The Empire State Building is a 102-story Art Deco skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The building was designed by Shreve, Lamb & Harmon and built from 1930 to 1931. Its name is derived from "Empire State", the nickname of the state of New York. The building has a roof height of 1,250 feet (380 m) and stands a total of 1,454 feet (443.2 m) tall, including its antenna. The Empire State Building was the world's tallest building until the first tower of the World Trade Center was topped out in 1970; following the September 11 attacks in 2001, the Empire State Building was New York City's tallest building until it was surpassed in 2012. As of 2022, the building is the seventh-tallest building in New York City, the ninth-tallest completed skyscraper in the United States, the 54th-tallest in the world, and the sixth-tallest freestanding structure in the Americas.
The site of the Empire State Building, in Midtown South on the west side of Fifth Avenue between West 33rd and 34th Streets, was developed in 1893 as the Waldorf–Astoria Hotel. In 1929, Empire State Inc. acquired the site and devised plans for a skyscraper there. The design for the Empire State Building was changed fifteen times until it was ensured to be the world's tallest building. Construction started on March 17, 1930, and the building opened thirteen and a half months afterward on May 1, 1931. Despite favorable publicity related to the building's construction, because of the Great Depression and World War II, its owners did not make a profit until the early 1950s.
🏆TOP 10 VIEWS IN AMERICA No list of famous views for any year can be truly taken seriously without including the view from America's favorite building. Is the view from Willis Tower in Chicago better? Ya, probably. But does Willis have that romance, that vibe, that wow...? Not even close! No one has said "skyscraper" before or since the way this building does. I LUV Chicago, but may the EMPIRE STATE BUILDING live forever as THE very best in the minds of us all.
David whiteMar 1, 2018
A little pricey but everyone enjoyed it. A great view of everything. A lot of lines to wait in but they move fairly quick. It took 2 hours to reach top of the building. Amazing views because there’s no glass on the viewing platform you get a better photo as there is no glare! From ground level it seems a little less impressive but beautiful lit up at night
Abani OjhaFeb 19, 2018
After coming down on a crystal clear night - after seeing everything that anyone can imagine seeing, I guess that I had a really glowing expression, because one of the tour guides told me that it looks like that "I am feeling no pain". And he was completely, totally, absolutely right!! I also recommend the lobby restaurant called the State Grill and Bar. Great drinks, gigantic New York Sirloins and a beautiful Art Deco atmosphere. This also gives you the additional privilege of wondering all around the entire lobby floor. The sites are incredible, the multicolored marble walls and floors, the 24 karat gold ceilings, the gigantic mural of the Empire State Building broadcasting out to the world, and the amazing bridges three levels above connecting one upper hallway to another.
Norman A BernsteinFeb 12, 2018
Real experience. The building is quite stunning. The Art Deco interior is amazing. Fast lift ride to observation deck, look for the movie on the roof of the lift. Stunning views. A couple of staff on deck who will spend 30 mins answering any questions you have. Short lift ride to open deck. Expensive gift shop. Buy ticket in advance for best deals.
Ayon SahaFeb 25, 2018
The view is undeniably great of New York from the Empire State Building! Whole experience was over in around an hour which was great and meant there was more time to explore New York. We purchased tickets half price during a special promotion. For the price we paid we were quite happy with that. I can't help but feel like $37 per person is a little bit steep though.
Matthew OsteenFeb 17, 2018
Words can't describe! A photo comes with the admission cost. A good photo with paper matte or frame. Stay up there for as long as you want. If u go in May I'm told the lines aren't as long- try not to go in the middle of summer longest lines& hot. Where comfy shoes. If you go to NYC it's a must do. You can see for days!
Natasha PriceMar 17, 2018
Wonderous! Elegant! We felt transported through time when we walked into the building. Staff was courteous and efficient. We didn't have much time to explore the displays which was unfortunate as I would have loved to learn more about the building's history. The views of the city were amazing....from all sides. The open air observation deck was great, made me feel almost like part of the city. So much history this building has seen and been a part of. If I ever get the opportunity to visit NYC again I will make it a point to come back to this great building.
