Empire State Building Guide: Tickets, Best Floor to Visit and Tips from Someone Who’s Been Multiple Times

The Empire State Building is one of those places where the hype is actually justified. We’ve been to New York multiple times and visited the building on several of those trips, and it still delivers. There’s something about standing on the 86th floor open-air observation deck with the wind in your face, the grid of Manhattan stretching out in every direction, that photographs simply don’t capture.

It’s also one of the more visited attractions in the world, which means you need to plan carefully if you don’t want to spend your time standing in a line rather than looking at the view. The building gets very busy, particularly in the afternoons and at weekends. Buy tickets in advance, choose your timeslot wisely, and you’ll have a much better time than the people queuing at the door.

In this guide we cover current ticket prices (including the newer options like the Sunrise Experience and Flex Ticket), the difference between the 86th and 102nd floor observatories, how to skip the queues, the best time of day to visit for both shorter lines and better views, how the Empire State Building compares to New York’s other observation decks, and what attraction passes include entry. We also share our take on what’s worth your money and what isn’t.

Overview of the Empire State Building

Before we go into our guide for visiting the Empire State Building, here are some facts and information about this landmark which we think you’ll find interesting, and which might make you even more excited for your visit.

 

What is the Empire State Building?

The Empire State Building is a huge Art Deco skyscraper in the centre of Manhattan. It has 102 floors, and when it opened it was the tallest skyscraper in the world.

The building is primarily used as office space by a wide variety of companies, as well as serving as a popular tourist attraction. There are shops and eateries on the ground floors, as well as observation decks you can visit on the 80th, 86th and 102nd floors.

It has its own zip code, has featured in numerous movies and TV shows, including King Kong, An Affair to Remember, Sleepless in Seattle, and Elf. It is definitely a must-visit attraction for visitors to New York City.

 

When was the Empire State Building Built?

Construction on the Empire State Building started on the 17th March 1930, and was completed 13 months later on the 11th April 1931. It was opened on the 1st May 1931.

The building was constructed at a record pace, at an average of 4.5 stories a week. During one 10 day period, 14 floors were built!

 

What is the Empire State Building Made From?

The Empire State Building is constructed from a steel frame with a limestone facade. The use of steel frames combined with the invention of elevators is what made it possible to build skyscrapers to such heights, and the technique is still used in skyscraper construction to this day.

 

Why is it Called the Empire State Building?

The Empire State Building derives its name from the nickname given to the State of New York, which is the Empire State.

 

How Tall is the Empire State Building?

The Empire State Building is 1,454 feet (443.2 meters) high, measured to the very tip of the building. The roof is 1,250 ft (381 m) high.

When it was built it was the tallest building in the world, a title it held until the World Trade Center’s North Tower surpassed it in the early 1970s.

Today it is the fourth tallest building in New York City and the 43rd tallest in the world. But it is still the most well known of New York’s impressive skyscraper collection, even if it is no longer the tallest.

 

Where is the Empire State Building?

The Empire State Building is in midtown Manhattan. The full address is Empire State Building, 350 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10118. It is also sometimes listed as 20 West 34th Street New York.

The Empire State Building is a huge building. It’s so large in fact it has its own zip code. It also has multiple entrances. As a visitor planning to go up to the observatories, you will need to enter at 20 West 34th Street, which is the dedicated observatory entrance.

 

How to Get to the Empire State Building

Getting to the Empire State Building is easy. The building is very central and you have lots of options. Here’s an overview of the various ways to get here.

 

Public Transport to the Empire State Building

New York City has a good public transport system which includes buses and a subway, as well as a number of other options. You can see our complete guide to getting around New York here for more ideas.

For the Empire State Building, the best options are going to be either by subway or public bus.

 

Subway to Empire State Building

There are a number of metro stations within a five or ten minute walk of the Empire State Building. The closest are:

• 34th Street Penn Station: Lines 1, 2, and 3 and A, C, and E. Five minute walk from the exit to the Empire State Building
• 34th Street Herald Square Station: Lines N, Q, R, and W and B, D, F, and M. Five minute walk from the exit to the Empire State Building
• Grand Central Terminal: Lines 4, 5, 6 and 7. 10 minute walk from the exit to the Empire State Building.

