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Structure, Historic and Protected Site, and Scenic Lookout
Midtown Manhattan, New York, NY, New York
The experts at The New Yorker and Time Out New York recommend this place
"Beautiful view from the observation tower on 86th floor."(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)
856 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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The Empire State Building is an iconic staple of New York City history. From King Kong to Tom Hanks, it has been a focal point of the New York skyline. Tallest building in the world from 1931-1970
Upvoted Oct 16
CamillaMay 25, 2016Buy the ticket where you also go up to 102nd floor! The view is definitely worth it. The people working in the building are very nice and are ready for all of your questions!
Upvoted 4 days ago
Time Out New YorkOctober 31, 2011The best touristy venue, this 80-year-old landmark is simply stunning. Check out the Art Deco flourishes in the lobby, restored to its original gilded splendor in 2009. Read more
Upvoted Oct 12
Chad CurryJanuary 31, 2015Great way to take in the whole city. We went on a Friday at 1pm and there was no line. Staff are very helpful and courteous.
CaliGirl SavaSeptember 7, 2014Empire State Building is more than a symbol of New York. It's a place you simply must not miss. You can't say that you have truly seen New York until you've seen from the top of ESB. Try to go at dusk
Cassandra TerryDecember 22, 2014Empire state building is one of the most famous sceneries used in movies. I can't imagine New York without this 103 story skycraper building, everyone loves to see its beauty and elegance.
Honza PešaMay 15, 2018Just save yourself 20 bucks and don't buy the 102 floor pass, you won't notice the difference from the 80th. The 86th open air observation deck is the real deal anyway, there you must go.
Natalia CruzMay 1, 2015The most awesome view of the city, the most amazing spotlight over all, the most exciting sensation. You can even imagine how it feels to be at the top. Might be one of my favorite place on earth.
Emre AktunaSeptember 21, 2016Definitely worth to see.Ideal time for visiting is sunset time.You have chance to see the day time and night time.Wonderfull sightseeing
The Empire State Building is one of the most iconic landmarks in a city full of them. The tallest building in New York City has appeared in over 90 movies, and is the key piece of the NYC Skyline.
Marianne LouloudakiJanuary 3, 2015Waited in line for about 2 hours on a weekday. The view was great, but no good pictures could be taken due to the steel bars. I would definitely prefer going to Rockefeller Top of the Rock!
Building designated city landmark by NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission in 1980. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark in 1986. Source: Wikipedia
Esra PRGAugust 27, 2014Amazing! Manhattan at its best. $75.- to get all the way up tho, but totally worth it! I didn't buy anything in the store, same quality same stuff, cheaper down town.
LaylaOctober 19, 2019So worth going if it’s outside of tourist-season and with a city pass (easily bought online). Personally think evening/night time is the most beautiful!
The ESB has iconic views from the city not just from the tourist part but also in the offices. It is worth visiting and also a great location to work at.
Lori K. http://www.lkpheartsfood.netJanuary 8, 2016Even though I live in New York City, I love bringing friends and tourists to the Empire State building. Do not – I repeat DO NOT – take the sky ride.
Susan HobbsJanuary 17, 2015Come here at night. Fantastic views and less/no lines. Open until 2am. Great post-Broadway show activity for those looking to check this quintessential NY site off their list.
- High Quality Tours HQTAugust 28, 2015Don't spend extra to go all the way to the top, your eyes can't tell the height difference from the 86th or the 102nd floor! Learn more inside tricks on one of our luxury tours today! #tournyc #hqt Read more
BollareMarch 30, 2012The observation deck is a must for life-long New Yorkers and tourists alike. Skip the wait and go before a night on the town, or after a romantic date – the observation deck is open until 2AM. —Joey
Josh AntonioJune 12, 2016A great view from, as the elevator operator said "the top of the world". Only thing was it was very crowded. A quieter alternative would be to go up the Top of the rocks at the Rockefeller Centre.
ChadJuly 1Like most tall buildings people visit, "Been there, done that," is about all this is good for. Great views of course, but that's true of any tall building.- >3,500 workers were involved in building including 3,439 on a single day. Many workers were Irish & Italian immigrants, & Mohawk ironworkers from the Kahnawake reserve near Montreal. Source: Wikipedia
- Cally DayJuly 9, 2012Be sure to buy your tickets online before hand and go for the express tickets, gets you past the queues, take your time enjoying the sights from both the 56th and 102nd floors,just before sunset!
