Empire State Building

About the Empire State Building

The grand architectural masterpiece known as the Empire State Building proudly dominates the New York City skyline. Its towering height and distinctive presence make it an unforgettable symbol of the city’s spirit. This historic skyscraper, which has 102 storeys and an observation deck on the 86th floor, welcomes tourists to learn about its history and experience the city’s stunning views. 

The Empire State Building’s topmost pinnacle remains a focal point, especially when illuminated at night, casting a dazzling glow across the city. A tour of this architectural wonder reveals its fascinating history and amazing design, making it a memorable experience. As day transitions into night, the Empire State Building at night unveils a mesmerizing transformation as it becomes a beacon of light, mirroring the energy of New York itself. 

As you step inside the Empire State Building’s entrance, you step into history. It embodies the ambitious spirit of New York, inviting visitors to engage with its narrative and partake in its legacy. A visit to the Empire State Building is an invitation to touch the skies and connect with the heartbeat of the city that surrounds it.

History of the Empire State Building

The Empire State Building history is a testament to human determination and innovation. Constructed during the Great Depression, the building’s groundbreaking began in 1930 and was completed in just over a year, a remarkable feat of engineering at the time. The Empire State stood as the tallest building in the world until the 1970s and remains an iconic symbol of New York City.

Designed by architect William F. Lamb, the Empire State Building’s Art Deco style captures the spirit of its era. Empire State Building construction involved thousands of workers and the utilization of advanced techniques, including prefabricated parts and an astounding 7 million hours of labor.

The Empire State Building has served as a symbol of human progress since its completion in 1931. It has seen historical events as well as technical breakthroughs, and it has become a global emblem linked with New York’s skyline. Today, the Empire State Building is a lasting icon of architectural brilliance and the city’s enduring spirit as a monument to endurance and ambition.

The Building

The Empire State Building, an iconic marvel of architecture stands tall in New York City’s skyline, with a height of around 1,454 feet. This masterpiece soars across 102 floors, each floor contributes to its legacy as an architectural marvel and a symbol of human achievement.  The Empire State Building’s observation deck, especially the renowned 86th-floor observatory, offers an unparalleled view of the city that never sleeps. From the top of the Empire State Building, visitors are welcomed with a breathtaking panorama of the Empire State that wonderfully captures the grandeur of the city.

The Empire State Building entrance is a grand and inviting gateway to an iconic historical experience. The stunning Art Deco architecture of the building will welcome you as you enter, setting the stage for what lies beyond. The entrance is designed to accommodate the flow of visitors, ensuring a smooth and organized entry process. Additionally, the well-known gift shop with an art-deco theme is located on the 102nd story, enabling tourists to take a souvenir home with them. For those eager to experience this architectural marvel, Empire State Building reservations can be made, ensuring an unforgettable visit.

Opening Hours

Plan your visit to the Empire State Building with the following operating hours:

July 21 – August 27:

– Open: 9:00 am – 1:00 am
– Last Entry: 12:15 am

August 28 – September 4:

– Open: 9:00 am – 12:00 am
– Last Entry: 11:15 pm

September 5 – October 1:

– Open: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
– Last Entry: 10:15 pm

October 2 – October 5:

– Open: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
– Last Entry: 9:15 pm

Please note that entry doors close prior to the listed closing times. To make the most of your visit to this iconic landmark, ensure you arrive well in advance of the last entry time.

Tips for your visit

• Ticket Options: Choose the right Empire State Building ticket based on your preferences, such as general admission or priority access, to skip lines and save time.
• Timing: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds. Early mornings or late afternoons are often quieter.
• Empire State Building Night Views: Plan your visit around sunset to witness the city’s transition from day to night. The Empire State view from the observation deck is especially captivating during these hours.
• Observation Decks: Explore both the main and top Empire State Building observation decks. The Empire State Building 86th floor offers iconic views, while the 102nd floor provides an open-air experience.
• Empire State Building Light Display: Catch the nightly lighting display when the building is illuminated with vibrant colors. It’s a sight to behold.
• Guided Tours: Consider a guided tour to learn about the building’s history, architecture, and its significance to New York City.
• Online Reservations: Book your Empire State Building tickets online in advance to secure your preferred time slot and avoid disappointment.
• Photography: Bring your camera or smartphone to capture the stunning Empire State views. Night photography enthusiasts will appreciate the city lights.
• Security Check: Be prepared for a security screening before the Empire State Building entrance. Arrive a bit early to account for this process.

Tickets

How to arrive

Arriving at the Empire State Building is easy using various transportation options:

By Subway: Take subway lines 1, 2, 3, A, B, C, D, F, M, N, Q, R, and W to 34th Street-Herald Square Station and subway lines B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, and W to 34th Street-Penn Station. From there its a 5 minute walk to the Empire State Building entrance. From subway lines 4, 5, 6, and 7 to Grand Central Terminal, it’s a 10-minute walk to the building entrance.

By Bus: Several bus lines stop near the Empire State Building, making it accessible by public transportation. Buses M1, M2, M3, and M4 run along the east side and stop near the building. Buses M10 and M72 operate on the west side, providing additional transportation options.

By Taxi/Ride-Sharing: Hail a taxi or use ride-sharing services to drop you off directly at the entrance.

By Car: If driving, nearby parking garages are available, although parking in the area can be limited.