Tish MartinMar 19, 2018
🏆TOP 10 VIEWS IN AMERICA No list of famous views for any year can be truly taken seriously without including the one from America's favorite building. Is the view from Willis Tower in Chicago better? Ya, probably. But does Willis have that romance, that vibe, that wow...? Not even close! No building defines "skyscraper" before or since the way this building does. I LUV Chicago, but may the EMPIRE STATE BUILDING live forever as THE very best in the minds of us all.
David whiteMar 17, 2018
Amazing building with amazing history... How could you visit New York City without a stop at the Empire State Building? Some famous places are disappointing but the Empire State Building was not. They handle tourists efficiently and with respect - at least we were treated that way. We were, however, visiting in winter and it was not crowded so we experienced no waiting. We received tickets as a part of our NYC tour package so I can't comment on the cost. The views are wonderful. The history of the building and its construction was very interesting to this engineer and I could have spent more time reading about the history but others in the group weren't quite as fascinated! There are many amazing places in NYC so I don't know if I would consider this an absolute must see but my visit was certainly worthwhile.
William WoodardApr 22, 2018
The view from the 86th floor is breathtaking. You would feel like spending hours there. The best view of New York City undoubtedly. I couldn't visit the top floor as it was closed for renovation. If you want to go smooth visit this place on a weekday. It was so cool on a weekday. On weekends and holidays it is extremely crowded. You can jump queues but that would mean spending about $ 30 more which doesn't make much sense to me.
Rhea BasuApr 26, 2018
The view from the Empire State Building is surprisingly very different from The Top of the Rock (my favorite). You truly only see lights for as far as the eye can see, and it is absolutely breathtaking. Be forewarned that it can get incredibly windy, so be careful wearing loose tops (I had an accidental flashing moment) or hats. I would also recommend buying the tickets in advance and printing them out on the kiosk for convenience. The building is open until 2 AM, which makes it the perfect nightcap. We breezed through the non-existent lines after midnight which made getting to the view even better.
Chelsy McInnisApr 19, 2018
After coming down on a crystal clear night after seeing everything that anyone can imagine seeing, I guess that I had a really glowing expression, because one of the tour guides told me that it looks like that "I am feeling no pain". And he was completely, totally, absolutely right!! I also recommend the lobby restaurant called the State Grill and Bar. Great drinks, gigantic New York Sirloins and a beautiful Art Deco atmosphere. This also gives you the additional privilege of wondering all around the entire lobby floor. The sites are incredible, the multicolored marble walls and floors, the 24 karat gold ceilings, the giant mural of the Empire State Building broadcasting out to the world, and the amazing bridges three levels above connecting one upper holloway to another.
PARTH JOSHIApr 16, 2018
If you want to see NYC in one glance it has to be from the top of this building. What gorgeous views of the city. From the Statue of Liberty to the Brooklyn Bridge, there's nothing that you can't see from here. The observatory is nice with great info about the history and the construction of this magnificent landmark. The place is so well managed, despite the huge number of tourists they get everyday, the staff is really nice and helps in the smooth functioning. The views from the top are spectacular and you have to see it to believe it. I simply Loved being here. Glad that I went all the way up.
Priyanka RajwarJun 11, 2018
A great pace to visit while in New York City. I wish I could have saw it at night, but it was still a blast. Cool views and even if you are afraid of heights like my daughter is still fun. She felt comfortable while inside and looking out. When we went outside she got a little more scared but was happy she experienced it. Worth every penny!
Josh CraneJun 11, 2018
Always a really cool place to visit when you go to New York! Its very interesting and has a ton of history! They have an entire walk through that goes through the buildings beginnings, all the way to now. Then you get to go on the observation deck and look out to the city! Its a gorgeous view! You must go at least once!
Kaylee HainesMay 14, 2018
This is a wonderful building that is full of history! I don't know how anyone could possibly travel through The Big Apple without taking a stroll all the way up this monument! I recommend this to anyone visiting the city. It is a must see and visit for sure!
Kristianna McDanielJun 5, 2018
My husband and I just went here a few days ago and had a truly wonderful time. The line wasn't too bad but the observation deck was pretty crowded. It took a while to be able to get to the edge to get a good view but that was to be expected. The vistas are incredible. It's a must-see for anyone from out-of-town (or even in-town really, it's pretty breathtaking)! However I would recommend purchasing your tickets ahead of time to skip the lines.
