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Empire State Building

Empire State Building

Empire State Building
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsObservation Decks & Towers
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 9:00 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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Admission tickets
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₱2,888.68
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Top ways to experience Empire State Building
The area
Address
Neighborhood: 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
Reach out directly
See what travelers are saying
  • CarineH
    Neuchâtel, Switzerland923 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Expensive, but very nice visit
    By reserving a ticket in advance for 9:00 a.m., the visit goes quite smoothly and the staff is mostly pleasant. I opted for the ticket up to the 86th floor and was not disappointed as the view is already magnificent. During the visit, we discover the construction of the building and the homages paid in films, series, comics, etc. The terrace is protected by a fence wide enough to take photos with your hair in the wind. The staff is pleasant and smiling. In the end, even if it's not cheap, it's a visit that leaves a beautiful memory. I recommend buying the ticket online in advance and going when it opens.
    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 January 26, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written January 25, 2024
  • WishfulThinkerz
    Springfield, Virginia48 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had a nice visit & LOVED the 103rd floor...AND: it's a lot of walking
    We'd been (to NY and Empire State) before but this was my sister's 1st trip to NYC and so it was all new for her. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because of the long meander you have to take through all the exhibits and history before you finally get to the elevators that take you up. It's is all fascinating stuff (and I get it: you all have to be able to handle very large and demanding crowds and better that they be entertained/informed while in line than just standing there waiting), but for someone with some mobility and stamina issues like my sister, it was a lot of required walking and standing. She was kind of gassed by the time we were done. All that being said: LOVE the 103rd floor. So intimate a setting, with incredible views and no exposure to the cold (we very much appreciated the heaters on the 86th floor observation deck).
    Thank you so much for your review!
    Written January 26, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written January 25, 2024
  • Davetheartist
    Holley, New York27 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Getting Up In The World
    After over 6 decades, I fulfilled a desire to visit the Empire State Building. I opted for a sunset reservation, arriving about 45 minutes before sunset. This took place in late January 2024, so I wasn't expecting large crowds. I got a ticket to the 102 floor because, I'll Portugal never be back, so why not? Before you can get to the elevator that takes you to the elevator that takes you to the elevator that takes you to the 102 floor, you first walk a winding path through displays and souvenir photographers. The first elevator takes you to the 80th floor and you transition to the next elevator that takes you to the 86th floor where you can go outside, feel the breeze, and see the city impeded only by the metal safety fence. The 102nd floor is all glass. As long as you don't encounter a smudge or a reflection you can get a pretty nice photo from this floor. Expensive? Yes! Even with my senior discount I paid $97 taxes included. Everyone who works there I'd bet pleasant and extremely helpful. My original reservation day, the building was in fog. The ESB doesn't give a refund because of bad weather. What they did was offer to let me change my reservation to the next day, which I did. They even helped me with that process. Great people, with helpful hands working there.
    We are so happy you enjoyed the view. Thank you for choosing the Empire State Building!
    Written January 31, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited January 2024
    Written January 30, 2024
  • Arlinda78
    Williston, North Dakota44 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Awesome Experience and well worth it!
    It was an awesome experience! We went all the way to the top and the view is breathtaking! There are so many interesting exhibits and observation decks! It is well worth visiting! The staff working to help answer questions are very helpful and friendly!
    Thank you for your review. We are happy to hear that you enjoyed our museum and gallery just as much as the view.
    Written February 3, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written February 1, 2024
  • aldabra007
    Trieste, Italy2,501 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Top of the hill
