Entrance and Restrooms
- Handicap-accessible main entrance, located at 20 West 34th Street
- Handicap-accessible restrooms on the 86th Floor Observation Deck
Empire State Building Accessibility
Everyone can enjoy the view from the top. Empire State Building accessibility begins at the street entrance and continues all the way to the Observation Decks, because the safety and comfort of our guests is our top priority. Visitors with disabilities can reach both decks and move through every public space. Our goal is to make sure every guest can take in the New York City skyline with ease.
The Empire State Building is fully ADA-compliant
Strollers
- Visitors with strollers are welcome to visit the Empire State Building
- However, they must be able to fold up the strollers in our Observation Deck areas
Wheelchairs
- Motorized and non-motorized wheelchairs are permitted
- Ramps are implemented throughout the building
- Lowered viewing walls and binoculars
Service dogs
- Service dogs are allowed throughout the building
Health and Safety Measures
Indoor Environmental Quality
As part of our $165 million renovation, we implemented new air quality measures:
- MERV 13 air filters
- State-of-the-art air purification improves air quality and reduces the risk of virus transmission
- Fresh air ventilation
- System designed to provide clean air to over 1,600 hourly visitors
WELL Health-Safety Rated
Empire State Realty Trust is the first commercial real estate portfolio in the U.S. to achieve the WELL Health-Safety Rating.
The WELL Health-Safety Rating is an evidence-based, third-party verified rating for all new and existing building and space types and is focused on operational policies, maintenance protocols, emergency plans and stakeholder engagement strategies.
The WELL Health-Safety Rating measures four categories:
- Cleaning and sanitization procedures
- Emergency preparedness programs
- Air and water quality management
- Stakeholder engagement and communications
Indoor Environmental Quality
As part of our $165 million renovation, we implemented new air quality measures:
- MERV 13 air filters
- State-of-the-art air purification improves air quality and reduces the risk of virus transmission
- Fresh air ventilation
- System designed to provide clean air to over 1,600 hourly visitors
WELL Health-Safety Rated
Empire State Realty Trust is the first commercial real estate portfolio in the U.S. to achieve the WELL Health-Safety Rating.
The WELL Health-Safety Rating is an evidence-based, third-party verified rating for all new and existing building and space types and is focused on operational policies, maintenance protocols, emergency plans and stakeholder engagement strategies.
The WELL Health-Safety Rating measures four categories:
- Cleaning and sanitization procedures
- Emergency preparedness programs
- Air and water quality management
- Stakeholder engagement and communications
Plan Your Visit
Experience the View
World’s Best 2024
Named the #1 Attraction in the World by Tripadvisor's 2024 Travelers' Choice Awards.
Top U.S. Attraction
#1 Top Attraction in the U.S. in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things to Do.
60K+ Five-Star Ratings
More than 60,000 five-star reviews from visitors around the world.
FAQ: Empire State Building Accessibility
Yes, wheelchair users get the same Empire State Building view as anyone else. The 86th Floor Observation Deck has lowered viewing walls and accessible binoculars, so seated visitors get a clear, unobstructed look at the New York City skyline. Both decks are reachable by elevator, and the open-air 86th Floor is the most accessible spot to take it in.
Yes, an elevator takes you to the top of the Empire State Building, so no visitor needs to use stairs to reach the view. As part of the broader Empire State Building accessibility goals, both the open-air 86th Floor and the enclosed 102nd Floor are reachable by elevator, to make the trip to the top comfortable for guests who use a wheelchair or cannot stand for long stretches of time.
Yes, service dogs are welcome throughout the Empire State Building, including both Observation Decks and every public area. Under the ADA, staff may ask only if the dog is a service animal and what task it performs, so no paperwork is needed at the door.
The nearest elevator-equipped subway station is 34th Street–Herald Square, a short, step-free walk from the Empire State Building's main entrance at 20 West 34th Street. It puts you within a few blocks of the door without stairs, and a map of accessible routes helps you plan the last stretch.
Yes, the Empire State Building wheelchair accessible route runs from the street to the top. The main entrance at 20 West 34th Street is step-free, ramps run throughout the building, and elevators reach both Observation Decks. The building is fully ADA-compliant, and both motorized and non-motorized wheelchairs are permitted.