Brittany HarveyJun 15, 2018
This oldest tall building offers a unique view of New York from the top. But at first, one has to go through a security check. After that, the first set of lifts leads the visitor to an intermediate stop in the building. While in the lift, one can enjoy a movie projected on the roof. The movie recounts how the building has evolved from the podium to the pinnacle. The sight from the interim stop is also engaging. However, to gain a more magnificent view, one needs to take the second lift & reach the top. The view from here is utterly breathtaking.
Chandrashekhar TilakJun 21, 2018
Where to start. This building is an iconic building with a beautiful view of the sprawling metropolis that is Manhattan and on as far as the eye can see (and the weather will permit). Please do take your time to appreciate the splendour, beauty and craftsmanship that has gone into this building. Consider also how quickly it was completed and the attention to detail on the interior. Its is a phenomenal interior with vast amounts of beautiful marble and the amazing art deco design that make the building so special. Then upto the viewing levels, the view is fantastic and mesmerizing. Its always such a pleasure to enjoy the peace and quiet atop one of the largest buildings in Manhattan whilst looking down on all the busy streets below. Love love love this building and the staff were great.
Spencer TruscottJun 26, 2018
Sure it is"touristy" but when you are a tourist, that's OK. It is another classic location you've probably seen in dozens of movies and it is cool being there. It is also an absolutely amazing piece of engineering and architecture, even after all the years. The building has style and class. Also great views of the city and other iconic buildings. The staff was friendly. The experience is definitely worth more than the ticket price. We bought advance tickets outside as part of a package, which saves time versus waiting to buy them when you get there. Just choose a reputable vendor.
Brian DallJun 24, 2018
The view this building has to offer is absolutely stunning. You can see the whole city with a 360 view. They had telescopes there for you to better see small detailed. The staff was well organized and managed to get a lot of people from the first floor to the second floor in an orderly fashion. The elevator was a small detail but I loved it. They had a led display I believe with cool illustration on our way up and down the building. I got to take super cool photos while up there. The gift shop is also not but, just a bit on the pricey side but nothing too bad. My overall experience at the Empire State was awesome and I would definitely recommend any friends and family to stop by on their next trip to New York City. It definitely was a great adventure to learn about this building from back in the days. If you are reading his then you should definitely not think twice about visiting!
danielly dearrudaJul 31, 2018
All staffs are so kind and cool! Especially at the ride! I can't forget what you have done for me at the ride/attraction. I was so happy and was glad to could come there. It's also includes security guard. I love to visit again and again. This is the American mind and humanity! Love the States!
365 charcoalAug 6, 2018
During our trip in NYC we decided to go up to the top of the building. The ticket price was not cheap but for the view and the service that they provide it is absolutely worth it. Naturally the queue was enormous but surprisingly we only had to wait 10 minutes for the elevator. The lift itself was another amazing experience. It took a bit more than half a minute to get to the top and to my amazement we could watch a film of how the tower was built. First there was an indoor room with huge glass windows and information boards about the tower. With another elevator we went up to the outdoor viewpoint. I was shocked when I first saw the panorama. It was breathtaking to see the whole city and the other famous buildings. I think it was an unforgettable experience.
Váróczy CsongorAug 13, 2018
Amazing views!! Very informative and interesting history provided in museum quality displays. You'll learn everything about the building. Incredible architecture throughout the experience. The staff are EVERYWHERE and very helpful, courteous and knowledgeable. Clean, accessible, and handled crowds well. Not cheap. Don't go up if you fear heights.
James RhodesJul 24, 2018
This is one beautiful building inside and out especially the inside. The atmosphere inside was one of high vibration. The ground floor lobby has spectacular design the craftsmanship is top class. The security in the empire State building is easy however an ingenious system. I would recommend every one to visit at least one time.
Karl FosterAug 10, 2018
🏆TOP 10 VIEWS IN AMERICA No list of famous views for any year can be truly taken seriously without including the view from America's favorite building. Is the view from Willis Tower in Chicago better? Ya, probably. But does Willis have that romance, that vibe, that wow...? Not even close! No one has said "skyscraper" before or since the way this building does. I LUV Chicago, but may the EMPIRE STATE BUILDING live forever as THE very best in the minds of us all.
