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The Empire State Building is one of New York City's most iconic landmarks. Ever since it opened in 1931, standing at 1,454 feet tall as the world's tallest building at the time, it has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike. When you come to New York, a trip to "the city that never sleeps" is not complete without a visit to this Art Deco skyscraper and National Historic Landmark. Read on for everything you need to know to fully experience this majestic, towering marvel on your NYC vacation. Buy ticket here.
Getting There
The Empire State Building is conveniently located right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan at 350 Fifth Avenue, between 33rd and 34th Streets. It’s easy to access via public transportation - just hop on any B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, or W subway line and get off at 34th Street-Herald Square station. From there, it’s a short 6 minute walk west to the iconic glass and limestone tower. You can also take the PATH train from New Jersey which will bring you out by Macy’s Herald Square, just a block away.
Of course, with yellow taxis everywhere and rideshares like Uber and Lyft, you have plenty of other ground transportation options for getting to and from the surrounding area. And New York’s walkability makes it easy to take in the striking Art Deco facade as you approach on foot.
Skip the Long Lines
One thing that can put a damper on your NYC experience is wasting precious sightseeing time waiting in line. Luckily, you can avoid the ticket queues at the Empire State Building with convenient skip-the-line tickets from Viator.
These advance tickets allow you to go straight to the separate visitor entrance, bypassing the main lines. You’ll not only save time but also save money compared to more expensive priority access options or tickets bought on-site. Viator customers consistently rate this as an excellent way to streamline their visit.
After breezing through the entrance, you’ll take an elevator ride up to the 2nd floor observation deck. From here, you can step out onto the outdoor deck wrapping around the building to soak in panoramic views of this famous skyline. Gaze out over popular landmarks like Central Park, the Chrysler Building, the Hudson River, and One World Trade Center grabbing your camera for that quintessential Empire State Building selfie!
Visiting the Iconic Observation Decks
Most Empire State Building tickets include access to the 2nd floor outdoor deck and the enclosed 86th floor indoor deck.
The 86th floor observatory offers a climate-controlled environment complete with glass windows all around, allowing for comfortable viewing no matter the weather. Interactive exhibits let you explore all aspects of this storied skyscraper as well as the incredible city views.
Both indoor decks feature coin-operated viewfinders you can use for an even closer look. And the views from every angle are incredible. Some days you can see 80 miles out across New York and four different states! Be sure to visit both observatory levels to get the full Empire State Building experience.
Light Shows at Night
While daytime hours offer stunning 360-degree views, the Empire State Building's Observation Decks are open late into the evening as well. This lets visitors enjoy dazzling sunset views and New York’s glittering city lights. And starting at dusk, you can catch the spectacular LED light shows that illuminate the night sky.
The state-of-the-art light displays put on nightly light shows choreographed to music which you can listen to through a synchronized mobile app. Vibrant colors and visual effects reflect seasonal themes and holidays. Tower lights even coordinate with other New York events and causes. Make sure your Empire State Building ticket includes late-day access so you can take in this unmatched after-dark experience over Manhattan.
The Famous Empire State Building Run-Up
Each February, a select few compete in one of the world’s most famous and challenging foot races - racing up the 1,576 stairs to reach the 86th floor Observation Deck. The Empire State Building Run-Up first started in 1978 with just a few brave souls sprinting up. It has since grown into a beloved event with hundreds of racers and over a thousand spectators.
While you likely won’t compete in the Run-Up itself without an entry voucher, you can still feel the burn in your own legs by taking the stairs up just a few flights. Opt for the stairs over the elevators while ascending to or descending from either observatory floor. Walking even this small section will give you a sense of this great skyscraper’s imposing height and scale. Just a few steps up leaves many visitors huffing and puffing!
Dining with a View
When you’re ready for a meal with your Empire State Building experience, you have better options than the standard food court fare. State Grill and Bar offers fine dining in an elegant art deco setting on the ground floor. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bustling streets of Midtown make it a great place for lunch or dinner.
For the ultimate dining experience though, head up to the 101st floor. STATE Restaurant and Lounge sits high above the city, providing upscale cuisine and panoramic views unmatched in New York. The seasonally changing menu focuses on locally sourced ingredients and craft cocktails make for the perfect pairings. Just be sure to make reservations in advance to secure a table by the windows. This special dining experience must be booked separately from your observatory tickets.
The Empire State Building truly offers a one-of-a-kind New York experience with views that will take your breath away. Seeing this world-renowned symbol of New York City up close is a travel memory you’ll always cherish. With handy skip-the-line tickets from Viator, you can maximize your limited time to enjoy the very best that this legendary skyscraper and incredible city have to offer.
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Are you tired of travel plans that don’t live up to your dreams?
Are you tired of travel plans that don’t live up to your dreams?
Elevate your next journey with expert vacation planning that turns every trip into an unforgettable adventure! Stop wasting time and money—trust our professionals to book your travel and create the perfect, personalized itinerary just for you.