Empire State Building
Empire State Building
4.5
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Observation Decks & Towers
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9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Monday
9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Friday
9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
About
The Empire State Building is the World's Most Famous Building. It rises 1,454 ft from ground to antenna & features the only 360 degree open-air vantage point of Midtown. The 86th & 102nd Fl Observatories are open daily, see esbnyc.com for hours. On a clear day you can see up to 6 states. The brand-new 2nd floor museum (included in all ticket options) offers guests 10,000 sq ft of interactive exhibits that invite visitors on a journey beginning from the building’s construction to its current place in pop culture. The 102nd Fl Obs features floor-to-ceiling windows and a glass elevator with sound & light experience. It is the jewel of NYC. All signage, audio & exhibits in the building are available in 9 languages. We offer free Wi-Fi. The 34th St Lobby entrance features a grand staircase with a 2-story architectural model of the bldg & a high-tech LED exhibit that celebrates lighting ceremonies performed by famous, celebrity guests. Express guests receive red carpet VIP treatment.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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from S$65.63
All you need to step foot in the door.
Full view
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Top ways to experience Empire State Building
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Midtown
This is the iconic New York that so many visitors imagine before they visit—spectacular skyscrapers like the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building, iconic public buildings like Grand Central Terminal and the New York Public Library, and the non-stop hustle and bustle of the city streets. Fifth Avenue is a shopper's heaven where you can find every kind of store imaginable, with fashion brands ranging from the affordable to the ultra-fancy. Visit the Rockefeller Center to experience towering Art Deco grandeur, and foodies will love the busy restaurants that stay open late in Koreatown. After dark, Midtown calms down a bit, but at any time of day or night it still feels 100% New York.
How to get there
- 34th St – Herald Square • 3 min walk
- 33rd St • 5 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
10,000 within 5 kms
Attractions
1,651 within 10 kms
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
93,981 reviews
Excellent
61,203
Very good
21,684
Average
7,104
Poor
2,334
Terrible
1,664
Tina S
7 contributions
Jun 2023
I would absolutely recommend this tour! What an experience! My friend and I were treated like VIPs from the moment we entered the Empire State Building. The gentleman at the desk was extremely nice and our tour guide Renita was the BEST! I cannot express how much my friend and I enjoyed this tour! The upbeat, professional and sweet Renita was such a pleasure to be around. I think we probably saved 2 hours plus by avoiding any of the lines. Renita was very knowledgeable about the building and you could tell that she loved to share her love for the building and NYC. We got to see amazing views, learn about the celebrities that have visited the building, the history of the building and much, much more. If you have never been to the Empire State, definitely book this tour! I would like to thank the entire staff and especially Renita for this amazing experience! I would like to return with my daughter in a few years and take this tour again!
Written 4 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mckaw7
Leicester, England, United Kingdom17 contributions
May 2023
Paid extra for express line well worth it skipped the lines walked straight in with red carpet treatment. Views we’re fabulous we went up at night and was lovely to see the city all light up.
Written 4 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
christinabM8635AJ
Nelson, New Zealand1 contribution
May 2023
Iconic, one of the must-do's in New York. We were expecting queues but must have timed it just right as there was no waiting at all.
Friendly staff on observation decks all more than willing to take photos for us.
Friendly staff on observation decks all more than willing to take photos for us.
Written 4 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ro3ert
Leeds, UK162 contributions
May 2023 • Family
If you go to New York, go into and to the top (86th floor is sufficient) of the Empire State Building. It’s the most iconic building in New York, and has been since 1931. I haven’t been for 11 years, so the history and additional feature before you ascend is a definite bonus. The views uptown and downtown are, as expected, amazing. Visiting this iconic Art Deco gem is a must.
Written 4 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OvernightStay_010818
5 contributions
May 2023 • Family
There was no queue at all when we visited on a Wednesday morning, 10 am, at the end of May. The staff were very friendly staff and the exhibits were varied and informative. We didn't do the express route but I'm told that it by-passes some of the exhibits and if that's true then it would be a strange choice except on a busy day. Viewing from the highest platform (102nd floor) is stunning and well worth the extra fee but you are behind glass whereas the original platform is open-air (with railings, of course). The highest floor is less crowded but there is more room to move around and admire the views on the 86th floor platform. The shop has a good selection of souvenirs at reasonable prices.
Written 4 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SE7727
Colwyn Bay, UK67 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
The building and views were amazing, as expected. Queues weren't bad but there was way too many people at the top for it to be completely enjoyable.
Also, it would have helped if it was made clear which door was the way in!
Also, it would have helped if it was made clear which door was the way in!
Written 3 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MadMikeex
Pisa, Italy1 contribution
May 2023
The atmosphere and the observatory were so special that we returned on a second reservation! Totally recommended.
Written 3 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
martywhimpel
1 contribution
May 2023 • Family
Very informative and comprehensive history of Empire State Building. We went to the 86th floor and got beautiful sunset pictures over the city. ❤
Written 3 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
antsmarching36
Ridge, NY23 contributions
May 2023
While walking back to our hotel, the iconic Empire State Building came into view. My lady told me she had never been to the top. The weather was perfect on this Memorial Day weekend so I took her to the top. Stunning views of all of NYC while the sun was setting!
Written 3 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Operations T
Thank you for the wonderful review. We’re glad that you enjoyed your experience with us.