David whiteMar 1, 2018
A little pricey but everyone enjoyed it. A great view of everything. A lot of lines to wait in but they move fairly quick. It took 2 hours to reach top of the building. Amazing views because there’s no glass on the viewing platform you get a better photo as there is no glare! From ground level it seems a little less impressive but beautiful lit up at night
Abani OjhaFeb 19, 2018
After coming down on a crystal clear night - after seeing everything that anyone can imagine seeing, I guess that I had a really glowing expression, because one of the tour guides told me that it looks like that "I am feeling no pain". And he was completely, totally, absolutely right!! I also recommend the lobby restaurant called the State Grill and Bar. Great drinks, gigantic New York Sirloins and a beautiful Art Deco atmosphere. This also gives you the additional privilege of wondering all around the entire lobby floor. The sites are incredible, the multicolored marble walls and floors, the 24 karat gold ceilings, the gigantic mural of the Empire State Building broadcasting out to the world, and the amazing bridges three levels above connecting one upper hallway to another.
Norman A BernsteinFeb 12, 2018
Real experience. The building is quite stunning. The Art Deco interior is amazing. Fast lift ride to observation deck, look for the movie on the roof of the lift. Stunning views. A couple of staff on deck who will spend 30 mins answering any questions you have. Short lift ride to open deck. Expensive gift shop. Buy ticket in advance for best deals.
Ayon SahaFeb 25, 2018
The view is undeniably great of New York from the Empire State Building! Whole experience was over in around an hour which was great and meant there was more time to explore New York. We purchased tickets half price during a special promotion. For the price we paid we were quite happy with that. I can't help but feel like $37 per person is a little bit steep though.
Matthew OsteenFeb 17, 2018
Words can't describe! A photo comes with the admission cost. A good photo with paper matte or frame. Stay up there for as long as you want. If u go in May I'm told the lines aren't as long- try not to go in the middle of summer longest lines& hot. Where comfy shoes. If you go to NYC it's a must do. You can see for days!
Natasha PriceMar 17, 2018
Wonderous! Elegant! We felt transported through time when we walked into the building. Staff was courteous and efficient. We didn't have much time to explore the displays which was unfortunate as I would have loved to learn more about the building's history. The views of the city were amazing....from all sides. The open air observation deck was great, made me feel almost like part of the city. So much history this building has seen and been a part of. If I ever get the opportunity to visit NYC again I will make it a point to come back to this great building.
Tish MartinMar 19, 2018
🏆TOP 10 VIEWS IN AMERICA No list of famous views for any year can be truly taken seriously without including the one from America's favorite building. Is the view from Willis Tower in Chicago better? Ya, probably. But does Willis have that romance, that vibe, that wow...? Not even close! No building defines "skyscraper" before or since the way this building does. I LUV Chicago, but may the EMPIRE STATE BUILDING live forever as THE very best in the minds of us all.
David whiteMar 17, 2018
Amazing building with amazing history... How could you visit New York City without a stop at the Empire State Building? Some famous places are disappointing but the Empire State Building was not. They handle tourists efficiently and with respect - at least we were treated that way. We were, however, visiting in winter and it was not crowded so we experienced no waiting. We received tickets as a part of our NYC tour package so I can't comment on the cost. The views are wonderful. The history of the building and its construction was very interesting to this engineer and I could have spent more time reading about the history but others in the group weren't quite as fascinated! There are many amazing places in NYC so I don't know if I would consider this an absolute must see but my visit was certainly worthwhile.
William WoodardApr 22, 2018
The view from the 86th floor is breathtaking. You would feel like spending hours there. The best view of New York City undoubtedly. I couldn't visit the top floor as it was closed for renovation. If you want to go smooth visit this place on a weekday. It was so cool on a weekday. On weekends and holidays it is extremely crowded. You can jump queues but that would mean spending about $ 30 more which doesn't make much sense to me.
Rhea BasuApr 26, 2018
The view from the Empire State Building is surprisingly very different from The Top of the Rock (my favorite). You truly only see lights for as far as the eye can see, and it is absolutely breathtaking. Be forewarned that it can get incredibly windy, so be careful wearing loose tops (I had an accidental flashing moment) or hats. I would also recommend buying the tickets in advance and printing them out on the kiosk for convenience. The building is open until 2 AM, which makes it the perfect nightcap. We breezed through the non-existent lines after midnight which made getting to the view even better.
