Empire State Building
7.5Friend Score / 10#9 of 11 Attractions in New York City
Known forempire state buildingobservation decknyc skyline viewsart deco
The 1931 Art Deco icon with an open-air observation deck on the 86th floor. It's genuinely great — the museum floors are better than you'd expect — but tickets start at $44 plus a $2 booking fee, and the 102nd floor costs $20 more. If you only pay for one deck in NYC, this is a defensible pick.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 10:00–22:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $$$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | 34 St–Herald Sq (B/D/F/M/N/Q/R/W) or 33 St (6), both a short walk |
| Time needed | 1.5-2 hours including the museum floors |
| Best time to go | Around sunset (book that slot weeks ahead) or right at opening; avoid 11am-4pm |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.5/10- Value6.5
- iconic8.0
- Freshness9.2
- Crowd level5.0
- Authenticity7.0
- Accessibility9.5
Frequently asked questions
- How long does a visit take?
- Plan 1.5 to 2 hours — the second-floor museum exhibits are genuinely good and included with every ticket, so don't sprint past them to the elevator.
- Is the Empire State Building wheelchair accessible?
- Yes — elevators run to the 86th floor deck, which has lowered viewing walls in sections, and accessible restrooms are available. It's one of the more accessible observatories in the city.
- Is the 102nd floor worth the extra $20?
- For most people, no. It's enclosed glass, smaller, and only 16 floors higher. The 86th floor's open-air deck is the experience you came for.
- How much are Empire State Building tickets?
- 86th floor tickets start at $44 for adults, plus a $2 booking charge. Adding the enclosed 102nd floor costs $20 more, and there's a $79 combo covering the full experience. Book online — reservations are required.
- Do I need to book Empire State Building tickets in advance?
- Yes — entry is by timed reservation. Same-day tickets often exist for off-peak hours, but sunset and holiday slots vanish early.
- Empire State Building or Top of the Rock?
- Top of the Rock gives you a view OF the Empire State Building and Central Park; ESB gives you the open-air deck and the history. If it's your first trip and you want the classic experience, ESB; if you want the better photo, Rock.
- What are the Empire State Building's hours?
- Generally 10am to 10pm daily year-round, though hours shift by season — check esbnyc.com for your date. Evening visits after 9pm are noticeably quieter.
- What's the best time to visit the Empire State Building?
- Sunset is the classic move but the most crowded — book that exact slot well ahead. First entry at 10am or after 9pm are the calmest. Midday on a rainy day is a waste of $44; check visibility first.
Nearby in Ask New York City
- Toby's Estate CoffeeCafé0.25 km · 3 min walk
- New York Public Library - Stephen A. Schwarzman BuildingAttraction0.61 km · 8 min walk
- Bryant ParkPark0.62 km · 8 min walk
- Cafe GrumpyCafé0.7 km · 9 min walk
- Grand Central TerminalAttraction0.86 km · 11 min walk
Where to stay near Empire State Building
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