Empire State Building

Private VIP Tours, Skip the Line, Ticket Prices

The Empire State Building is one of the most popular attractions in Midtown Manhattan, both for the tour and history of the building as well as the panoramic views of New York City it offers from its 86th and 102nd floor Observation Decks. Trip Advisor recently named the Empire State Building The #1 Attraction in the U.S. for travelers to visit.

I worked on the 71st floor of the ESB for over a year and let me tell you, the view NEVER gets old! Not even for a native New Yorker. Our Empire State Building facts include NYC Insider tips, Empire State Building tickets price and the best ways to tour this world famous icon, whether you are short on time or budget.

ESB Tour Facts

The Building offers two Observatories, the 86th floor and the 102nd Floor and now has a transparent elevator to take you there, so you can see the views along the ride.

86th Floor Observation Main Deck (indoor and outdoor open air)
1,050 feet (320 meters), reached by high speed, automatic elevators, has both a glass-enclosed area, which is heated in winter and cooled in summer, and spacious outdoor promenades on all four sides of the Building. The outdoor promenade is now heated in winter as well. High powered binoculars are available on the promenades for the convenience of visitors at a minimal cost. The 86th floor observatory is handicap accessible.

102nd Floor Observatory Top Deck (indoor only)
Recently redone in 2019 after a massive renovation with floor to ceiling glass windows and expansive views. Tickets may be purchased directly from the ESB site, or as add on, purchased upon arrival, for $15.00 if you are using a NYC Attractions Pass for entry.

80th Floor (NEW!)
The 80th Floor has just opened and is where the elevator will drop you when heading to the 86th floor, included with all tickets. It has six new exhibitions totaling 13,000 square feet, including one where you can make interactive and downloadable itineraries of what to see and do in NYC.

Empire State Building 86th Floor Observatory (Indoor & Outdoor)

Empire State Building 102nd Floor Observatory (Indoor)

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Empire State Building Tickets Price

Tickets purchased directly from the Empire State Building website cost:

Regular – $44 Adult, $38 ages 6-12, under 5 free. Go early to avoid lines.
102 & 86th Floor Observatories – $79 adult
Express Pass (86th & 102nd Fl) – $119 all visitors ages 6+.

You may purchase and print tickets in advance at the ESB website. While admission prices at the building do not change, there can be VERY long purchase ticket lines, so do your best to buy them in advance. Tickets purchased in advance do not need a specific reservation date or time (this changes, depending on the time of year), are non-refundable and are valid for 1 year from date of purchase. No refunds due to weather conditions, length of lines, or wait times at the building.

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Empire State Building Tours

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Empire State Building Attractions Passes

Note that none of the NYC Attractions Passes include an Express Pass or a visit to the 102nd Floor Observatory.

Best Discount Card for NYC Attractions

	Sightseeing Pass	New York Pass	Go City New York	CityPASS
Central Park	✔ Bike Tour ✔ Walking Tours ✔ Zoo	✔ Bike Tour ✔ Victorian Gardens (summer) ✔ Walking Tours	✔ Bike Tour ✔ Victorian Gardens (summer) ✔ Walking Tour
Empire State Building	X $40 Credit to Use	✔ 86th Floor	✔ 86th Floor	✔ 86th Floor ✔ Same Night Re-entry
Madame Tussauds	✔ Included	✔ Included	✔Included
One World Observatory	✔ Included	✔ Included	✔ Included
Rockefeller Center	✔TOTR	✔Rock Center Tour ✔TOTR	✔ Rock Center Tour ✔ TOTR	✔TOTR or Guggenheim
Liberty/ Ellis	✔ Cruise ✔ Grounds ✔ Ellis Island/Immigration ✔ Secret Tour	✔ Cruise ✔ Grounds ✔ Ellis Island/Immigration	✔ Cruise ✔ Grounds ✔ Ellis Island/Immigration ✔ Secret Tour	✔Ferry/Grounds/Ellis or Circle Line

See All: Compare All NYC Passes – Download our FREE side by side Comparison Chart and learn which include the Empire State Building.

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What is an Empire State Building Express Pass?

There are 3 lines to get in to the Empire State Building:

1. Security line, mandatory for all.
2. Ticket line, unless you have pre-purchased tickets from the ESB site, either regular or Express or an attractions pass that includes the 82nd Floor.
3. Elevators to the observatory.

Empire State Building Express Pass holders get priority at all three lines.

