Empire State Building

About Empire State Building

An Art Deco icon since 1931, the 102 story high Empire State Building rises over Midtown Manhattan at 20 W 34th St. Visitors around the world come to New York just to see this building so they can experience hand to hand one of the most iconic building that has ever existed. To view all of New York, visitors take the elevator to the open-air 86th-floor Main Deck and the enclosed 102nd-floor Top Deck for 360° views. The lower floors of the ESB contains house museum-style exhibits that trace the tower’s rapid construction and pop-culture fame throughout history. At 1,250 ft (381 m) to the roof, 1,454 ft (443 m) to the tip, the ESB remains one of NYC’s defining skyline silhouettes and is open 365 days a year.

Quick Facts:

Empire State Building Opening Hours

The opening hours vary by date, as they publish a rolling calendar. Here's the regular opening/closing time of the Empire State Building, take a look as your reference:

Quick Comparisons of Empire State Builiding Tickets

• Main Deck (86th Floor) — iconic open-air observatory + access to the 2nd-floor museum; timed entry.
• Top Deck (102nd + 86th) — enclosed 102nd-floor observatory plus the 86th-floor deck; timed entry.
• Express Pass (86th or 86th+102nd) — priority entry/expedited queues for the ticket you choose (regular or combo).
• AM/PM “Day & Night” — visit during the day and return the same night (bohttime general admission).
• Sunrise Experience (Sat only, limited capacity) — special pre-opening entry to the 86th floor at sunrise.
• CityPASS options — CityPASS includes AM/PM; C3/C-All include 86th Floor (non-sunset hours).

Where is the Empire State Building Located?

Source: Google Maps
Map pin: 20 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001 (between 5th & 6th Aves).

How to Get to the Empire State Building (Subway)

• 1/2/3 or A/C/E to 24 St-Penn Station (around a 5 minute walk)
• B/D/F/M or N/Q/R/W to 34 St-Herald Square (about a 5-min walk)

Layout of Empire State Building (What to Expect)

Source: Empire State Building Official Website

When you're entering from the visitors entrance, you will first see the ticketing and security.

Source: Empire State Building Official Website

Then you will go up on to the 2nd floor, which will be their museum exhibits.

Source: Empire State Building Official Website

After browsing through the museum, you can then take the elevator to the 86th floor or 102nd floor observatory.

Best Places To See at the Empire State Building

86th Floor Main Deck (open-air)

Step onto NYC’s most famous terrace: a wrap-around, open-air deck with 360° views. On clear days you can see up to six states — NY, NJ, PA, CT, MA, and DE. The deck is heated and ringed with windbreaks, so it works year-round.

102nd Floor Top Deck (enclosed)

On windy days or bad weather, this glass walled deck is a good option as it is 16 stories above the Main Deck and it is smaller and calmer. This top deck really is an incredible choice to really let your mind submerge into this concrete jungle where dreams are made off.

Source: Empire State Building Official Website

80th Floor Experiences

This level mixes planning tools and art. Look for the Stephen Wiltshire cityscape—drawn from memory after a helicopter loop around Manhattan—and interactive screens that help you pinpoint landmarks before you head up. It’s a great breather between galleries and the decks.

Source: Hauteliving official website (Photo Credit: Empire State Realty Trust)

2nd Floor Immersive Galleries

Before you see the skyline, you walk through 10,000 sq ft of interactive exhibits that pull you into 1930s NYC: the breakneck construction, opening-day excitement, and decades of pop-culture moments. There is also an elevator exhibit where there’s a simulated elevator shaft and a look at the tech that powers the building today. Don't miss the cinematic King Kong set that puts you “on” the ESB as Kong trys smashes in and tries to grab you!

Source: Empire State Building Official Website

Empire State Building Ticket Prices (2025)

 Peak visiting time prices (especially sunset) can be higher, off-peak can be lower. Prime time totals can cost around $100 and sometimes over, always check the live prices before going.

Empire State Building: 86th vs 102nd Floor Tickets

• If you want the classic open air deck and the best value, choose the 86th floor tickets.
• If you'd prefer floor to ceiling glass views on floors higher up or you're celebrating for some special occasion, pick 102nd + 86th tickets.

Empire State Building: Are Express Pass Tickets Worth it?

• Express passes work the best on: weekends, holidays, school breaks, sunset, or when you have a tight schedule because priority entrance can save a lot of time.
• On weekday mornings or late nights outside peak season, the express pass isn't really worth it because standard timed entry works just fine.

Empire State Building: AM/PM vs. Buying Two Tickets

If you want daytime photos and the night skyline, the AM/PM ticket is built for that. The AM/PM tickets lets you return the same night. It’s also included with CityPASS if you’re planning on doing multiple attractions.

Empire State Building Tickets: Best Time to Visit

• Normally the best time to visit is right after opening or during late evenings.
• The most popular time would be sunset (and the hour before/after), but it is also the most pricey. If you really can't decide on the time you want to visit the Empire State Building, book the AM/PM tickets to get both day and night views without buying tickets twice.

Empire State Building Tickets: Time Length and What's it Like?

For a visit to the Empire State Building, it is best to plan a time span of 60–90 minutes for exhibits and views. Visitation time can be longer if you're visiting both decks. When you are entering, you should be expecting an airport style security. If you are planning on bringing a big camera, tripods are prohibited and there are no lockers so it is best to pack light when visiting. Strollers are allowed but they must be folded on the decks. While visiting, the elevators serve all observatory levels so do not worry if you're visiting with kids.

Restaurants in the Empire State Building

STATE Grill & Bar

Think polished New York comfort food done right: starting with the photogenic pastrami, then move to seared seafood, dry-aged steaks, or a sesonal salad, and finishing off with a proper cocktail. The room gives classy feels without being stiff, a perfect place to stop by after your tour through the ESB.

They also sell dining + observatory package bundles, something to pay attention to if you want to visit.

Source: Trip Advisor Official Website

Tacombi

A sunny, casual stop for crispy fish tacos, al pastor, chunky guacamole, and ice cold beers or margaritas. It’s quick, cheerful, and very Midtown-friendly, easy to fit between your exhibits and the elevator ride up. Typical hours run late; check the day you go.

Source: Trip Advisor Official Website

Starbuck Reserve Empire State Building

Not your everyday coffee shop, this flagship spans three levels with tasting flights, hands-on workshops, cocktails like the espresso martini, and warm Princi bakes. Grab a classic latte on the ground floor, or head upstairs for a sit-down board and a signature Empire State Building Microblend. It’s a surprisingly luxe pit stop before sunset at the deck.

Source: Trip Advisor Official Website

Quick note: ESB also provide fast-casual choices (e.g., Chopt, Chipotle) on its directory—handy if you just need a quick bite on the way to the elevators.