 million colors.

When can I go to the Empire State Building?

The Empire State Building is open every day, including all holidays, 365 days a year, rain or shine from 8am to 2am. Just remember, the last elevator up to the Observation Deck is at 1:15 AM.

Should I visit the Empire State Building at night or during the day?

There are pros to visiting the Empire State Building at night and during the day: During the day, (early in the morning, in fact) is best if you want daytime views of Manhattan while avoiding the crowds. Head to the Observation Deck during the day to take photos of the cityscape up high, especially if it's a bright and clear day.

However, visiting at night is a totally different experience. Heading up to the top of the Empire State Building at night is your chance to see the city lit up, which is truly amazing to see. If you decide to go at night, visiting after 10pm is best for avoiding crowds.

If you can't decide, why not plan to go around sunset? Not only will you get to see the sun setting over NYC, but you'll get both daytime and nighttime views of the city.

Tips for visiting the Empire State Building

Here are some tips for making the most of your visit to the Empire State Building:

  • How to avoid crowds at the Empire State Building? A good way to avoid the mobs of visitors and super long lines is to plan your visit for either early in the morning (8 – 11am) or later at night (after 10pm, the night views are spectacular!).
     
  • How to see the sunset at the Empire State Building? It seems simple enough, but the best way we know is to head up in advance and stick around to wait for that gorgeous view.
     
  • Take in the view before heading out on the town. Head up to the deck after 10 PM, when it's way less crowded. A late-night visit will open up a whole new perspective of NYC, complete with an aerial view of the most famous skyline in the country.
     
  • Kids under six are free. You are allowed to bring a stroller, just be sure you can fold it before entering the elevator.
     
  • Plan your breaks. If you need to use the restrooms, they are located on the second floor before getting in line for the elevators.
     
  • Planning to pop the big question? Head up to the Observation Deck Thursday-Saturday nights between 9pm and 1am when they have a talented saxophonist playing to set the mood. Enjoy live music as you take in the sweeping city vista. You can even request a special song for your romantic moment! After the music and magic, unwind at the Empire Room on the 33rd floor, an Art Deco-style lounge with classy cocktails and upscale bar snacks. They also have a yearly Facebook contest where the winner gets to tie the knot on Valentine’s Day.
     
  • Share your experience with friends! Tag your photos with #EmpireStateBuilding and they could end up shared across their extensive social channels.
     
  • Prepare for the security line. Hopefully, by timing your trip carefully, you’ll be able to avoid waiting for too long. Know what you can and can’t bring up to the observatory, because there is no coat/bag check in the lobby. You are permitted one carry-on size bag. While camcorders and cameras are allowed, tripods are prohibited, as are glass and bottles. However, you might want to bring a few snacks and some small toys or coloring supplies to keep kids entertained while they wait.
     
  • Plan what other attractions you’ll see that day. Since a visit to the Empire State Building takes a good chunk of time out of your day (a minimum of 2-3 hours), you’ll want to have the rest of your day roughly planned out so you can get some more sightseeing in. You might spend the day in the vicinity to make things easier.
     
  • Add the Top of the Rock to your itinerary. Compare the spectacular views of both the Empire State Building vs Top of the Rock. The view from the “30 Rock” building rivals that of the Empire State Building. To determine for yourself which building has the better view, add a Top of the Rock visit to your itinerary. Remember, the Top of the Rock has one thing that can’t be beaten: a bird’s eye view of the Empire State Building!
     
  • Find the uniformed personnel on the sidewalk in front of the Empire State Building if you have any questions. Of course, you can always ask them inside as well.

When was the Empire State Building built?

Empire State

When was the Empire State Building built?

The Empire State Building was part of a Great Depression-era competition to construct the world’s tallest building. It was the first structure ever to consist of more than 100 floors, topping the record height with an extra two floors. Construction started in 1930 and it was officially opened in 1931 by President Herbert Hoover.

President Hoover turned on the building’s lights remotely by pushing a button in Washington, D.C. The Empire State Building is instantly recognizable thanks to its Art Deco design, which, in addition to its impressive height, sets it apart from neighboring skyscrapers.

It has more than 100 floors, 6,500 windows, and 73 elevators, stands 1,454 feet at its highest point (including the tip of the broadcast tower), weighs 365,000 tons, and was built out of approximately 10 million bricks.

It’s often considered among the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Although it functions today primarily as an office building, it attracts a staggering four million visitors per year – making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in one of the most popular cities in America. From enduring the wrath of King Kong to standing ominously in Andy Warhol’s silent film Empire, the Empire State Building is also famous for its many pop culture appearances.

What attractions are near the Empire State Building?

MSG

What attractions are near the Empire State Building?

To help maximize your time in NYC, be sure you schedule a few other attractions and activities either side of your trip to the Empire State Building. Here are a few nearby attractions that are a great addition to anyone's vacation itinerary. Some local attractions include the Madison Square Garden Tour, the New York Public Library, as well as departure points for several themed tours.