Chelsy McInnisApr 19, 2018
After coming down on a crystal clear night after seeing everything that anyone can imagine seeing, I guess that I had a really glowing expression, because one of the tour guides told me that it looks like that "I am feeling no pain". And he was completely, totally, absolutely right!! I also recommend the lobby restaurant called the State Grill and Bar. Great drinks, gigantic New York Sirloins and a beautiful Art Deco atmosphere. This also gives you the additional privilege of wondering all around the entire lobby floor. The sites are incredible, the multicolored marble walls and floors, the 24 karat gold ceilings, the giant mural of the Empire State Building broadcasting out to the world, and the amazing bridges three levels above connecting one upper holloway to another.
PARTH JOSHIApr 16, 2018
If you want to see NYC in one glance it has to be from the top of this building. What gorgeous views of the city. From the Statue of Liberty to the Brooklyn Bridge, there's nothing that you can't see from here. The observatory is nice with great info about the history and the construction of this magnificent landmark. The place is so well managed, despite the huge number of tourists they get everyday, the staff is really nice and helps in the smooth functioning. The views from the top are spectacular and you have to see it to believe it. I simply Loved being here. Glad that I went all the way up.
Priyanka RajwarJun 11, 2018
A great pace to visit while in New York City. I wish I could have saw it at night, but it was still a blast. Cool views and even if you are afraid of heights like my daughter is still fun. She felt comfortable while inside and looking out. When we went outside she got a little more scared but was happy she experienced it. Worth every penny!
Josh CraneJun 11, 2018
Always a really cool place to visit when you go to New York! Its very interesting and has a ton of history! They have an entire walk through that goes through the buildings beginnings, all the way to now. Then you get to go on the observation deck and look out to the city! Its a gorgeous view! You must go at least once!
Kaylee HainesMay 14, 2018
This is a wonderful building that is full of history! I don't know how anyone could possibly travel through The Big Apple without taking a stroll all the way up this monument! I recommend this to anyone visiting the city. It is a must see and visit for sure!
Kristianna McDanielJun 5, 2018
My husband and I just went here a few days ago and had a truly wonderful time. The line wasn't too bad but the observation deck was pretty crowded. It took a while to be able to get to the edge to get a good view but that was to be expected. The vistas are incredible. It's a must-see for anyone from out-of-town (or even in-town really, it's pretty breathtaking)! However I would recommend purchasing your tickets ahead of time to skip the lines.
Brittany HarveyJun 15, 2018
This oldest tall building offers a unique view of New York from the top. But at first, one has to go through a security check. After that, the first set of lifts leads the visitor to an intermediate stop in the building. While in the lift, one can enjoy a movie projected on the roof. The movie recounts how the building has evolved from the podium to the pinnacle. The sight from the interim stop is also engaging. However, to gain a more magnificent view, one needs to take the second lift & reach the top. The view from here is utterly breathtaking.
Chandrashekhar TilakJun 21, 2018
Where to start. This building is an iconic building with a beautiful view of the sprawling metropolis that is Manhattan and on as far as the eye can see (and the weather will permit). Please do take your time to appreciate the splendour, beauty and craftsmanship that has gone into this building. Consider also how quickly it was completed and the attention to detail on the interior. Its is a phenomenal interior with vast amounts of beautiful marble and the amazing art deco design that make the building so special. Then upto the viewing levels, the view is fantastic and mesmerizing. Its always such a pleasure to enjoy the peace and quiet atop one of the largest buildings in Manhattan whilst looking down on all the busy streets below. Love love love this building and the staff were great.
Spencer TruscottJun 26, 2018
Sure it is"touristy" but when you are a tourist, that's OK. It is another classic location you've probably seen in dozens of movies and it is cool being there. It is also an absolutely amazing piece of engineering and architecture, even after all the years. The building has style and class. Also great views of the city and other iconic buildings. The staff was friendly. The experience is definitely worth more than the ticket price. We bought advance tickets outside as part of a package, which saves time versus waiting to buy them when you get there. Just choose a reputable vendor.
