Empire State Building
Empire State Building
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsObservation Decks & Towers
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
About
The Empire State Building is the World's Most Famous Building. It rises 1,454 ft from ground to antenna & features the only 360 degree open-air vantage point of Midtown. The 86th & 102nd Fl Observatories are open daily, see esbnyc.com for hours. On a clear day you can see up to 6 states. The brand-new 2nd floor museum (included in all ticket options) offers guests 10,000 sq ft of interactive exhibits that invite visitors on a journey beginning from the building’s construction to its current place in pop culture. The 102nd Fl Obs features floor-to-ceiling windows and a glass elevator with sound & light experience. It is the jewel of NYC. All signage, audio & exhibits in the building are available in 9 languages. We offer free Wi-Fi. The 34th St Lobby entrance features a grand staircase with a 2-story architectural model of the bldg & a high-tech LED exhibit that celebrates lighting ceremonies performed by famous, celebrity guests. Express guests receive red carpet VIP treatment.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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from $80.51
All you need to step foot in the door.
Full view
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Top ways to experience Empire State Building
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Midtown
This is the iconic New York that so many visitors imagine before they visit—spectacular skyscrapers like the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building, iconic public buildings like Grand Central Terminal and the New York Public Library, and the non-stop hustle and bustle of the city streets. Fifth Avenue is a shopper's heaven where you can find every kind of store imaginable, with fashion brands ranging from the affordable to the ultra-fancy. Visit the Rockefeller Center to experience towering Art Deco grandeur, and foodies will love the busy restaurants that stay open late in Koreatown. After dark, Midtown calms down a bit, but at any time of day or night it still feels 100% New York.
How to get there
- 34th St – Herald Square • 3 min walk
- 33rd St • 5 min walk
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10,000 within 5 kms
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2,536 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- eblong4Saint Louis, Missouri3 contributionsAmazing views!Visited the Empire State Building on an overnight layover with my husband and daughter. Fantastic experience! The attendants were all so courteous, and the entire experience was awesome! The nighttime views of NYC were beyond compare. Highly recommend!!!Happy to hear that your party had a great time with us. Hope to see you soon. Thank you for the review.Written 18 March 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2023Travelled with familyWritten 18 March 2023
- Jennifer TSouthlake, Texas2 contributionsEmpire State BuildingWe had a great experience at the Empire State Building. The views were phenomenal. We did the 86th floor sunset viewing. The lighting was magical. There’s also an option to go to the 102nd floor. The whole experience was incredibly well organized and moved smoothly. My one criticism was that the ground level entrance was not marked very well. Would highly recommend doing this once in your life. I grew up in the Tri-state area and have been to NYC numerous times but had never taken the time to go up in the building. So glad we did this week!Happy to hear that your party had a great time with us. Hope to see you soon. Thank you for the review.Written 18 March 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2023Travelled with familyWritten 18 March 2023
- norris2023Los Angeles, California3 contributionsAn Iconic SiteWe did the Express tour of the Empire State Building and it was perfect. It bypassed the history of the building and took us straight to the 80th, 86th, and 102nd floors. The 86th floor is the outside observation deck, which around sunset got a bit crowded. But the views are spectacular. The 102nd floor is enclosed and is a smaller area, but offers amazing views of the sunset and the surrounding NYC and NJ areas. If you don't mind missing the history (my son had just learning about it in school) then I suggest the express version.Thank you for making the Empire State Building part of your stay in New York. We hope to see you next time you visit. Thank you for the review.Written 18 March 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2023Travelled with familyWritten 18 March 2023
