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Structure, Historic and Protected Site, and Scenic Lookout
Midtown Manhattan, New York, NY, New York
The experts at Time Out New York 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)
856 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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The building was recently restored to its beautiful original state. Tip: Check the calendar as celebrities often pass through to "light" the lights on top of the building.
ErinMarch 17, 2011Buy your tickets online and def shell out for the express pass. Saved us lots of time by being able to pass the insane lines.102 floor observatory is also a must, amazing.
The lights change depending on whatever celebration, holiday or promotion. During Valentines day it's all red. One time I saw it all purple.... Very beautiful
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.
@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. :)
Joseph SmithSeptember 22, 2015You MUST try the sea salt dessert. It's the best downtown. Definitely will be back!
Minos DimisSeptember 6, 2015Amazing view ,always full of people ,360 is amazing ! No words to describe the feelings!
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
EchoDAMarch 1, 2012The (so far...) tallest building in NYC! It has become an emblem and symbol of the city itself, as famous as the Statue of Liberty.
Stephen MarkhamMarch 18, 2014Do it at dusk or night time for the BEST photos and some of the most breathtaking views of your life!
Anne BaldwinApril 5, 2013The express pass is definitely worth the extra $! Preferred the 86th floor over the 102nd.
MetroFocusJuly 13, 2011The Empire State Building is a great place to watch Manhattanhenge - you only have 4 chances to do this each year so when it happens go here and don't forget your camera! Read more
Coy DavidsonApril 29, 2013Awesome view from the observation deck, but that tour is a joke, it was the lowlight of my entire trip to Manhattan
Otel.comOctober 31, 2013The lightning rod on the top of the Empire State Building is struck by lighting more than 20 times every year.
Tiffany BonaviaDecember 31, 2013Don't waste your money here. Go up the Chrysler building instead... You'll get a better view as you get to also see central park and up state clearer and you get to see the empire state building too.
- Linus MetzlerJuly 5, 2013Those express tickets are really worth their price! Just be sure to tell the guys in the purple uniforms to actually make use of them!
Armelle De OliveiraSeptember 18, 2015You should go there a bit before sunset and wait after the city lightens up: breathtaking.
Trevor DentonFebruary 23, 2014Once you reach the 80th floor, skip the long line for the elevator and walk up the last 6 floors (if you're up for it)
IsaMarch 7, 2017The 86th floor has a wonderful view over Manhattan and costs less than going to the 102nd floor.
Nico ParkerFebruary 15, 2019The views are amazing from the top. This is a must-see for any traveler.
BlairMay 24, 20121955: The American Society of Civil Engineers selected the Empire State Building as one of the seven greatest engineering achievements in America's history
If you visit this prestige landmark, be sure to come ride and experience the NY Skyride! www.nyskyride.com
Milli ParkusJuly 18, 2016Night time @ Empire State Building! Still crowded @midnight! What a trip! #citypass👩❤️👩💞🎆😘
✨#IamRomdelacrème✨January 8, 2012This is one of the "MUST" see landmarks in New York City. The outdoor balcony offers a 360 breath taking city view.
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.
Michelle BuiceSeptember 23, 2016I remember my first college date took me here. I have been here with family many of times... Good memories.
Debbie TramelOctober 15, 2011Waiting to see the Empire State building to turn pink for breast awareness month. Several of the towers are already pink. Martina McBride is doing a concert and then it should be pink!! Love NY!
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!
John TillAugust 18, 2017If making a nighttime visit, try and visit after midnight ( open til 2am ) as no crowds or lines.
LawyerLocator.comOctober 14, 2011In 2006, stuntman Jeb Corliss attempted to jump from the Empire State Building with a parachute. The building brought a lawsuit against him. He counter-sued and they settled for an undisclosed amount.
Jc SlsDecember 21, 2015If you spot something in the gift shop, get it at once (don't wait if you come back at night)!
Tyler JonesApril 3, 2017The staff here are so incredibly nice, which is remarkable for NYC workers not in tourism! It's like I haven't left Dixie!
Crunch GymAugust 19, 2010You may not want to walk up the 102 flights of stairs to get to the top, but get in a quickie workout while you wait in line for the elevator. Try one legged squats, lunges and standing side crunches.
Zx WangSeptember 7, 2015Great view on the 86th observatory! Esp. at night, all lights and planes shine waiting you!
Can SensesSeptember 23, 2016Visiting 86th floor is enough but if you want to shoot more decent pics,you should purchase 102th floor tickets.
Jan BultinckJanuary 13, 2014Take the express to 102nd floor! On a clear day by far the best views on a magical city.
Time Out New YorkSeptember 10, 2010Take the high-speed elevators 1,050 ft up to the Art Deco masterpiece’s 86th-floor observatory. Skyride Visitors can take a motion-picture tour of the city streets ($18).
HISTORYMarch 30, 2010The Empire State Building opened ahead of schedule in 1931 taking only one year and 45 days to build. It is currently the tallest building in NYC.
RamiAugust 12, 2014Line is around an hour and a half to go to the top. Skip the line by paying double the admission price
Jacob ShemkovitzAugust 31, 2013Former tallest building in New York, former world's tallest building, and internationally-recognized symbol of the city
Miguel A.November 5, 2014While on top make sure to enjoy some good music and it would make it an unforgettable experience.- 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!
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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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