Empire State Building: Tickets, opening times & tips for the best views

In New York’s “war of the observation decks,” several skyscrapers compete for the favor of tourists. Today, choosing the right platform is less about finding the “best view” and more about what suits your personal travel style. The Empire State Building is the undisputed classic – a historical legend that showcases New York from the heart of Midtown.

The Race to the Sky: The Making of a Legend

The site of today’s Empire State Building, on Fifth Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets, was once home to the prestigious Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. In the late 1920s, the hotel was sold and demolished to make way for a project of unprecedented ambition. The driving forces behind it were business mogul John J. Raskob and Al Smith, the former Governor of New York.

Defiance and Triumph During the Great Depression

Their project was born amidst a fierce “race to the sky,” a competition for the title of the world’s tallest building.

A museum wall displays a collection of architectural blueprints, sketches, and a black-and-white photograph of an architect, all documenting the design and construction of the Empire State Building in New York. The exhibit includes detailed floor plans, structural diagrams, and a large artistic rendering of the iconic skyscraper against a dark background.

The main competitor was the Chrysler Building, which was under construction at the time. When it became known that the Chrysler Building would receive a spire bringing its height to 319.43 meters, the Empire State Building’s construction team reacted. The result was the addition of a 60.96-meter spire on top of the building. This spire secured the title of the world’s tallest building with a total height of 381 meters.

A low-angle view looking up at the spire of the Empire State Building in New York, framed by a curved metal fence and the building's observation deck structure against a clear blue sky.

The real irony of its origin story, however, lies in its timing. The plans were forged at the height of the economic boom, but construction began on March 17, 1930, just a few months after the stock market crash of 1929 and the onset of the Great Depression.

The crisis proved to be a double-edged sword. While it decimated the building’s profitability in its early years, it was also a decisive factor in its realization. The economic downturn led to an oversupply of labor and a drastic drop in the price of building materials. These favorable conditions, combined with the project management, enabled a construction speed that remains legendary to this day.

A low-angle, upward-looking view of the Empire State Building in New York City, showcasing its iconic Art Deco limestone facade and tiered architecture against a clear blue sky.

The steel skeleton grew at a breathtaking pace of four and a half stories per week. In total, 57,000 tons of steel, 10 million bricks, and 62,000 cubic meters of concrete were used. At the peak of construction, over 3,400 workers were on the site at the same time.

The structure was completed in 410 days, even ahead of schedule and under budget.

From the “Empty State” to King Kong’s Silver Screen Fame

The early years were tough. Due to low occupancy rates, the building earned the nickname “The Empty State Building.” The revenue from the observation deck was vital for its survival.

A high-angle, black-and-white photograph shows three people in vintage hats looking out from the Empire State Building over the dense skyline of Lower Manhattan and the New York Harbor. The historic view captures the city's architectural landscape of the early 20th century, stretching toward the Statue of Liberty in the distance.

The turning point ultimately came from Hollywood with the 1933 film King Kong. The scene where the giant ape climbs the spire immortalized the building.

Even a collision with a B-25 bomber in 1945 couldn’t compromise the robust steel structure. After the Second World War, it finally became an economic success and is today a state-of-the-art office building behind a historic facade.

More Than Just a View: The Experience Inside

After the initial ticket check and the mandatory security screening, we climbed the first few stairs. The stream of visitors bottlenecked slightly at the first photo spot, where you could take a picture next to the Empire State Building. Then we entered the exhibition area, which was structured chronologically.

The Site in the 1920s
A panoramic photo shows the location of the original Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. Looking through historical surveying instruments, we could gaze onto the bustling streets of late 1920s New York. Short, embedded scenes allowed us to immerse ourselves in the era and get a feel for what New York looked like at the time.

A person looks through a vintage-style telescope at a large, black-and-white historical photograph of a busy New York City street, part of a history exhibit at the Empire State Building.

Construction
Afterward, we dove right into the midst of the construction action. Surrounded by the sounds of machinery, life-sized bronze sculptures of workers, and video projections, we experienced the building of the Empire State Building. I particularly liked the projections showing huge steel beams being moved and integrated into the building’s steel skeleton by the workers.

It must have been truly impressive to witness the speed at which construction progressed.

The retrospective on the construction history ends with scenes from opening day on May 1, 1931.

Two life-sized bronze statues at the Empire State Building depict construction workers in mid-action, one leaning against a riveted steel beam and the other holding a pneumatic tool on a polished wooden floor.

