The Complete Empire State Building Guide – Know Before You Go – Tips, Hours, Tickets

Plan your visit on a weekday to avoid long lines and crowds. The Empire State Building address is 350 Fifth Avenue, at 34th Street, in central Manhattan. There is much to plan, but starting with the address and hours makes the process simple. Use this guide to shape planning around exhibits, tickets, and the view.

Hours and observatories: The observatories on the 86th and 102nd floors open from 8:00 AM to 2:00 AM daily, with last entry by late evening. Tickets come in several options: standard access to the 86th-floor observatory, a combined 86th+102nd package, and Express Pass entries. Online prices typically range from about $44 for the 86th-floor ticket to around $70-$90 for the 102nd-floor combo; buying online also lets you pick a time window and skip lines.

Arrive early or reserve an evening slot to minimize lines. When planning, choose the entrance on 34th Street and allocate time for security checks, elevator rides, and a quick walk through the exhibits. If the weather is foggy, you can still enjoy dramatic views, but clarity improves once you reach the observatories. Also note the exterior views can be windy, so bring a light jacket and keep your phone charged for photos. Between climbs, cleaning crews roll a hoover through the lobby to tidy the space.

Inside, you’ll discover exhibits about the building’s design, its mast and exterior silhouette, and its role in many movies and classic city shots. The exterior at street level offers a strong sense of scale, while the interior corridors and the observatories floors provide broad horizon lines for photography. Use each vantage to compare central avenues and the fifth-floor skyline perspective; the late light often makes the skyline pop against the darkening sky.

Tips for getting the most out of your visit: plan to arrive by subway via lines near 34th Street; the B, D, F, and M lines are common nearby, and several bus routes stop within a few blocks of the main entrance. If you drive, look for a garage along Fifth Avenue; note that parking is limited and pricey. Pre-purchasing tickets online reduces wait times, and many visitors download the official app for real-time updates on hours, the exhibits, and the observatories. each traveler may prefer a different time window, so pick yours in advance to maximize photo opportunities.

Know Before You Go: Practical Insights for Visiting

Buy tickets online at least two weeks ahead to lock in your preferred time and skip long standing lines. Your completion of the ascent begins with a smooth security check and quick elevator ride, so plan a light morning and comfortable shoes.

nycs crowds surge on weekends and sunny days. To minimize waits, target a slot right at opening or a late-evening window. Sunday mornings are often quieter, while midweek mornings stay calmer across the year. Plan when the light is best and check hours on the official site to avoid closures or shortened hours on holidays.

Plan an efficient itinerary that fits your group. Start with the 86th-floor observatory for the first skyline look, then decide whether to add the 102nd-floor deck if you have a ticket upgrade. If you wish, watch a short lobby film–the contents cover the building’s architecture and its place in cinema, with clips from classic NYC movies. The guide’s tips help you position for photogenic shots and minimize standing in crowded spots.

Hours and timing vary by season, so verify the official site or thetravel guide before you go. Typical hours run from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., with the last elevator around 1:15 a.m. On national holidays or peak weekends, crowds grow; plan around open windows and consider sunset for dramatic photos. Opened in 1931, built with steel and limestone, the building set a standard for skyscrapers and design.

Money and options: Tickets differ by access level and add-ons. A general admission pass covers the main observatory; express and combination tickets save time if your schedule is tight. Insider tips: buy online, look for guide bundles, and consider a Sunday or weekday visit to stretch your day. More savings come from online-only deals, so check before you buy. Expect prices to reflect demand, so budget accordingly.

Where to plan your day and how to connect with other NYC icons: The Empire State Building sits amid nycs architecture and can pair with a visit to the Statue of Liberty as part of a national itinerary. If you wish for a broader experience, build your day around a film-friendly route that also passes through iconic spots along Fifth Avenue. These contents of a complete experience are shaped by smart pacing and clear priorities backed by this guide. Agree that a concise plan helps you fit the visit into a steady day.

Hours of Operation, Seasonal Closures, and the Best Time to Visit

Plan your visit for a weekday morning between 9:00 and 11:00 to avoid lines and enjoy clearer air. The Empire State Building opens daily at 8:00 and stays open until 2:00, with the final ascent typically around 1:15 a.m. Tickets grant access to the observatories on the 86th-floor decks and the 102nd-floor observatory, including the open-air platforms when weather allows. Buy in advance to lock a preferred time, and review the official list of options to pick the ticket that fits your plan. This opening hour range has become a well-known part of the history of the building, a historic landmark that has opened its doors for years.