Brian DallJun 24, 2018
The view this building has to offer is absolutely stunning. You can see the whole city with a 360 view. They had telescopes there for you to better see small detailed. The staff was well organized and managed to get a lot of people from the first floor to the second floor in an orderly fashion. The elevator was a small detail but I loved it. They had a led display I believe with cool illustration on our way up and down the building. I got to take super cool photos while up there. The gift shop is also not but, just a bit on the pricey side but nothing too bad. My overall experience at the Empire State was awesome and I would definitely recommend any friends and family to stop by on their next trip to New York City. It definitely was a great adventure to learn about this building from back in the days. If you are reading his then you should definitely not think twice about visiting!
danielly dearrudaJul 31, 2018
All staffs are so kind and cool! Especially at the ride! I can't forget what you have done for me at the ride/attraction. I was so happy and was glad to could come there. It's also includes security guard. I love to visit again and again. This is the American mind and humanity! Love the States!
365 charcoalAug 6, 2018
During our trip in NYC we decided to go up to the top of the building. The ticket price was not cheap but for the view and the service that they provide it is absolutely worth it. Naturally the queue was enormous but surprisingly we only had to wait 10 minutes for the elevator. The lift itself was another amazing experience. It took a bit more than half a minute to get to the top and to my amazement we could watch a film of how the tower was built. First there was an indoor room with huge glass windows and information boards about the tower. With another elevator we went up to the outdoor viewpoint. I was shocked when I first saw the panorama. It was breathtaking to see the whole city and the other famous buildings. I think it was an unforgettable experience.
Váróczy CsongorAug 13, 2018
Amazing views!! Very informative and interesting history provided in museum quality displays. You'll learn everything about the building. Incredible architecture throughout the experience. The staff are EVERYWHERE and very helpful, courteous and knowledgeable. Clean, accessible, and handled crowds well. Not cheap. Don't go up if you fear heights.
James RhodesJul 24, 2018
This is one beautiful building inside and out especially the inside. The atmosphere inside was one of high vibration. The ground floor lobby has spectacular design the craftsmanship is top class. The security in the empire State building is easy however an ingenious system. I would recommend every one to visit at least one time.
Karl FosterAug 10, 2018
🏆TOP 10 VIEWS IN AMERICA No list of famous views for any year can be truly taken seriously without including the view from America's favorite building. Is the view from Willis Tower in Chicago better? Ya, probably. But does Willis have that romance, that vibe, that wow...? Not even close! No one has said "skyscraper" before or since the way this building does. I LUV Chicago, but may the EMPIRE STATE BUILDING live forever as THE very best in the minds of us all.
David whiteMar 1, 2018
A little pricey but everyone enjoyed it. A great view of everything. A lot of lines to wait in but they move fairly quick. It took 2 hours to reach top of the building. Amazing views because there’s no glass on the viewing platform you get a better photo as there is no glare! From ground level it seems a little less impressive but beautiful lit up at night
Abani OjhaFeb 19, 2018
After coming down on a crystal clear night - after seeing everything that anyone can imagine seeing, I guess that I had a really glowing expression, because one of the tour guides told me that it looks like that "I am feeling no pain". And he was completely, totally, absolutely right!! I also recommend the lobby restaurant called the State Grill and Bar. Great drinks, gigantic New York Sirloins and a beautiful Art Deco atmosphere. This also gives you the additional privilege of wondering all around the entire lobby floor. The sites are incredible, the multicolored marble walls and floors, the 24 karat gold ceilings, the gigantic mural of the Empire State Building broadcasting out to the world, and the amazing bridges three levels above connecting one upper hallway to another.
Norman A BernsteinFeb 12, 2018
Real experience. The building is quite stunning. The Art Deco interior is amazing. Fast lift ride to observation deck, look for the movie on the roof of the lift. Stunning views. A couple of staff on deck who will spend 30 mins answering any questions you have. Short lift ride to open deck. Expensive gift shop. Buy ticket in advance for best deals.
Ayon SahaFeb 25, 2018
The view is undeniably great of New York from the Empire State Building! Whole experience was over in around an hour which was great and meant there was more time to explore New York. We purchased tickets half price during a special promotion. For the price we paid we were quite happy with that. I can't help but feel like $37 per person is a little bit steep though.
Matthew OsteenFeb 17, 2018
Words can't describe! A photo comes with the admission cost. A good photo with paper matte or frame. Stay up there for as long as you want. If u go in May I'm told the lines aren't as long- try not to go in the middle of summer longest lines& hot. Where comfy shoes. If you go to NYC it's a must do. You can see for days!
