Empire State Building in New York City: Know Everything Before You Go

Are you planning a visit to New York City? Then don’t forget to take the Empire State Building tour; it’s something you don’t want to miss. This iconic structure is one of the most recognisable buildings in the world, and the views from the empire state building observation deck is a must-see when you visit the city.

The Empire State Building is one of the most popular attractions in the city, with millions of people visiting every year, so you will have to do some planning before your visit.

In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of questions along with the answers to make sure that your visit is easy, fun and informative.

Further, we’ve shared tips based on our experiences of visiting the building several times and we’ve covered how to get there, where to buy your tickets, tips for your visit, and lots more.

So, let’s get started!!

Brief History of the Empire State Building

In the early years of the 20th century New York’s economy was booming and during that time every builder in New York City had only one aim – to beat the Chrysler Building and the 40 Wall Street’s Bank of Manhattan building in height. On completion, the Empire State Building surpassed its competitors, raising the New York skyline to the highest in the world.

The Empire State Building was designed in the Art Deco style by the architect William Frederick Lamb who worked at the architectural firm Shreve, Lamb, and Harmon. The excavation on the site began on January 22, 1930 and construction involved more than 3,400 workers, mostly immigrants from Europe, along with hundreds of native American workers.

During its construction the building rose incredibly fast – sometimes a floor a day. And in a record 410 days, the building was completed and officially opened on May 1, 1931. The total cost was $40,948,900. The building had a total of 102 floors, rising to a height of 1,250 feet and remained the highest structure in the world for 40 years and was dubbed ‘the 8th wonder of the world’.

Then the Great Depression devastated the business community, so the Empire State Building was less than half occupied when it opened. It was soon nicknamed ‘The Empty State Building’, as it barely managed to cover expenses with revenue from its observatory. It’s only until the 1950s the market began to recover again and the Empire State Building became the most profitable building in New York City.

Important Facts about the Empire State Building

Before we get into the details about the Empire State Building tour, we’d like to share some facts and information about this iconic landmark which you’ll find interesting, and perhaps add more excitement to your visit.

What is the Empire State Building?

Located in the centre of Manhattan, the Empire State Building is a huge Art Deco skyscraper which has 102 floors, and was once the tallest skyscraper in the world. Since its inception the building is primarily used as an office space by a wide variety of companies and also serves as a popular tourist attraction. On the ground floor of the building there are shops and eateries, while the empire state building observation decks are located on the 80th, 86th and 102nd floors. In fact, the building is so big that it has its own zip code (10118). It has also featured in several movies and TV shows, including King Kong (1933), Sleepless in Seattle, An Affair to Remember, and Elf.

When was the Empire State Building Built?

The construction of the building started on 17th March 1930 and was completed on 11th April 1931. It was completed in a record 13 months and was opened to the public on 1st May 1931.

How Tall is the Empire State Building?

The Empire State Building rises 102 stories. It is 443.2 meters (1,454 feet) high when measured to the very tip of the building. The tip is covered with broadcast antennas, and crowned by a lightning rod and a beacon light to serve as a warning signal for aircraft. While the roof is 381 meters (1,250 feet) high. Once upon a time it was the tallest building in the world until the World Trade Centre buildings were completed in 1970. In present times, it’s the 7th tallest building in New York City.

Why is it called the Empire State Building?

The building derives its name from the nickname given to the State of New York, which is the Empire State i.e., New York, the Empire State.

Where is the Empire State Building?

The Empire State Building is a huge building and has multiple entrances. It’s located in midtown Manhattan and its full address is Empire State Building, 350 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10118.

As a tourist who is planning to go up to the Empire State Building observation deck, you will need to enter at 20 West 34th Street, which is the dedicated entrance to the observatories.

How to Reach the Empire State Building?

As the building is centrally located in New York City there are several options.

By Public Transport:

New York City has a good public transport system. If you are a budget traveller then the best option is using either the subway or public bus transport system. For more information on routes and schedules please check the MTA website here.

By Sightseeing Bus:

Just like many cities around the world, there are a number of sightseeing buses operating in New York City. The Empire State Building is a popular attraction and most sightseeing buses have a stop near the building. These buses usually have either a live commentary or pre-recorded audio that tells you what you are seeing.