- Kevin RElizabethtown, Kentucky1 contributionA Visit to the ESB after 20 yearsVisited the Empire State Building on my recent trip to New York City. I had not visited the ESB for nearly 20 years. I enjoyed the exhibits on the building of the skyscraper and the impact it has had on American and New York culture, Excellent views all around and very blustery when going outside. Was almost blown off my feet by the invigorating wind!We’re so happy to hear that you had a wonderful visit to the Empire State Building. Thank you for the review. Hope to be a part of your next visit to New York.Written 21 March 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2023Written 18 March 2023
- cincytraveler123Cincinnati, Ohio102 contributionsThe original and the bestThere's nothing better than the outdoor observation deck at the ESB. The views are spectacular! We went to the 102nd floor which was very cool. It's a small space but the views are amazing. There was an attendant who took the best pictures of us! I know there are several options for NYC observation decks but the ESB is the OG!!So glad that the Empire State Building exceeded your expectations. Thank you for your review.Written 21 March 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2023Written 19 March 2023
- Robertlacap2 contributionsAmazing ExperienceGreat welcoming staff. Awesome building.. experience of a lifetime. Spectacular 360 views you'll see on the main deck 86th floor. Must include when you are in New York.Thank you for the wonderful review and nice words about our staff. We will be sure to pass your message along.Written 21 March 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2023Travelled with familyWritten 21 March 2023
- lipponen_johanna1 contributionAmazing building and views (on good weather)The Empire State Building is very beautiful building. My friend and I visited in when it snowed, but still the view was amazing. Unfortunately, the wind and temperature made it impossible to stay outdoors for longer than 10 minutes; however, on a good day it would be the best view in town.Thank you for the wonderful review. We’re glad that you enjoyed your experience with us.Written 21 March 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2023Written 21 March 2023
- acwelch21 contributionFast weekend tripGreat view from 86th floor at night! We had to hurry through the displays on way up because got to building late after flight was delayed. Wished we would have known about displays ahead of time & been able to experience them too. It was all very nice, but expensive for a short time up there.Thank you for making the Empire State Building part of your New York experience. We hope to see you again.Written 21 March 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2023Travelled with familyWritten 21 March 2023
- DianaTRArdmore, Pennsylvania35 contributionsVIP tour with the best guide!We took the guided Premium tour for up to 7 guests at noon. We were the only ones on the tour. We arrived just in time after ditching our cab in traffic. They knew my name immediately and were kind enough to let us grab a coffee before the tour. Our guide was Siobhan, who was amazing. We immediately found many things in common which made our conversations easy. Siobhan has worked at the Empire State Building for 20 years - she knows everyone and everything about the site. We saw the lower levels, the vault, the uniforms room, pictures of the construction, and so much more. She skipped all lines and we had VIP access to the 102nd level deck and the 86th level deck. It was a beautiful day and the views were outstanding. It was truly a memorable experience made more enjoyable with Siobhan!Thank you for choosing the Vip Package. We will be sure to pass the message to Siobhan that you enjoyed the tour.Written 22 March 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 March 2023
- Rick HPoint Pleasant, West Virginia13 contributionsA Must See Is n NYC!The icon in New York since 1931, this is a great experience to view the city. No lines and a quick trip to the 86th and the 102nd floor and nice people to answer your questions on each stop. Went at 10 a.m. and the view was beautiful. When I go back, I’d like to see the view at night.Thank you for making the Empire State Building part of your New York experience. We hope to see you again.Written 22 March 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2023Written 21 March 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
95,243 reviews
Excellent
62,136
Very good
21,839
Average
7,177
Poor
2,366
Terrible
1,739
Khristina Victoria
3 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
Family visit, showing 21 yo grandson the Big Apple. I looked up the ticket price 2 weeks before our visit, and the cost was $80 for 4. I didn't buy the tickets until the night before, and the price had surgery to $200 for 4. You buy a timed entry slot, but line was the length of 34th St, and wrapped around the block. It takes forever to get to the 80th floor, where you are bomb boarded by the photographers, and have to endure more lines to get to the 86th floor elevator, which on this day, there was only 1 operating, so you could walk up 6 flights of stairs or wait. The views at the top are amazing, no doubt, but there should never be surge pricing to tour a building!!
