Empire State Building: Tickets, Tips & Our Honest Experience

What Is the Empire State Building?

The Empire State Building is one of the most iconic skyscrapers in the world — and one of the most recognizable attractions in New York.

It stands on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan and rises over 380 meters tall.

The observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors offer a spectacular view of the New York skyline and are naturally the biggest draw for visitors.

Another highlight is the Empire State Building’s nighttime illumination, which lights up in different colors — often tied to holidays, sporting events, or special occasions.

Empire State Building Tickets: Admission to the Observation Deck

To help you find the right Empire State Building ticket, we’ll walk you through all your options, compare them side by side, and give you our personal recommendation.

Where Is the Best Place to Buy Your Empire State Building Ticket?

The best place to buy your Empire State Building ticket is online in advance.

Buy Empire State Building Tickets from the Official Provider

Buy Empire State Building Tickets on GetYourGuide

Booking online makes your visit way less stressful — you lock in a time slot and can plan your day around it without any guesswork.

On top of that, last-minute tickets bought on-site during peak season can come with price markups due to high demand.

The official ticket shop carries all available tickets for the Empire State Building. GetYourGuide also offers a solid selection: 86th Floor General Admission, 86th & 102nd Floor combo, Express ticket, Express combo, and the Sunrise Experience.

A detailed comparison table is coming right up.

One important difference: cancellations are non-refundable through the official ticket shop. With GetYourGuide, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your visit and get a full refund.

If you prefer to keep things spontaneous and don’t mind potentially paying a little more, you can also buy a timed-entry ticket on-site at one of the ticket machines.

What Empire State Building Tickets Are Available and How Much Do They Cost?

The tables below show all regular tickets for the Empire State Building, including prices and links to the ticket shop.

Empire State Building Tickets from the Official Provider

Note: GA stands for General Admission. General Admission is the standard entry level.

Empire State Building Tickets from Third-Party Providers

Are There Discounts for Children, Students, etc.?

Yes, admission to the Empire State Building is cheaper for certain groups.

Children ages 6 to 12 typically pay $5 to $6 less than adults for each ticket type. Children under 6 get in free. Seniors aged 62 and older receive a $2 discount.

International students can get up to 25% off with an International Student Identity Card (ISIC).

Can You Visit the Empire State Building Observation Deck Without Advance Planning?

Yes, you can visit without booking ahead — tickets are available on-site at the ticket machines. That said, last-minute tickets can be pricier, especially during busy periods.

You should also be prepared to wait a while during peak season if you show up without a reservation, as lines can get seriously long.

To avoid burning too much of your New York time standing in a queue, we’d recommend buying your ticket online.

Is the Empire State Building Included in a New York City Pass?

Yes, admission to the Empire State Building is included in all major New York passes. That’s actually how we got in.

We used the Explorer Pass with 3 attractions from Go City. It’s super easy and worked without a hitch.

We recommend downloading the Go City app — it gives you all the info you need for each attraction and clearly explains how to book your time slot.

We booked our time slot about an hour before entry and shifted it slightly shortly before arriving. On-site, we just showed our booked time slot and the pass. Done.

You can find our full pass comparison for New York here:

Empire State Building Ticket Recommendation: 86th Floor General Admission Ticket

For your visit to the Empire State Building, we recommend the 86th Floor General Admission ticket. It’s the most affordable option and still delivers a fantastic experience at New York’s most iconic skyscraper.

The ticket includes:

• Access to the open-air observation deck on the 86th floor
• 360-degree panoramic views of New York City
• Access to the exhibition galleries

The ticket price is:

• Adults: $48
• Children (ages 6–12): $42
• Seniors (62+): $46

Here’s where you can buy the ticket:

• Online through the official ESB ticket shop
• Online through GetYourGuide
• On-site at the ticket machine

Getting There: How to Reach the Empire State Building in New York

The Empire State Building is located at 350 Fifth Avenue, between 33rd and 34th Streets in Manhattan. It’s very centrally located and easy to reach by public transit or on foot.

Empire State Building on Google Maps

By New York City Subway

The subway is the fastest and most convenient way to get to the Empire State Building. Multiple lines stop at 33rd and 34th Streets.

