Empire State Building

Empire State Building showing a city
Make your way to the top of this iconic tower where you'll be rewarded with unparalleled views across New York.

The most iconic of New York's dizzying array of skyscrapers, the Empire State Building has been made famous across the world thanks not least to its starring role in such films as “An Affair to Remember”, “King Kong” and “Sleepless in Seattle”.

Rising almost as high as 443 metres to the top of its broadcasting tower, the Empire State Building took the title of the tallest in the world from the nearby Chrysler Building when it was officially opened in 1931 – and it took 40 years for it to be surpassed. The tower soon found an appreciative public in the New Yorkers, who went on to give their home the nickname of the 'Empire State' in its honour.

Head up to the viewing platform on the 86th floor, where you can walk around the open-air deck and enjoy stunning views across Lower Manhattan and Central Park. When the weather is good, you can even see all the way out to New Jersey and Connecticut from this platform. There are binoculars on the rails which you can peek through for incredible close-up views of the city's attractions. You may even witness a marriage proposal on this spot, or hear the tunes of a saxophonist serenading the lovers who flock here.

If you have the stomach for it, you can climb even higher – all the way to the 102nd floor. From here, you can look out across New York from the city's highest public point, standing beneath the broadcasting antenna which rises out of the top of the building. This enclosed area is a perfect vantage point if you're visiting when it's a little cooler.

As you make your way to the top, stop off at the Dare to Dream Exhibit on the 80th floor, where you can enjoy a fantastic insight into the making of the building with photographs and construction notes among the exhibits on show.

Situated in Midtown Manhattan, you can reach the Empire State Building by bus, subway or rail. The observatories are open every day of the year, although bear in mind that queues can be very long so booking ahead of your visit online is advisable.

Plan a trip to see Empire State Building

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square
RIU Plaza Manhattan Times Square
The Westin New York Grand Central

Reviews of Empire State Building

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
726
" "5 - Excellent 59.265306122448976%
4 - Good
415
" "4 - Good 33.87755102040816%
3 - Okay
77
" "3 - Okay 6.285714285714286%
2 - Disappointing
4
" "2 - Disappointing 0.32653061224489793%
1 - Terrible
3
" "1 - Terrible 0.24489795918367346%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
24 Feb 2020

We paid the extra to go to the 102nd floor observation deck. Was worth it as there were less people there, as most stay at the 82nd floor, which can be crowded. Fantastic views, especially at night. But you need a clear night.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
26 Jan 2020

Book a regular ticket outside of peak hours (11-2pm) and it is half the price of the 'skip the line' ticket.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
22 Nov 2019

Both Top of the Rock and ESB offer excellent but similar views of the City. We mixed it up slightly and visited ESB at night for a different experience.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
21 Nov 2019

get there early

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
13 Nov 2019

Great experience.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
4 Nov 2019

Would have rated higher had we not had zero visability due to cloud

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

31 Street Broadway Hotel
31 Street Broadway Hotel
2 out of 5
38 West 31st Street, New York, NY
31 Street Broadway Hotel
The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel
The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel
4 out of 5
790 7th Ave, New York, NY
The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel
The New Yorker A Wyndham Hotel
The New Yorker A Wyndham Hotel
4 out of 5
481 Eighth Ave., New York, NY
The New Yorker A Wyndham Hotel
Hyatt Grand Central New York
Hyatt Grand Central New York
4 out of 5
109 East 42nd Street, at Grand Central Terminal, New York, NY
Hyatt Grand Central New York
Paramount Times Square
Paramount Times Square
4 out of 5
235 West 46th Street, New York, NY
Paramount Times Square
The Gregorian
The Gregorian
3.5 out of 5
42 W 35th St, New York, NY
The Gregorian
Doubletree by Hilton New York Times Square South
Doubletree by Hilton New York Times Square South
3.5 out of 5
525 8Th Ave, New York, NY
Doubletree by Hilton New York Times Square South
Hilton Garden Inn New York/West 35th Street
Hilton Garden Inn New York/West 35th Street
3 out of 5
63 West 35th Street, New York, NY
Hilton Garden Inn New York/West 35th Street
Hotel Edison Times Square
Hotel Edison Times Square
4 out of 5
228 W 47th St, New York, NY
Hotel Edison Times Square
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Iconic skyscraper offering breathtaking views of New York City

The Empire State Building is a prominent feature of the urban landscape in New York City, offering breathtaking views of the iconic skyline. British travelers will find themselves immersed in a vibrant city filled with theaters, art galleries, and museums showcasing the rich cultural heritage. Exploring the city is made easy with various guided tours, including those specifically focused on the Empire State Building. Visitors can conveniently reach the attraction by subway, allowing for a seamless day of sightseeing. Friendly locals and the stunning natural parks add to the allure of this remarkable destination.

