{"id":25370,"date":"2024-02-15T22:21:26","date_gmt":"2024-02-15T22:21:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newyorkinfo.nl\/preparing-for-a-trip-to-new-york\/empire-state-building-tickets\/"},"modified":"2026-06-09T15:04:59","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T15:04:59","slug":"empire-state-building-tickets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newyorkinfo.nl\/en\/the-best-attractions-in-new-york\/empire-state-building-tickets\/","title":{"rendered":"Empire State Building: Is It Worth a Visit?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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The Empire State Building is one of New York’s most iconic sights<\/a> and one of the city’s oldest observation decks. For many years, it was even the tallest building in the world. However, with newer observation decks such as SUMMIT One Vanderbilt<\/a> and Top of the Rock<\/a>, the question arises: is visiting the Empire State Building still worth it?<\/p>\n

In this blog, I share my experiences, explain what you can expect, and provide practical tips to help you decide whether a visit to the Empire State Building is worth it for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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The two observation decks of the Empire State Building<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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The Empire State Building has two observation decks: one on the 86th floor and another on the 102nd floor. The observation deck on the 86th floor is by far the most popular and is included with the standard admission ticket.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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1. The observation deck on the 86th floor<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Empire\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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The observation deck on the 86th floor is the most visited viewing platform of the Empire State Building. The outdoor deck is surrounded by protective fences, which means you do not have completely unobstructed views and taking photos can sometimes be a bit more challenging.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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2. The observation deck on the 102nd floor<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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For an even higher viewpoint, you can visit the observation deck on the 102nd floor. This observation deck is completely enclosed by floor-to-ceiling glass windows and offers panoramic views of New York City and the surrounding area. Keep in mind that tickets are more expensive than those for the 86th floor, and the views are not dramatically different. If you are looking for an extra special experience, a visit to the 102nd floor may be worth considering. For most visitors, however, the observation deck on the 86th floor already provides a complete experience.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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What can you see from the Empire State Building?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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From the observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors, you can enjoy views over a large part of Manhattan<\/a>. You can spot famous landmarks such as the Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center, and the bustling Times Square. You will also have views of Central Park<\/a>, the Hudson River, the East River, the Statue of Liberty<\/a>, and the Brooklyn Bridge<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Is the Empire State Building worth visiting? My experience<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Over the past ten years, I have visited all of New York City’s observation decks<\/a> multiple times. Although each observation deck has its own atmosphere and unique views, the Empire State Building remains one of the city’s most iconic viewpoints. The building has a rich history and has appeared in numerous famous films. It is this combination of history and breathtaking views that makes a visit so special for many travelers.<\/p>\n

Advantages<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One of the biggest advantages of the Empire State Building, in my opinion, is its location in Midtown Manhattan<\/a>. Because the observation deck is situated farther south than Top of the Rock<\/a>, you get better views of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. From here, you also gain a great sense of just how impressive the New York City skyline truly is.<\/p>\n

Disadvantages<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The biggest drawback of the observation deck on the 86th floor, in my opinion, is the protective fencing surrounding the platform. It can sometimes get in the way when taking photos and may limit the unobstructed views in certain areas.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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What makes the Empire State Building different from other observation decks in New York?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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New York’s observation decks differ quite a bit from one another. Some focus primarily on the views, while others offer a more immersive overall experience. Their location in Manhattan also plays an important role. From certain observation decks, you mainly overlook Central Park and Midtown Manhattan, while others provide better views of Downtown Manhattan, the Hudson River, or the Statue of Liberty.<\/p>\n

What sets the Empire State Building apart from the other observation decks in New York is its combination of history, recognizability, and views. The building plays an important role in the city’s history and has appeared in numerous famous films. It is also one of the few observation decks that still features a classic open-air platform.<\/p>\n

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, on the other hand, focuses more on the overall experience. In addition to the views, mirrors, light installations, and interactive spaces play a major role. Top of the Rock is best known for its spectacular views of the Empire State Building and Central Park.<\/p>\n

Edge at Hudson Yards<\/a> is especially popular with visitors looking for height and excitement. The observation deck extends outward from the building and features a glass floor. One World Observatory<\/a> stands out because of its location in Lower Manhattan and its views of landmarks such as the Hudson River and Brooklyn<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, the observation deck that suits you best depends on what you value most. If you are looking for a classic viewpoint with a rich history, the Empire State Building is an excellent choice. If you prefer a modern and interactive experience, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is a great option. Top of the Rock is ideal if you want to capture photos of the Empire State Building itself, while Edge and One World Observatory each offer a completely different perspective of New York.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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The Empire State Building Museum<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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On the second floor, you will find the Empire State Building Museum. Here, you can learn more about the history of the building and discover how this famous skyscraper was designed and constructed. The museum features historic photographs, original drawings, and interactive exhibits. One of the highlights is the presentation about the Empire State Building’s role in famous films, including King Kong<\/em>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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The King Kong Experience<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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In the museum, you will also find the King Kong Experience. In this exhibit, it feels as though King Kong is climbing the Empire State Building. You can see his giant hand while the sounds of the city play in the background. It is a fun addition to the visit, especially for movie enthusiasts and families.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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How long does a visit to the Empire State Building take?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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A visit to the Empire State Building typically takes between 1 and 2 hours. There is no time limit on how long you can stay on the observation decks. The total duration of your visit mainly depends on the crowds and the type of ticket you have.<\/p>\n

Waiting times<\/h3>\n

Allow approximately 45 to 60 minutes for security checks and the elevator queues. During busy periods, such as holidays or around sunset, waiting times can increase to more than 90 minutes.<\/p>\n

Time spent on the observation decks<\/h3>\n

Once at the top, most visitors spend around 30 to 60 minutes enjoying the views and taking photos.<\/p>\n

The elevator ride<\/h3>\n

The elevator ride to the top takes less than a minute. During the journey, you will see a projection that tells you more about the history of New York City.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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When is the best time to visit the Empire State Building?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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During the day, you will have the clearest views of New York’s famous landmarks. If you want to avoid the biggest crowds, it is best to visit the Empire State Building early in the morning. In the evening, the thousands of city lights create a completely different atmosphere.<\/p>\n

Personally, I believe that sunrise is the most beautiful time to visit the Empire State Building’s observation deck. You can watch the city gradually transition from night to day as the skyline slowly comes to life. Keep in mind that this is a popular time to visit, and tickets often sell out more quickly.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Opening hours<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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The Empire State Building is open 365 days a year, regardless of the weather. Opening hours are daily from 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Please note that the last elevator to the observation decks departs 45 minutes before closing time.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Where is the Empire State Building located, and how do you get there?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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The Empire State Building is located on Fifth Avenue, between 33rd Street and 34th Street in Manhattan.<\/p>\n

Address:<\/strong>
20 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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