Things to do in Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is no longer the tallest building in the world, but it captures the imagination as one of the first and most iconic skyscrapers – a symbol of New York City. It is reputed to be the most photographed building in the world, and is also the country’s favorite according to the American Institute of Architects.
The open-air 86th Floor Observation Deck is the perfect place to take in all that New York has to offer, putting yourself in the center of it all with a 360-degree view of the city. Experience one-of-a-kind views of The Hudson River, East River, Central Park, The Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, Lady Liberty and much more!
Built 1929-31, the Empire State was New York’s tallest building until 1972, when the World Trade Center was finished. In 2001 when the WTC fell, this old, stone-faced skyscraper was again briefly the tallest until the completion of One World Trade Center. Enter the lobby, and you enter a designated historic landmark that evokes the luxury of a past age.
Opening hours
8.00am-2.00am 365 days a year
About the Empire State Building
Construction began on the Empire State in 1930, with its steel framework rising 4.5 storeys each week. By 1931, President Hoover – using the wonder of technology – was able to press a button in Washington DC to turn on the lights for the first time
The tallest building in the world soon found fame when, in 1933, the original King Kong movie saw a big monkey clinging to its summit while clasping actress Faye Wray in his hairy hand. That was fictional, but real drama was to come in 1945 when a B-25 bomber crashed into the building during thick fog
The Empire State was sold in 1951 for 34m USD (the price today of a one-bedroom apartment in lower Manhattan) and was bought again in 1961 for 65m USD – at that time the highest price ever paid for a building. The new owners celebrated by having it cleaned for the first time since its construction (it took them six months).
By 1976, 50 million people had visited the observatory and by 1986 the Empire State was a recognised National Historic Landmark. It still draws visitors from all over the world, either to see the view, get married, experience the amazing Art Deco lobby or simply take a selfie with New York’s most iconic skyscraper.
Address
338-350 5th Ave, New York, NY 10118, USA – or just look up!
Getting there
On foot
Excellent walking directions here.
By Metro
Lines D, F, B, M, N, Q, R to 34th Street – Herald Square
By Bus
QM1, QM2, QM3, QM4, M34SBS to W34th St/5th Ave
Our recommendations in Empire State Building
Tickets to the Empire State Building Observatory
Book now and embark on a captivating journey at the iconic Empire State Building in Manhattan.
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Tickets to the Empire State Building Observatory at Sunrise
Book your Empire State Building Sunrise tickets with us today to watch the sunrise from the heart of New York City and witness the city awakening!
New York CityPASS®: five top attractions
Discover New York City's best attractions at great savings and enjoy instant delivery of convenient mobile tickets.
Go City | New York Explorer Pass for 2 to 10 Attractions
Your choice of top New York attractions, all on one pass. Enjoy great savings compared to buying individual tickets to all the top NYC sights.
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Tickets to the Empire State Building Observatory
Book now and embark on a captivating journey at the iconic Empire State Building in Manhattan.
en, it, fr, es, de, +4 pt, ja, zh, ko
Tickets to the Empire State Building Observatory at Sunrise
Book your Empire State Building Sunrise tickets with us today to watch the sunrise from the heart of New York City and witness the city awakening!
New York CityPASS®: five top attractions
Discover New York City's best attractions at great savings and enjoy instant delivery of convenient mobile tickets.
Go City | New York Explorer Pass for 2 to 10 Attractions
Your choice of top New York attractions, all on one pass. Enjoy great savings compared to buying individual tickets to all the top NYC sights.
en, it, fr, es, de, +1 pt
The New York Pass® with 100+ Attractions
Visit as many attractions as you like, for one low price. From Empire State Building to 911 Museum, save on 100+ things to do in New York.
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Empire State Building and Manhattan Walking Tour
See over 20 of the most iconic landmarks in New York, then visit the world-famous Empire State Building for amazing views from the 86th floor!
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Empire State Building Guided Tour with Observation Deck Access
Enjoy early access to the Empire State Building and admire breathtaking views from Rockefeller Center's Top of the Rock Observation Deck.
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How to get there
Empire State Building
New York
United States of America
Reviews Empire State Building
“excellent visit with superb views on the day”
“An incredible deal for tourists in New York. Be sure to visit Top of the Rock!!!”