To capture the best light and the full panorama, target the early hours when the sun rises across the skyline; the light rises as the city wakes. Weekday mornings are often quieter, and Sunday sessions before noon also calmer. If you prefer dramatic views, schedule for sunset to watch the city glow and the lights begin to rise across the skyline. You can look down from the open-air decks and see the avenues below. The observatories offer different spots for a perfect shot, from the wide decks to the interior spaces, giving you multiple angles to compare. It’s a classic moment in the history of the building, a style of urban sightseeing that this landmark has hosted for years.

The season affects access: high winds or severe weather can pause access to the open-air decks, and routine maintenance may create short closures in winter. Holidays may bring modified hours, so always verify the latest opening times before you go. Sundays can be more relaxed in the mornings, while weekdays may show steadier lines depending on the period. If you’re visiting with kids or a crowd, consider arriving early to reduce wait times and head straight to the 86th-floor spot where the city stretches out below. Even on holidays, crowds can feel calm, like a lamb among the bustle.

Ticket tips and practical hacks: buy in advance, choose combined options for both observatories, and check the final entry time to fit your plan. If you wish for maximum time at the peak, opt for a single-visit window and stay near the lookout until you’ve snapped all the photos you want. For an extra memory, visit the open-air decks on the 86th-floor at dusk, when the light fades and the city begins to glow; else consider a morning visit for crisper air. The ride down gives you a quieter moment to compare city views and reflect on what you’ve seen. The history of this building, opened in 1931 and giving a sense of scale to the city, continues to draw visitors who want to watch the skyline rise and shine as a true landmark.

Ticket Options, Pricing, and How to Save with Bundles

Recommendation: lock Express Entry and a citypass bundle to trim wait times and cut costs, especially on a tight itinerary. Morning visits beat the crowd, and Friday mornings are often quieter than weekend peaks. If you plan around the citypass, you can visit multiple attractions with one purchase, lowering the final bill.

Ticket options fall into two parts: access level and add-ons. Standard Entry covers the 86th-floor observatory; upgrade to the Top Deck for the 102nd-floor view. Express Entry speeds the line, while VIP Guided Experience adds a live guide and priority access to both decks. CityPASS NYC includes Empire State Building along with other major sights, and using it can save money compared with buying each ticket separately. citypass helps keep your itinerary simple around a busy day in the city.

Practical tips: arrive 15 minutes before your timeslot; you can film the skyline from the exterior and facade for a quick first snapshot. When you drive, parking near 5th Avenue can be tight–consider transit or a rideshare. If you travel with luggage, keep it light to move through security faster, and plan visits when you wish to maximize time on your itinerary. Binoculars are not required; a phone with good zoom often suffices. For William and friends, set a simple itinerary around the station and the avenue, note the things you wish to see, and adjust based on weather and mood. Long waits can trigger a bit of depression, so choosing an early slot or a bundled option helps you beat the queue and stay in a positive frame of mind. This approach works in any state of travel and keeps your morning or Friday plan on track.

Skip the Line: Express Entry, Timed Tickets, and Arrival Tips

Book timed tickets online and pick an early or late slot to skip the line. Download the official Empire State Building app to manage your timeslot, see real time updates, and navigate from lobby to the central elevators with confidence.

The world-famous skyscraper opened in 1931 and remains a historic landmark. The true value of timed entry is that you move through security and up to the observation decks with less waiting. Once you have your slot, you’ll move efficiently from arrival to ascent, enjoying more time at the top.

Timed tickets reserve a specific window and help reduce crowds. Reserve a slot, arrive 10–15 minutes before your time, and be ready to present your digital ticket. If plans shift, you can often adjust on the official site or app–making your day more flexible and possible.

Arrival tips to save time:

• Use the central Fifth Avenue entrance and head to security with your digital ticket ready.
• Dress for comfort; wear safe shoes and leave bulky bags at home or use the bag check if offered.
• Bring a valid photo ID if required by your ticket type; otherwise your mobile ticket is enough.
• To maximize views, choose a morning opening or a late afternoon slot; the light is incredible for photos and the crowd tends to be smaller.
• Inside, check out the kong story references and the historic lobby displays that highlight the building’s story and achievements.
• The lobby features liberty themed design elements that symbolize the city’s spirit–take a moment to notice them as you move to the elevators.
• There are many things to notice in the building’s interiors, from Art Deco details to signage guiding you to the elevators; this context adds to the landmark experience.
• Nearby eateries offer quick bites; a lamb sandwich makes a simple pre ascent snack if you’re hungry before you go.
• Plan a stop at the 86th floor for classic skyline views, and, if possible, ride to the 102nd floor for an incredible panorama.
• If you’re visiting anytime, the streamlined process will help you fit more into your day.
• Agree that careful planning makes the most of your time and enhances your understanding of the building’s history and role in the city.

