Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is one of the most popular attractions in New York and is on the list of most visitors. The building is a world-renowned attraction with over 4 million visitors each year and arguably the most famous skyscraper in New York and one of the city’s most popular attractions.
Location
20 W 34th St, Midtown Manhattan.
Hours
Every day from 8am to 2am. The last elevator leaves at 1:15am.
Prices
Adults: US$ 44
Children (ages 6-12): US$ 38
Seniors (over 62): US$ 42
Free entry with New York Pass
Free entry with Sightseeing Pass
How will you get there
Subway: 34th Street/Penn Station (trains 1, 2, 3, A, C και E) or 34th St – Avenue of the Americas (trains B, D, F, N, Q και R).
Bus: Γραμμές M2, M3, M4 M5, M16 και M34.
What is nearby
Madison Square Garden (749 m)
Grand Central Terminal (843 m)
Chrysler Building (892 m)
Madame Tussauds (975 m)
Times Square (1.1 km)
Located in the heart of Manhattan, the Empire State Building is an iconic symbol of the city. One of the many reasons for the charm of the Empire State Building is its observatory.
Another unique feature of the Empire State Building is its lighting. Every night, the top of the building is lit up in different colors. The lights are divided into three levels – the bottom section, the middle section and the antenna and can be lit separately in different colors.
Depending on an event or special day, the lights atop the Empire State Building display a different set of colors each night, meaning there’s always a reason to look up and admire this amazing building.
https://www.esbnyc.com/about/tower-lights/calendar
The Empire State Building should definitely be on the must-see list of any new visitor to the city and beyond. The iconic New York skyscraper has its own zip code, 10118, a testament to its popularity and volume.
In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Empire State Building, including ticket prices, opening hours, the observatories, how to get to the skyscraper, and tips and tricks on how to avoid long lines.
What is Empire State Building?
The Empire State Building was designed by architect William F. Lamb and erected in just 13 months, during the Great Depression. The official opening took place on May 1, 1931. The architectural exterior style of the building is Art Deco which is continued inside. Inside the famous building is the lobby, which is completely covered in marble. The Empire State Building is located in Midtown Manhattan, on 34th Street near 5th Avenue.
How tall is the Empire State Building?
The Empire State Building has a total height (including the antenna) of 443 meters feet and from its opening until 1972, it was the tallest building in the world. The height is measured from the ground to the edge of the lightning rod (the building itself is 381 meters tall). Until the opening of the twin towers of the former World Trade Center, the Empire State Building was also the tallest building in New York. After the tragic terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the Empire State Building once again became the dominant building on the New York skyline, and today it is the third tallest building in New York, behind One World Trade Center and the Central Park Tower.
Empire State Building Hours of Operation
The observatory operates 365 days a year (including holidays) and rain or snow, the hours of operation remain the same: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Where is the Empire State Building?
In general, it is impossible not to see the Empire State Building, as it is taller than the other buildings and can be easily spotted due to its distinctive top. Especially in the evenings its top shines in Midtown Manhattan.
The exact address of the Empire State Building is 20 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001, United States. It is just a few minutes’ walk from many other famous spots, including Herald Square, Macy’s, Times Square, Madison Square Garden and the Flatiron Building. Visitors to the observatory enter through the building’s visitor center at 20 W. 34th St. The other entrances on Fifth Avenue, 34th and 33rd Streets are reserved exclusively for tenants and their guests.
The observatories of the Empire State Building
The elevator ride is quick and in less than a minute you’ll be at the top, free to roam.
Each year, 3.5 million people visit the Empire State Building and its two observation decks. Only Times Square receives more visitors! One of the observatories – also called the observation deck – is on the 86th floor and rises 320 meters above the streets of New York. From this height you have an amazing view of New York City and when the sky is clear, you can see up to 130 km away and enjoy the amazing 360º view!
At an additional cost. you can go higher, to the 102nd floor. The ticket is about $20 extra. The 102nd floor of the Empire State Building may cost extra, but it gives you an even better and more peaceful view of New York City. Only a certain number of people are allowed on the 102nd floor, which makes this experience more private.
From the top of the Empire State Building you will admire many of New York’s most famous landmarks, including the Chrysler Building, Rockefeller Center, One World Trade Center, Central Park, Times Square and the Statue of Liberty.
Ticket prices for the basic 86th floor observatory range from $38 – $44, and other combo packages with various other services are available.
If you have not pre-purchased your tickets, you can purchase them at the ticket offices inside the Empire State Building. Allow plenty of time for this as ticket offices have 1 hour queues. It is much better to buy the tickets in advance – and avoid the long queues!
Buy your tickets online directly from the official site or from a show ticket website. Tickets are cheaper and you don’t have to stand in line at the ticket office. You can then use the tickets at any time. You do not need to specify a specific date or time for your visit.
If you bought your tickets to the Empire State Building and its observation deck in advance – or have one of the 3 New York City Sightseeing Passes – you won’t have to wait in line and can go straight through security.
There are also Express tickets that allow you to go directly to the elevators, after the security check, which you cannot skip under any circumstances.
If you want to see the unsurpassed view again at night, you can buy a night ticket and return later the same day without buying a second ticket.
Amenities and more
Restrooms and binoculars are available on the 86th floor, but there are no restaurants or cafes.
On the 80th floor is the gift shop which you can visit at any time during your stay in the building to buy souvenirs.
There is no time limit on your visit. The whole experience usually takes about an hour.
In addition, don’t forget to visit the interesting exhibitions inside the building.
The Empire State Building has been featured in many movies, series and shows, most recognisably, 1933’s King Kong.