Jason MesiarikApril 2, 2013Be a kid again and enjoy the wondrous fascination of the towering heights of the Empire State Building with its glorious views of the city and beyond. Purchase tickets in advance and skip the lines.
Jason McKeytonJuly 10, 2016Amazing place to visit once in bog apple. Long queues expected.Be advised that it's a bit cold up there, so grab a jacket, and the best time to visit is before sunset! See city's lights turn on!
FilmsquareAugust 2, 2013Jack Harper eventually remembers meeting Julia Rusakova at the entrance to the Empire State Building before going up to the observation deck in Oblivion (2013).
Steven DugasMarch 5, 2018Same stunning view as it’s always been, but with the addition of all the glitzy trappings, the old charm has been lost. And, at $37 per person, it no longer passes the price/value test for me.
City of New YorkMay 6, 2013Did you know that the Empire State Building was originally intended to be only 80 stories high, not 103?
Tyler MerrickFebruary 7, 2015If you want to see Manhattan and I mean the whole thing the 86th floor of the empire is perfect for you. It may be a long line for security but once you get up their you know that it was worth thewait
Rodrigo BeisteguiNovember 15, 2014Excellent view of the city, a must to go during the day, but not sure if worth paying the extra cost to get to the 102 floor (if you are in low budget don't go), view is through a glass window
Ryan RossAugust 6, 2014Hardly needs an introduction. Make sure you get fast track at peak hours. If you're on a budget, reject offers for the higher viewing platform- it's all inside glass.
Andrew CherkashinNovember 20, 2014Amazing views of New York! Please take HUNDREDS of photos to select/edit the best ones later. A must-see landmark in NYC!
Augustus CollectionFebruary 23, 2014First constructed in 1931, the Empire State building commands the skyline of NYC, and has become a symbol of the city. It used to be the tallest building in the world. Read more
Christina ♏️November 8, 2014Don't bother paying extra to go to the 102nd floor, the best photos are from the 86th floor
Untapped CitiesJuly 20, 2012From 1931 to 1972 the Empire State Building was the tallest building in the world. Did you know its spire was intended to serve a dock for zeppelins? Read more
Daniela PksNovember 30, 2014Lins are looooong, but the view is worth it! It gets super cold, bring a jacket. Buy tickets online and you can save some time. The view from 102 floor is pretty cool, worth the extra bucks ...- Building has been named as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Source: Wikipedia
Opened on May 1, 1931, the building not only became a symbol of the city, but of the entire country. Over 10,000 people visit each day and from the observation deck you can see five states.
EsraFebruary 12, 2014It must be seen in the evening. You Will miss the wizard of the lights in the afternoon. But the sight was awesome. Dont forget take a pic with Uncle Sam ;)
Amy LukesAugust 28, 2012Go to the 102nd floor, breathe hot air on the windows, write a message with your fingers, blow hot air on it again, and take a picture at night with the flash on aimed just above your message.
LucaNovember 15, 2014You have not experienced NYC to its fullest if you haven't climbed all the way to the 102nd floor and witnessed the Big Apple from over 380m!
SPIDER-MAN ON BWAYSeptember 9, 2011Carnage is running amok throughout NYC, scrawling his signature blood-red graffiti on every skyscraper in sight. Take an express ride up to the Observatory & see if you can spot any of his handiwork.
Carlos DuarteJanuary 15, 2022The most incredible view you will have in New York. It is a great tour option, although it is expensive.
Joshy CasteSeptember 3, 2018The entrance for the observatory is on 34th St. And the TKT cost is USD 39 for the 86th floor and USD 48 if you want to go up to the 102nd floor (as of this tip date).
Chelsea McDevittNovember 7, 2014What a gorgeous view! During a nice day, I'm sure the line is outrageous. Go during a crappier day and you'll have a shorter wait.
- Kayla StegallFebruary 15, 2014pretty cool, pretty cool. Worth checkin out, simply for the 360 view of the city! Would have liked to have gone higher in the building! Wasn't a huge fan of skyride though ..
Juliana AmorimJuly 4, 2016great view, fantastic sunset. very good photos of NY skylines. Strong wind, always.
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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
"Amazing view, try to be there for the sunset"
Jules Sandoz - 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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