• 34th Street/Herald Square Station: Lines B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W, 5-minute walk
• 33rd Street Station: Line 6, 4-minute walk
• 34th Street/Penn Station: Lines 1, 2, 3, A, C, E, 7-minute walk

Check out our tips for riding the subway in New York!

On Foot

If you’re already in Midtown Manhattan, you can easily walk to the Empire State Building. Times Square, for example, is only about ten to fifteen minutes away on foot.

Empire State Building: What to Expect During Your Visit

To make sure your Empire State Building visit goes smoothly, here’s everything you need to know before you go.

Empire State Building Hours

The Empire State Building is open daily from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Last entry is at 10:15 PM.

Hours can vary by season, so if you’re planning a spontaneous visit, it’s worth checking the current times on the official website.

What Is the Best Time to Visit the Empire State Building?

The best time to visit the Empire State Building really depends on what kind of experience you’re after.

In the morning, there are fewer visitors, wait times are shorter, and on clear days the light over the city is soft and ideal for photos.

Around midday and in the afternoon, it gets seriously busy. We’d avoid these times if you can.

Sunset offers similarly beautiful light to early morning, but tickets are pricier at that time of day.

Late at night, you get an unforgettable view of illuminated New York. Just keep in mind that you won’t see the Empire State Building’s own light show from up there — after all, you’re standing right on top of it.

Are There Different Entrances for Different Ticket Types?

Yes, the Empire State Building has separate entrances depending on your ticket type.

All standard tickets (GA) use the main entrance on 5th Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets.

Express ticket holders have access to a dedicated entrance for faster entry. You’ll find it at 20 West 34th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues.

Empire State Building Wait Times

Wait times at the Empire State Building depend on the time of day and the season.

Expect the longest waits:

• on weekends
• on holidays
• during school breaks
• at midday & in the afternoon
• at sunset

During those times, waits of 30 to 90 minutes are possible — even with a booked time slot.

Expect the shortest waits:

• on weekdays (Monday through Thursday)
• early in the morning
• in the evening (after sunset)

During those times, you’re typically looking at just ten to twenty minutes.

During our morning visit, we really lucked out. There were none of the usual long lines, and the crowds were nowhere near as heavy as we’d expected. We were genuinely surprised.

Security at the Empire State Building New York

The security check at the Empire State Building is similar to airport security — which is pretty standard at major New York attractions. Expect metal detectors and bag checks.

What Can You Bring to the Observation Deck and What Can't You?

These items are NOT allowed at the Empire State Building:

• Large luggage & suitcases (no on-site storage available)
• Food & drinks (baby food is permitted)
• Camera tripods
• Glass bottles & alcoholic beverages
• Weapons & sharp objects (knives, scissors, etc.)
• Skateboards, scooters, etc.
• Musical instruments & loud devices
• Masks & costumes (except on Halloween)

These items are allowed at the Empire State Building:

• Small bags & backpacks
• Phones & small cameras (without a tripod)
• Strollers (must be folded. We recommend a travel stroller)

Is the Empire State Building Accessible?

Yes, the Empire State Building is fully accessible. There are accessible elevators, accessible restrooms, and service animals are welcome.

How Much Time Should You Plan for the Empire State Building?

Plan on one and a half to two hours for your visit to the observation deck. That’s a solid amount of time for most of the observation decks in New York.

What Can You Do at the Empire State Building?

Wondering what you’ll actually experience at the Empire State Building? Here are the highlights:

Views from the Empire State Building

The Empire State Building isn’t just a stunning landmark from street level — it also delivers a spectacular panorama over New York City. From the 86th or 102nd floor, you get a 360-degree view of the entire city.

To the north you can see Central Park, to the east the Chrysler Building, the East River, and Brooklyn — a great neighborhood for staying overnight in New York — and in the distance, the One World Trade Center pierces the sky. Breathtaking!

Exhibition at the Empire State Building

Before you reach the observation deck, you’ll walk through an immersive exhibition covering the history, unique features, and construction of the Empire State Building.

You’ll see how the building was constructed, along with historical photos and animated recreations. You’ll also discover which celebrities have visited and which movies have featured the building in a starring role.