Want to include even more New York City favorites? Check out the Rockefeller Center Tour, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Statue of Liberty Cruise. With your pass, you can take up to 60 days to visit your chosen attractions and save with special discounts. Simplify your vacation, and see all your target attractions for one low price!

Visit the Empire State Building with Go City® New York

Don’t leave New York City without checking out this legendary tower that represents American ingenuity, perseverance, and triumph in times of hardship. A ride up to the Empire State Building Observatory is a legitimate feel-good trip that will join you in solidarity with other visitors as you marvel at the magnificence of old New York. Remember you can use the Go City® New York pass to visit the Empire State Building. 

Discover our full line-up of New York attractions including The Empire State Building, Top of the Rock Observatory, the Statue of Liberty, and more.  

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.    

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

Andrew Martineau
Go City Travel Expert

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Manhattan skyline with the One World Trade Center in the foreground
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The Best Time to Visit The One World Observatory (Trade Center)

Standing at a whopping 1,776 feet, the gleaming One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, and the seventh tallest on the planet. Thrillseekers with a serious head for heights can soar up 102 stories to the One World Observatory on the top three floors for far-reaching views that stretch for up to 45 miles in every direction and take in many of the Big Apple’s most iconic attractions. This high-tech engineering marvel also contains digital marvels such as hi-res digital video screens inside the Skypod elevators that tell the story of New York through the ages and a glass Sky Portal beneath your feet that displays live images of the streets far below. Read on for our guide to the best times to visit the One World Observatory. Opening hours The One World Observatory is open daily with regular hours that run from 9AM–9PM. There are some seasonal variations on opening and closing times as well as special extended hours on some holidays, so do check direct with the One World Observatory website for the most up-to-date information. Once inside, you're welcome to stay for as long as you like, but note that last available entry is one hour from closing time. A Go City attraction pass includes entry to the One World Observatory’s three top floors via a thrilling 47-second ride in the Skypod elevators. Alongside a number of fascinating digital exhibits charting the history of the city and One World Trade Center, the 360-degree views from up top are some of the best in the city, taking in Downtown Manhattan, the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, the Empire State Building, the Chrysler and the Statue of Liberty. Best time to visit the One World Observatory Beat the rush by planning your visit first thing in the morning or last thing in the evening. This is hands-down the best way to experience the One World Observatory as it means you’ll dodge the worst of the lines, of which there are several: going up, coming back down, and for a number of the digital exhibits in between. Arriving after around 11AM pretty much guarantees longer waiting times, whereas early birds can simply sail in and should expect to be up to in mere minutes. Similarly, you’ll get spectacular views of the city lights after dark once the crowds who piled in for sunset have dissipated. Sunsets from up here are (as you might well imagine) pretty spectacular affairs, so if longer lines bother you not a jot you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to fill your Insta feed with enviable snaps as the Manhattan skyline turns several shades of burnt orange and bruised purple at dusk. The busiest time of day at the One World Observatory is between midday and 5PM. Avoid these times if you can but, if not, do make sure you’ve purchased tickets in advance so you can at least omit the wait in the box office line. Getting to the One World Observatory The One World Observatory is located at the One World Trade Center on the corner of West and Vesey Streets in Downtown Manhattan. The entrance is on West Street and there are plenty of easy ways to get there. Hop on the subway and disembark at Fulton St, Rector St, Chamber St, Cortlandt St or World Trade Center stations, depending on where you’ve come from. All are just a short walk from the entrance. Tickets We recommend pre-booking tickets if you want to avoid waiting in line at the box office, then having to queue up again for the attraction itself. You can do this via the One World Observatory website, where the range of ticket options available includes everything from general admission to a bells-and-whistles VIP experience that includes a 60-minute guided tour, plus priority skip-the-line entry and a credit for spending in the cafe, bar, restaurant or gift shop. A Go City Explorer or All-Inclusive pass for New York attractions saves you money by including entry to the One World Observatory as well as many more Big Apple icons. These include the Statue of Liberty, MoMA, the Empire State Building and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, as well as a number of walking and cycling tours, and much more. Where to eat The ONE Dine restaurant and ONE Mix bar are located high above the city, way up on the One World Trade Center’s 101st floor. Tuck into New York classics including caesar salad, swordfish steaks and filet mignon then wash down with a Midtown Margarita cocktail in the bar. The cafe and gelateria will keep young kids happy with plenty of sodas and sweet treats. Head over to the nearby Oculus to admire its unique architecture and discover more eating and drinking options in its bars and restaurants, where options range from pretzels to sushi. In brief... If you want to beat the lines, the best times to visit the One World Observatory are early morning and late evening. Do it one of these ways and not only will you be able to get in (and out) faster, you’ll also benefit from New York’s beautiful morning light and the opportunity to see Manhattan lit up at night. Sunset is perhaps the most beautiful time to visit but you should expect crowds at this time so plan accordingly and get there early to avoid disappointment. Get the Go City attraction pass to make great savings when visiting this and other popular New York City attractions! Useful links Buy tickets online Get the Go City attraction pass for New York Visit the One World Observatory with Go City Official One World Observatory website
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
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New York in September   

