Our complete guide to visiting the Empire State Building covers:
- Why you should visit and a little bit of history
- How to get there and how to get in
- What the visitor experience is like
- When to visit and where to get the best pics
- Where to go next
Why should I visit the Empire State Building?
Because walking into the Empire State Building (ESB for short) is like stepping into a skyscraper legend. It’s been the tallest building in the world (for a time), starred in movies, held its own through booms and busts and still today delivers that “pinch-me” moment when you reach the top.
On my own visit I was standing in the original 1931 lobby with 24-carat gold-leaf ceilings, imagining the steel beams hoisted by 3,400 workers in just 1 year 45 days (yes, really), and it felt pretty magical. And that was before I even got to the views!
And of course, I have to mention the views… Stepping out onto the observation deck Manhattan stretches endlessly in every direction. There’s a real sense of awe as you spot the Chrysler Building, Central Park, One World Trade Center, and the Hudson all laid out below like a living map. You can hear a dozen different “wows” in a dozen different languages, and everyone’s leaning into the same railings for those iconic photo moments.
A little bit of ESB history
When the Empire State Building opened its doors in 1931, it wasn’t just another addition to the New York skyline – it was the skyline. With its speedy construction, (a record even by today’s standards), it became the tallest building in the world and held that title for more than 40 years. The tower rose from the site of the old Waldorf Astoria Hotel, symbolising the energy, ambition and optimism of early 20th-century New York.
Nearly a century later, the building remains a symbol of the city that never sleeps – proudly standing tall through decades of change, lighting up the skyline for celebrations, causes, and holidays and continuing to give visitors one of the best views in the world.
Don't worry, you still get to see the Fifth Avenue Lobby (it's now just at the end of the experience!)
Okay I want go, how do I find it?
Head to 20 West 34th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues) in Midtown Manhattan – this is the main visitor entrance.
It’s walkable from most Midtown areas and easily reachable on local buses and subway routes.
How do I get in with my New York Pass?
If you’ve reserved your entry slot on The New York Pass® head straight to the door marked ‘observatory’, then show your reservation and pass when asked.
If you haven’t booked yet you’ll need to either book online, or head to the ticketing door entry instead and a member of staff will help you book a slot with your pass. Just look for the observatory staff in blue and grey uniforms.
- Your pass includes access to the Second Floor Museum, the 80th floor exhibitions and the 86th Floor Observatory.
- One to note: the 102nd Floor Observatory is not included with The New York Pass. You can visit the ticket entrance when you arrive if you’d like to pay to visit that too.
Moments before the view!
The Empire State Building visit experience
Included with The New York Pass®
- The immersive museum galleries (Second Floor Museum and beyond) tracing the building’s construction, pop culture roles (yes, that includes King Kong) and modern sustainability upgrades.
- Take the elevator up – you’ll first hit the 80th floor exhibition – then take another elevator up to the 86th Floor Observatory (approx. 1,050 feet / 320m high).
- On the 86th floor, you’ll find the 360-degree outdoor viewing area. (Don’t worry, there is some indoor space, and there are heaters outside for colder days.)
- All the binoculars are free to use so you can get a closer look at the views.
What is not included (unless you pay extra):
- The 102nd Floor Observatory with floor-to-ceiling windows. This one’s enclosed and of course higher up – you can visit for an extra cost.
- Premium experiences like sunrise access, guided VIP tours etc. (those are upgrades you could consider but aren’t part of the standard pass visit).
- Food, drinks, souvenirs and official photos are all available to purchase.
What facilities are there?
Gift shop
You’ll exit through the gift shop on the 2nd floor, where you’ll find every Empire State themed souvenirs you can dream of! (My personal fave was a little King Kong in a tiny pink clutch bag.)
Food & drink
While there are no cafés or restaurants in the observatory visitor experience, there are plenty of options on the ground floor of the building and the surrounding areas.
You’ll find the Empire State’s Starbucks Reserve as soon as you exit the observatory experience and if you head down the block to the other side of the building, you’ll find entrances to the lobby level cafés and snack bars. If you have more time, you could book in at the STATE Grill & Bar for a full sit-down table-service experience inside the Empire State Building.
Eye spy a teeny Lady Liberty in the distance!
Best photo spots
- First up, on route to the first elevator you’ll find a giant scale model of the building. Pose next to it for the perfect intro pic to capture a view of the whole building that you don’t get from the top or even on the street.
- In the Second Floor Museum: there’s a King Kong interactive exhibit where you can pose like you’re in the movie being grabbed by his massive hand – very silly and very fun.
- In the 86th Floor Observatory: corner vantage points give you a full cityscape with the Chrysler Building, Hudson and East Rivers.
- Pose with the old school binoculars on the outside deck for that classic Empire State photo.
- When you leave the observatory experience, you’ll exit through the original building lobby. Grab a picture with the historic Art-Deco lobby wall, or opt for running around the entry doors like Buddy the elf - whatever works!
When to visit?
- It’s open daily, 365 days a year.
- Best times for fewer crowds: early morning (right at opening) or later evening, after the sun has set.
- Weather tip: on clear days you’ll see further, on hazy or rainy days views are limited. You can still get very cool pictures though - think literally being stood inside a cloud!
It doesn't get much better than that!
Where should I go next?
After your Empire State Building visit:
- Nearby: the New York Public Library or Grand Central Station for an architectural contrast.
- Evening option: catch the exterior lighting of ESB from Bryant Park or head to a rooftop bar for drinks with the tower glowing behind you.
- The Big Bus also stops nearby if you fancy a trip downtown!
You’re ready to go!
Visiting the Empire State Building is more than “just a tower trip” – it’s a time-travelling Art-Deco experience, a rooftop skyline party and a story of ambition that stubbornly still reaches upward.
With the right planning and a little insider know-how, you’ll walk away not just with great photos, but with the kind of visit that makes you say: “I was there. I saw that view.”
Enjoyed this little slice of New York?
Take your trip to the next level with our complete guide to using The New York Pass or check out our our interview with the queen of the Empire State Building, all filled with visitor hacks and money-saving tips.
With The New York Pass®, you can skip the stress and save big on Empire State Building tickets plus dozens of other must-see attractions, all with one easy-to-use pass.
🗽 Don't explore the Big Apple without this
💰 How much can you really save in NYC?
