Visit the Empire State Building
in New York
- Open from 10 AM to 10 PM
- From $46
- View current availability
- Ticket delivered immediately after validation
- Mobile ticket accepted
- Non-refundable ticket under the listed conditions
Choose between the glass-enclosed terrace on the 102nd floor and the outdoor observation deck on the 86th. Time your visit to capture the sunset over Manhattan. An unforgettable Art Deco experience, accessible with a skip-the-line ticket.
Ticket options
Prices and conditions
Empire State Building: Entry Ticket
From 44,81 €.
View the city skyline from the top of the observation deck.
Empire State Building: Entry Ticket + 2 Attractions
From 106,48 €.
Gain access to NYC's most famous skyscraper, plus 2 more!.
Empire State Building: Sunrise Experience
From 123,31 €.
See the sunrise atop New York City's most iconic building.
Empire State Building: Express Entry
From 84,76 €.
Skip the lines and enjoy VIP entry to the #1 top attraction in New York City.
Empire State Building: 102nd Floor Top Deck & 86th Floor Observation Deck
From 73,98 €.
Enjoy unparalleled views at the #1 top attraction in New York City.
Empire State Building: Entry + 86th Floor Observation Deck Access
From 44,81 €.
Soar above the skyline with 360º views - ranked the #1 top attraction in NYC.
What visitors say
Thousands of visitors have already booked their visit: reviews and testimonials
★ 4.6/5 · 12 reviews collected directly from visitors and moderated by Visit Tickets
"We booked the Express 102nd Floor Observation Deck to skip the lines. The wait was less than 10 minutes, much better than expected. The glass terrace offers an unbeatable view of Manhattan. The staff was very welcoming. A must-see."
"Great experience at the 86th Floor Observation Deck, but it was quite crowded. We should have bought a fast-track ticket. The view is stunning, especially at night. The price is reasonable for what you see. I highly recommend it for Art Deco architecture fans."
"Traveling solo, I loved the quietness on the 102e étage. Unlike the crowded exterior, here you can fully enjoy yourself. I took some photos without a tripod as suggested. The building's dynamic lighting changes everything at night. A magnificent moment suspended in time."
"The queue was long, nearly an hour, despite our express pass. Security checks are strict; you have to leave your luggage behind. But the view remains spectacular. A bit disappointed by the lack of personal space, but the site's history makes up for it."
"With my kids, the Family Ticket Bundle proved practical. The exhibits on construction and King Kong captivated their attention. The Starbucks coffee on the 102nd floor is a welcome bonus. An educational and memorable outing for any New York family."
"We visited during sunset, perfect timing according to the guides. The golden light on the skyscrapers was incredible. Watch out for prohibited items: we had to leave our glass bottles behind. An intense experience but sometimes stressful due to the crowds."
"The The AM/PM Experience allowed us to watch the city transition from day to night. The 1000+ LED zones that change color are impressive. The staff went out of their way to help us navigate. It really is one of New York's absolute icons, unforgettable."
"I was afraid of endless lines, but the Flex Ticket let me choose my ideal time slot. Access to both levels (86th and 102nd) offers excellent value for money. The view of Central Park is clear. Just a shame you can't see the building itself from the top."
"Reliving the King Kong movie vibe on the 86th floor delighted my son. The historical aspect with the record-breaking construction of 1931 is well highlighted. The Art Deco atmosphere is perfectly preserved. You feel transported to the past while living in the present."
"Fog reduced visibility that morning, and tickets were non-refundable. Frustrating at first. However, once the mist cleared, the view of Midtown made up for it. You need to be patient and check weather forecasts before coming."
"For our anniversary, we chose the Sunrise Experience. The Starbucks Reserve coffee with a view of the sunrise was divine. Few people around, peaceful atmosphere. It's the perfect alternative if you want to escape the evening crowds. Highly recommended for couples."
"Going through security felt like an airport, which requires some organization. Our compact backpacks made access easier. The 360-degree panoramic view remains breathtaking, even though it gets busy. A must-see, but you need to anticipate waiting times."
Practical info
Everything you need to plan your visit
Address
10001 New York, United States
New York
Manhattan · Metro: 34th St-Hudson Yards (A, C, E, H, J, N, Q, R, W) or Bryant Park (N, Q, R, W), 2 min walk.
Opening Hours
Open daily. Hours vary by season; the sunset slot is at a premium and in high demand.
Fares
Empire State Building: Entry Ticket + 2 Attractions : From 106,48 €
Empire State Building: Sunrise Experience : From 123,31 €
Empire State Building: Express Entry : From 84,76 €
Empire State Building: 102nd Floor Top Deck & 86th Floor Observation Deck : From 73,98 €
Empire State Building: Entry + 86th Floor Observation Deck Access : From 44,81 €
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From €44.81. The 102nd-floor ticket costs more than the 86th. Check child rates.
Visit Duration
Photos
Audience
Accessibility
PMR
Easy access via adapted elevators; booking recommended to guarantee a spot.