By Driving Yourself:

This option is generally not recommended as traffic in Manhattan is always busy and parking is difficult. And even if you get one, it’s expensive. Just in case you have a car and wish to park, there are options near the Empire State Building. You can see nearby parking structures and parking lots by using this link.

By Tour Operator

The easiest option is booking an Empire State Building tour with Rosotravel. By doing so your transportation and tickets will be taken care off and all you have to do is sit back and enjoy your tour. The added benefit is our driver will pick you up straight from your hotel. This saves you from many hassles and unpleasant situations and makes your tour more pleasant and comfortable.

How Much Does It Cost to Visit the Empire State Building?

If you’re planning a visit to the exhibits or observation decks at the Empire State Building, you will have to buy a ticket.

The pricing for the Empire State Building tour varies depending on the experience you want. The ticket prices range from $42 all the way up to $500 for an adult.

Please note: These prices are correct as of December 2021.

However, first you have to decide which floors you want to visit.

The Main Deck access includes access to the Empire State Building observation deck on the 86th floor, as well as all the exhibits on the 2nd and 80th floors.

The Top Deck access includes the above, as well as access to the 102nd floor observation deck.

Here are the prices for the main ticket types.

These prices are taken directly from the official website and are accurate as of December 2021. Children under 6 are free for all ticket types.

A Main Deck ticket costs $42 for an adult, $36 for a child (6-12) and $40 for a senior (62+).

An Express Ticket to the Main Deck costs $78 for all visitors. This includes priority skip-the-line access through the security line and elevators.

A Top Deck ticket costs $75 for an adult, $69 for a child (6-12) and $73 for a senior (62+).

An Express Ticket to the Top Deck costs $111 for all visitors. This includes priority skip the line access through the security line and elevators and expedited entry to the 86th and 102nd floors.

In addition to the main tickets above, there are some additional tours and experiences, which are priced as follows:

AM/PM Experience – $61 for an adult, $52 for a child (6-12). This ticket is the same as the Main Deck ticket but allows you to return after 8:00 pm and visit the Empire State Building observation deck after dark.

Sunrise on the 86th floor – costs $125 for all visitors. This is a limited availability ticket, with only 100 sold per session.

Premium Experience – costs $161.55 for all visitors. VIP behind the scenes tour which visits all the decks with a tour guide. Groups no larger than 7 people.

ESB All Access Tour – costs $500 per person. The most exclusive tour available. Includes celebrity treatment, a private tour, champagne and snacks.

Where to Buy Empire State Building Tour Tickets?

Tickets must be purchased in order to get to the top of the building, and there are various options for purchasing. You are welcome to buy the tickets directly at the Empire State Building, however, there is usually a long line for buying onsite tickets. We recommend purchasing your tickets with Rosotravel beforehand so you can get to those killer views the fastest.

They have a number of ticket options:

The Standard Main Deck Ticket is the most popular option for visitors, and includes access to the 2nd floor exhibition, 80th floor, and 86th floor observation deck. This ticket does not include 102nd floor access, but you can upgrade the ticket on site if you wish at either the 2nd floor or 86th floor.

The AM/PM experience ticket gives you the same entry as the main deck ticket in the day, and also allows you to return after dark so you can see the city at night.

The Sunrise experience ticket gives you early access to the 86th floor observation deck of the Empire State Building for sunrise. These tickets are limited to 100 per sunrise, which means you get the Empire State Building observation deck almost to yourself. After sunrise, you can visit the 2nd floor exhibits.

The VIP Guided Tour Experience ticket can be booked either for a small-group guided tour or the red-carpet VIP private tour experience with celebrity green room access, drinks and snacks.

If you want to visit the 102nd floor, you will either need to upgrade your ticket on site, or buy the 102nd ticket from the official site.

How to Skip the Lines at the Empire State Building?

You can buy a ticket to skip the lines during your Empire State Building tour. But let’s understand the three types of lines at the building:

The first is the security line, the second line is for tickets, and the third line will be for the various elevators.