Other Exhibition Topics
We moved on to a small room that initially seemed quite unspectacular. Here, we found ourselves inside an Otis elevator. A fascinating simulation brought the dizzying height of the building to life from inside an elevator shaft.

There was information about the sustainability renovation, its current use, and the amenities offered to tenants.

A black wall inside the Empire State Building features a series of framed posters and the text "World's Most Famous Building," showcasing the skyscraper's appearances in pop culture like "Sleepless in Seattle," "Wonder Woman," and "King Kong."

However, I was much more impressed by a visit to a 180-degree cinema. It shows a continuous loop of 600 clips from movies, TV shows, and comics in which the Empire State Building has played a pivotal role. I recognized a surprising number of them!

Naturally, the topic of King Kong is not to be missed. A dedicated section of the exhibition focuses solely on this subject. Visitors were lining up to touch King Kong’s hands, which appear to break through the walls, while he growls and airplanes circle outside the windows.

The First Panoramic View: The 80th Floor

After that, we took the elevator up to the 80th floor of the Empire State Building.

A view inside the enclosed observation deck of the Empire State Building in New York, where visitors look out large windows at walls decorated with detailed sketches of the city skyline.

There are some smaller exhibition areas here as well, but they barely get any attention. We and the other visitors were drawn straight to the large panoramic windows. From here, we were able to get our first—and above all, weather-protected—look at the city skyline. Even though there was a slight glare on the glass, the view of the city is simply indescribable.

High-angle view of the New York City skyline and the East River as seen from the Empire State Building observation deck, with Long Island City visible in the distance.

The 86th Floor: New York’s Most Famous Open-Air Living Room

Now it was time to take the final elevator up to what is arguably the most famous observation deck in the world. As soon as the doors opened and we stepped outside, we felt it immediately: the wind on our skin, the faint hum of the city far below us, and that incomparable feeling of having truly arrived in New York. The 86th floor is more than just a vantage point—it is a must-do on your first visit to the city!

From a height of 320 meters, a breathtaking 360-degree panorama unfolds, fascinating by day and by night. The famous coin-operated binoculars allow you to zoom in on details and discover the city from a new perspective. Countless movie scenes have been filmed up here—and looking out over the city, I completely understand why. You really can’t quite put this view into words.

A person with a camera and backpack stands on the observation deck of the Empire State Building, looking out at the expansive New York City skyline.

Looking North
We spotted the green lung of the city, Central Park. The elegant skyscrapers of “Billionaires’ Row” make for an impressive sight. On clear days, you can even see the George Washington Bridge.

Looking East
From here, we see the silver Art Deco spire of its former rival, the Chrysler Building. Behind it meanders the East River, spanned by the bridges leading to Brooklyn and Queens.

An aerial view from the Empire State Building observation deck shows the East River, the Williamsburg Bridge, and the dense urban landscape of Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Looking South
This is the classic postcard view. My gaze wanders over the high-rises of Midtown South to the Financial District with the striking One World Trade Center. In the distance, I can even make out the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in New York Bay.

An aerial view from the Empire State Building overlooking New York Harbor, featuring the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island and Ellis Island surrounded by several boats on the water.

Looking West
Here you can see the Hudson River with its piers and the New Jersey shoreline. This direction is said to offer a uniquely spectacular view, especially at sunset.

High-angle view of the New York City skyline from the Empire State Building, showing a dense cluster of skyscrapers stretching toward the Hudson River under a clear blue sky.

Our Conclusion: A Classic That Stays in Your Heart

Standing back down on the bustling streets of Manhattan, we looked up at the top of the Empire State Building. The decision to visit only the 86th floor felt absolutely right to us. The open deck, the wind in our hair, and the unfiltered sound of the city—that is exactly the authentic New York feeling we were looking for.

In a city that constantly advertises new, spectacular vantage points—whether it’s the thrill of the glass peak at “The Edge” or the mirrored art worlds of “SUMMIT One Vanderbilt“—the Empire State Building holds its own unique, irreplaceable role. It’s not the newest or the most daring platform. It is the soul of the skyline and tells a story of ambition, perseverance, and the indestructible spirit of this city. For those who want not only to see New York but to feel it, there is no getting around this timeless classic.

A high-angle, panoramic view from the Empire State Building overlooks the dense cityscape of New York City, stretching toward the Hudson River and the distant New Jersey skyline under a clear blue sky.

Visiting the Empire State Building: Everything You Need to Know

The Empire State Building is, of course, impossible to miss. However, there are two entrances but only one visitor entrance. This is located at 20 West 34th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.

