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Empire State Building

Building, Historic Site, and Scenic Lookout

Koreatown, New York

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9.1^/10

6,935

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Given the COVID-19 pandemic, call ahead to verify hours, and remember to practice social distancing
Ranked #3 for scenic views in New York
Has a stamp of approval from Time Out New York and Michelin Travel & Lifestyle
"Beautiful view from the observation tower on 86th floor."(32 Tips)
"Beautiful views from the observation deck."(34 Tips)
"102nd floors,just before sunset!"(27 Tips)
"The Express Pass is the best $25 you can spend!"(25 Tips)

848 Tips and reviews

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May ♍August 31, 2016
Been here 5+ times
The Empire State Building is an iconic staple of New York City history. From King Kong to Tom Hanks, it has been a focal point of the New York skyline. Tallest building in the world from 1931-1970
Camilla HansenMay 25, 2016
Buy the ticket where you also go up to 102nd floor! The view is definitely worth it. The people working in the building are very nice and are ready for all of your questions!
Time Out New YorkOctober 31, 2011
The best touristy venue, this 80-year-old landmark is simply stunning. Check out the Art Deco flourishes in the lobby, restored to its original gilded splendor in 2009. Read more
Chad CurryJanuary 31, 2015
Great way to take in the whole city. We went on a Friday at 1pm and there was no line. Staff are very helpful and courteous.
CaliGirl SavaSeptember 7, 2014
Empire State Building is more than a symbol of New York. It's a place you simply must not miss. You can't say that you have truly seen New York until you've seen from the top of ESB. Try to go at dusk
Cassandra TerryDecember 22, 2014
Empire state building is one of the most famous sceneries used in movies. I can't imagine New York without this 103 story skycraper building, everyone loves to see its beauty and elegance.
Marianne LouloudakiJanuary 3, 2015
Waited in line for about 2 hours on a weekday. The view was great, but no good pictures could be taken due to the steel bars. I would definitely prefer going to Rockefeller Top of the Rock!
Esra PRGAugust 27, 2014
Amazing! Manhattan at its best. $75.- to get all the way up tho, but totally worth it! I didn't buy anything in the store, same quality same stuff, cheaper down town.
Jeffrey ZeldmanJuly 28, 2012
Been here 100+ times
New York's most famous skyscraper, and arguably its most iconic landmark. 'Famous for being tall, but deserves to be famous for being good,' Paul Goldberger opined in the 1970s. He's right.
Honza PešaMay 15, 2018
Just save yourself 20 bucks and don't buy the 102 floor pass, you won't notice the difference from the 80th. The 86th open air observation deck is the real deal anyway, there you must go.
Emre AktunaSeptember 21, 2016
Definitely worth to see.Ideal time for visiting is sunset time.You have chance to see the day time and night time.Wonderfull sightseeing
Natalia CruzMay 1, 2015
The most awesome view of the city, the most amazing spotlight over all, the most exciting sensation. You can even imagine how it feels to be at the top. Might be one of my favorite place on earth.
BollareMarch 30, 2012
The observation deck is a must for life-long New Yorkers and tourists alike. Skip the wait and go before a night on the town, or after a romantic date – the observation deck is open until 2AM. —Joey
Cally DayJuly 9, 2012
Be sure to buy your tickets online before hand and go for the express tickets, gets you past the queues, take your time enjoying the sights from both the 56th and 102nd floors,just before sunset!
Ryan RossAugust 6, 2014
Hardly needs an introduction. Make sure you get fast track at peak hours. If you're on a budget, reject offers for the higher viewing platform- it's all inside glass.
Susan HobbsJanuary 17, 2015
Come here at night. Fantastic views and less/no lines. Open until 2am. Great post-Broadway show activity for those looking to check this quintessential NY site off their list.
Dr. Ernest C. Rodriguez from G.W. University, Washington, DCMarch 22, 2017
The Empire State Building is one of the most iconic landmarks in a city full of them. The tallest building in New York City has appeared in over 90 movies, and is the key piece of the NYC Skyline.
Lori K. http://www.lkpheartsfood.netJanuary 8, 2016
Even though I live in New York City, I love bringing friends and tourists to the Empire State building. Do not – I repeat DO NOT – take the sky ride.
Isabela G.April 20, 2017
Been here 50+ times
The ESB has iconic views from the city not just from the tourist part but also in the offices. It is worth visiting and also a great location to work at.
Jason McKeytonJuly 10, 2016
Amazing place to visit once in bog apple. Long queues expected.Be advised that it's a bit cold up there, so grab a jacket, and the best time to visit is before sunset! See city's lights turn on!
LaylaOctober 19, 2019
So worth going if it’s outside of tourist-season and with a city pass (easily bought online). Personally think evening/night time is the most beautiful!
Daniela PksNovember 30, 2014
Lins are looooong, but the view is worth it! It gets super cold, bring a jacket. Buy tickets online and you can save some time. The view from 102 floor is pretty cool, worth the extra bucks ...
NHLApril 26, 2013