And since we’re on the subject: King Kong naturally can’t be left out. One of the standout moments is King Kong’s hands reaching through the walls — a seriously fun photo op.

Light Shows & Events at the Empire State Building

You’ve probably heard about the Empire State Building’s light shows. The top of the skyscraper regularly lights up in changing colors tied to specific events — holidays, major sporting moments, and more.

But it gets even cooler. There are music-synchronized light shows where the lighting flashes in time with songs — broadcast live on New York radio and online.

You can also go up to the observation deck during the light show at no extra charge. That said, we’d actually suggest watching from another deck like The Edge or Top of the Rock so you can really take in the full effect.

Our Experience: Is the Empire State Building Worth It?

The Empire State Building is, without question, one of New York’s most famous landmarks — and its iconic status alone makes it a must-see.

Our visit to the observation deck was exciting and genuinely impressive.

We had a time slot ticket for 10:30 AM and walked straight through to the security check — no wait, no crowds. Compared to other observation decks we’ve visited, this was by far the least busy.

We really did get lucky, because the Empire State Building is well known for heavy visitor traffic.

The exhibition you walk through before heading up was super interesting. We especially loved the King Kong installation with his hands reaching through the walls. And the movie posters were a nice touch too.

Then it’s up to the 86th floor in a historic elevator. Once you’re there, you can walk all the way around the building and take in a spectacular 360-degree view of New York. The view of Rockefeller Center from up here is particularly impressive.

What we really loved was the open design of the deck. The wind, the sounds of the city, and the unobstructed sightlines make the whole experience feel especially raw and real.

The visit was a great experience. That said, we’ll be totally honest: we actually prefer the view of the Empire State Building from another deck — like The Edge — over the view of the city from the Empire State Building itself.

Our top tip: save money at the Empire State Building by going with the cheaper 86th floor ticket, and put those savings toward a ticket for The Edge. That way you get the best of both worlds.

The Surrounding Area: Combining the Empire State Building with Other New York Highlights

Because the Empire State Building is so centrally located, you can easily pair your visit with a stroll through the neighborhood and tick off more highlights along the way.

These attractions are located near the Empire State Building:

• Macy’s: one of the largest and most famous department stores in the world
• Bryant Park: a beautiful, peaceful park right in the middle of Manhattan
• Madison Square Garden: famous event and sports arena
• New York Public Library: a massive, impressive library
• Grand Central Terminal: legendary train hall with its famous celestial ceiling
• Times Square: the heart of Midtown, with Broadway, countless illuminated signs, and shops
• Flatiron Building: one of New York’s most recognizable buildings

Empire State Building Surroundings on the Map

For a better overview, we’ve marked the Empire State Building and the highlights listed above on a map.

All seven attractions are five to fifteen minutes from the Empire State Building on foot.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Empire State Building New York

The History of the Empire State Building

Ever wondered why the Empire State Building means so much to Americans? Here’s the quick version:

The Empire State Building is the embodiment of the great American dream — built at a time when hardly anyone dared to think big. Specifically, during the Great Depression.

In 1929, the world economy collapsed, the stock market hit rock bottom, and millions of people lost their jobs. And right then, a group of developers decided: Hey, let’s build the tallest building in the world.

While all of America was fighting to survive, a skyscraper was rising into the sky in Manhattan. It was finished in just 13 months — faster than any building before it. The problem? Nobody wanted to move in. The offices sat empty, and the Empire State Building became known as the “Empty State Building.”

And guess who came to the rescue. King Kong. That’s right. The giant gorilla finally made the Empire State Building famous in 1933 by climbing up the side of it. Suddenly, everyone wanted to visit the observation deck. From that point on, the building was a true architectural icon.

And as befits an icon, the Empire State Building has been through quite a lot — and still stands tall.

In 1945, a bomber flew straight into the 79th floor in dense fog. Despite the fire, debris, and chaos, the building remained standing. Lightning also has a thing for it — the Empire State Building gets struck over a hundred times a year. That doesn’t faze it either.

Today, the Empire State Building is the glowing heart of New York. And even if it can’t quite match the newer skyscrapers in terms of modernity, it holds onto its iconic status with ease. After all, Spider-Man doesn’t swing past SUMMIT — he swings past the Empire State Building, hehe.