Explore everything about the Empire State Building in Manhattan, NYC. Plan your visit to the world’s most famous skyscraper today.

Unearthing Everything About the Empire State Building!

The Empire State Building is located in Midtown Manhattan, 4 miles north of One World Trade Center and 5.2 miles northeast of the Statue of Liberty.

From its Art Deco architecture to heart-pounding observation decks, this historic skyscraper has something in its kitty for everyone.

The Empire State Building attracts over 4 million visitors to its door each year.

However, its popularity and huge crowds can make your visit overwhelming.

Don’t worry. In this article, we will explore everything about the Empire State Building, from what to expect and how to reach it to the best tickets, top visiting tips, and more, so that you will have all the information needed to make it an unforgettable adventure.

Empire State Building in a Snapshot

What to Expect?

To get to the Empire State Building, you will pass through an Art Deco lobby decorated with golden murals.

After a brief security check, you will get to the 80th floor through a high-speed elevator.

Here, you can indulge in various exhibits while enjoying views of the Hudson River, the Brooklyn Bridge, and other landmarks.

Your next stop will be the observation deck on the 86th floor.

This open-air arrangement allows you to admire New York’s skyline from a different perspective.

On a day with good visibility, you can see the Hudson River to your west and the One World Trade Center and the Statue of Liberty to your south.

However, you can upgrade these visuals by heading to the observation deck on the 102nd floor.

This enclosed deck has floor-to-ceiling windows and is 1,250 feet above ground level.

The atmosphere is relaxed, and you can see up to six states from here on a clear day.

Even with a large crowd, the view is so surreal during the golden hour that it is worth the wait.

Visiting the Empire State will make you realize that it is not just a tourist spot but a unique NYC experience that will stay with you forever.

Opening Hours

The Empire State Building is open throughout the year between 9 am and 11 pm.

However, the operational hours vary during holidays and festivities.

Here are the accurate opening times for the upcoming months:

The last entry is always 45 minutes before the closure.

Bestselling Empire State Building Tickets

Empire State Observation Deck Ticket

This is the most affordable ticket to enter the Empire State Building and access its attractions.

You can climb to the 86th floor and appreciate the New York skyline and the surrounding landmarks.

If you wish, you can upgrade this ticket to a combo option that includes entry to the observation deck on the 102nd floor.

The activity will last between 45 minutes and 2 hours.

You can also cancel it up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.

Inclusions:

• Entry to the 86th-floor observation deck
• Access to the 102nd floor observation deck (if option selected)
• Art Deco Lobby
• Free WiFi
• Air-purification system

Ticket Price:

Adult Ticket (13 to 61 years): $54

Child Ticket (6 to 12 years): $47

Senior Ticket (62+ years): $51

Buy Ticket

Empire State Skip-the-Line Ticket

You can avoid long lines and get priority access to the 86th and 102nd floor observation decks with the Empire State Skip-the-Line Ticket.

Explore the interactive exhibitions and admire the 360-degree views at your own speed.

A downloadable multimedia experience will also be provided to you upon entrance.

The activity will last up to 45 minutes.

To get a full refund, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the visit date.

Inclusions:

• Express entry to the 86th floor
• Priority access to the 102nd floor (if option selected)
• Downloadable multimedia experience (available in 9 languages)
• Art Deco Lobby
• Free WiFi
• Air-Purification system

Ticket Prices:

Adult Ticket (6+ years): $98

Infant Ticket (up to 6 years): Not Allowed

Buy Ticket

How to Get to the Empire State Building?

By Subway:

The subway is one of the easiest ways to reach anywhere in New York.

Get on any of the 1, 2, 3, A, C, or E and get off at Penn Station on 34th Street.

Alternatively, if you are on lines N, Q, R, W, B, D, F, or M, get off at Herald Station on 34th Street.

The Empire State Building is only a 5-minute walk from these stations.

By Car:

You can also drive your way to the Empire State Building.