If you buy your entry ticket in advance then you can skip the lines at the 2nd floor ticket counter. We highly recommend purchasing your ticket in advance with Rosotravel so you don’t waste time at the ticket line.

The next option is to buy an VIP Express Ticket which will let you take advantage of VIP entry, and go to the front of the security and elevator lines by using the express lanes.

The other way to avoid heavy crowds is to reach the building when the observatory opens at 8 a.m., around 3 p.m., or really late, around midnight – during these times the crowds are less. It’s a good idea to avoid weekends. You can also visit during the winter season when the crowds are far lesser throughout the day.

And finally, for an exclusive experience, you can opt for the Premium Experience Package and get a 90-minute all-access guided tour through the Empire State building and skip-the-line privileges to the 86th and 102nd floors. Or you can choose the Sunrise Experience, that gives you preference before the general public to watch the sunrise over the city.

What is the Opening Time for the Empire State Building?

The Empire State Building is open 365 days of the year from 8:00 am until 2:00 am. The last elevators go up at 1:15 am. Only during exceptional circumstances these opening times may change – check the official website in advance of your visit to be sure it is open when you visit. You can also visit the Empire State Building at sunrise, with the exclusive sunrise access ticket. Please note the time varies and depends on the time of the sunrise.

What to See and Do at the Empire State Building?

Most tourists visiting the building are primarily interested in the world-famous empire state building observation deck and taking in the views of the city. However, there is much more to do at the building than enjoying the views. Over the years the entire experience of visiting the building has changed significantly. So here are some of the things you can do during your Empire State Building tour:

Observation Decks at the Empire State Building

The Empire State Building has three observatories:

80th Floor – Indoor Observatory: This is a new observatory opened to the public in 2019. Being an entirely indoor observatory, the views are through the glass windows.

86th Floor – Main Deck: This is the highest open-air observatory in all of New York and offers 360-degree unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline. It’s here where most of the famous scenes from movies and television have been shot, making it one of the most popular parts of the Empire State Building. This Main Deck offers splendid views of the Central Park, Hudson River, the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, Statue of Liberty, and plenty more.

102nd Floor – Top Deck: 16 floors above the Main Deck lies the Top Deck which offers even better views, but it’s enclosed unlike the open-air main deck. From here, you will get a full 360-degree view of the Central Park and on a clear day, you can even see the skyscrapers that are up to 80 miles away. Also, this floor offers more dramatic views of the city of Manhattan and is also less crowded so you get more space for photography and you can stay there for as long as you wish. Make sure you carry high-powered binoculars to get the amazing view from this observatory deck.

The Lobby

The Lobby area of the Empire State Building was restored in 2009 with Art Deco elements flaunting ceiling murals in 24-karat gold and aluminium leaf which pay homage to the mechanical age, planets and stars. Here you’ll find one of the most famous images in New York City, a depiction of the Empire State Building with beams of light radiating from the mast. Because of its rich and unique interiors this lobby has been awarded with the stature of historic landmark by the Landmarks Preservation Commission.

Dare to Dream Exhibit

Located on the 80th floor, this exhibit will give you an insight on the entire planning and construction phase of the Empire State Building. Every exhibit will give you a factual account of the events related to Empire State Building’s history, construction, engineering, and also pays respect to the remarkable job done by the architects and laborers, who helped erect the tallest skyscraper in the world. As you walk around this exhibit, you’ll find original documents, including architectural drawings, period photographs, construction jot downs, and other book-keeping documents.

Sustainability Exhibit

Located on the second floor, this exhibit showcases the state-of-the-art technology started by the Empire State Building in 2009 which aims to reduce total energy usage by more than 38 percent, energy costs by $4.4 million annually, and carbon emissions by 105,000 metric tons over the next 15 years. As you walk around this exhibit, you’ll understand the processes and working of the technology in a fun and interactive manner, which makes it appealing to visitors of all ages.

Restaurants at the Empire State Building

After taking the Empire State Building tour and its observatory views, it’s now time to enjoy a meal. There are a number of options here which include both table service options and fast-casual self-service. All restaurants are on the ground floor, and can be visited without a ticket.