Natasha PriceMar 17, 2018
Wonderous! Elegant! We felt transported through time when we walked into the building. Staff was courteous and efficient. We didn't have much time to explore the displays which was unfortunate as I would have loved to learn more about the building's history. The views of the city were amazing....from all sides. The open air observation deck was great, made me feel almost like part of the city. So much history this building has seen and been a part of. If I ever get the opportunity to visit NYC again I will make it a point to come back to this great building.
Tish MartinMar 19, 2018
🏆TOP 10 VIEWS IN AMERICA No list of famous views for any year can be truly taken seriously without including the one from America's favorite building. Is the view from Willis Tower in Chicago better? Ya, probably. But does Willis have that romance, that vibe, that wow...? Not even close! No building defines "skyscraper" before or since the way this building does. I LUV Chicago, but may the EMPIRE STATE BUILDING live forever as THE very best in the minds of us all.
David whiteMar 17, 2018
Amazing building with amazing history... How could you visit New York City without a stop at the Empire State Building? Some famous places are disappointing but the Empire State Building was not. They handle tourists efficiently and with respect - at least we were treated that way. We were, however, visiting in winter and it was not crowded so we experienced no waiting. We received tickets as a part of our NYC tour package so I can't comment on the cost. The views are wonderful. The history of the building and its construction was very interesting to this engineer and I could have spent more time reading about the history but others in the group weren't quite as fascinated! There are many amazing places in NYC so I don't know if I would consider this an absolute must see but my visit was certainly worthwhile.
William WoodardApr 22, 2018
The view from the 86th floor is breathtaking. You would feel like spending hours there. The best view of New York City undoubtedly. I couldn't visit the top floor as it was closed for renovation. If you want to go smooth visit this place on a weekday. It was so cool on a weekday. On weekends and holidays it is extremely crowded. You can jump queues but that would mean spending about $ 30 more which doesn't make much sense to me.
Rhea BasuApr 26, 2018
The view from the Empire State Building is surprisingly very different from The Top of the Rock (my favorite). You truly only see lights for as far as the eye can see, and it is absolutely breathtaking. Be forewarned that it can get incredibly windy, so be careful wearing loose tops (I had an accidental flashing moment) or hats. I would also recommend buying the tickets in advance and printing them out on the kiosk for convenience. The building is open until 2 AM, which makes it the perfect nightcap. We breezed through the non-existent lines after midnight which made getting to the view even better.
Chelsy McInnisApr 19, 2018
After coming down on a crystal clear night after seeing everything that anyone can imagine seeing, I guess that I had a really glowing expression, because one of the tour guides told me that it looks like that "I am feeling no pain". And he was completely, totally, absolutely right!! I also recommend the lobby restaurant called the State Grill and Bar. Great drinks, gigantic New York Sirloins and a beautiful Art Deco atmosphere. This also gives you the additional privilege of wondering all around the entire lobby floor. The sites are incredible, the multicolored marble walls and floors, the 24 karat gold ceilings, the giant mural of the Empire State Building broadcasting out to the world, and the amazing bridges three levels above connecting one upper holloway to another.
PARTH JOSHIApr 16, 2018
If you want to see NYC in one glance it has to be from the top of this building. What gorgeous views of the city. From the Statue of Liberty to the Brooklyn Bridge, there's nothing that you can't see from here. The observatory is nice with great info about the history and the construction of this magnificent landmark. The place is so well managed, despite the huge number of tourists they get everyday, the staff is really nice and helps in the smooth functioning. The views from the top are spectacular and you have to see it to believe it. I simply Loved being here. Glad that I went all the way up.
Priyanka RajwarJun 11, 2018
A great pace to visit while in New York City. I wish I could have saw it at night, but it was still a blast. Cool views and even if you are afraid of heights like my daughter is still fun. She felt comfortable while inside and looking out. When we went outside she got a little more scared but was happy she experienced it. Worth every penny!
Josh CraneJun 11, 2018
Always a really cool place to visit when you go to New York! Its very interesting and has a ton of history! They have an entire walk through that goes through the buildings beginnings, all the way to now. Then you get to go on the observation deck and look out to the city! Its a gorgeous view! You must go at least once!
Kaylee HainesMay 14, 2018
This is a wonderful building that is full of history! I don't know how anyone could possibly travel through The Big Apple without taking a stroll all the way up this monument! I recommend this to anyone visiting the city. It is a must see and visit for sure!
