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About the Empire State Building
The Empire State Building, completed in 1931 during the Great Depression, stood as the world's tallest building for 40 years. This 102-story Art Deco masterpiece attracts 4 million visitors annually to its observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors. From 1,050 feet up, you'll see unobstructed 360-degree views spanning up to 80 miles on clear days. Pair this stop with the New York guide and the wider United States overview.
⏰ Opening Hours & Best Times
- Hours: Daily 9:00 AM - midnight (last elevator 11:15 PM)
- Best for views: Sunset (arrive 1 hour before) for day and night panoramas
- Least crowded: 8-11 AM or after 10 PM
- Most crowded: 2-5 PM, weekends, holidays
- Clear visibility: Check weather - fog and rain obscure views
💰 Costs
- 86th floor standard: $44 adults, $38 children
- 86th + 102nd floors: $77 adults, $71 children
- Express pass (skip-the-line): $80+ (can save 2-3 hours wait)
- Sunrise package: $120 (6-8 AM access, continental breakfast)
- Guided tours: $65-90 per person (history + priority access)
- Private guide: $350-500 for up to 6 people
Book online: 10% discount vs. walk-up tickets. Express pass essential during peak times.
🎯 Why Use a Guide
- Construction stories: Built in just 13 months, 5 workers died (remarkably low for era)
- Art Deco details: Lobby murals, metalwork, lighting fixtures most visitors miss
- Landmark identification: Guides point out Central Park, Statue of Liberty, One World Trade
- Historical context: King Kong, Sleepless in Seattle, and its role in NYC culture
- Skip-the-line benefit: Guides have priority access - major time savings
✨ Don't Miss
- 🌆 86th floor outdoor deck: Open-air 360-degree views, best photo opportunities
- 🔭 102nd floor: Recently renovated, floor-to-ceiling windows, highest vantage point
- 🎨 Art Deco lobby: Stunning ceiling mural, marble walls, original fixtures
- 🏗️ Exhibits: Second-floor galleries on construction, sustainability, and pop culture
- 🌃 Light show: Building illuminated nightly in colors for holidays and causes
- 📸 West side views: Hudson River, New Jersey, One World Trade Center
📝 Practical Tips
- Security screening: Airport-style - no large bags, allow 15-20 minutes
- Weather layer: Outdoor deck is windy - bring jacket even in summer
- Wait times: Can exceed 2 hours without express pass during peak times
- Photography: Professional cameras allowed, tripods prohibited
- Food options: STATE Grill and Bar on ground floor, Starbucks nearby
- Compare options: Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center) offers Empire State Building in views