Very disappointed in the process
Very disappointed in the process
Written 18 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amberdmcmillan
The Woodlands, TX1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Family
We so enjoyed going to the top of the Empire State Building! I highly recommend starting with a coffee cocktail in the Starbucks Reserve bar first!
Written 18 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stay796969
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Couples
The Empire State Building is a must see when visiting New York City. The 102nd floor is worth the price and time. The views are one of a kind.
Written 18 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William Lee
Rocky Mount, NC181 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
We took our granddaughter and this was our first visit to the top. We got the "red carpet" package which included the 102nd floor observation deck and we recommend you consider this. The view is amazing! More amazing than the view is the staff. From directing us to the entrance to guiding us along to pointing out particular views the staff could not have been more helpful. A special shout out to Ranita on the 102nd floor observation deck. She was a great guide! She was especially good working with visitors who had issues with heights and was very much appreciated.
Written 18 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tiffany P
3 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
The Empire State Building is an iconic landmark offering breathtaking views of New York City. Its historic significance and impressive architecture make it a must-visit attraction for tourists and locals alike.
Written 18 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JPLeon22
Brooklyn, NY1 contribution
Mar 2024
It was good. My birthday. Returning in the summer. The view was amazing, the museum was nice. Loved it.
Written 17 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AliBT76
1 contribution
Mar 2024
I expected that the observatory has a place that you can enjoy the view without fences! In comparison to top of the rock and edge I think Empire state was the weakest one!
Written 17 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lcmel2
Martinsburg, WV1 contribution
Feb 2024 • Family
It’s been 30 years since my last visit to the Empire State Building and what an experience. This time was a wonderful experience to see the history and the remodel was absolutely stunning. Thank you New York City.
Written 16 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for making the Empire State Building part of your stay in New York. We hope to see you next time you visit. Thank you for the review.
Written 17 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mebatche
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Family
There should be a warning that you will be packed into a crowded elevator for the 80 floors to the first stop. If you are claustrophobic, this could be a little overwhelming. Because I wanted extra steps, i took the 6 flights of stairs to the 86th floor observatory.
It was very well organized and despite the crowd, worth the opportunity to see the iconic attraction. Mini exhibits based on king kong and other cinema scenes made the wait fun.
It was very well organized and despite the crowd, worth the opportunity to see the iconic attraction. Mini exhibits based on king kong and other cinema scenes made the wait fun.
Written 16 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for making the Empire State Building part of your stay in New York. We hope to see you next time you visit. Thank you for the review.
Written 17 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KportFamily
Kingsport, TN5 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
The experience was great. This building is such an important part of NY and American history. Really interesting to learn more detailed history about the building and the continuous upgrades to maintain the building. Great views and so fun to see in person what we have seen in so many movies.
Written 16 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your thoughtful review! We are so happy to hear that the views and experience were a memorable one. Thank you for choosing the Empire State Building!
Written 17 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MHendrix
Fleming Island, FL13 contributions
is it worth buying the ticket that takes you to the 102 floor or would 86th floor is good enough? I am trying to figure out if it is worth the extra money to go to 102th floor....since i have 4 teenagers
ScotlandJanda
Scotland70 contributions
I would stick with the 86th - its enough for the cost
Anon
Llantrisant, UK1 contribution
Hi, if I have booked an entry time of 9.15am do I line up then and then queue to get in or will i need to queue up before my time to be at the front for 9.15am? Thanks
Holly B
Endwell, NY59 contributions
Hello, I would arrive around 20 mins early. there is a line but it moves very quickly.
pauly5702
1 contribution
Hello, I purchased the express 86th and 102nd floor and didnt realize that the time I picked was not correct. There was a glitch on the website or internet connection issue and it selected 11:30. I was trying to have the 10:00-10:15 slot. How do I go about and request to change that reservation for the same day? I cannot find a good number to call.
