Empire State Building
Structure, Historic and Protected Site, and Scenic Lookout
Koreatown, New York
The experts at The New Yorker and Time Out New York recommend this place
"The view from the 86th floor is amazing!"(32 Tips)
"Beautiful views from the observation deck."(33 Tips)
"102nd floors,just before sunset!"(27 Tips)
"The Express Pass is the best $25 you can spend!"(25 Tips)
854 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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L MJanuary 13, 2019What a fantastic view. One of my favourite views in New York. If you can, visit at sunset and watch the world as it goes dark.
AlohaKarina 🌺🌈🏝December 29, 2015Lovely views from below. Also nice from above but expensive!! They are open late, till 2 am. Lights go off at 2 am as well.
Did u know? Empire State Building Observatories at levels 86 & 102 are open daily from 8am to 2am! Source: NYCgo
Isaac V.February 22, 2016An exceptional view of the city; try to do it at the end of your tour so you know all the places you see from the observation point
Martin BravoJuly 28, 2017Historic building. Great view of the city. It is a must if you never did it and are in NYC.
Rebecca BrownDecember 27, 2012The Empire State Building has featured in many movies over the years, from King Kong climbing up the side, Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks meeting at the top in 'Sleepless in Seattle', 'Independence Day', etc
Jon BarberAugust 31, 2013Upgrade to Express! So fast! Do not take a mono pole or go pole! Despite being a tenth of the weight of the telephones they are happy to sell, the safety imbecile thinks it is a very dangerous weapon!
Alan MortonSeptember 20, 2016Perfect views over New York and outside so a lot better than one world trade centre
Dilara❥August 30, 2014It's very hard to take photos. Small place and very pricey. I would reccomend Rockefeller Center. It has an amazing view, best location for photos and for just enjoying.- Jordan TaylorAugust 21, 2016Of course, this is a must-see in New York. The views from the top are breathtaking - go around sunset for the best photos!
Rupert PupkinJune 9, 2024New York's most famous skyscraper, and arguably its most iconic landmark. 'Famous for being tall, but deserves to be famous for being good,' Paul Goldberger opined in the 1970s. He's right.
HectorDecember 19, 2015Slender and spectacular as I always remember it. The viewing platforms at the top offer some of the best views of the entire Manhattan and beyond
MAV VApril 12, 2016Beautiful panoramic view of the city. I suggest doing this when you have energy as the wait to get to the top can be pretty long and painful if you're tired or hungry.
Erika NagamineApril 11, 2012You have a great view of the city! I recommend to visit this at night and if you have an opportunity, visit the rockfeller center at morning too see the city on a day!
Sherry GluskinOctober 15, 2018Beautiful view from the observation tower on 86th floor. Just remember to upgrade if you want to go to 102.
NYC: The Official GuideMarch 23, 2013Many nights the lighting scheme has special significance (red, white and blue for July 4th; green for St. Patrick's, etc.). Find out what, if anything, the lights are honoring on the ESB website. Read more
EceFebruary 5, 2018Recommended around sunset time. You can get to see both day and night views. Crazy cold and windy around winter time.
Affinia Hotel CollectionJune 13, 2014Arguably the most famous structure in all of New York City, The Empire State Building is a must-see destination while in New York. The views from the top are breathtaking.- Liz DolinskiDecember 10, 2015Careful of pickpockets. Here's how it works: a pretty young girl will ask a question, "What's the only state that ends with a K?" While you're distracted, her partner will reach in your purse/pocket.
Emanuela EliasOctober 29, 2016Buy the VIP tickets for express and skipping lines. Don't buy 102 floor add on since view is indoors. The 86th floor does the trick.
A.D. RevelsFebruary 18, 2015It's absolutely beautiful at night. You have to pay extra to get up to the very top, but the 86th floor is as high as you need to go to see everything. The SkyRide is a joke and hasn't been updated.- Hazal CicconeOctober 29, 2016My favorite place! Every photo you took here looks professional! Must-visit!
Abdullah AlhamoudNovember 3, 2016Terrific view from the top however expect long waiting times to get there- Building’s name is derived from "Empire State", the nickname of the state of New York. Source: Wikipedia
JakubOctober 10, 2012A great place to start at the beginning of your first NYC visit or when you're getting reacquainted with the city. Helps one get his or her bearings on what is where. A must!
