Empire State Building
Iconic, art deco office tower from 1931 with exhibits & observatories on the 86th & 102nd floors.
Empire State Building is rated 4.7 / 5 from 127,646 Google reviews and sits about 805 m (10 min walk) from Grand Central–42 St station.
General overview
About Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is an Art Deco skyscraper and New York City landmark with observation decks on the open-air 86th floor and the enclosed 102nd floor. Admission also includes immersive exhibits about the building’s construction, history, popular culture, and famous tower lights.
- Open-air 86th-floor observatory with 360-degree views of New York City
- Enclosed, floor-to-ceiling-windowed observatory on the 102nd floor
- Second-floor museum and interactive exhibits
- Art Deco lobby and architecture
- Views of landmarks including Central Park, One World Trade Center, the Chrysler Building, Times Square, and the Statue of Liberty
- Nighttime views and the building’s famous illuminated tower
Things to do here
86th Floor Observatory
The main observation deck, approximately 1,050 feet above street level, combines an open-air terrace with enclosed viewing areas and offers 360-degree city views.
102nd Floor Observatory
A smaller, fully enclosed upper observatory with floor-to-ceiling windows, reached by a glass elevator from the 86th floor. It requires an upgraded ticket.
Second-Floor Observatory Experience
Immersive galleries cover the skyscraper’s construction, opening, celebrity visitors, King Kong appearances, sustainability work, and place in popular culture.
Art Deco Lobby
The restored Fifth Avenue lobby features marble, metallic decoration, and a prominent image of the tower.
Sunrise Experience
A limited-capacity premium visit offered on selected dates, allowing guests to watch sunrise from the observatory.
Premium and VIP Experiences
Depending on availability, packages may include expedited entry, hosted tours, private access, or other premium benefits.
Use the observatory entrance at 20 West 34th Street. Arrive about 15 minutes before the reserved time and allow additional time for airport-style security. The nearest major transit hub is 34 St–Herald Square; Penn Station is also within walking distance.
Reserve a timed ticket online, especially for sunset, weekends, holidays, and the 102nd floor. Peak slots can sell out and may carry surcharges.
This overview is general knowledge, not confirmed against an official source — verify hours, prices and entry rules before you go.
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If you go to NYC do not miss visiting the Empire State Building! #nyc #empirestatebuilding · GracefulVibes Vlogs (YouTube)
Most asked
How to reach
Empire State Building is about 805 m (~10 min walk) from Grand Central–42 St station on the New York City Subway.
Before you go
Good to know
Verify tickets, seasonal hours, entry rules, and special events on the official website before visiting.
Pair it up
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Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Empire State Building from Grand Central–42 St station?
Empire State Building is about 805 m (roughly 10 min walk) from Grand Central–42 St station on the New York City Subway. Use the directions link on this page for turn-by-turn walking directions.
What is Empire State Building rated?
Empire State Building has a Google rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 127,646 reviews.
What's near Empire State Building?
Also within a short walk of the same station: Bryant Park, Rockefeller Center, Joe's Pizza Broadway.
Is Empire State Building wheelchair accessible?
Yes — Google lists the following accessibility features for Empire State Building: wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible restroom, wheelchair-accessible seating.
Is there parking near Empire State Building?
Google lists these parking options near Empire State Building: paid parking lot, free street parking, paid street parking.
Is Empire State Building good for children?
Yes — Google lists Empire State Building as good for children.
Is the 102nd floor included in standard admission?
Usually not. Standard admission covers the exhibits and 86th-floor observatory; the 102nd floor requires an upgraded ticket.
Should I buy tickets in advance?
Yes. Timed reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for sunset, weekends, holidays, and premium experiences.
What happens in bad weather?
The attraction normally remains open during rain, clouds, or poor visibility unless safety conditions require closure. Tickets may not be refundable solely because views are obscured, so check the forecast before choosing a time.
Can I visit both during daylight and after dark?
A time slot roughly 45–60 minutes before sunset can provide daylight, sunset, and nighttime views, but these slots are the busiest and may have premium pricing.
How long are the lines?
Waits vary from minimal early in the day to an hour or more during holidays and sunset periods. Timed admission controls entry but does not always eliminate security and elevator queues.
Can I bring luggage?
Large suitcases and oversized bags are generally not accepted, and the building does not normally offer visitor lockers. Arrange off-site storage before arriving.
Is the observatory wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Public observatory areas are generally accessible by elevator, and the attraction provides accessible routes and viewing features.
Are children free?
Children younger than six have historically been admitted free with a paying adult. Older children normally need a child ticket; verify the current age rules.
Which subway station is closest?
34 St–Herald Square, served by the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, and W trains, is very close. The 1, 2, 3, A, C, E, and 7 trains and commuter rail services at Penn Station are also within walking distance.
Is there a dress code?
There is no normal tourist dress code. Bring an extra layer because the open-air 86th-floor deck can be significantly colder and windier than street level.
Data and photos from Google Places, generated August 9, 2026. Ratings, hours and prices can change — confirm anything time-sensitive before you go.