Opening times and rules change with seasons; download the latest details before you go. This guide helps you skip lines, see more, and enjoy every moment on one of the world’s most iconic landmarks–the true story of a once remarkable, central skyscraper that changed the skyline.

Getting There: Subway Access, Meeting Points, and Accessibility

Begin with a direct route: take the subway to 34th Street–Herald Square (B, D, F, M) or 34th Street–penn Station (A, C, E; nearby 1, 2, 3). Exit toward 5th Avenue and 34th Street; youll find the Empire State Building at 20 W 34th St. For a clear meeting point, choose the southeast corner of 34th Street and 5th Avenue, or the main lobby doors on the 5th Avenue side before you enter security. If youll be visiting with a tour, confirm one meeting point to avoid crowds and save time. You can use this list to plan: subway, taxi, or walking options, without guessing.

Accessibility and entrances: The building offers ADA-accessible entry on both the 5th Avenue and 34th Street sides. Two elevators serve the observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors; wheelchairs are available at the security desk, and staff can assist with routes to the decks. Restrooms on the main level are accessible, and clear signage guides you from the lobby to the elevators. When you arrive, ask for assistance if you need it to navigate the route without delay.

Parking and tickets: Parking is limited around Herald Square and Penn Station; use a nearby garage if you drive, or plan to rely on transit. CityPASS holders can use their pass for standard admission and may save time; you can visit anytime during posted hours, but friday afternoons tend to be busiest. For a smoother pace, arrive early or consider a late window to minimize empty minutes between steps.

Tips for the visit: bring binoculars for distant skyline views from the decks; the experience showcases classic exhibits around the history of the american landmark, and the two decks offer shows and perspectives worth capturing around the city. Visiting with a tour? agree on a single meeting point and youll enjoy the climb without the rush. The building opened in 1931 and completed a landmark in record time, an iconic moment in american engineering; источник

Nearby Must-Dos: Walkable Attractions, Photo Spots, and Dining Nearby

Begin with a 10-minute stroll to Bryant Park in the morning light; grab a coffee nearby, stretch your legs, and frame the Empire State Building as the backdrop for your first photos from ground level.

Walkable highlights within a comfortable distance include Bryant Park, the New York Public Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building facing the park, and Macy’s Herald Square. The area along 34th Street offers the largest concentration of midtown dining and quick-bite options, making it easy to pair sightseeing with a casual lunch or snack.

Photo spots include the 34th Street and Fifth Avenue corner for a clean, high-contrast view of the tower’s summit and its antenna mast, a classic shot that goes well with a wide angle lens. In Herald Square, you’ll capture a mix of storefronts and theater marquees with the ESB rising behind; Times Square at dawn provides a stunning glow with fewer crowds. For a different angle, the Chrysler Building in the distance adds a timeless contrast between two icons that known to draw photographers year after year.

Dining nearby ranges from Keens Steakhouse at 72 W 36th St, where heavy-hitter chops meet yorks-inspired lamb specials and a long wall of vintage smoking pipes; Eataly NYC Flatiron at 5th Ave and 23rd St offers Italian staples and vibrant counters, great for a quick lunch; and Shake Shack at Herald Square provides a fast, money-friendly option right in the flow of foot traffic. If you crave lighter bites, a morning pastry or savory croissant is easy to find along 34th Street, perfect for a short rest between stops.

Practical tips: official hours for the Empire State Building and nearby sights vary by season, so check the site before you go and plan around peak times to avoid long lines. If you have a citypass, you can bundle tickets to save money and streamline entry, with express options often available for popular sites. Parking is limited downtown, so consider transit or a short ride to a nearby garage if you drive; the site map and directory next to the ESB entrance help you locate the closest option. The building’s height and story (102-story landmark) mean you’ll want to pace your day, choosing a desired sequence that minimizes backtracking and makes the most of the morning light and steady crowds. Also, be mindful of the heavy foot traffic near lunch hours, and allow time for temporary exhibits at the library or rotating displays in the public spaces around the park.