Empire State Building
Heritage in New York, New York, United States
Christian Ladewig · by permission, via unsplash.com
- Best months: January–December
- Typical duration: 2h
- Elevation gain: 0 m
Access & fees
- from $44 (86th floor) (ticket: Main Deck 86th Floor · booking surcharge: $5 per transaction)
- from $64 (flex ticket) (ticket: 86th Floor Flex · booking surcharge: $5 per transaction)
- from $79 (both decks) (ticket: 102nd + 86th Floor combo · booking surcharge: $5 per transaction)
- service animals permitted
- the observatories are designed to accommodate wheelchair users.
- wheelchair-accessible 102nd-floor observatory
- wheelchair-accessible 86th-floor observatory
Things to do
- enjoy 360° views of manhattan and beyond
- experience new york illuminated at night
- explore interactive exhibits about the building's construction and history
- museum exhibit tour (floors: 2nd and 80th · included: all tickets)
- observation deck visit (floors: 86th and 102nd)
- photo opportunities (spots: Art Deco lobby, Kong exhibit, celebrity wall, grand staircase)
- photography and skyline viewing
- see the restored art deco lobby
- visit the immersive king kong exhibit
- watch sunset over manhattan
Amenities
- dining and shopping (location: on-site)
- outdoor deck heaters (season: winter)
Best time to visit
- year-round viable (window: open 365 days; winter heaters on 86th-floor deck)
Events & seasons
- the annual empire state building run-up challenges competitors to climb 1,576 stairs from the lobby to the 86th floor.
Features
- 1,454 ft total height (roof height: 1,250 ft · with antenna: 1,454 ft)
- 102nd-floor observatory (access: top-tier ticket only)
- 86th-floor open-air deck (views: 360° NYC skyline)
- art deco architecture (completed: 1931 · designers: Shreve, Lamb & Harmon)
- indoor 80th-floor observatory (opened: 2019)
- its appearance in king kong (1933) helped turn the building into a worldwide cultural icon.
- its tower lights change colors to commemorate holidays, celebrations, charitable causes, sporting events, and major occasions.
- national historic landmark (designated: 1986)
- new york city landmark
- this is one of the better choices among new york's historic attractions for travelers with mobility limitations.
Nearby
- 33rd st path station (location: 33rd St & Sixth Ave)
- 34th st–herald square subway (distance: one block west)
- macy's herald square (location: Sixth Ave & 34th St)
Good to know
- drones are not permitted.
- large bags and luggage are restricted, and there are no storage lockers.
- observatory entrance (address: 20 West 34th Street)
- open 365 days/year (hours: 9 AM–12 AM · last entry: 11 PM)
- smoking and vaping are prohibited.
- timed reservation required (walk up: available at 12 W 34th St · recommended: book online in advance)
- tripods and large professional photography equipment are restricted.
- visitors undergo security screening before entering the observatories.