You can get information on routes and schedules on the MTA website here.

 

Bus to Empire State Building

Multiple bus routes service the Empire State Building, depending on where you are coming from. Nearby bus stops, all within 5 minutes walk of the Empire State Building include:

• W 34 St & 5 Avenue: multiple buses including QM10, QM12, QM15, QM16, QM17 and more.
• 5 Av / W 34 Street: BxM7 and BxM18
• 5 Av/W 35 Street: X27, X28, X37, and X38

There are many more bus stops in the vicinity of the Empire State Building. You can see more information on routes and schedules on the MTA website here.

 

Sightseeing Bus to the Empire State Building

As with many cities around the world, there are a number of sightseeing buses operating in New York. These visit the most popular attractions in the city, and usually have either a live commentary or pre-recorded audio that tells you what you are seeing.

You can buy tickets for these that last various durations, usually a minimum of one day, and you can get on and off them as you please.

Naturally, as the Empire State Building is a popular attraction in the city, most sightseeing buses have a stop nearby so you can visit easily. We used the Big Bus New York Sightseeing bus on a recent trip to New York, and enjoyed the live audio commentary on the bus we rode.

You can purchase tickets in advance for either 1, 2 or 3 days here. Alternatively, sightseeing buses are included on the majority of New York attraction passes.

 

Driving to the Empire State Building

We would definitely recommend against driving to the Empire State Building. Traffic in Manhattan is always busy and parking, if you can find any, is likely to be expensive.

Of course, if you do have a car and wish to park, there are options. You can see nearby parking structures and parking lots with this link.

If you drive, we recommend booking a parking spot in advance to be sure of a spot. We’d also suggest parking for the day as this will work out more cost effective, and then using public transport to get around to visit any other sights.

 

Do you Have to Pay to Visit the Empire State Building?

If you wish to visit any of the exhibits or observation decks at the Empire State Building, then you will need a ticket. See the next section for details of ticket pricing.

Of course, you can visit the outside of the building, as well as the ground floor dining options and shops for free.

 

How Much Does It Cost to Visit the Empire State Building?

The Empire State Building uses dynamic pricing, which means the cost of your ticket depends on when you visit. Prices start from $44 for an adult Main Deck ticket, but only a handful of late-night timeslots are actually available at that price. Expect to pay more during peak hours, and sunset slots typically carry the biggest premium. Prices shown below are the starting prices as of April 2026.

A $5 booking charge is added to each transaction when buying from the official site, and prices shown don’t include tax (around 9%). It’s always worth comparing prices on GetYourGuide, as their prices can sometimes be better value once the official site’s booking charges and taxes are factored in.

First, you need to decide which floors you want to visit.

• Main Deck access includes access to the observation deck on the 86th floor, as well as all the exhibits on the 2nd and 80th floors.
• Top Deck access includes the above, as well as access to the 102nd floor observation deck.

Here are the starting prices for the main ticket types. Children under 6 are free for all ticket types.

• A Main Deck ticket starts at $44 for an adult, $38 for a child (6-12) and $42 for a senior (62+).
• A Main Deck Express ticket starts at $85 for all visitors. This includes priority skip-the-line access through the security line and elevators.
• A Top Deck ticket (86th + 102nd floors) starts at $79 for an adult, $73 for a child (6-12) and $77 for a senior (62+).
• An Express ticket to both decks starts at $120 for all visitors. This includes priority skip-the-line access through the security line and elevators and expedited entry to both the 86th and 102nd floors.

