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 128,530 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 a landmark Art Deco skyscraper with observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors, offering panoramic views over Manhattan and the New York City region. Information below is based on general training knowledge and has not been live-verified; confirm current details on the official website before visiting.
- 86th-floor open-air observatory with 360-degree views
- 102nd-floor enclosed observation deck with higher-elevation views
- Art Deco lobby and building history exhibits
- Interactive museum galleries covering the construction and cultural history of the Empire State Building
- Iconic views of Central Park, the Hudson and East Rivers, Midtown, Lower Manhattan, and surrounding areas
Things to do here
86th Floor Observatory
The principal observation deck, featuring indoor viewing areas and an open-air promenade around the building.
102nd Floor Observatory
A higher, enclosed observation area with expansive views; typically available as an upgrade or part of a higher-tier ticket.
Empire State Building Museum
Exhibits on the building’s design, construction, cultural significance, and appearances in popular culture.
Sunrise at the Empire State Building
A limited-capacity early-morning experience allowing visitors to see the city around sunrise.
City views at night
Evening visits provide illuminated views of Manhattan and the surrounding skyline.
Arrive at 20 W 34th Street with time for security screening and ticket validation. The entrance is on 34th Street. Allow extra time for queues and do not assume that arriving early permits entry before the selected time slot.
Advance timed reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for sunset, weekends, holidays, school vacations, the 102nd floor, and sunrise experiences.
This overview is general knowledge, not confirmed against an official source — verify hours, prices and entry rules before you go.
Photo gallery
See it before you go
Watch first
Video
Empire State Building Tour - New York City - How Amazing Are The Views? · Traveling With Em & Me (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
Also near this station
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 128,530 reviews.
What's near Empire State Building?
Also within a short walk of the same station: Bryant Park, 록펠러 센터, 조스 피자 브로드웨이.
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.
Where is the entrance?
The visitor entrance is at 20 W 34th Street in Midtown Manhattan, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
Do I need to reserve a time?
Timed reservations are generally required or strongly recommended, especially during busy periods. Check the ticket terms for the product and date selected.
How long should I spend there?
Plan roughly 1.5–2 hours for the museum and 86th-floor observatory, or longer if adding the 102nd floor or visiting at a busy time.
Is the 102nd floor included in the standard ticket?
Usually not. The standard experience has historically centered on the 86th floor, with the 102nd floor available through an upgrade or combined ticket.
Can I visit at sunset?
Yes, subject to timed-ticket availability. Sunset is among the most popular periods and may be more expensive or sell out in advance.
Is the attraction suitable for wheelchair users?
The principal visitor route and observation decks are generally accessible, but visitors with specific requirements should contact the venue before booking.
Can I bring luggage?
Large luggage is generally not suitable for the attraction and may be refused at security. Make arrangements to store it elsewhere before arrival.
What public transportation is nearby?
The building is close to several subway lines and major Midtown bus routes, including stations serving the 1, 2, 3, A, C, E, B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W, and 7 services within walking distance, depending on the station.
What happens if the weather is cloudy?
The observatories generally remain open in ordinary weather, but visibility can be limited. Severe weather may affect operations; review the venue’s current policy before visiting.
Are tickets refundable?
Refund and change policies vary by ticket type. Review the terms at purchase and contact official support if plans change.
Data and photos from Google Places, generated August 9, 2026. Ratings, hours and prices can change — confirm anything time-sensitive before you go.