Bohemian_me84
Calgary, Canada1,613 contributions
You can just show up and get in early , we did that and that went ok
henryhandoko
Jakarta, Indonesia1 contribution
Hello, I just bought 4 tickets for my family holiday and not me. I just realized that there is a ticket called Gift Ticket. I accidentally had bought the express tickets under my name using Paypal. Will they be allowed to enter using these ticket? - Thank you - Henry
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia14,153 contributions
Contact the office directly.
nesty222
Shrewsbury, UK8 contributions
Our trip to NY 2020 was cancelled due to Covid, we have re-scheduled our trip to Dec 2023 and would like to visit ESB 12/23/2023 @ 14.00. Can we please use our tickets Empire State Building Web Store #20200308-17999990 or can new tickets be issued please?
Mic O
Auckland Central, New Zealand107 contributions
Get in touch with them. Only way to know is to ask the source
Kim F
1 contribution
Can I visit the 102nd floor, go to the 86th floor then return to the 102nd floor during the same visit?
m0ta17
20 contributions
I don't think so. There is always a person on the elevator that takes you to 102 and they check your ticket. If it has been already verified, as far as I know, you cannot use it again.
Quackers45
Poole, UK43 contributions
I have bought a City Pass and want to visit the ESB. City Pass states I need to book but it is unclear whether I have to get tickets and then queue up or whether my City Pass will negate the need to get tickets there. Anyone able to clarify for me please?
dereksantiago
Madison, AL244 contributions
Yes, you have to make reservations separately requesting a day and time your visiting with your city pass #.
Kathleen B
1 contribution
I just purhcased a ticket for my daughter to use online. Will it be a problem that it is in my name? Our last names are the same
Sue M
7 contributions
I'm sure it will be fine - they're really only interested to know a ticket has been purchased, not the name of the person handing it in. Hope she has a great time!
Douglas Fernandes
Sao Paulo, SP83 contributions
Hi. Someone can tell me why is not possible make a ticket reservation in web site after June ? I going to Manhattan in July , buying my go city pass months ago, trying a reservation to observatory but not possible . Thanks
Bruce M
Louisville, KY13 contributions
I don't know the answer to your question, but I made reservations on Tuesday to visit on Wednesday, and all the time slots were still available. There will be more crowds in summer because school is out in the US for summer vacation, and that's when many families with children travel. I read that, to avoid the biggest crowds, visit on a weekday rather than a weekend, and go either early in the morning (it opens at 8:00 or 9:00 AM) or late at night (after 10:45 PM). We went at 9:00 AM, and there was no line. I recommend checking the website every day, and as soon as July reservations are available, make your reservation.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Empire State Building
- Empire State Building admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost $77.69, while a popular guided tour starts around $8.98 per person.
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Empire State Building:
- Empire State Building Ticket (From $77.69)
- New York CityPASS® (From $236.75)
- Go City: New York Explorer Pass - 90+ attractions including Edge (From $136.21)
- Rise and Shine: Sunrise Experience at the Empire State Building (From $238.34)
- Big Bus New York Hop-On Hop-Off Open Top Tour (From $87.57)
- Hotels near Empire State Building:
- (0.19 km) Executive Hotel Le Soleil New York
- (0.18 km) Kixby hotel
- (0.16 km) U Hotel Fifth Avenue
- (0.10 km) The Hotel At Fifth Avenue
- (0.24 km) Arlo NoMad
- Restaurants near Empire State Building:
- (0.01 km) Juice Press
- (0.02 km) Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao Manhattan
- (0.03 km) STATE Grill and Bar
- (0.03 km) Sushi-teria
- (0.03 km) Legends New York City
- Attractions near Empire State Building:
- (0.01 km) Manhattan Skyline
- (0.02 km) Legends Bar
- (0.03 km) Yes Tours Nyc
- (0.05 km) Solle Spa
- (0.07 km) Best New York Tours