Family
Fun tour with cinematic references, suitable for children aged 6 and up.
Audio guide
French, English, Spanish
Weather in New York
Current conditions and forecast to plan your visit
Discover Empire State Building
New York's Art Deco Icon
A Story of Height and Cinema
381 m
Total Height
1931
Opening
102
Accessible Floors
1000+
LED Zones
Built in less than two years despite the 1929 crash, the Empire State Building cost $40,948,900. An absolute symbol of the film King Kong (1933), it offers two distinct observation levels. Booking a specific time slot is crucial to maximize your experience and avoid queues.
Record-Breaking History and Construction
Designed by Shreve, Lamb and Harmon under the direction of William F. Lamb, this skyscraper embodies the Art Deco style with its limestone facade. Construction took less than two years, a major technical feat for the time. The initial budget was exceeded by half, culminating in $40,948,900 including land. This speed of execution has become a benchmark in New York building history.
The building held the title of tallest building in the world for decades. It lost that position in 2012 to the One World Trade Center. Its cinematic legacy remains intact thanks to its presence in hundreds of Hollywood productions. It is an undeniable symbol of Manhattan's architectural power and elegance.
A rare event marked its history: a B-25 Mitchell bomber crashed into the building in 1945. This unique incident in urban aviation history did not severely damage the structure. It testifies to the solidity of this iconic Midtown landmark. The tower continued to operate normally after the spectacular incident.
Observatory Comparison: 86th vs 102nd Floor
The 86th floor offers a classic outdoor panoramic view, ideal for photos of Manhattan. Opened in 1931, this historic level is included in most basic tickets. It is the iconic starting point of the Empire State Building experience, offering direct access to the New York sky at no extra cost. Visitors particularly appreciate this open terrace for its authentic atmosphere.
The 102nd floor is a more intimate glass-enclosed terrace, offering a different perspective and often less crowded. Access requires a significant price supplement compared to the lower level. This option is recommended for those seeking a more exclusive experience. Protection from the elements is total there, guaranteeing a comfortable visit year-round.
For a fair comparison with other sites like SUMMIT One Vanderbilt or Top of the Rock, note that the ESB prioritizes historical heritage. Others offer modern immersive experiences. The choice depends on your preference between Art Deco heritage and technological innovation. The Empire State Building remains New York's most iconic destination.
Logistics, Weather, and Practical Tips
Skip-the-line tickets avoid the ticket booth queue but not the strict security checks. Allow time for these airport-style screenings. Prohibited items include tripods, large suitcases, and glass bottles. Access is via 350 Fifth Avenue, between 33rd and 34th Streets, where lines can get long during peak hours.
In case of fog or poor visibility, tickets are generally not refunded by distributors. It is essential to check the specific provider conditions chosen before purchase. Consult local forecasts on the morning of your visit to minimize risks, as the view of Manhattan heavily depends on daily weather conditions.
The tower changes color via more than 1,000 LED zones to mark cultural events and national holidays. Stay outside for a few minutes after your visit to admire these dynamic illuminations. Combining with Times Square or Rockefeller Center optimizes your New York itinerary due to their immediate proximity. These light shows attract a large crowd every evening.
The Empire State Building experience
From Art Deco to the top of the world
Tips for visiting the Empire State Building
Insider tips
Mastering the sun timing
Be sure to book a specific slot, ideally 45 minutes before sunset. The golden hours are at a premium but worth every cent for photo quality. Avoid flexible tickets if you aim for this specific moment.
Understanding skip-the-line
The skip-the-line ticket avoids the queue at the ticket counter but not the airport-style security checks. Allow 15 to 20 minutes extra for passing through scanners and checking light luggage.
Strict weather policy
In case of fog or poor visibility, tickets are generally not refunded by distributors. Check the cancellation conditions of your selected package before purchasing. Consult the local forecasts on the morning of your visit to maximize your chances.
Light luggage required
Strictly prohibited items include tripods, large suitcases, and glass bottles. Use a compact backpack and remove heavy coats to pass through scanners quickly. The flow of visitors depends on how light your belongings are.
Price difference: 86th vs 102nd floor
The 102nd floor offers a glass-enclosed terrace accessible for an additional fee, while the 86th floor is open-air. The price difference reflects the exclusivity of summit access. Choose based on your tolerance for wind and your photography budget.
Photos without tripods
Use a stabilizer or your hands to take steady photos; tripods block walkways and are refused at the entrance. Natural morning light provides the best results for the structure's Art Deco architectural details.
Don't overlook the 2nd floor
The historical galleries on the construction and King Kong enrich the visit before the ascent. This immersive journey tells the story of the record-breaking construction site and psychologically prepares you for the climb to New York's heights.
Central strategic location
The ESB is ideally located to combine with a visit to Times Square or Rockefeller Center. You can easily pair these major sites in a single half-day without complex transportation, optimizing your time on-site.