    Simply probably the most beautiful attraction in New York. the view from the top is spectacular but it can be similar to other observation points, what changes is the charm of the climb and the architecture of the building. before going up there are various rooms which explain how it was built and the fact of not immediately arriving at the top increases the emotion of the attraction and makes everything much more fascinating. Even for those who suffer from vertigo, the attraction can be seen taking into account that some floors allow a view without necessarily reaching the edge. The highest part requires a ticket to be purchased separately. While the large terrace offers a spectacular view but on windy days the cold is felt. However, there are external stoves that heat the air and you just need to look over to another side to find temperatures different. The architecture of the Empire is one of a kind and you can see it by crossing it to get to the top where artefacts from the 1930s make everything spectacular. Before going out there is a shopping area where you can buy souvenirs that cannot be found elsewhere.
    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 February 7, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written February 7, 2024
  • Paolo G
    Lanzo Torinese, Italy129 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The most iconic of NYC skyscrapers
    The most iconic of NYC's skyscrapers, it allows a view of the city from Central Manhattan. The initial rooms allow you to learn about its history and construction. The elevators don't make you feel like you go up 80 floors in half a minute. The climb to the 102nd floor is a supplement to the standard entrance ticket which allows the climb up to the 86th floor.
    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 February 17, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written February 17, 2024
  • hc9694
    London, United Kingdom1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent
    The ESB is impressive! Well worth a visit - ticket prices can be high for a family of 4 but it is a 1-2 hour experience you’ll never forget! Perfect views, interactive entertainment as you go along! Really interesting!
    Thank you so much for your review!
    Written February 22, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2024
    Written February 22, 2024
  • stephenwylie2
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Empire State
    The views were incredible as we went around sunset. The daylight view was stunning and as it got darker the view became incredible. We spent a lot more time there than we realised. One ìssue though. There was a lack of direction from the staff in certain areas on the viewing floors eg the lift area as we were expected to know that this line was for exiting and the other line was for going further up. With no direction, signage or anyone to ask cause you had no idea where to go as people joined a queue only to be scolded that you were in the wrong queue. Maybe a big sign with Q here for exiting etc. However the beautiful building and views made up for the lack lustre approach of some of the staff. Other staff were helpful and diligent, and it is for those staff that I give top marks.
    Thank you for the wonderful review and nice words about our staff. We will be sure to pass your message along.
    Written February 22, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2024
    Written February 22, 2024
  • Reggie
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The classy view
    No, the Empire State Building isn't the tallest view of the city, but it is the classiest and they've created the experience as if to own that perspective of NYC. First the 80th floor, with gorgeous views and museum of videos of the 30s and the creation of the building. Then the 86th floor, with the iconic balcony and heating lamps (thanks!) for a breathtaking view and free viewfinders to zoom onto the streets below. Everything about this visit is about the past - the people who guide you to elevators, the hallways, the videos, the artifacts, all remind us that this structure has SEEN it all and has BEEN in NY all along. Also an option to go to the 101st floor, but being outside was the best. After all, we just witnessed the view and the balcony visited by millions before. Doing the Empire State is a MUST while visiting NYC. You will not be disappointed by this part of history.
    Thank you for your review. We are happy to hear that you enjoyed our museum and gallery just as much as the view.
    Written February 22, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written February 22, 2024
  • danlori1999
    Toms River, New Jersey1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    25th Anniversary Reproposal!
    Celebrated our 25th Wedding Anniversary with a trip to NYC and visit to the Empire State Building! Everything was perfect, beginning to end. We were so impressed with all of the interactive displays, videos and history of building on our way up to the 86th floor. Even the elevator had a video in the ceiling...very cool! The perfect day was topped off with a reproposal at the top, with a new ring and gorgeous views!
    Congratulations on your anniversary and thank you for celebrating with us. Thank you for the wonderful review.
    Written February 22, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited February 2024
    Written February 22, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles96,049 reviews
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Average
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Poor
2,382
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1,777