In addition to the standard tickets, the Empire State Building offers several other experiences:

• AM/PM Experience – starts at $64 for an adult, $54 for a child (6-12). This is the same as the Main Deck ticket but allows you to return after 8pm and visit the observatory deck after dark, so you can see the city in both daylight and at night.
• Flex Ticket – starts at $64. This is a Main Deck ticket that doesn’t require you to choose a specific timeslot. You pick your date, then turn up whenever you like during opening hours. Useful if you want flexibility in your day.
• Sunrise Experience with Starbucks Reserve – $135 per person. A limited-capacity experience (only 40 people) available on Saturday mornings. You get early access to the 86th floor before it opens to the public, watch the sun rise over the city, and receive complimentary Starbucks Reserve coffee and artisanal pastries. It’s a premium price, but if you want the 86th floor essentially to yourself with a coffee in hand and the city waking up below you, this is how to do it. Reservations are required and this one does sell out.
• Premium Experience – $175 for all visitors. A guided 90-minute tour which visits all the decks including the restored Art Deco lobby on 5th Avenue, the Celebrity Walk, and the exhibits. Groups no larger than 7 people.
• ESB All Access Tour – $500 per person. The most exclusive tour available. Includes a private guided tour, access to areas not normally open to visitors, champagne and snacks.
• Happily Ever After – $1,000 per couple. If you’re looking for a place to pop the question, you can book this package which includes priority access to the 86th floor, a private guided tour of the building, your own private corner, a bottle of champagne and access to the 102nd floor.

There’s also a NYC Locals Ticket which gives residents of the five boroughs 25% off the 86th floor ticket. You’ll need to enter your NYC zip code at checkout.

 

Where to Buy Empire State Building Tickets

There are a number of options for purchasing Empire State Building tickets.

You can buy entry tickets in person on-site at the ticket office on 12 West 34th Street. We’d generally advise against buying entry tickets on-site as it’s an unnecessary line that you can skip by purchasing online instead. Current rules also state that tickets must be purchased in advance.

We recommend buying your tickets from GetYourGuide here. They are an authorised ticket seller, and their prices can sometimes be better value than the official site once the booking charges and taxes are taken into account.

Tickets booked via GetYourGuide also usually have the advantage of being refundable up to 24 hours in advance of your visit, unlike the tickets on the official website which are nonrefundable. Always check the ticket description before purchase to confirm the policy.

Tickets are sent to your e-mail and you can either display them on your phone for scanning, or print them out.

On GetYourGuide you can choose from the standard Main Deck ticket, the 86th and 102nd floor combo, Express tickets for either option, and the Sunrise Experience. Click here to see all the options and current prices.

For the AM/PM Experience, Flex Ticket, Premium Experience, All Access Tour, and proposal package, you’ll need to buy directly from the official ESB website.

 

Attraction Passes that Include the Empire State Building

As with many cities around the world, there are a number of attraction passes for New York City which include free or discounted admission to some of the top attractions in the city. I’ve put together a comprehensive guide to New York Attraction passes, but here’s a quick list of the ones which include entry to the Empire State Building.

Note that generally these passes include standard entry to the Main Deck only, so whilst they let you skip the ticket line, they are not express passes and they do not allow access to the 102nd floor observatory. You can pay for an upgrade on-site for access to the 102nd floor if you wish.

• New York CityPASS – currently $164 for an adult or $136 for a child. This includes access to the Empire State Building with the added benefit that you can return and get same-night admission after 10pm. It also includes access to four other major attractions in the city, so it’s good value if you’re planning to do a lot of sightseeing.
• The New York Pass (Go City) – includes standard skip-the-ticket-line entry to the Empire State Building as well as over 100 other attractions in the city. This is better value if you’re packing a lot in over several days.

On a recent trip to New York City we used the New York Pass to visit the Empire State Building and had no issues.

Note that you do not need to reserve a timeslot with these passes, but at busier times it can be a good idea to do so. Information on how to do so is provided with each pass.

 

Can You Skip The Lines at the Empire State Building?

Yes, it is possible to purchase a ticket to skip the lines at the Empire State Building.

There are three types of line you will encounter when visiting. First there is a security line, then there’s a line for tickets, and then if it is particularly busy, there will be lines for the various elevators.

If you purchase your entry ticket in advance, you can skip the line for the ticket machines on the 2nd floor. We highly recommend purchasing your ticket in advance so you don’t waste time in the ticket line.

It’s also possible to purchase an Express ticket. This will let you take advantage of VIP entry and go to the front of the security and elevator lines by using the express lanes.