There’s no doubt about it - September is the absolute best time for crunching through leaves in Central Park, visiting fun outdoor attractions, and cozying up in the museum café. If you’re looking for the ultimate Autumn in New York experience, don’t worry - we’ve got you covered! For those who are thinking about making the visit, plan ahead with our comprehensive guide for the best things to do in the area. We hope you find many of our tips useful for the future. Take in the Fall Vibes   The weather in September is still warm and balmy, making it one of the best times to visit some outdoor New York attractions. Situated between the Upper West and Upper East Sides of Manhattan, Central Park is easily accessible and offers a wide array of fun activities. Attracting over 25 million visitors each year, this is easily one of the most popular public parks in the world – and with good reason. Whether you’re looking to visit the zoo, see the conservatory garden, or just take a relaxing stroll, there’s plenty to do here.   The light autumnal weather also provides ample opportunity for some great outdoor events. Taking place every Wednesday of the month, Jazz at Pier 84 combines stunning live performances with beautiful evenings. Totally free and set along the waterfront of the Hudson River, we couldn’t think of a much cooler way to relax on vacation. So, pack some blankets and snacks and get ready to watch the sunset over the skyline! Is there any better way to enjoy the outdoors than by watching a movie under the stars? All throughout the month, you can catch free outdoor screenings right in the center of Bryant Park. Showing on Monday and Tuesday evenings, the festival features everything from critically acclaimed dramas and black and white classics to laugh-out-loud comedies and cult indie flicks. While the park provides food and wine concessions, it’s up to you to bring a blanket, since there is no seating area. In addition, there are also music, dance and theater events produced in partnership with a varied lineup of the city’s performing arts institutions. Find Fun Activities   Whilst you might be thinking that summertime is peak festival season, we’re here to tell you that you're wrong. A total treat for music lovers, Governor’s Ball is one of New York’s most respected, hyped and talked about cultural events. A total musical extravaganza, the affair features an impressive and exciting lineup with a mixed bag of genres, including hip-hop, rock, pop and electronic. With previous performances from Miley Cyrus, Drake and Stevie Nicks, this one is a sure winner! New York City has never failed to impress us with its delicious culinary offerings. To grab a slice of the action head down to Smorgasburg fest, where you can try out different specialities from dozens of local vendors. Billed as ‘’the Woodstock of eating’’, the event offers a broad variety of dishes, as well as cocktails and high-quality beers on tap. With plenty of vegan and gluten-free options to choose from, we promise nobody will go hungry!   Another one of our favorite places to go in September is Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Situated at the northeastern edge of Prospect Park, this 52-acre stretch is home to thousands of plants and trees, as well as a discovery garden with butterflies, bees and chipmunks. Attracting nearly a million visitors each year, this stunning urban landscape encourages its visitors to explore the world of plants whilst promoting a sense of responsibility for the environment. Including a number of speciality "gardens within the Garden", the Steinhardt Conservatory that houses the C.V. Starr Bonsai Museum, and an art gallery, there’s a little something for everyone here. Magical and swoon-worthy, this place makes the perfect day trip. Get Cultured One of the greatest things about New York is that the city is a total melting pot for more cultures than any other place in the United States. To experience how residents have been shaping and contributing to the culture of the city is an experience in itself – and definitely one which we recommend. If you're interested in exploring the area through its food, we suggest heading down to the San Gennaro Festival. Initially a one-day religious holiday, the event was brought over by Italian immigrants who wanted to continue the tradition they had followed in their home country, celebrating Saint Januarius, the Patron Saint of Naples. Today, the festival is a magnificent flourish of delicious food, live music, and colorful parades which is held annually in the Little Italy district of Manhattan. Soak up the festive atmosphere, enjoy some of the best Italian cuisine in the city, and definitely don’t miss the world-famous cannoli eating contest!   New York is well-recognized as the art capital of the United States. Those who are interested in exploring the city’s creative side should definitely look into booking a street art tour. Along the route, you’ll be guided through the vibrant works of many big contemporary street artists, as well as some interesting lesser-known names. In addition, you’ll get to learn more about the different styles and techniques which have been developed throughout the history of street art. Extremely Instagram-worthy and incredibly fascinating, too, you won’t want to miss this one! Those who are visiting during the anniversary of 9/11 should consider checking out the Tribute in Light installation. First introduced six months after the attacks, this piece seeks to commemorate the thousands of lives that were lost whilst celebrating the enduring strength of New York City. From the roof of the Battery Parking Garage, two beams of light are projected into the Manhattan skyline, where the passenger planes were once hijacked by terrorists and crashed into the World Trade Center buildings. We suggest going at nighttime since the lights are best appreciated after dark. New York is great all year round, but fall is especially magical– the leaves turn golden, the air is crisp, and the city offers a wide array of fun activities and events. Whether you’re ambling through the winding pathways of Central Park, enjoying jazz right beside the Hudson River, or catching a sunset movie, it's impossible to be bored. To make the most of this fleeting season, be sure to check out our New York attraction pass options as you can use an All-Inclusive pass or an Explorer pass to see more for less with Go City.
Sarah Harris

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