Is the Empire State Building worth it
For first time visitors to NYC the answer is yes. The Empire State Building is part of the city DNA. The 86th floor open-air observation deck is genuinely beautiful, and the wind on your face at 1,050 feet above 5th Avenue is something a fully glassed deck cannot replicate. The art-deco lobby, the historic elevators and the King Kong references add cultural depth that newer decks lack.
For repeat visitors, Top of the Rock or Edge often deliver better photos because they show the Empire State Building in the frame. But for one-time visitors who want the classic NYC moment, the Empire State remains the iconic choice.
Types of tickets
The Empire State Building sells tickets in four main categories.
- Main deck (86th floor) $44: The classic open-air deck. Standard ticket.
- Main + 102nd floor $79: Adds the enclosed top deck 16 floors higher.
- Express main deck $79: Skip every queue. Best at peak hours.
- Express main + 102nd $129: Premium pass with both decks and queue skip.
Some passes (CityPASS, Sightseeing Pass) include the main deck at no extra cost. The 102nd floor is always a paid upgrade.
Best time to visit
The Empire State opens at 10am and closes at 2am. The sweet spots are first thing in the morning (10am to 11am, almost empty) and after 10pm (city lights, no queue). Sunset is the most photogenic but also the busiest hour, with timed-entry slots selling out 1 to 2 weeks ahead.
For photographers, arrive 1 hour before sunset to catch the day-to-night transition. Bring a phone strap or compact camera. Tripods are not allowed.
How to get there
The entrance is on 5th Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets. The closest subway is 34th Street Herald Square (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W). 34th Street Penn Station (1, 2, 3) is also a 5 minute walk. From Times Square it is a 10 minute walk straight down 5th Avenue, or one stop on the N or R train.
Combo passes that include the Empire State Building
New York CityPASS, Sightseeing Pass, and Go City Explorer all bundle Empire State Building main deck access. CityPASS is the best value if you also visit the Statue of Liberty, the American Museum of Natural History, and the 9/11 Museum. Sightseeing Pass is more flexible for shorter trips.
Top Empire State Building tours on Viator
Beyond the standard ticket, several operators sell guided Midtown walking tours that include skip-the-line Empire State entry. Prices $79 to $145 per person and include 90 minutes of guided context on Art Deco architecture, Manhattan history, and the building itself.
Book your Empire State Building tickets
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See Empire State TicketsNearby attractions
The Empire State Building sits in the heart of Midtown, a walkable distance from several other top NYC experiences.
- Top of the Rock: 12 minutes walk north on 5th Avenue. The deck with the best Empire State photo.
- Edge at Hudson Yards: 15 minutes by subway west. The newest deck with the outdoor glass floor.
- Times Square: 8 minutes walk north. Combine for a Midtown evening.
Frequently asked questions
The 86th floor is open-air with stone and glass railings. The 102nd floor is fully enclosed with floor-to-ceiling windows, 16 floors higher. Most visitors find the 86th more atmospheric. The 102nd offers a quieter view but no wind in your face.
Plan 90 minutes from arrival to exit. Security and the elevator can take 30 to 45 minutes at peak times. The deck visit itself is 30 to 45 minutes.
Yes if you visit during peak hours (10am to 4pm or after sunset). The express pass cuts wait times from 90 minutes to under 15. Off peak the regular ticket is fine.
Last elevator at 1am, deck closes at 2am. The late evening hours are the least crowded and offer the best photos of the city lights.
No outside food or drink is allowed past security. There is a small cafe on the 86th floor.
Yes. Kids 6 to 12 pay $38 for the main deck. Under 6 are free with an adult ticket.
