Empire State Building

The basics

The 102-story skyscraper is a must for any first-time visitor to New York City. While it’s easy to catch a glimpse of the tower around the city, this attraction is best enjoyed from one of its two observation decks, where the panoramic views over the Big Apple are legendary. After admiring the mosaics in the Art Deco lobby, take an elevator to the observation decks for 360-degree views of New York.

Empire State Building tours are part of many New York City guided tours, which often also include stops at Times Square and the Statue of Liberty. If you plan to visit on your own during peak times, it’s a good idea to buy an Express Pass to skip the long lines and head straight to the 86th-floor or top-floor observation decks.

Things to know before you go

• Choose a general admission ticket for standard entrance or a VIP Express Pass to skip the lines.

• The Empire State Building is fully ADA-compliant and stroller accessible. There are accessible restrooms on the 86th floor.

• You won’t be able to bring glass bottles, cans, or tripods into the building.

• Lines for the elevator can get long, particularly during peak hours. Be sure to use the restrooms on the second floor before getting in line.

• STATE Grill and Bar is the building’s street-level, signature restaurant. You’ll also find five other dining options, plus Starbucks.

How to get there

The Empire State Building is in Midtown Manhattan, about a 15-minute walk from Grand Central Terminal. It’s easy to arrive on foot from many other popular Midtown attractions, or by taking the subway to Penn Station/34th Street or 34th Street/Herald Square. The building is also a stop on hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tours.

When to get there

The best time to visit the Empire State Building is in the morning just after opening or late at night, when the lines are shortest. Expect longer lines for tickets, security, and elevators on weekends, holidays, and just before sunset.

Which Floor Should I Visit?

The 86th-floor observatory, known as the Main Deck, is the highest open-air observatory in New York. Its wraparound deck has with high-power binoculars, making it possible to see Central Park, the Hudson River, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty from above. From the indoor Top Deck on the 102nd floor, visitors enjoy even more views (like Central Park in its entirety) and the chance to ride a manually operated Otis elevator. On the second floor, galleries house multiple hands-on exhibits.

Is it worth buying Empire State Building tickets in advance?

Yes, it’s worth buying tickets to the Empire State Building in advance. Not only will you guarantee your admission, but you’ll also avoid needing to wait in the separate ticket line. That said, you can also visit the landmark’s on-site kiosks to enquire about last-minute ticket availability.

Which ticket should I buy for the Empire State Building?

First-time visitors to the Empire State Building should start with standard admission tickets to the 86th Floor Observatory or visit the 102nd Floor Top Deck for an added cost. Other options such as premium skip-the-line admission, sunrise experiences, and all-access tickets can cost US$500 per person.

Can you go inside the Empire State Building for free?

Yes, you can visit the Empire State Building’s ground-floor dining and shopping areas for free. Children five and under and military veterans can enter the building for free. Everyone else will need to purchase a ticket to visit the Empire State Building’s observation decks.

Is the Empire State Building top deck worth it?

That depends. The Empire State Building’s 86th Floor Observation Deck offers spectacular New York City skyline views. However, the 102nd Floor Top Deck is 16 stories higher, and with its 360-degree floor-to-ceiling windows, visitors can enjoy even more striking—and unimpeded—views of the city.

Do you need a reservation to go to the top of the Empire State Building?

Yes, you need a ticket to reach the top of the Empire State Building, including both the 86th Floor Observation Deck and the 102nd Floor Top Deck. Guarantee your admission by booking tickets online in advance. However, you can also try your luck at the on-site ticket kiosks.

How do I reserve a time slot for the Empire State Building?

To reserve a time slot for the Empire State Building, purchase advance tickets on its website—a variety of visiting packages are available, so you can choose the best option for you. You can also book tickets at kiosks on the second floor.

Ways to explore

The 102-story skyscraper is a must for any first-time visitor to New York City. While it’s easy to catch a glimpse of the tower around the city, this attraction is best enjoyed from one of its two observation decks, where the panoramic views over the Big Apple are legendary. After admiring the mosaics in the art deco lobby, take an elevator to the observation decks for 360-degree views of New York.

Empire State Building tours are also part of many New York City guided tours, which often also include stops at sights like Times Square and the Statue of Liberty. If you plan to visit on your own during peak times, it’s a good idea to buy an Express Pass to skip the long lines and head straight to the 86th-floor or top-floor observation decks.

Accessibility

The Empire State Building is fully accessible and ADA-compliant.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Handheld binoculars, small bag

What to wear

Weather-appropriate outerwear, layers, comfortable shoes

Not allowed

Tripods, non-folding strollers, glass items, cans, suitcases and other bulky items, professional cameras

Amenities

Restaurants, restrooms, gift shop, exhibitions

Address

The Empire State Building is located on 34th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues in Midtown Manhattan. It is just a few minutes on foot from Penn Station and 10 minutes from Grand Central Terminal, two of the city’s main transit hubs. Taxis and rideshare services offer another convenient way to get there.

Driving

While it’s possible to drive to the Empire State Building, navigating Manhattan’s traffic and finding parking can be challenging. It’s more convenient to use public transportation or a rideshare service. However, if you choose to drive, there is a parking garage on 33rd Street between Fifth Avenue and Broadway, just across the street from the building

Public transportation

To get to the Empire State Building by public transportation, take the 1, 2, 3, A, C, or E Subway trains to 34th Street–Penn Station, just five minutes away on foot. Alternatively, take the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, or W trains to 34th Street–Herald Square, also five minutes away, or the 4, 5, 6, or 7 trains to Grand Central Terminal, located 10 minutes away.

Best times to visit

The Empire State Building is typically most crowded for the first two hours after it opens, and the hour after sunset—visit at alternative times if you’re looking to avoid peak crowds.

Best days to visit

Weekends are almost always busiest at the Empire State Building—consider a weekday visit instead.

Best months to visit

The cold months of the year are generally less crowded at the Empire State Building (except during the lead-up to Christmas in December). Just be sure to wrap up warm.

Special events

On the Fourth of July every year, the Empire State Building invites ticketed visitors to watch the fireworks show from on high.