Of course, if lots of people have Express tickets there is the potential to be a bit of a wait, but for the most part these tickets will offer a faster experience than the standard ticket that most visitors buy.

 

What are the Opening Times for the Empire State Building?

The Empire State Building is open 365 days of the year. Opening hours vary by season: typically from 10am to 10pm in late winter and early spring, extending to 9am to midnight in spring and autumn, and 9am to 1am during peak summer months (July and August). Last entry is always 45 minutes before closing.

We recommend checking the official hours of operation page before your visit, as these times can change for special events or holidays.

 

Tours of the Empire State Building

There are a number of ways to experience the Empire State Building. As well as the official Premium Experience tour mentioned earlier in this guide, there are a number of other options for both visiting and getting a unique view of the building.

These include:

• This guided walking tour which covers over 30 sights across Manhattan (Wall Street, Chinatown, Little Italy, the Flatiron Building and more) and includes a ticket to the 86th floor of the Empire State Building at the end. It’s a good way to combine a city overview with your ESB visit.
• How about experiencing the Empire State Building from the air? You can get a once-in-a-lifetime view by taking a private or shared helicopter ride over the city.

 

What is there to See and Do at the Empire State Building?

The majority of visitors who come to the Empire State Building are primarily interested in visiting the world famous outdoor observation deck and taking in the views of the city.

There is more to do on-site than just the view though, and the entire experience has been significantly improved in recent years. As a result, a visit to the Empire State Building is definitely no longer just about standing in line for an elevator and looking out.

If you haven’t visited before, or perhaps haven’t visited for a while, you may be surprised at how much there is to see and do here following major upgrades in 2019.

 

Observation Decks at the Empire State Building

Obviously the main reason for your visit is to go up towards the top of the tower and experience the views. There are three floors with observatories in the Empire State Building as follows:

• The 80th floor indoor observatory. Opened in late 2019, this is the newest observatory. It’s entirely indoor, so the views are through glass windows.
• The 86th floor indoor/outdoor observatory. The original and most famous of the observatories, this features both an indoor and outdoor viewing area which wraps around the whole building. This is the highest floor within the actual tower (everything above is the spire). Until the Edge at Hudson Yards opened in 2020, this was the highest outdoor observation deck in New York City. For winter visitors, there are outdoor heaters wrapped around the deck, so you can still enjoy the open-air experience even on cold days.
• The 102nd floor observatory. Found on the highest accessible floor of the building and fully refurbished in 2019, this floor now features floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering views over the city. You reach it via a glass elevator with a light and sound show as you ascend through the interior of the spire.

What Can You See from the Empire State Building?

On a clear day, visibility from the observation decks reaches up to 80 miles, and you can see across six states. Here’s what to look for in each direction:

Looking north, you can see Central Park in the distance beyond the midtown skyscrapers, with the Upper East and Upper West Sides flanking it. It’s a great view but it’s worth knowing that the park is about 25 blocks away, so it’s not the close-up overhead perspective you get from Top of the Rock. Beyond the park, you can see into Harlem and eventually the Bronx.

To the south, the skyline is dominated by One World Trade Center, and you can pick out the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge crossing the East River. Further out, you’ll see the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbour and, beyond that, Staten Island.

Looking east, the Chrysler Building is the standout. One of our favourite views from the 86th floor is the Chrysler Building’s Art Deco crown, which is particularly photogenic in the late afternoon light. Beyond it, you can see across the East River into Queens and Brooklyn.

To the west, the Hudson River separates Manhattan from New Jersey. On the clearest days, you can see well into the Pennsylvania hills.

For photography, the 86th floor is the better option by a distance. The outdoor deck means no glass reflections to deal with, and the wraparound design gives you 360-degree access. If you’re shooting at sunset, arrive early enough to secure a spot on the western side.

 

Exhibits and Route through the Empire State Building

The Empire State Building has a number of exhibits where you can learn about all sorts of things related to the building. This includes information about the construction of the Empire State Building, its architecture, its history, and its appearances in popular culture. The building also has QR code labels throughout the exhibits which you can scan with your phone for bonus content and fun facts.

