Empire State Building
Structure, Historic and Protected Site, and Scenic Lookout
Koreatown, New York
The experts at The Corcoran Group and The New Yorker 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)
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ViewSonicSeptember 6, 2011Visit the Empire State Building at night (it is open until 2am) and pay the extra to go to the 102nd floor. The view is breathtaking. #Pepcom
Time Out New YorkNovember 23, 2011Through an unmarked (and locked, sorry) door on the 102nd-floor observation deck is a narrow terrace that was once intended to be a docking station for airships moored to the mast Read more- J. Matthew CahillAugust 15, 2012Get your advance tickets from the ESB itself. Anyone else (notably: viator) sells a "voucher", so you still have to wait in the ticket line, thereby negating all the benefits of buying early online.
Ha1thamJune 11, 2018Really expensive, but was nice, go for the 86th floor, i think its enough, not much difference from the 102 floor.
CaryDecember 30, 2011Go straight to the door, tell them you would like to purchase "express" and need to pick up tickets on the 2nd floor- they will escort you to the ticket window, it's $20 more, but you will havenoline
Dave SawyerDecember 16, 2013Extra money to 102nd is worth it for less crowds and better, climate controlled views... also, later at night on a cold day = almost no crowds at all.
Nico ParkerFebruary 15, 2019The views are amazing from the top. This is a must-see for any traveler.
@JaumePrimeroNovember 25, 2013I went to the very top one time. It was so windy my hat almost flew over the ledge! Definitely an affair to remember. :)
Otel.comOctober 31, 2013The lightning rod on the top of the Empire State Building is struck by lighting more than 20 times every year.
Jan BultinckJanuary 13, 2014Take the express to 102nd floor! On a clear day by far the best views on a magical city.
K12 IncApril 12, 2012Did you know? The Empire State Building was the tallest building in the world for over 40 years, from its completion in 1931, until 1972.- Yann RimbaudJanuary 11, 2012For $22, you can have the best view of New York. I advice you to visit for the sunset, it's beautiful!
SEGAJune 5, 2013Stand in front of the doors looking over the edge. You’ll find yourself in a pocket of warmth with a spectacular view. - Matt, Development Equipment Supervisor
Ken CarsonDecember 21, 2010One of my most memorable kisses with Barbie? Top of the Empire State Building on a clear night with nobody around. It felt like we were alone, in love and on top of the city.
Jc SlsDecember 21, 2015If you spot something in the gift shop, get it at once (don't wait if you come back at night)!
Algonquin HotelOctober 1, 2010Both the Empire State Building (ESB) and The Algonquin are deeply rooted within NYC history. The ESB was named a historic monument in 1986, just a year before The Algonquin.
travel42August 31, 2011It's best to buy tickets ahead of time to make the wait a little shorter. For an extra $15, you can go to the observatory on the 102nd floor.
Ross SheingoldMarch 23, 2012#ProTip not worth paying extra to go to the enclosed viewing deck on 102 unless you want to say you were at the highest point of #NYC. The 86th floor views are just fine
Rebecca BrownJuly 14, 2013Built in 1931 and designed by Architect, William F. Lamb. Height is 1,454 ft (443.2 m). Fact; The lights represent seasonal or other events. Follow @EmpireLights.
Harumi UJuly 9, 2015For Manhattan horizon watching, lower level observatory deck provides a better view than the top deck
Chris PolloneAugust 8, 2015Say hi to Renita on the 80th floor. She's a feisty and friendly New Yorker.
EvanJuly 20, 2013Get the express ticket. It costs more but you skip every line in, up, down, and out. Probably saves 2 hours of waiting even on a slow day.
Song LiMay 14, 2019It’s so windy and cold outside the deck! I love the decorations and the art style of the place!!
Vincent VelemaJanuary 8, 2011the main entrance is on 5th ave. go there and you will be less herassed by the NYskyride touristtraps salesguys. Usual ticket is around 20$ (touristtrap package goes upto 50$!)
Gray Line New YorkOctober 26, 2011Hop-off at Stop #4 on the Downtown Loop & visit the Empire State Building Observatory on the 86th floor. The Observatory offers panoramic views of the city's bustling streets.
板津 魁彦July 2, 2017The line to get to the top is so long but the line is come back down is so short haha it offers nice view of NYC but not worth the price in my opinion- Bettina KMarch 18, 2017Go there late at night or on a day people would stay at home to skip hours of waiting time
King ReyesApril 21, 2015Good time to visit is late night! If you only want to relieve stress just climb up.
WorldStridesApril 5, 2011At night, the top 30 floors are illuminated with colored lights that change colors with the seasons and special events. Red, white, and blue colors are used for the 4th of July, red and green are used
Kevin BorchersNovember 18, 2013Get here early to avoid the lines but you won't want to miss the view from the top the next time you're in New York.
James TraceyOctober 9, 2011Go at sunset, watch the city light up. People will tell you to go to Top of the Rock, but this is still the original and the best!
Jacob ShemkovitzAugust 31, 2013Former tallest building in New York, former world's tallest building, and internationally-recognized symbol of the city
The New York Daily NewsOctober 6, 2010Perhaps no building has symbolized a city and it's skyline as much as the Empire State Building. Click "More Info" to visit our photo gallery for amazing shots of the building throughout history! Read more- Drew FreyApril 12, 2013This is a great place to announce on Vine that you are (in fact) engaged:
Edgar MaveDecember 30, 2019Majestic! It changes through time but not the escential. Visit it around 8:00 to avoid the lines- Signs VisualJuly 20, 2015During the depression-era, about 3,400 workers were employed with good pay on any single day doing construction-- Read more
Michelle BuiceSeptember 23, 2016I remember my first college date took me here. I have been here with family many of times... Good memories.
MOVIECLIPSApril 13, 2011The Empire State Building is featured in various films. One of the most popular scenes featuring it in recent cinema history is from the movie Independence Day (1996). Read more
Tori RichardsDecember 25, 2012Fast pass was so worth it. Don't trust the street vendors! Go inside to buy your tickets!
Joseph ShambrookMay 5, 2013The 102nd floor observatory, though inside rather than outside, is worth it for the less amount of people.
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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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