SumitD
Costa Mesa, CA6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019 • Couples
This was our first visit to New York and visiting Empire State building was a must. We visited on the 27th of December. I had the option of buying my tickets online beforehand but did not do that since weather forecast had chances of rain.Once i saw that there were no chances of rain that day i bought my tickets for the 86th floor observatory(includes 80th floor and museum) inside the building (automated kiosk so the queue moves fast). I visited around 3 pm so that i could enjoy both day and the night time views of Manhattan. Another thing i noticed is that buying tickets online makes you choose time of visit while buying tickets at the building itself has no such option. Also once inside no one checked for the time of my visit so i think that is just to regulate the crowds. The 86th floor observatory is a visual treat and is worth the money. Especially the night time views of Manhattan are simply out of this world. Didnt do the 102nd floor since it was double the ticket cost and is not an open air observatory like the 86th floor. All in all spent around 3 hours there, took a lot of pictures and selfies with the manhattan skyline backdrop and had a great time in the 'most famous building in the world'.
Written January 2, 2020
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.

Kayla G
Manchester, UK66 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
We decided to visit the ESB after watching a musical on Broadway, as we had found out that the last lift up is as late as 1:15am. We arrived around 11:30pm to discover a very short queue (probably under 50 people). Annoyingly, after queuing for security for about 10 minutes, another 50 or so people arrived and walked straight past the queue towards the member of staff who was monitoring the queue. The staff member seemed annoyed and radio'd reception to ask why he had been sent so many people all at once when he should only have one queue at that time. I'm not sure what was said back but he seemed annoyed and then just let them merge with the current queue, which was irritating for the rest of us. Once past security, we got up to the 86th floor pretty quickly and the views were spectacular. We were relieved that there were heat lamps up there, as it was VERY windy that high up. We didn't go right to the top (which is believe is something like the 103rd floor) as a staff member told us it would be another $30 each to upgrade our tickets, which seems a bit extortionate. Overall, the view made up for the slight inconvenience of the queue, and we didn't feel that the view could be $30 better less than 20 floors up.
Written January 7, 2020
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.

abbiev2016
London, UK176 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019 • Friends
We pre-booked our tickets to visit the Empire State Building at night online and paid $93 pp to visit the 82nd and 102nd floors. It was lovely seeing all the lights of the City that never sleeps, but ridiculously cold and windy on the observatory tower we didn’t stay out there long. If you go at night it’s definitely not half as busy as day tickets so prob no need for the VIP (as there were no extras we noted) but there was a lack of staff visible too. Would recommend the night experience.
Written January 4, 2020
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.

Pauline2425
Edinburgh, UK29 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019 • Friends
Having visited NY twice previously and used other viewing platforms to see the Empire State Building, with the new glass viewing platform on 102nd floor we thought it worth a whirl.
My main complaint is the lack of supervision when queuing to go from the 88th floor to the 102nd floor using the elevator. There were numerous adults skipping the line (queue). There were many families with young children, standing inline patiently, however several couples just walked to the front. They were never confronted by staff. If there was more staff supervising this could be managed better and the problem be eliminated. My group (4) and others felt frustrated and annoyed. This made the trip
It cost almost $90 to go to both viewing platforms, its just not good value for money.
Written January 16, 2020
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.
Hi Pauline2425, We are always looking for ways to improve the Empire State Building experience, so we greatly appreciate your feedback. We work hard to provide a unique experience for all our guests, and hope you were able to enjoy the other activities we offer, including our timeless Art Deco and architecture as well as our new and exciting interactive exhibits. Thank you for visiting. - Empire State Building
Written January 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Pathfinder691843
2 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019 • Couples
The check in was relatively fast, there was not a line because the visibility was low that night. There were many workers but it seemed like we were an annoyance asking for help when the ticket reader wasn’t working and letting us through. The lady yelled over to me “scan it to go through” and I said it’s not working and she rolled her eyes and said scan it. I asked if someone could come help us because it wasn’t working. We paid extra for skip the line and the “red carpet” and were not treated very kindly at all. The view from the top was pretty great but trying to get up there was extremely frustrating and made us want to immediately leave. When you pay over $200 to look off a tall building you at least want the staff to be helpful when their scanner isn’t working. Made us not ever want to come back and be really irritated at the money we spent.
Written January 4, 2020
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.
Hi Pathfinder691843, We read your review about your recent visit to the Empire State Building Observatory. While we aim to do our best at all times, we recognize that sometimes we fail, and from our failures we learn. We are very sorry to hear that your experience was a disappointment, and we very much would like to improve. Would you please be kind enough to reach out to us at roomtoimprove@esbonyc.com with the date, time, location, and any other specifics from your visit. It will help us and future visitors. We are excited about the recent opening of our newly renovated 102nd floor Observatory. If you are kind enough to share your experience with us, we will happily email you a discount coupon for your next visit. We will also happily email you a unique, high definition image of the Empire State Building. Once again, we are sorry, and many thanks in advance for your help! - Empire State Building
Written January 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Maps618538
1 contribution
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Friends
First off, we did not see the advantage of paying more for a "avoid the line" ticket. The Red Carpet does not extend throughout entire tour.
My husband and I wanted to experience the Observation Deck of many favorite movie locations for ourselves, so together with another couple we purchased $40.00 tickets online for a Thursday afternoon just after New Years. We did expect some wait and we also expected a smooth experience. It was a smooth experience for those with a LOT of patience. This is not an experience for young children. Once we got onto the first elevator to the 80th floor we waited to get a spot at one of the windows to catch a view. Then the unorganized (no designated/corded line) wait for the next elevator to the 86th floor observation deck where the magic of movies happened seemed to take forever! Again the volume of other tourists lined up around the deck (which appears MUCH wider in the movies) made the experience less than romantic. The staff was attentive once you got close to the elevators and exits.
So our bucket list item was checked...glad that's over!
Written January 7, 2020
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.
Hi Maps618538, We appreciate your feedback and are sorry to hear your experience with us was less than memorable. For future reference, to avoid peak-hour lines and crowds, we recommend arriving during off-peak hours: between 8-10 am or after 11 pm. Thank you for visiting. - Empire State Building
Written January 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Tammynp26
New York16 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
We went on a Sunday and surprisingly there was NO line. I heard you can stand in line for 45mins to an hour. Staff are very helpful. Tickets was $45 each. If you plan to visit NYC and want to do more than 3 attractions, I recommend purchasing the city pass. you'll save money that way. The security process is kinda like the airports TSA. Basically everything off onto the bin, only thing is you can keep your shoes on. NO Glass bottles are allowed. You'll walk through the exhibit with lots of displays for you to take photos, read and watch. Then you'll proceed to the elevator which take you up to the 80th floor. While in the elevator it'll show you a small imax video of the process of building the empire. On the 80th floor you get the view of the entire city. You have an option to go outside for a better view too. They do have heated lamps all around to keep you warm during winter. To go up to the highest floor 102. its an additional cost. For me 80th was good enough. I'm sure its the same view. The experience was ok. I wouldn't pay to go again. Not worth the money.
Written February 29, 2020
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.