Here are all the exhibits you will see when you visit, as well as where they are located so you know what to expect at which part of your visit.

The first nine exhibits are located on the 2nd floor after the ticket check. These flow one after another in progressive order, and are as follows:

• The Site in the 1920s: The exhibits start with an overview of the site before the building was even here, when the Waldorf Astoria Hotel stood on this location.
• Construction: Models, images, and statues depict the construction process of the building, which took just over a year to complete
• Opening Day: Newspaper prints and images share the excitement of the day the Empire State Building opened to the world
• Modern Marvel: This interactive exhibit tells the story of how the present day Empire State Building is both energy efficient and sustainable
• Otis Elevators: A skyscraper could not exist without elevators, and this exhibit tells the story of the elevators that make a visit to the upper floors possible in minutes
• Urban Campus: The Empire State Building is more than just a tourist attraction. Thousands of people come to work here every day. This exhibit shows some of the workspaces and views that visitors don’t normally get to see
• World’s Most Famous Building: The Empire State Building is regularly featured in movies, TV shows, games and commercials. This 72-screen exhibit offers an immersive snapshot of over 600 clips that feature the building.
• Kong: Arguably the most well-known film to have featured the Empire State Building, the 1933 Kong movie was where the building made its silver screen debut. This fun exhibit gives you an idea of what it might have been like to be inside the building as Kong scaled it!
• Celebrity: A lot of famous faces have visited the Empire State Building over the years. This exhibit shares a history of some of the more well-known visitors, including signed memorabilia.

Following these 2nd floor exhibits, you will ride the elevator to the 80th floor. This elevator ride is also an experience, with the whole ceiling of the elevator displaying a fun video that shows the building being built around the elevator shaft as you ascend. Thankfully it’s all done by the time you get to the top!

Following the elevator ride you’ll come out on the 80th floor. This is also an observatory deck with windows offering views over the city, so you will likely want to pause at a window and enjoy the view.

As well as the views from the windows you’ll find the following exhibits on the 80th floor:

• NYC: Above and Beyond: This interactive exhibit asks you questions about your interests and will then suggest an itinerary of sights you might want to visit throughout the city
• Artistry in Light: This short film with accompanying images tells the story of how the music and light shows at the Empire State Building are put together.
• Stephen Wiltshire’s Drawing: In 2017 British artist Stephen Wiltshire took a 45-minute helicopter flight over New York City. He then drew, from memory, a detailed landscape image of the city. This is now on display on the 80th floor.
• Scenes of NYC: The last major exhibit features some of the classic viewfinders that the 86th floor is known for. Look through the viewfinders and you’ll see panoramic views of nine well-known New York locations and landmarks.

From the 80th floor there is another elevator to the 86th floor which is just a standard elevator.

The 86th floor is all about the view, with both an indoor and outdoor viewing experience. There are some plaques and signs, but no major exhibits on this floor.

From the 86th floor you can also ride up to the 102nd floor observation deck via another elevator if you have the correct ticket. This glass elevator has a light show and offers views of the inside of the tower as you ascend.

The top floor also has no exhibits, but the views through the floor-to-ceiling windows more than make up for that.

One thing to bear in mind when visiting is that the exhibits, particularly on the second floor, are designed with a one-way flow in mind. The idea was to replace what used to be a lot of boring line-waiting with something more fun and interactive.

What this means is that you shouldn’t feel the urge to rush through and head to the top, as it’s a one-way flow and after you leave the 2nd floor exhibits for the 80th floor, you cannot return to them. So make sure you take your time and see everything on your way through. The view will be waiting for you at the top when you’re done!

There’s also a free multimedia audio guide app available in 9 languages, which you can download before your visit or connect to on-site via the free WiFi. It adds a lot of context to what you’re seeing, and it’s included with every ticket.

 

Restaurants at the Empire State Building

You can dine at the Empire State Building, and there are a number of options for doing so, including both table service options and fast-casual self-service dining options. All the dining options are on the ground floor, and can be visited without a ticket.

