Your New York Moment Awaits

The Empire State Building is famous for topping the New York skyline in 1931 and for becoming a global cultural icon in the decades since. Its Art Deco spire has appeared on screen since King Kong in 1933, and in 2011 Cornell researchers named it the most photographed building in the world. The Empire State Building lights still mark holidays, causes, and city milestones, which is just one of the reasons why it ranks among the best tourist attractions in New York.

At the Empire State Building you can visit two observation decks, walk through a museum, and eat or shop without leaving the building. It is one of the few NYC attractions that puts all three under one roof. The 86th Floor Observation Deck is open-air with 360-degree views, while the enclosed 102nd Floor Observation Deck sits sixteen floors higher behind floor-to-ceiling glass. Galleries on the 2nd and 80th Floors cover the building's construction and its run through pop culture.

The Empire State Building stands 1,250 feet to its top floor and 1,454 feet counting the spire and antenna. It rises from Fifth Avenue at 34th Street in Midtown Manhattan, with 103 floors, 1,860 steps to the 102nd Floor Observation Deck, and 73 Otis elevators so you don't have to actually walk them. It was the tallest building in the world when it opened in 1931 and is now the fourth tallest in New York City.

The Empire State Building opened on May 1, 1931. Construction broke ground on March 17, 1930 and was completed in 1 year and 45 days. It was originally intended to be the world's first 100-plus-story building. Alfred E. Smith, a former Governor of New York State, headed the company behind it.

The 86th Floor Observation Deck is open-air and the 102nd Floor Observation Deck is enclosed, 16 floors higher, with floor-to-ceiling glass. The 86th Floor is the classic Empire State Building experience — outdoor air, unobstructed photography, and the deck you have seen in countless films. The 102nd Floor adds views that stretch across six states on a clear day, a one-of-a-kind glass elevator ride, and a quieter, weather-protected space that many visitors prefer in winter or rain. 

No, the Empire State Building observation decks and museum galleries require a ticket, with every visit needing a timed reservation. There is no free admission to the decks. Every ticket does include the museum galleries on the 2nd and 80th Floors, so there is nothing extra to buy once you are inside.

Yes, all tickets include access to the Empire State Building’s immersive museum experience. Explore galleries on the second and 80th floors which feature interactive exhibits, historic artifacts, and pop culture moments — all included on your journey to the top.

The Express Pass skips the second floor exhibits for faster entry, but guests may still choose to visit them during their experience.

The Empire State Building is open 365 days a year, rain, shine, or snow. Our hours vary seasonally to ensure the best possible visitor experience. During the winter season, we install heaters on our outdoor 86th Floor Observation Deck for our guests' comfort. 

For the most up-to-date hours on the day of your visit, please check the opening hours listed at the top of our homepage or on the Hours of Operations page. All visits require a timed reservation to help create a smooth and enjoyable experience.

You can buy Empire State Building tickets both on-site and online, though booking online in advance is strongly recommended. Reservations are required for entry and our ticket office at 12 W 34th Street (between Fifth and Sixth Avenues) cannot guarantee your preferred date and time. For added flexibility, consider the Flex Ticket, which allows you to choose the date of your visit and arrive at any time during operating hours on that day.