HristinaSeptember 3, 2016That was the first time i felt the fear of heights. I've been to many other observation decks, but that one is the best one!
The Corcoran GroupOctober 9, 2013Come to the observation deck at night to take in the best, most breathtaking views of Manhattan anywhere in the city.- An iconic New York building, easily seen from anywhere in Manhattan at night
Michelin Travel & LifestyleDecember 5, 2012Such great heights inspire great dining! Find the best restaurants in town with our MICHELIN NY Red Guide mobile app, $0.99 for a limited time only! http://bit.ly/NYapp Read more
Maria EstelaAugust 3, 2012So the people selling the tickets outside with an OFFICIAL brochure & an "empire state bldg" life jacket, offering to cut the lines and a free 90 min ferry is NOT a scam! The ferry ride is amazing!
A new entrance on 34th Street and more efficient security
- Assisted TransportationSeptember 9, 2014Make sure you head over to the 34th St. Handicap entrance open Monday to Friday 6pm, between Bank of America and Hallmark. Then you will have easy access to the observatory
Al + VictoriaJanuary 13, 2015A must see in New York. Buy VIP tickets in advance. They allow you to skip the massive queues and the staff treat you like actual VIPs.
Sündos KadApril 3, 2017Fabulous building! The next visit I'll show you the view from the top of it 😋
- Bijan YoungApril 14, 2019An icon. A must see for views & history/pics of how it was built in a time pre-health & safety. Be amazed.
Niko PelzSeptember 23, 2016Pre-book from home or go with the city pass on weekdays to avoid the queue.
Quentin LafonAugust 4, 2014What a view ! Come here for an amazing panoramic of NY skyscrapers. Don't miss to take postcards pictures !- Affinia Hotel CollectionAugust 20, 2012You may be familiar with the Empire State Building thanks to movies like Sleepless in Seattle, but the view from the observation deck has to be seen to be believed – it’s a sight you’ll never forget.
Vidhi BagdiaAugust 17, 2014Long long long queues during the morning session. Go by afternoon and the queues easy by. The north and the south views are the best.- Brett MakowskiNovember 5, 2014Amazing place but make sure you only buy your tickets online or upstairs. There are official city guys that sell them to you out front for more money.
Elisabeth LongshoreJanuary 5, 2018Amazing views of the city! Try to catch sunset up there if you can!
Fare BuzzSeptember 29, 2011The Empire State Building was opened in 1931 and cost $41m to build! Today it's one of the most popular destinations for tourists. Want to skip the lines? Go at night for a glowing view of the city!
Alja StefelinOctober 1, 2013Visiting it for the sunset- amazing, unforgettable and really beautiful :) one of the best memories from NY!
Jodi-Kay Lofters®April 27, 2012Go all the way to the top and view the pure awesomeness that is NYC. The lights are even more spectacular during the nighttime. Visited X2 and it is still a gorgeous view
Malek AlmutairiNovember 15, 2016Hands down the best views from any of observations in NYC. Worth doing in the daytime and at night.
Valerie SecklerNovember 30, 2012Visiting the ESB and wondering where the 7 Wonders of the World stained glass works are? They are in storage and due to be exhibited in the 80th floor museum, post renovation, in Spring 2013.
Rick DoesburgSeptember 1, 2015Awesome building with great audio tour. Nice view of Manhattan! A must visit while in New York.
Nathã DantasMay 13, 2014♫~ Ooooh, NewYork! Concrete jungle where dreams r made of. There’s nothin' u cant do. Now u’re in NewYork! These streets will make u feel brand new. Big lights will inspire u. Hear it 4 NewYork~ ♫
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Soaring 1,454 ft. (443 m.) above Manhattan, the Empire State Building is the region's #1 tourist attraction & the heart of New York City. Our 86th & 102nd floor Observatories offer the two highest viewing decks in NYC along with unobstructed 360-degree views. On a clear day, you can see five states!
Open until 2:00 AM (Show more)
- Mon–Sun
- 8:00 AM–2:00 AM
(212) 736-3100
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Places inside Empire State Building
- 8.6
"Go foe express pass on weekend, worth it"
Hemant Kumar - 6.7
"Service is great! In a bustling, busy place, it felt very personal. Staff were curteous and helpful. Would definitely come back!"
Emma B-Brown 
"Cafe on the third floor. They do an excellent roasted vegetable. The Danish at the coffee bar was on point."
Rob Murcek
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