Empire State Building is located in the vibrant city of New York, which offers a multitude of exciting areas and neighborhoods to explore.

  • Theater District: This area is a hub of urban life, featuring towering skyscrapers, world-class theaters, art galleries, and entertainment venues. Immerse yourself in the vibrant scenery, visit museums, and admire the stunning architecture. Don't miss the opportunity to catch a Broadway show or enjoy the natural parks nearby.
  • Koreatown: Just a short distance from the Empire State Building, Koreatown offers a unique blend of urban charm, skyscrapers, theaters, and art. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, explore the local museums, and indulge in the delicious cuisine. Experience the friendly people and immerse yourself in the essence of New York's architecture.
  • Midtown South: Situated close to the Empire State Building, Midtown South is a vibrant neighborhood with urban attractions, skyscrapers, theaters, and art. Immerse yourself in the exciting entertainment scene, explore the stunning museums, and appreciate the scenic beauty. Don't forget to visit the nearby natural parks and interact with the friendly locals.

Empire State Building is a vibrant destination filled with urban charm, towering skyscrapers, captivating theaters, impressive art galleries, thrilling entertainment options, breathtaking scenery, fascinating museums, stunning architecture, serene natural parks, and friendly people.

Here are some of the top points of interest near Empire State Building:

  • Manhattan Mall: Located just 0.28 km away, this shopping center offers a bustling and lively atmosphere with a wide range of stores to explore.
  • Macy's: Situated only 0.29 km away, Macy's is a renowned shopping mall where you can indulge in a shopping spree amidst the urban buzz of the city.
  • Church of the Incarnation: Just 0.32 km away, this beautiful church is a serene and peaceful place to visit, showcasing stunning architecture and providing a spiritual retreat in the heart of the city.

Whether you choose to shop, immerse yourself in art and culture, or seek tranquility, Empire State Building and its surrounding attractions offer an unforgettable experience.

Manhattan boasts a year-around average temperature of 12.7°C, peaking at 24.7°C in July, its warmest month, and dipping to an average low of 0.3°C in January, the coolest. Rainfall averages at 105.7mm annually, with July seeing the heaviest showers and February being the driest month.

Monthcalendar iconTemperature (Celcius)temperature iconRainfall (mm)rain icon
January0.392.7
February1.878.5
March5.8110.7
April11.7114.3
May16.9106.4
June21.9112.0
July24.7116.8
August24.0112.8
September20.0108.7
October13.8111.8
November8.7102.1
December3.1101.6

Top reasons to visit Empire State Building

  • Prominent Urban Landscape: The Empire State Building stands out in the New York City skyline, providing breathtaking views of the city. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere filled with theaters, art galleries, and museums that showcase the rich cultural heritage.
  • Guided Tours: The Empire State Building offers various guided tours, making it easy for tourists to explore this iconic attraction. Travelers can conveniently reach the building by subway, allowing for a seamless day of sightseeing.
  • Top Points of Interest: Near the Empire State Building, visitors can explore attractions like Manhattan Mall, Macy's, and the Church of the Incarnation. These places offer shopping opportunities, stunning architecture, and a spiritual retreat in the heart of the city.
  • Vibrant City: New York City, where the Empire State Building is located, is a vibrant destination filled with urban charm, towering skyscrapers, captivating theaters, impressive art galleries, thrilling entertainment options, breathtaking scenery, fascinating museums, stunning architecture, serene natural parks, and friendly people.
  • Exciting Neighborhoods: The Empire State Building is surrounded by exciting neighborhoods to explore, such as the Theater District, Koreatown, and Midtown South. These areas offer a blend of urban charm, skyscrapers, theaters, art, museums, and opportunities to experience the essence of New York's architecture.

The Empire State Building info point: What you need to know

Category
Details
LocationNew York, New York, United States of America
Height1,454 feet (443.2 meters)
Construction Period1930-1931
ArchitectShreve, Lamb & Harmon
Architectural StyleArt Deco
Observation Decks86th Floor: Outdoor deck, 102nd Floor: Indoor deck
TicketsAvailable online and on-site
Opening Hours8:00 AM - 2:00 AM (last elevator at 1:15 AM)
Best Time to VisitEarly morning or late evening to avoid crowds
Attractions NearbyTimes Square, Central Park, Broadway, Statue of Liberty

💰 How to find great deals on package in Empire State Building

  • Check the Expedia website for package deals that combine entry tickets to the Empire State Building with flights and hotels for added savings.
  • Take advantage of the Rewards program offered by Expedia to earn points and save money on your trip to the Empire State Building.
  • Use the search filters on Expedia to find the best accommodation within your budget for your visit to the Empire State Building.
  • Consider traveling during the off-peak season for the Empire State Building to find more affordable package deals on Expedia.
  • Book your entry tickets to the Empire State Building through Expedia to ensure a hassle-free experience.