Avoid the crowds and take a tour of New York's 102-story Art Deco Empire State Building, which has a rich history. From the 86th level or, for an additional fee, the 102nd storey, take in the stunning metropolis. To see this amazing structure, purchase tickets for Empire State Building Observatory.
To experience the once-in-a-lifetime vista from the top deck observatory of the Empire State Building, continue your ascent by purchasing rare 102nd-floor tickets. Thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows on all sides, you can see up to 80 miles away and it gives you a genuine 360° perspective.
In 2009, this section of the ESB underwent restoration, and Art Deco features can be seen, including ceiling murals in 24-karat gold and aluminum leaf that honor the mechanical era and the planets and stars. One of New York City's most well-known images, a representation of the ESB with light beams emanating from the mast, is shown in this Fifth Avenue foyer.
The planning and construction stages of the Empire State Building are depicted in this exhibit. It details the ESB's history, engineering, and construction and honors the deserving efforts of the designers and workers who contributed in building the ESB. You can go through the original documents in this exhibit, which also includes historical photographs, architectural blueprints, construction notes, and other bookkeeping records.
This is the highest open-air observatory in the entire city of New York and provides a 360-degree view of the Manhattan skyline without any obstructions. The 86th floor observatory has an enclosed viewing gallery and an outdoor open-air viewing space, enabling it to be open every day of the year.
The 102nd floor is an enclosed, climate-controlled, all-weather observation deck that offers 360-degree views of the city and beyond from the center of New York City and is made up of 24 eight-foot-tall, crystal-clear glass. The cost to enter the observatories varies; one ticket enables entry up to the 86th floor; a separate fee is required to visit the 102nd floor.
Location: 20 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10118.
Timings: Monday – Sunday: 8 am to 2 am.
Best Time to Visit: Mornings between 8 am and 11 am and evenings after 10.45 pm are the ideal times to see the Empire State Building. Weekends and the early evenings after work are the busiest times. Try to avoid the afternoon hours between 11 am and 3 pm when you might anticipate a tourist crowd.
How To Reach:
By Car: From the city center, take the FDR Dr. route; it will take you around 19 minutes to get there.
By Bus: Take the bus from 6 Avenue & Canal Street at 44 St. 6 Ave. and get off at 6 Avenue & 29 St.; it will take you three minutes to walk there.
What is the minimum age required to book Empire State Building Observatory Tickets?
Children of age 6 years and above 6 are required to purchase Empire State Building Observatory Tickets to enter the building.
Do we have to book in advance for Empire State Building Observatory Tickets?
Reservations are required for entry. To avoid excessive lineups on the day of your trip, it is strongly advised that you book your tickets for Empire State Building Observatory in advance.
Do we have to buy separate Empire State Building Observatory Tickets for Kids?
Yes, we need to buy separate Empire State Building Observatory Tickets for Kids. Children's tickets are less expensive than those for adults and children under the age of six can enter for free.
What makes the Empire State Building Observatory so famous?
Due to its height, observation decks, and Art Deco architecture, the skyscraper is an extremely popular tourist attraction. The building's observatories on the 86th and 102nd floors draw about four million visitors annually from across the world. The size of the building is now used as the benchmark for measuring other constructions' height and length around the world.
When is the Empire State Building Observatory open?
The Empire State Building Observatory is open seven days a week from 8 am to 2 am.