Did you know? The Stanley Cup has visited the 86th floor here too!
Josh AntonioJune 12, 2016
A great view from, as the elevator operator said "the top of the world". Only thing was it was very crowded. A quieter alternative would be to go up the Top of the rocks at the Rockefeller Centre.
Steven DugasMarch 5, 2018
Same stunning view as it’s always been, but with the addition of all the glitzy trappings, the old charm has been lost. And, at $37 per person, it no longer passes the price/value test for me.
Rodrigo BeisteguiNovember 15, 2014
Excellent view of the city, a must to go during the day, but not sure if worth paying the extra cost to get to the 102 floor (if you are in low budget don't go), view is through a glass window
Jason MesiarikApril 2, 2013
Be a kid again and enjoy the wondrous fascination of the towering heights of the Empire State Building with its glorious views of the city and beyond. Purchase tickets in advance and skip the lines.
LuAugust 18, 2015
Took the combo 86th floor plus sky ride and I regretted because I wanted to go to 102 floor. Do not buy the combo if you want to go to 102 unless you buy the whole package. Anyway still got the view.
Kayla StegallFebruary 15, 2014
pretty cool, pretty cool. Worth checkin out, simply for the 360 view of the city! Would have liked to have gone higher in the building! Wasn't a huge fan of skyride though ..
Jon BarberAugust 31, 2013
Upgrade to Express! So fast! Do not take a mono pole or go pole! Despite being a tenth of the weight of the telephones they are happy to sell, the safety imbecile thinks it is a very dangerous weapon!
High Quality Tours HQTAugust 28, 2015
Don't spend extra to go all the way to the top, your eyes can't tell the height difference from the 86th or the 102nd floor! Learn more inside tricks on one of our luxury tours today! #tournyc #hqt Read more
SPIDER-MAN ON BWAYSeptember 9, 2011
Carnage is running amok throughout NYC, scrawling his signature blood-red graffiti on every skyscraper in sight. Take an express ride up to the Observatory & see if you can spot any of his handiwork.
Andrew CherkashinNovember 20, 2014
Amazing views of New York! Please take HUNDREDS of photos to select/edit the best ones later. A must-see landmark in NYC!
Untapped CitiesJuly 20, 2012
From 1931 to 1972 the Empire State Building was the tallest building in the world. Did you know its spire was intended to serve a dock for zeppelins? Read more
Christina RNovember 8, 2014
Don't bother paying extra to go to the 102nd floor, the best photos are from the 86th floor
AlohaKarina 🌺🌈🏝December 29, 2015
Lovely views from below. Also nice from above but expensive!! They are open late, till 2 am. Lights go off at 2 am as well.
Affinia Hotel CollectionJune 13, 2014
Arguably the most famous structure in all of New York City, The Empire State Building is a must-see destination while in New York. The views from the top are breathtaking.
Augustus CollectionFebruary 23, 2014
First constructed in 1931, the Empire State building commands the skyline of NYC, and has become a symbol of the city. It used to be the tallest building in the world. Read more
Chelsea McDevittNovember 7, 2014
What a gorgeous view! During a nice day, I'm sure the line is outrageous. Go during a crappier day and you'll have a shorter wait.
MAV VApril 12, 2016
Beautiful panoramic view of the city. I suggest doing this when you have energy as the wait to get to the top can be pretty long and painful if you're tired or hungry.
City of New YorkMay 6, 2013
Did you know that the Empire State Building was originally intended to be only 80 stories high, not 103?
HectorDecember 19, 2015
Slender and spectacular as I always remember it. The viewing platforms at the top offer some of the best views of the entire Manhattan and beyond
Dilara❥August 30, 2014
It's very hard to take photos. Small place and very pricey. I would reccomend Rockefeller Center. It has an amazing view, best location for photos and for just enjoying.
Tyler MerrickFebruary 7, 2015
If you want to see Manhattan and I mean the whole thing the 86th floor of the empire is perfect for you. It may be a long line for security but once you get up their you know that it was worth thewait
Joshy CasteSeptember 3, 2018
The entrance for the observatory is on 34th St. And the TKT cost is USD 39 for the 86th floor and USD 48 if you want to go up to the 102nd floor (as of this tip date).
Erika NagamineApril 11, 2012
You have a great view of the city! I recommend to visit this at night and if you have an opportunity, visit the rockfeller center at morning too see the city on a day!
UsewordswiselyJuly 12, 2012
Been here 10+ times
Opened on May 1, 1931, the building not only became a symbol of the city, but of the entire country. Over 10,000 people visit each day and from the observation deck you can see five states.
Jodi-Kay Lofters®April 27, 2012
Go all the way to the top and view the pure awesomeness that is NYC. The lights are even more spectacular during the nighttime. Visited X2 and it is still a gorgeous view
The Corcoran GroupOctober 9, 2013
Come to the observation deck at night to take in the best, most breathtaking views of Manhattan anywhere in the city.
Affinia Hotel CollectionAugust 20, 2012
You may be familiar with the Empire State Building thanks to movies like Sleepless in Seattle, but the view from the observation deck has to be seen to be believed – it’s a sight you’ll never forget.

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