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Some buildings are famous. The Empire State Building is legendary. And yes, there is a difference. You can spot it from across the borough, recognise it from a hundred films, and still feel your jaw drop a little when you finally step out onto that observation deck and see all of New York spread out beneath you.
If you are trying to figure out Empire State Building tickets, what time to go, or whether it’s actually worth the hype — spoiler: it is, then keep reading. We have got you covered.
Okay, let’s start with the question you have probably already googled on the ride over: how tall is the Empire State Building? Short answer — very. Long answer, it depends on what you are measuring.The roof clocks in at 1,250 feet (381 metres). Throw in the broadcast antenna on top and you are looking at 1,454 feet (443 metres) total.
To put that in perspective, that’s about 100 double-decker buses stacked on top of each other. When it opened in 1931, it was the tallest building on the planet — a title it held onto for nearly 40 years. Even now, with towers sprouting up all over the world, this one still has a kind of presence that newer, taller buildings simply don’t. There is something about it. You will feel it the moment you look up.
The Empire State Building has 102 floors and no, you don’t need to walk up all of them (thank goodness). The main observation deck is on the 86th floor, and there’s a second, more exclusive deck right at the top on the 102nd. Most people start with the 86th, and honestly? It’s the one that earns all the photos.
You step outside onto an open-air terrace with a full 360-degree wrap of Manhattan, and that’s when it hits you — you are actually here, standing on top of one of the most iconic buildings ever built. On a clear day, you can see five whole states from up there — New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
That’s not tourism fluff, that’s just what happens when you are standing 1,250 feet in the air with nothing blocking your view. The 102nd floor is smaller and enclosed, but if you are the kind of person who wants to be able to say “I stood at the very top of the Empire State Building” — well, you will want to add it on.
Here is something no one tells you until it’s too late: walk-up queues for tickets empire state building nyc can eat up well over an hour of your day. An hour that could be spent, you know, actually looking at New York. Pre-booking is the move. It saves time, often saves money, and means you walk past the long line with the quiet confidence of someone who planned ahead. Here is what’s on offer:
Want to skip the faff entirely? TickYourList has Empire State Building tickets from USD 35 — straightforward booking, no nasty surprises at the gate, and you can lock in your slot well before you land in New York.
Good news: the Empire State Building is open almost every single day of the year, from 10 AM right through to midnight. Yes, midnight. That late closing time is one of the building’s best-kept secrets because seeing New York after dark from the 86th floor? A completely different experience. In the best possible way.
Here’s how the day breaks down:
The entrance is at 350 Fifth Avenue — you can’t really miss it, given that it’s, well, the Empire State Building. Once inside, there’s a security screening process (think airport-lite: bags through the X-ray, nothing dramatic). Then you will take a series of elevators up to the 86th floor. With a pre-booked ticket, the whole lobby-to-deck journey usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes.
Without one? Budget a lot more time. When you step out onto the deck, give yourself a moment. Seriously, don’t just immediately pull out your phone. Take it in first. Central Park stretching out to the north, the Hudson and East Rivers glittering on either side, the Brooklyn Bridge in the distance, and the sheer density of Manhattan laid out below you. It’s a lot.
There are coin-operated binoculars dotted around if you want to zoom in on something specific, but honestly, the full panoramic view with your own eyes is the real thing. One practical note: the 86th floor is fully open air, and being 1,250 feet up means the wind has opinions. Even in summer it can get properly breezy, so toss a light jacket in your bag. In winter, dress like you mean it — the wind chill up there is not messing around.
The building is right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, at the corner of 34th Street and Fifth Avenue. Translation: you are surrounded by good stuff. The High Line, Bryant Park, Chelsea Market, Madison Square Garden, and the Flatiron Building are all a short walk or subway ride away. If you are building out a full New York day around your visit and you should be — you have landed in exactly the right neighbourhood.
Fifth Avenue shopping is right on your doorstep, and food options range from legendary New York pizza slices to proper sit-down restaurants if you want to bookend your observation deck visit with a great meal. There are worse ways to spend a day in the city.
Here is the thing about the Empire State Building — it’s one of the very few iconic tourist experiences that doesn’t disappoint. You know when you go somewhere expecting to be blown away and it just feels like… a place? This is not that. There is something genuinely stirring about standing on a building that people have been gazing up at from the sidewalk for nearly a century, dreaming about this exact moment.
When you are finally up there, wind in your face, New York stretched out in every direction — it earns it. Ready to make it happen? Book your Empire State Building tickets through TickYourList from USD 35, pick your slot, and do yourself a favour: skip the queue and spend that saved time doing what you actually came to New York for. The view is waiting.
Empire State Building tickets typically start from around USD 35 for the 86th-floor observation deck. Prices vary depending on ticket type, visit time, and whether you add access to the 102nd floor.
A standard ticket includes access to the 86th-floor observation deck, interactive exhibits, and panoramic views of New York City. Visitors can also explore the building’s history and architecture displays.
Empire State Building stands 1,454 feet (443 meters) tall including its antenna. The roof height is 1,250 feet (381 meters), making it one of New York City’s most iconic skyscrapers.
The Empire State Building has 102 floors. Visitors can access the famous 86th-floor open-air observatory and upgrade their tickets to visit the enclosed observation deck on the 102nd floor.
Sunset and nighttime visits are the most popular because they offer spectacular skyline views. Early mornings are also ideal for fewer crowds, shorter wait times, and excellent daylight photography opportunities.
Yes. The 102nd-floor observation deck offers higher viewpoints, fewer crowds, and a unique perspective of New York City. It is a popular upgrade for visitors seeking a more exclusive experience.
Most visitors spend between 1 and 2 hours exploring the exhibits and observation decks. Additional time may be needed during peak periods or when visiting both the 86th and 102nd floors.
Yes. Booking tickets online in advance helps secure preferred time slots, reduce waiting times, and avoid long ticket queues, especially during weekends, holidays, and the busy summer travel season.
Yes. On clear days, visitors can enjoy views of Central Park, the Hudson River, the Brooklyn Bridge, and many of New York City’s most famous landmarks from the observation deck.
Absolutely. Empire State Building offers iconic skyline views, fascinating exhibits, historic significance, and one of the most memorable observation deck experiences in the world.