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Little-known anecdotes
Record construction
Built in less than two years despite the 1929 crash, this titanic project cost nearly $41 million. The total cost was $40,948,900, a logistical feat that marked the history of American construction.
Cinematic symbol
It is the absolute icon of the film King Kong from 1933, where the giant gorilla climbs the building to escape the planes. This scene remains etched in the collective memory of world cinema and attracts fans from all over the world.
Historical world record
It held the title of the world's tallest building for decades before losing its place to the One World Trade Center in 2012. Its symbolic status remains intact in the current New York landscape.
Dynamic lighting
The tower changes color to mark cultural and sporting events thanks to more than 1000 LED zones. These night illuminations transform the skyline and offer a free show to passersby on 5th Avenue.
Art Deco architecture
Designed by Shreve, Lamb and Harmon, it embodies the Art Deco style with its limestone facade and clean vertical lines. Architect William F. Lamb imposed a formal rigor that still defines the visual identity of Manhattan today.
Historical inauguration
Opened to the public on May 1, 1931, this 381-meter building was then a symbol of American power. Its rapid construction helped restart the local economy during the Great Depression with thousands of jobs created.
Incorporating the Empire State Building into your New York trip
Three itineraries based on available time
Midtown Icons
- 10:00 AM: Visit the historical galleries and ascend to the 86th floor of the Empire State Building
- 12:30 PM: Lunch near Times Square to digest the ascent and observe the crowds
- 2:00 PM: Visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt to compare modern immersive experiences
- 4:00 PM: Return to 5th Avenue to admire the illuminated tower from the street
Manhattan Panorama
- 9:00 AM: Empire State Building (morning slot to avoid crowds and enjoy the light)
- 11:30 AM: Walk to Rockefeller Center via Central Park South
- 1:00 PM: Top of the Rock for views of Central Park and Art Deco architectural contrast
- 3:00 PM: Lunch break at Grand Central Terminal to recharge
- 5:00 PM: Watch the ESB lights from 5th Avenue during sunset
Classic & Modern New York
- Day 1: Empire State Building in the morning, then the financial district and Wall Street in the afternoon
- Day 2: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt and Edge at Hudson Yards for alternative modern views
- Evening Day 2: View the ESB lights from the street with a drink in hand
- Optional: Night visit to Times Square to complete the urban experience
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See also
More must-see experiences in New York
Interactive map
Find the attraction and nearby places to visit
Near Empire State Building
Make time to explore the surrounding area
Times Square
5 min walk
The beating heart of Manhattan for its glowing signs and unparalleled electric energy.
Rockefeller Center
10 min walk
Art Deco architectural complex housing Top of the Rock, perfect for comparing views of Central Park.
Fifth Avenue Shopping
On site
New York's most prestigious shopping street, ideal for last-minute purchases after your visit.
Grand Army Plaza
2 min walk
Small green park offering a quiet break before tackling the skyscraper climb.
Midtown Restaurants
5 min walk
Wide selection of restaurants around 34th Street for lunch without leaving the financial district.
St. Patrick's Cathedral
8 min walk
Neo-Gothic masterpiece that contrasts beautifully with the Art Deco style of the Empire State Building.
How to get to the Empire State Building
Estimated travel times from the main points in the city
Metro : 34th Street & Broadway at Northwest Corner (3 min walk) Bus : Washington Deluxe (7 min walk)
- From 34 St-Penn Station 0,5 km → 7 min
- From Grand Central Station 0,8 km → 8 min
- From John F. Kennedy International Airport 20,8 km → 56 min
- From New York Skyports Seaplane Base 1,8 km → 10 min
- From Long Island City 2,5 km → 12 min
- From 34 St-Penn Station 0,5 km → 10 min
- From Grand Central Station 0,8 km → 11 min
- From John F. Kennedy International Airport 20,8 km → 91 min
- From New York Skyports Seaplane Base 1,8 km → 15 min
- From Long Island City 2,5 km → 18 min
- From 34 St-Penn Station 0,5 km → 5 min
- From Grand Central Station 0,8 km → 6 min
- From John F. Kennedy International Airport 20,8 km → 72 min
- From New York Skyports Seaplane Base 1,8 km → 9 min
- From Long Island City 2,5 km → 11 min
- From 34 St-Penn Station 0,5 km → 4 min
- From Grand Central Station 0,8 km → 6 min
- From John F. Kennedy International Airport 20,8 km → 98 min
- From New York Skyports Seaplane Base 1,8 km → 10 min
- From Long Island City 2,5 km → 14 min
- From 34 St-Penn Station 0,5 km → 6 min
- From Grand Central Station 0,8 km → 10 min
- From New York Skyports Seaplane Base 1,8 km → 22 min
- From Long Island City 2,5 km → 32 min
Accommodation
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Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before your visit
Booking
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Practical Info
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Empire State Building on video
A preview of this exceptional place before your visit
Empire State Building in pictures
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