For a sit-down meal, you have two main options. First there is the STATE Grill & Bar which offers breakfast, lunch and dinner options, as well as bar and lounge snacks. They also have a full drinks menu.

The other main sit-down dining option is Tacombi. This offers Mexican food including tacos made from scratch. There’s also a full drinks range, with their margaritas being a popular option.

There’s also a three-level Starbucks Reserve store at the base of the building, which is worth a look even if you’re not doing the Sunrise Experience. It’s one of Starbucks’ more impressive locations, and they serve an exclusive Empire State Building Microblend coffee you can’t get anywhere else.

If you’d prefer something quicker, there are casual dining options on the ground floor including Chopt, Chipotle, and Sushi-Terra. There’s also a Juice Press on-site.

 

Shopping at the Empire State Building

You can go souvenir shopping at the Empire State Building. There’s a gift store on the 80th floor as well as on the 2nd floor just after you exit the elevators and before you leave the building.

There’s also a Walgreens, AT&T store, and a FedEx Express store on-site.

 

Empire State Building vs Other NYC Observation Decks

New York now has five major observation decks, and one of the most common questions we get is which one to visit if you can only do one. Having been to the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock and One World Observatory ourselves, here’s our take.

The Empire State Building (86th floor) is the classic experience. The outdoor deck is what sets it apart: you’re actually outside, with wind in your hair and nothing between you and the city. It’s the most famous observation deck in the world for a reason, and for a first trip to New York, it’s hard to beat. The downside is that you can’t see the Empire State Building from the Empire State Building (ironic, given that the headline image for this very article was shot from Top of the Rock looking at the ESB).

Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center is, in our view, the best observation deck in the city for views. You get both indoor and outdoor viewing platforms, and the big advantage is that you’re looking directly at the Empire State Building, which makes for better photographs. You also get Central Park stretching out to the north, which is a view no other deck matches. The 70th floor is open-air with low barriers that don’t get in the way of your photos.

One World Observatory at One World Trade Center is the highest observation deck in the city and offers a completely different perspective. You’re down at the southern tip of Manhattan, so you get views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and the harbour that the midtown decks can’t offer. The downside is that it’s entirely enclosed in glass, which can make photography harder and takes away some of the visceral feeling of being up high.

Summit One Vanderbilt and The Edge at Hudson Yards are the newer arrivals. Summit is known for its immersive mirror rooms and artistic installations. The Edge is the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, with a glass floor section. We haven’t been to either of these ourselves yet, but the reviews are strong.

Our recommendation: for a first visit to New York, do the Empire State Building. It’s iconic and the outdoor 86th floor experience is something special. If you can do a second deck, add Top of the Rock for the Central Park views and the ESB in the skyline. If you’ve done both of those on previous trips, One World Observatory offers a completely different perspective from downtown.

 

Tips for Visiting the Empire State Building

Here are a few things to be aware of when you visit the Empire State Building so you are fully prepared.

Prohibited Items at the Empire State Building

There are a few things you can’t bring to the Empire State Building, which include:

• Bags or luggage, including carry-on sized luggage. Be sure to leave your suitcases and luggage at your hotel, in your tour bus, or in a storage locker elsewhere in the city before visiting. Small backpacks or purses are fine, but will be searched during the security check.
• Glass, including glass bottles
• Alcoholic beverages
• Cans, bottles, or flasks
• Professional camera and video equipment, including tripods
• Sports equipment such as tennis rackets, baseball bats etc.
• Musical instruments
• Costumes or theatrical masks
• Firearms of any kind

Note that there are no lockers, luggage storage, or coat check facilities at the Empire State Building. So if you bring any of the prohibited items you will not be allowed in. You can see the full list of prohibited items here.

If you have luggage you need to store, you can use a luggage storage service near the Empire State Building. There are locations within a short walk that offer secure, insured storage by the day.

 

Strollers at the Empire State Building

Foldable strollers and prams are permitted at the Empire State Building and the lifts can accommodate them. There is no stroller storage, so you will need to use the stroller throughout the visit.

Note that you must fold the stroller on the observation decks.

It is probably a wise idea to not bring a stroller unless you need to, as you will end up needing to fold and carry it for a lot of the visit.