Hotels Near the Empire State Building

Hotels Near Penn Station, NYC

Staying near Penn Station / Madison Square Garden is a great idea when staying late for the Rangers, Knicks or your favorite concert, arrive or leave early via Amtrak or LIRR or just want to stay in a very affordable area of Manhattan steps from the Empire State Building, Macy's and no more than a 15 minute subway ride anywhere in Manhattan. Some of our top picks near Penn Station include:

See More: Hotels Near Penn Station, NYC

See Midtown West Hotels or Times Square Hotels for more details

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Empire State Building Hours – Plan Your Visit

The main entrance to the Empire State Building is on Fifth Avenue between 33rd & 34th Streets. All Visitors must use this entrance and there is often a wait just to get in the building.

The Empire State Building Observatory is open from 8:00am to 2:00am 365 days a year. Last elevators go up at 1:15am.

Empire State Building Address and Information

350 5th Ave, 33rd/34th Streets (West Side of 5th Avenue)
New York, NY 10118-3304
(212) 630-0339
On the West Side of 5th Avenue.

The ESB is open 365 days a year.
8:00am to 2:00am 7 days a week.
Last elevators go up at 1:15am.
ESB Customer Service Hours: 8:30am to 5:00pm EST Monday – Friday (Closed holidays & weekends)
During busy times there may be a wait so please be patient.

• Handicap Entrance – 34th St., the entrance between Bank of America and Starbucks.
  Note: The 34th Street Handicap Entrance is only open Monday – Friday until 6pm. Please use the Main Entrance for all other times.
• Everyone will be directed to use the Main or Handicap Entrances if you try to enter the building from any other entrance.

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5 Cool Facts About the Empire State Building

Did you know the Empire State Building was built in just 13 months? Discover more fascinating facts about this iconic New York City landmark.

1. It was the tallest building in the world for over 40 years. When it was completed in 1931, the Empire State Building stood at a height of 1,250 feet, making it the tallest building in the world at the time for over 40 years until the completion of the World Trade Center’s North Tower in 1972. Today, it is the 4th tallest building in New York City, the 6th tallest in the United States, and the 43rd tallest tower in the world.
2. It was built during the Great Depression and provided jobs for over 3,000 workers. The construction of the Empire State Building was a massive undertaking during a time of economic hardship. However, it provided much-needed jobs for over 3,000 workers during the Great Depression. The building’s construction was also a symbol of hope and progress for many Americans during a difficult time. Despite the challenges, the building was completed in just 410 days, a remarkable feat of engineering and construction.
3. The Empire State Building has its own zip code (I know, I worked there!) The zip code is 10118 and it is exclusively used for the building’s mail. The building receives an average of 1,000 pieces of mail every day, including letters, packages, and even wedding invitations. The zip code was established in 1980 and is just one of the many unique features of this iconic New York City landmark.
4. It has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, including King Kong and Sleepless in Seattle. Our #1 Attraction has become a cultural icon and has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows. One of the most famous examples is the 1933 film King Kong, in which the giant ape climbs to the top of the building. Other notable appearances include Sleepless in Seattle, An Affair to Remember, and Independence Day. The building has also been featured in countless photographs, paintings, and other works of art.
5. The Empire State Building Annual Run Up, held in October, lets competitors race up its 86 flights, the equivalent of 1,576 stairs! Some runners have achieved this in 10 minutes!

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Sightsee from the Sky

Top of the Rock, Empire State Building, One World Observatory, Edge or Summit? Which is best and, if we have to choose, which should we visit? There is no easy answer, but here are some facts to help guide your choice.

• Empire State Building – (86 and 102 floors) Best for patient movie and history buffs who need to check it off their bucket list. Recently redone indoor 102nd Floor Observatory
• Top of the Rock – (67-70 floors) Best for sweeping 360° vista views, including of the Empire State Building and Central Park. Shorter lines and cheaper than the ESB.
• One World Observatory – (100-102 floors) Best for homage to the Twin Towers. Modern and high tech, with phenomenal views
• Edge – (100-101 floors) Highest outdoor observation deck, glass bottom floor, deck extends 80 feet away from building (photo)
• Summit One Vanderbilt – (91-93 floors) Opens Oct 2021, all glass elevator, indoor and outdoor decks and glass terraces off the side of the building

Most Popular Ticketed Tourist Attractions

• Empire State Building
• Statue of Liberty Museum
• Broadway Shows
• Madame Tussauds
• Circle Line Cruise
• One World Observatory
• Top of the Rock
• 9-11 Museum

Free NYC Tourist Attractions

New York City Museum Guides

More Info Empire State Building

• Neighborhood Guide – Midtown Manhattan West
• Madison Square Garden

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