Kristianna McDanielJun 5, 2018
My husband and I just went here a few days ago and had a truly wonderful time. The line wasn't too bad but the observation deck was pretty crowded. It took a while to be able to get to the edge to get a good view but that was to be expected. The vistas are incredible. It's a must-see for anyone from out-of-town (or even in-town really, it's pretty breathtaking)! However I would recommend purchasing your tickets ahead of time to skip the lines.
Brittany HarveyJun 15, 2018
This oldest tall building offers a unique view of New York from the top. But at first, one has to go through a security check. After that, the first set of lifts leads the visitor to an intermediate stop in the building. While in the lift, one can enjoy a movie projected on the roof. The movie recounts how the building has evolved from the podium to the pinnacle. The sight from the interim stop is also engaging. However, to gain a more magnificent view, one needs to take the second lift & reach the top. The view from here is utterly breathtaking.
Chandrashekhar TilakJun 21, 2018
Where to start. This building is an iconic building with a beautiful view of the sprawling metropolis that is Manhattan and on as far as the eye can see (and the weather will permit). Please do take your time to appreciate the splendour, beauty and craftsmanship that has gone into this building. Consider also how quickly it was completed and the attention to detail on the interior. Its is a phenomenal interior with vast amounts of beautiful marble and the amazing art deco design that make the building so special. Then upto the viewing levels, the view is fantastic and mesmerizing. Its always such a pleasure to enjoy the peace and quiet atop one of the largest buildings in Manhattan whilst looking down on all the busy streets below. Love love love this building and the staff were great.
Spencer TruscottJun 26, 2018
Sure it is"touristy" but when you are a tourist, that's OK. It is another classic location you've probably seen in dozens of movies and it is cool being there. It is also an absolutely amazing piece of engineering and architecture, even after all the years. The building has style and class. Also great views of the city and other iconic buildings. The staff was friendly. The experience is definitely worth more than the ticket price. We bought advance tickets outside as part of a package, which saves time versus waiting to buy them when you get there. Just choose a reputable vendor.
Brian DallJun 24, 2018
The view this building has to offer is absolutely stunning. You can see the whole city with a 360 view. They had telescopes there for you to better see small detailed. The staff was well organized and managed to get a lot of people from the first floor to the second floor in an orderly fashion. The elevator was a small detail but I loved it. They had a led display I believe with cool illustration on our way up and down the building. I got to take super cool photos while up there. The gift shop is also not but, just a bit on the pricey side but nothing too bad. My overall experience at the Empire State was awesome and I would definitely recommend any friends and family to stop by on their next trip to New York City. It definitely was a great adventure to learn about this building from back in the days. If you are reading his then you should definitely not think twice about visiting!
danielly dearrudaJul 31, 2018
All staffs are so kind and cool! Especially at the ride! I can't forget what you have done for me at the ride/attraction. I was so happy and was glad to could come there. It's also includes security guard. I love to visit again and again. This is the American mind and humanity! Love the States!
365 charcoalAug 6, 2018
During our trip in NYC we decided to go up to the top of the building. The ticket price was not cheap but for the view and the service that they provide it is absolutely worth it. Naturally the queue was enormous but surprisingly we only had to wait 10 minutes for the elevator. The lift itself was another amazing experience. It took a bit more than half a minute to get to the top and to my amazement we could watch a film of how the tower was built. First there was an indoor room with huge glass windows and information boards about the tower. With another elevator we went up to the outdoor viewpoint. I was shocked when I first saw the panorama. It was breathtaking to see the whole city and the other famous buildings. I think it was an unforgettable experience.
Váróczy CsongorAug 13, 2018
Amazing views!! Very informative and interesting history provided in museum quality displays. You'll learn everything about the building. Incredible architecture throughout the experience. The staff are EVERYWHERE and very helpful, courteous and knowledgeable. Clean, accessible, and handled crowds well. Not cheap. Don't go up if you fear heights.
James RhodesJul 24, 2018
This is one beautiful building inside and out especially the inside. The atmosphere inside was one of high vibration. The ground floor lobby has spectacular design the craftsmanship is top class. The security in the empire State building is easy however an ingenious system. I would recommend every one to visit at least one time.
Karl FosterAug 10, 2018
Monday | 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
Tuesday | 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
Wednesday | 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
Thursday | 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
Friday | 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
Saturday | 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
Sunday | 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
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