Shopping at the Empire State Building

You can also go souvenir shopping at the Empire State Building. There’s a gift store on the 2nd floor as well as on the 80th floor just after you exit the elevators and before you leave the building.

Who Chooses the Colours of the Lights on the Empire State Building?

Every evening, the Empire State Building’s top 30 stories are illuminated with bright lights and display up to 16 million varied colours that change instantaneously. The colours are determined by the staff each night, often reflecting holidays or important events.

A normal night will feature the ‘signature white’ colour but you’ll also see red, white, and blue which represents Independence Day, or red and green with Candy Cane stripes for Christmas, or rainbow lights on June 28th in honour of NYC Pride, or Purple for NYU graduation, or sky blue for Columbia graduation. These are just a few of the ways the building uses lights to celebrate.

Important Tips for Visiting the Empire State Building

Every visitor has to go through security when entering the building. The items not permitted include: glass, alcohol, professional camera and equipment, firearms, musical instruments, markers, costume marks, luggage and more. Please note that there are no lockers in the building, so make sure to leave these items at your hotel or some luggage storage service near the Empire State Building.
The building is wheelchair accessible and the entrance for people with disabilities is open only from Monday to Friday till 6:00 pm from 34th street.
It is best to visit the iconic building on a weekday as the crowd is comparatively lesser.
Before visiting check the weather and carry a coat or jacket as it gets colder as you go up on the floors.
Before visiting, browse their website and know what timings suit you. For example, if you want to watch the tower lights, then check out the best time to visit.
Download the Empire State Building Experience App on your phone as it offers a guided tour in 8 different languages.
There are restrooms available at the Empire State Building on the 86th floor, including wheelchair accessible toilets.
Avoid getting strollers unless you really need to do so as you will end up folding and carrying it during your visit.
Keep your tickets handy for verification at all entry points.
Experience the advanced technology at the venue – You can see day turn night in a few minutes at the sunset floor.

Visiting the Empire State Building during COVID-19 Pandemic?

The Empire State Building reopened on the 20th July 2020. There are several measures in place to ensure the safety of visitors and staff.

From a visitor’s point of view, these include:

Mandatory wearing of masks
Proof of vaccination
Reduced visitor numbers
Reduced opening hours
Booking your ticket in advance

What is the Best Time of Day to Visit the Empire State Building?

The Empire State Building tour is very popular with tourists and often gets crowded.

So, if you want to avoid crowds it’s best you visit either early in the morning, between 8:00 am and 10:00 am, or late at night, from around 11:00 pm onwards. You can take advantage of an AM/PM ticket, and do both.

If you’re visiting with family (kids or senior citizens) then make your way early in the day to beat the crowd and enjoy more room at the Empire State Building observation deck. Anytime between 8:00 am and 11:00 am is more peaceful than the rest of the day.

If you’re visiting with your partner then visiting after 11:00 pm is best as the crowds would have dwindled and the setting becomes cosier.

If you’re looking to get the best photographs then sunset is the best time for shutterbugs to visit the 86th floor.

What to Do Near the Empire State Building?

The Empire State Building is located in a busy area and has several attractions near it and in almost every direction. It stands right at the edge of Koreatown; this tiny neighbourhood is home to some authentic Korean-style eateries.

North: As you head uptown, you’re only 10-15 minutes away from three major sights: Times Square, Grand Central Terminal and the New York Public Library.

South: Right after Koreatown is Madison Square Park and the picturesque Flatiron Building.

West: Just a block away from the Empire State Building is Herald Square, an area full of people either shopping or dining.

Finally, remember even a well-planned tour cannot be hassle free but you can always make it less distressing. If you don’t plan your tour to the Empire State Building well, then you will miss out on the important aspects of the place. The building is huge so you need a proper plan especially before visiting with kids. To make sure you plan your tour well and within your budget Rosotravel is here to help you out. We offer different kinds of tours at great prices based on what you want to see here. Your entire visit to the Empire State Building may take around 2 – 4 hours, so time really matters here.

And that’s it for this guide to the Empire State Building Tour and Empire State Building Observation Deck!! If you have any feedback, comments or questions, just pop them in the comments section below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Welcome to New York City, and we hope you’ll have a great time here.