Visitors look out from the indoor observation deck of the Empire State Building in New York, where large windows offer views of the city skyline and the iconic curved metal fence of the outdoor platform.

The number of visitors allowed daily is limited, and tickets are highly sought after at certain times. Our tip: plan your visit well in advance and buy your tickets online beforehand. We bought our tickets about 2 months in advance and still had almost all time slots available to choose from for our preferred day.

We thought long and hard about which ticket was right for us. All tickets include access to the museum galleries on the 2nd and 80th floors. You have to decide whether you want to visit “only” the famous 86th floor, seen in so many movies, or spend a little more money to go up to the 102nd floor as well.

We decided on the 86th floor for the following reasons:

Ticket Options

Ticket Name	Main Features	Best Suited For
Main Deck	Access to the 86th floor (Open-Air) and the museum on the 2nd floor.	First-time visitors and budget-conscious travelers looking for the classic experience.
Top Deck	Access to the 86th and 102nd floors (glass-enclosed) as well as the museum.	Visitors who want the highest possible view and a more exclusive, quieter experience.
Express Pass	Skip all queues (except security).	Travelers with a tight schedule or visitors on holidays and weekends.
AM/PM Experience	Two visits in one day (once by day, once by night) to the 86th floor.	Photographers and visitors wanting to experience the skyline in both lighting moods; offers good value for money.
Sunrise with Starbucks Reserve®	Exclusive access to the 86th floor at sunrise, including coffee.	Photographers and those seeking a unique, unforgettable, and uncrowded experience.
Flex Ticket	Visit at any time on the selected date to the 86th floor.	Travelers who need maximum flexibility in their schedule.

How Much Time Should You Plan for the Visit?

Plan at least 1.5 to 2 hours for your visit so you can enjoy the exhibitions and the view at your leisure. There is no time limit for staying on the observation decks.

Visitor Information

Address

20 West 34th Street,
New York, NY 10118

How to find us

How to get there

By bus:
Numerous bus routes stop in the immediate vicinity.

By underground:
The nearest stations are only about a five-minute walk away:
◦ 34th Street – Penn Station: Served by lines 1, 2, 3, A, C and E.
◦ 34th Street – Herald Square Station: Accessible via lines B, D, F, M, N, Q, R and W.

By train:
For travellers arriving at Penn Station via Amtrak or New Jersey Transit, the building is just two blocks to the east. From Grand Central Terminal (lines 4, 5, 6, 7), it is about a 10-minute walk.

Opening hours

Daily
The general opening hours are generous, often from 9.00 am until midnight or 1.00 am. However, these times vary considerably depending on the season and day of the week.

Entrance fees

Tickets

Ticket Name	Price (Adult)	Main Features
Main Deck	From $44	Access to the 86th floor (open-air) and the museum on the 2nd floor.
Top Deck	From $79	Access to the 86th and 102nd floors (glass-enclosed) as well as the museum.
Express Pass	Surcharge on standard ticket	Skip all queues (except security).
AM/PM Experience	From $64	Two visits in one day (once by day, once by night) to the 86th floor.
Sunrise with Starbucks Reserve®	$135 per person	Exclusive access to the 86th floor at sunrise, including coffee.
Flex Ticket	From $64	Visit at any time on the selected date to the 86th floor.

Accessibility

The main entrance at 20 W. 34th Street is accessible, and there are ramps throughout the building. Both motorised and non-motorised wheelchairs are permitted. On the 86th floor, there are accessible toilets, lowered viewing walls and binoculars.

FAQ Frequent Asked Questions

FAQ

Where is the entrance?
It is important to distinguish between the building’s two main addresses. The official postal and tenant address is 350 Fifth Avenue. However, the entrance for visitors to the observation deck is at 20 West 34th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenue. The entrances on Fifth Avenue and at 33rd Street are private and not accessible to tourists.

When are the best times to visit?

Early morning (immediately after opening):
Fewer crowds and clear morning light.

Sunset:
The most popular and therefore busiest time. However, the ‘golden hour’ offers an unforgettable display of colours over the city. Please note that a surcharge is often applied for these time slots.

Late evening:
Experience the glittering sea of lights that is New York at night.

Are there lockers?
There are no lockers available for storage.

What items are not allowed?
Weapons, glass bottles, tins, alcoholic drinks, large bags, suitcases, tripods and professional camera equipment are not permitted. A detailed list can be found on the official website.