Use apps like Google Maps to locate the Empire State and follow directions.

By Bus:

Buses are the cheapest way to reach the Empire State, but they take slightly longer.

All the Big Bus tours have stops at 5th Avenue.

Empire State is only a 5-minute walk from there.

You can also take any of the M1, M2, M3, and M4 MTA buses, as they also stop near 5th Avenue.

By Walk:

You can walk to the Empire State Building from nearby places.

While coming from West 29th Street, keep walking southeast and then turn left onto 5th Avenue.

A 7-minute walk will take you to the Empire State’s entrance.

Best Time to Visit the Empire State Building

The best time of the day to visit the Empire State Building is early morning as soon as it opens at 9 am.

If you want a quieter and more romantic setting, you can visit the monument after sunset.

Although it opens throughout the week, the weekends are very crowded and should be avoided.

Spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) are the best times of the year to visit the Empire State Building because of pleasant weather and better visibility.

Top Empire State Building Visiting Tips

Consider these insider tips to simplify your Empire State adventure, and thank us later:

• Get There Early: Plan your visit as soon as the building opens at 9 am to avoid crowds
• Pack Smartly: Heavy bags, pointed objects, and spray guns are not allowed, so do not bring them
• Dress Appropriately: The building’s interiors are air-conditioned, and it is advisable to dress in layers
• Wear Comfortable Footwear: Your tour will involve a lot of walking around, and soft-soled shoes will ease your exploration
• Plan on Weekdays: Saturdays and Sundays are very crowded, and it is a good idea to visit on a weekday
• Book online tickets: Avoid long lines and security checks by booking skip-the-line tickets to the Empire State Building

People Also Ask…

Can you buy Empire State tickets there?

Yes, you can purchase tickets from the ticket counter on the day of your visit.

But you will have to endure long lines, and tickets for your favorite time slot may sell out by the time you arrive.

Therefore, it is recommended to buy online tickets.

This will save you from long lines and last-minute disappointments.

What is the Empire State Building used for?

The Empire State is a multipurpose building.

Its floors from the 2nd to 80th are dedicated to offices of companies like LinkedIn, Shutterstock, and Skanska.

Floors 81st to 83rd are used for broadcasting radio and television signals and house various broadcasting equipment.

The 2nd and the 80th floors also organize various events and exhibits related to the monument’s history and significance.

The 86th and the 102nd floors have observation decks from where you can enjoy 360-degree views of the city.

What is the distance from the Empire State Building to Statue of Liberty?

The direct, straight line distance between these two monuments is 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometers).

The driving distance between the Empire State Building and the nearest Battery Park Ferry Terminal is 5.2 miles (8.36 kilometers)

Which Empire State Building tickets to buy?

If you want to avoid long lines and security checks, you should purchase the Empire State Skip-the-Line tickets.

This ticket includes express entry to the 86th and 102nd floor observation decks and a downloadable multimedia experience available in 9 languages.

How much does it cost to go to the Empire State?

The Empire State Observation Deck ticket is the most affordable way to experience the magic of the Empire State.

It costs $54 for adults between 13 and 61.

Children between 6 and 12, and seniors above 61 get discounted prices of $47 and $51, respectively

Is the 102nd floor worth it?

Yes, the 102nd-floor observation deck provides a climate-controlled viewing point 1,250 feet above ground level.

It is usually less crowded than the 86th floor and is absolutely worth it for lovers of history, heights, and architecture.

Can we buy Empire State tickets online?

Yes, you can purchase tickets for the Empire State Building through online means.

By doing this, you will avoid long lines, security checks, and last-minute disappointments.

Are online tickets refundable?

Yes, our curated tickets can be cancelled up to 24 hours before your visit to receive a complete refund.

Do we need to bring printouts?

No, your online tickets will be emailed to you upon successful reservation.

Just show them on your mobile device while entering the Empire State Building

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