 

Restrooms at the Empire State Building

There are restrooms available at the Empire State Building on the 86th floor, including wheelchair accessible toilets.

 

Photography at the Empire State Building

Photography and video recording for personal use is permitted at the Empire State Building on all the floors.

Professional photography equipment is not permitted, which includes tripods, monopods, or bi-pods. If you want to do any commercial filming you will need to get prior written permission.

 

How Long To Visit the Empire State Building For?

As you can see from our guide, there is a lot to see and do at the Empire State Building. We would recommend a minimum of 90 minutes for your visit if you are visiting the Main Deck, and around 2 hours if you also intend to visit the 102nd floor.

Of course, you’ll want to allow more time if you plan to eat here.

 

What is the Best Time of Day to Visit the Empire State Building?

The Empire State Building is a popular attraction and it does get crowded. If you want to avoid the crowds, your best bet is to visit either early in the morning (right at opening) or late at night from around 11pm onwards. Weekday mornings are the most manageable.

The busiest period is from around 2pm to 6pm, with Saturday afternoons being particularly packed.

If you want to see both day and night views, arrive about two hours before sunset. This way you’ll catch the late afternoon light over the city, watch the sunset turn everything golden, and then see the skyline light up after dark. The AM/PM ticket is designed for exactly this if you’d prefer to come back later in the evening rather than wait on the deck.

 

Accessibility at the Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is fully ADA compliant, and visitors with disabilities should generally have no problem visiting. Both motorized and non-motorized wheelchairs are allowed on-site, and there are ramps throughout the building where required.

Service dogs are also allowed on-site, and the 86th floor features accessible restrooms as well as lowered viewing walls and binoculars. You can see more information on their accessibility page here.

If you have any questions or concerns prior to your visit, you can reach out to the on-site team via their contact page here.

 

Where to Stay Near the Empire State Building

New York City has a huge range of accommodation options at a variety of budgets. In our experience, there are definitely more mid-range and high-end properties, although there are some budget options.

If you want to stay near the Empire State Building, we’ve put together this list of options which are all within a 20 minute walk. This means you’ll be able to easily visit early in the morning or late at night, and not have to think too much about getting back to your hotel!

These accommodation options are ordered approximately by price, from lowest to highest, although prices do vary so always check different options to find the right property for your budget and requirements.

• American Dream Hostel – this is a positively reviewed hostel which features private rooms that share bathrooms. It’s around a 20 minute walk from the Empire State Building, making it one of the closest hostels we could find in the area. There’s a free breakfast, snacks through the day, and an on-site kitchen and luggage storage.
• Hotel Wolcott – this 3* hotel is one of the closest options to the Empire State Building, found just a 3 minute walk away. All rooms have private bathrooms and air conditioning. There’s no dining available on-site.
• Arlo Nomad – This is a well-rated 4* hotel just 350 yards from the Empire State Building. A variety of room types are available, including smaller “micro-hotel” options with bunk beds. Rooms have refrigerators and there’s an on-site restaurant and rooftop bar.
• Hampton by Hilton Manhattan 35th Street – just one block away from the Empire State Building, this well-rated 3* hotel offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, free coffee/tea, and inclusive breakfast.
• U Hotel Fifth Avenue – a 3* boutique hotel just 2 minutes walk from the Empire State Building offering private rooms with en-suite facilities and air conditioning. Breakfast is available and there’s an on-site Starbucks.
• Park Terrace Hotel on Bryant Park – A very well-reviewed 4* hotel with sound-proofed rooms featuring Nespresso machines and en-suite facilities. There’s a fitness centre, sauna, and business centre as well as on-site dining and drinking options.
• The Langham – one of the best 5* hotels near the Empire State Building, this is the option to go for if you are looking for luxury. Only 350 yards from the Empire State Building, the spacious rooms feature espresso makers, private bathrooms, and all the amenities you would expect.

Hopefully that gives you some ideas for where to stay near the Empire State Building. You can see more hotels, hostels and apartments on booking.com here.

We recommend checking listings on The Plum Guide for Midtown if you are interested in an apartment rental for your time in New York.

