Empire State Building NYC

The iconic building which rises above the skyline of Manhattan, New York is perhaps the most famous office block in the world. This National Historic Landmark is 1,453 feet high, has 103 floors, 1,872 steps, 6,514 windows, 73 elevators, 5 entrances and was built with about 10 million bricks! The tall building is featured in countless movies and is one of the city's must-see and must-do attractions.

Visitors have been coming to the Empire State to enjoy the bird's eye view of the city since 1931. Today it averages about 4 million visitors a year. There is an observation deck on the 86th and the 102nd floors from where you can see across the city and on a clear day even as far as Connecticut and Pennsylvania. The 86th floor observation deck is 1,050 feet above ground and is enclosed by glass walls with an open-air promenade on the outer edge. Go 200 feet higher to the 102nd floor and there is another observation deck. As the observation deck is open 8am-2am in the morning visitors can enjoy the city lights at night or visit when the city is just waking up.

Especially for Babies and Toddlers

• The entire site, including elevators, is suitable for strollers.
• Line waiting times for tickets and elevators average at 30-45 minutes. To avoid frustrated little ones during the wait consider buying an Express Pass ticket online and going express to the front of the line.
• Changing tables in every bathroom.

Especially for Teenagers

• The Skyride on the 2nd floor is a virtual tour simulator lasting 30 minutes which takes you across the NYC skyline highlighting important landmarks. The ride is not run by the Empire State but you can buy a joint ticket to both the ride and the observation deck.
• Visit the Dare to Dream Exhibition on the 80th floor which covers the building's history, construction and place in NYC's heart.

Opening Hours

Observatory: daily 08:00 – 02:00

Prices

Main Deck Only (86th floor): Adults $27; seniors $24; children (6-12) $21

Main Deck Express (86th floor with no waiting in line): All visitors $50 (6+)

Main Deck + Top Deck (86th and 102nd floors): Adult $44; senior $41; children (6-12) $38

Main Deck + Top Deck Express (86th and 102nd floors with no waiting in line): All visitors $67

5 and under go free.

Recommended amount of time for Empire State visit

1-2 hours

Directions

350 5th Avenue, New York City, New York, USA

Subway: Line 1, 2 or 3 to Penn Station/34th Street. B, D, F, N, Q and R to 34th Street/Avenue of the Americas.

Train: From Long Island take the Long Island Railroad; from New Jersey take the NJ Transit to Penn Station, 2 blocks from the Empire State.

Car: Limited metered street parking; closest garage is on 33rd Street between 5th Avenue and Broadway.

Giggling Tourist Tips!

Skip the long lines by buying an express ticket online. With the NY CityPass you pay $106 for adults and $79 for youths (6-17) and get discount entry to 6 NYC attractions including the Empire State Building where you get entry to the main deck, plus the audio tour and re-entry later in the night.

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