Written 3 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lisalucas06
Sterling Heights, MI1 contribution
May 2023 • Family
It was our first time visiting, and it was a great experience - we loved it. If we return to NYC we will definitely be back.
Written 2 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Operations T
We’re so happy to hear that you had a wonderful visit to the Empire State Building. Thank you for the review. We can't wait to be a part of your next visit to New York.
Written 3 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Douglas Fernandes
Sao Paulo, SP81 contributions
Hi. Someone can tell me why is not possible make a ticket reservation in web site after June ? I going to Manhattan in July , buying my go city pass months ago, trying a reservation to observatory but not possible . Thanks
Bruce M
Louisville, KY13 contributions
I don't know the answer to your question, but I made reservations on Tuesday to visit on Wednesday, and all the time slots were still available. There will be more crowds in summer because school is out in the US for summer vacation, and that's when many families with children travel. I read that, to avoid the biggest crowds, visit on a weekday rather than a weekend, and go either early in the morning (it opens at 8:00 or 9:00 AM) or late at night (after 10:45 PM). We went at 9:00 AM, and there was no line. I recommend checking the website every day, and as soon as July reservations are available, make your reservation.
If you get the Express Pass, can you still see the exhibits on the way back down?
I believe that's with a regular pass.
Rosty
Buenos Aires, Argentina19 contributions
Hi! I've purchased 2 tickets on the 16th of April for an entry on the 8th of May at 6pm for my mom and kid brother. I didn't realize the tickets would have the name of the credit card holder and not theirs, will this be a problem? Because then I read that the ticket is only valid for that name. Please help me, as I'm not going to be with them and they do not speak English, I just want for them to have a great experience without inconveniences. Thank you in advance!
pkaya9671
1 contribution
Tickets are scanned as you enter the building. No one will check the name of the credit card holder.
Maskwill
Austin, TX1 contribution
For combo ticket (86th and 102nd), what's the rule?
do I follow this flow 2=>80=>86=>102=>exit or I have flexibility to alter the order?
also , is there a time limit for staying in each floor especially 102nd?
larhetz
Lenexa, KS14 contributions
I do not believe you can alter the flow. Take time to see the museum because you can’t go back after you leave 2.
KELLY C
Manchester, UK
We have 3 sunset tickets for ESB sunset slot on 12th April 2023 at 6.45pm but I have broken my leg and can't fly from the UK. We have rescheduled our trip to Jan 2024, can we exchange our tickets to a different date? The website says non refundable but it doesn't say anything about exchange that I can see. Any help is appreciated - thank you!
BrixChris
Brixham, UK11 contributions
Hi, I'm sorry I don't know the answer to your question.
I would try and phone them (I tried to email them about buying a poster they had ran out of but they blocked my email)
When I made enquiries in the shop at ESB, the staff there were most helpful.
Guilherme A
Sao Paulo, SP
Greatings, my name is Guilherme Tadeu De Angelis Aizner. I'm form Brazil, and my mother (Maria A De Angelis) bought 02 tickets from Web Store , and we saw that they are describe as "Ticket Valid Only For Maria A De Angelis". The problem is that she won't go to travel with me. They are actually for me and my fiance. Her name is in my Passport, do i will have a problem if she won't be with me? I only use her credit car, because i don't have a internacional one. I'm afraid that my fiance and I can't use the tickets, because they are non-refunds. Could you help us? I appreciate your help.
EarlRay60
Kent, UK1,099 contributions
I'm not sure but I agree with comments by Lawrence of Lenexa, Kansas. Suggest you call them to confirm. Thanks
It says on the website professional cameras are not permitted, does this include SLRs with detachable lenses for personal use?
Philip N
Bracknell, UK11 contributions
I would imagine they mean film cameras not your average slr?
Dec
United Kingdom41 contributions
Looking to book sunset visit on Weds 26 October. Sunset around 6pm. Is 5-5.15pm ample slot to see exhibits and then sunset. We’d like to see city lights too so can you stay and achieve both sunset/nightfall (approx 7.30?)? Can you go back to 80th floor after visiting 86? Thanks
vpvalencia
Santa Clarita, CA109 contributions
Yes, once you pass the initial security section, you will be able to move around between floors, exhibits and gift shop. Have fun
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING (New York City) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Empire State Building
- Empire State Building is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Empire State Building admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost S$64.78, while a popular guided tour starts around S$6.26 per person. See all 150 Empire State Building tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- Empire State Building can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 150 Empire State Building tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Empire State Building:
- Empire State Building Ticket Optional Upgrade to Skip-the-Line and 102nd Deck (From S$64.78)
- New York CityPASS (From S$186.59)
- Go City: New York Explorer Pass - Choose 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 10 attractions (From S$106.82)
- Big Bus New York Hop-On Hop-Off Open Top Tour (From S$73.01)
- The New York Pass®: 100+ Attractions including Empire State Building (From S$201.46)
- Hotels near Empire State Building:
- (0.19 km) Executive Hotel Le Soleil New York
- (0.18 km) Kixby hotel
- (0.16 km) U Hotel Fifth Avenue
- (0.10 km) The Hotel At Fifth Avenue
- (0.24 km) Arlo NoMad
- Restaurants near Empire State Building:
- (0.02 km) Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao Manhattan
- (0.03 km) STATE Grill and Bar
- (0.03 km) Sushi-teria
- (0.03 km) Legends New York City
- (0.05 km) Chopt Creative Salad Co.