HC
Portsmouth, UK130 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
When booking tickets for the Empire State Building I upgraded to the VIP package which included the express line and access to the 102 floor. Always a risk as you don’t know how busy it will be but luckily on this occasion the queues were huge and the risk paid off. Fantastic views from the top, we were lucky as we had a clear day. Also worth seeing it during the evening, New York looks stunning lit up. All in all a wonderful experience.
Written February 26, 2020
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.

Andrew P
Manchester, UK214 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
The Empire State is absolutely the most iconic representation of New York. I know for others it will be the Statue of Liberty, Central Park or even Times Square, however, for me it's the Empire. We had to wait a number of days before our visit due to bad weather. When the weather was clear enough to promise great views our family, and many others, queued for our visit. Despite being quite busy we flowed through the exhibition areas, security and the ticket area. The staff were friendly and courteous.

One glitch in the matrix was that to go to the top of the attraction you had to pay more money. Not something a family want to hear for an already squeezed holiday budget. We paid for our visit using a city pass so potentially missed out on the ticket options that would have informed us of the extra charge.
Written January 13, 2020
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.

Tony C
Clonmel, Ireland1 contribution
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Family
Like most attractions in US Airport security screening applies, which in this day and age should be a comfort to all despite the additional time it takes to process through same.
Once through security things moved fairly seamlessly with the opportunity to browse in the pictorial and video gallery or to proceed directly to the lifts to the 80th floor. Lift very smooth and you would hardly know you were moving. Good picture ops on 80th floor through windows however you can go up to 86th floor by lift or stairs and that floor is open to the elements with possibly better picture ops but fairly chilly with wind chill when we visited in early January. It was possible to go up to 102nd floor but I think this required an additional ticket (and possibly additional payment). Overall a good experience and would recommend it .
Written January 10, 2020
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.

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EMPIRE STATE BUILDING (2025) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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