Plum Guide offer a range of high quality accommodation options across a range of price points and we’ve used them for a number of stays around the world. They only allow the highest quality listings to appear on their site, saving you time having to wade through hundreds of options. You can see our Plum Guide review here for our experiences with them. For more options, see our guide to AirBnB alternatives here.

Empire State Building: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Empire State Building tickets cost?

Standard Main Deck tickets for the 86th floor start at $44 per adult, but the Empire State Building uses dynamic pricing so expect to pay more at popular times. Sunset slots are the most expensive, typically $58 to $62 per adult. Children under 6 are free. The 102nd floor Top Deck combo starts at $79 per adult. Express tickets, which skip all queues, start at $85 for the 86th floor or $120 for both floors.

We recommend checking prices on GetYourGuide as well as the official ESB website, as GYG can sometimes be better value once booking charges and taxes are factored in.

Is the 86th floor or 102nd floor better at the Empire State Building?

The 86th floor is the better experience for most visitors. It has an outdoor observation deck that wraps around the building on all four sides, which means you’re actually outside. This makes a huge difference to both the sense of height and the quality of your photographs.

The 102nd floor is higher but entirely enclosed in glass, and while the views are impressive, you lose the outdoor element that makes the 86th floor special. The 200 feet of extra height doesn’t noticeably change what you can see. Our recommendation: buy a standard ticket for the 86th floor. If you want to go higher, you can upgrade to the 102nd floor once you’re there.

What is the best time to visit the Empire State Building?

Early morning, right at opening, gives you the shortest queues and good light for photography. If you want to see both day and night views, arrive two hours before sunset. This way you’ll catch the late afternoon city views, watch the light change, then see the skyline light up after dark. Avoid Saturday afternoons and the period from 2pm to 6pm on any day during peak season. Weekday mornings are the most manageable.

How long does a visit to the Empire State Building take?

Allow around 90 minutes to two hours for a complete visit. That includes the lobby exhibits, the elevator ride up, time on the 86th floor observation deck, and the ride back down. If you’re visiting the 102nd floor as well, add another 30 minutes. The building can be very busy, and the queues for elevators inside can add time even once you’re through the entrance.

Is the Empire State Building worth it?

Yes, for a first visit to New York. The views from the 86th floor are extraordinary. You’re looking at one of the world’s great skylines from a height that makes it all make sense. The building itself has great history and the interior exhibits are worth a look. It is expensive and can be crowded, but if you plan your visit well (advance tickets, early morning or late afternoon), the experience justifies the cost.

For repeat visitors to New York, Top of the Rock and One World Observatory offer excellent alternatives with different perspectives. But for a first trip, the Empire State Building is hard to beat.

How does the Empire State Building compare to Top of the Rock?

Both are excellent, but they offer different things. The Empire State Building has the outdoor 86th floor deck, the famous history, and the sense of being on the most iconic building in the skyline. Top of the Rock has arguably better views because you can see both the Empire State Building and Central Park from up there, and it tends to be slightly less crowded. If you can only do one, the Empire State Building edges it for first-time visitors. If you’re returning to New York, Top of the Rock is the one to try.

 

Further Reading

Well, that’s it for our guide to visiting the Empire State Building! We hope you found it useful.

We also wanted to share some more content we’ve written on visiting New York City and travelling in the USA in general, to make sure you have everything you need for your trip.

• To help you plan your visit more, we have a guide to spending 2 days in New York City as well as 3 days in New York City
• We have a detailed guide to getting around New York, which should help you plan your transport in the city
• If you are thinking of investing in an attraction pass, see our guide to our favourite New York City attraction passes
• If you enjoy walking tours, check out our review of some walking tours in New York
• Wondering how much to budget for your trip? We have a guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA to help you plan
• If you’re heading on from New York and thinking of hiring a car, take a look at our tips for driving in the USA
• If you’re looking for a guidebook to New York, we can recommend the Frommer’s New York City 2026.

And that’s it for this guide! As always, if you have any feedback, comments or questions, just pop them in the comments section below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. Safe travels!