Empire State Building
Structure, Historic and Protected Site, and Scenic Lookout
Koreatown, New York
The sunsets at Empire State Building is a can't miss
"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)
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The Corcoran GroupOctober 9, 2013Come to the observation deck at night to take in the best, most breathtaking views of Manhattan anywhere in the city.
Did u know? Empire State Building Observatories at levels 86 & 102 are open daily from 8am to 2am! Source: NYCgo
A.D. RevelsFebruary 18, 2015It's absolutely beautiful at night. You have to pay extra to get up to the very top, but the 86th floor is as high as you need to go to see everything. The SkyRide is a joke and hasn't been updated.
Erika NagamineApril 11, 2012You have a great view of the city! I recommend to visit this at night and if you have an opportunity, visit the rockfeller center at morning too see the city on a day!
Jodi-Kay Lofters®April 27, 2012Go all the way to the top and view the pure awesomeness that is NYC. The lights are even more spectacular during the nighttime. Visited X2 and it is still a gorgeous view
Martin BravoJuly 28, 2017Historic building. Great view of the city. It is a must if you never did it and are in NYC.
Emanuela EliasOctober 29, 2016Buy the VIP tickets for express and skipping lines. Don't buy 102 floor add on since view is indoors. The 86th floor does the trick.- Jordan TaylorAugust 21, 2016Of course, this is a must-see in New York. The views from the top are breathtaking - go around sunset for the best photos!
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.
Affinia Hotel CollectionAugust 20, 2012You may be familiar with the Empire State Building thanks to movies like Sleepless in Seattle, but the view from the observation deck has to be seen to be believed – it’s a sight you’ll never forget.
City of New YorkMay 6, 2013Did you know that the Empire State Building was originally intended to be only 80 stories high, not 103?
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
Vidhi BagdiaAugust 17, 2014Long long long queues during the morning session. Go by afternoon and the queues easy by. The north and the south views are the best.
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 ;)
EceFebruary 5, 2018Recommended around sunset time. You can get to see both day and night views. Crazy cold and windy around winter time.
Al + VictoriaJanuary 13, 2015A must see in New York. Buy VIP tickets in advance. They allow you to skip the massive queues and the staff treat you like actual VIPs.
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).
Jul PuhMarch 29, 2015Go here during the daylight! And don't forget to buy New York Pass before your visit to NY - saves your time and money)
Rebecca BrownDecember 27, 2012The Empire State Building has featured in many movies over the years, from King Kong climbing up the side, Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks meeting at the top in 'Sleepless in Seattle', 'Independence Day', etc
HristinaSeptember 3, 2016That was the first time i felt the fear of heights. I've been to many other observation decks, but that one is the best one!
- Bijan YoungApril 14, 2019An icon. A must see for views & history/pics of how it was built in a time pre-health & safety. Be amazed.
Niko PelzSeptember 23, 2016Pre-book from home or go with the city pass on weekdays to avoid the queue.
Alison RostronApril 23, 2011Got to be done if you go to NYC. Get there early in morning 8am! Or before (opens at 8am) take the audio it's quite I interesting. Souvenir shop expensive, take a look in other souvenir shops b4!- An iconic New York building, easily seen from anywhere in Manhattan at night
Jennifer ShumateAugust 13, 2012For those with disabilities, the Empire State Building is a breeze. My husband walks with a cane due to cerebral palsy, and the staff was incredibly attentive to his needs.
Isaac V.February 22, 2016An exceptional view of the city; try to do it at the end of your tour so you know all the places you see from the observation point
Alx LacApril 16, 2013A Nice place to visit at night. You can also have a drink on the 230th 5th avenue roof top to have a great view on this building!
Allure Day Spa NycJanuary 18, 2012The Empire State Building Observatory is open until 2 a.m., seven days a week, providing the perfect spot to visit after dinner and a show for spectacular night views.
Michelin Travel & LifestyleFebruary 19, 2013The quintessential NYC landmark stretches 1,454 feet and offers views all the way to Massachusetts, some 80 miles away, on clear days. - Green Guide Editor
Alan MortonSeptember 20, 2016Perfect views over New York and outside so a lot better than one world trade centre
- Julie SosciaJanuary 29, 2019Beautiful views from the observation deck. Try and plan to go around sunset. Expect about a 45 minute wait on most days.
Armelle De OliveiraSeptember 18, 2015You should go there a bit before sunset and wait after the city lightens up: breathtaking.
JakubOctober 10, 2012A great place to start at the beginning of your first NYC visit or when you're getting reacquainted with the city. Helps one get his or her bearings on what is where. A must!
The Vitamin ShoppeMarch 15, 2012A staple "To-Do" on any list when coming to NYC - make sure to take the trek up to the top level observatory to get some wonderful views of the Big Apple.
Antonio TiradoJune 12, 2013Amazing view of the city from an elevated point; but be prepared for a full blown Disney-like theme park experience. Approach with care
Viator.comJanuary 27, 2012The 86th-floor observatory is 1,050 feet (320 m) high, and if you pay a little extra you can visit the more intimate, enclosed observatory on the 102nd floor at 1,224 feet (373 m). Read more
Rebecca MedinaApril 28, 2012After the first elevator takes you to the 80th floor you can do the remaining 6 floors by foot in the staircase. Its a 5 min walk if that, and totally worth not waiting for the second elevator.
Fare BuzzSeptember 29, 2011The Empire State Building was opened in 1931 and cost $41m to build! Today it's one of the most popular destinations for tourists. Want to skip the lines? Go at night for a glowing view of the city!
LeonieAugust 13, 2013The staff are a little hostile, much friendlier at Top of the Rock but this is a must do if it's your first visit to NYC.
Valerie SecklerNovember 30, 2012Visiting the ESB and wondering where the 7 Wonders of the World stained glass works are? They are in storage and due to be exhibited in the 80th floor museum, post renovation, in Spring 2013.
Pamela BenfordAugust 23, 2017Great view on the 86th floor. We enjoyed it and could see a lot of things.
Michael RobertsSeptember 14, 2018Sunrise special, every Friday and Saturday at 6am. You'll have the building to yourself, give it a try.- Liz DolinskiDecember 10, 2015Careful of pickpockets. Here's how it works: a pretty young girl will ask a question, "What's the only state that ends with a K?" While you're distracted, her partner will reach in your purse/pocket.
Quentin LafonAugust 4, 2014What a view ! Come here for an amazing panoramic of NY skyscrapers. Don't miss to take postcards pictures !
Nate SSeptember 11, 2014Although this place is a great bucket list spot, the Top of The Rock at Rockefeller Center has better city views!
Linn HovikJanuary 11, 2017Love the view at night. No que if you go after 10 PM and you get to see all the city lights 🌟
CrazycolSeptember 17, 2014This is a must visit for everyone.Fantastic views from the top.Don't forget your camera.
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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
- 8.5
"It's totally worth the wait. Get there an hour before sunset and make sure you wait for the city's lights to come into view shortly after sunset. Super magical. NYC at its best."
Vivienne Gucwa - 6.5
"This place is awesome, I can always understand they are constantly busy since its the busiest Starbucks with all the tourist, but their service is awesome!!!!"
Nathan Ortiz 
"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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