The Empire State Building is one of the most iconic landmarks in New York City and the entire United States. This historic art deco skyscraper offers stunning 360-degree views of the Big Apple from its two observatories on the 86th and 102nd floors. If you’re planning a trip to NYC, a visit to the Empire State Building should definitely be on your itinerary. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting, including hours of operation, ticket prices and tips for making the most of your experience.
Empire State Building Hours
The Empire State Building is open 365 days a year, but visiting hours vary by season.
Here are the current hours:
- March 10 – April 11: 9am to 11pm, last entry at 10:15pm
- April 12 – April 27: 9am to 12am, last entry at 11:15pm
- April 28 – May 15: 10am to 11:30pm, last entry at 10:45pm
- May 16 – June 30: 9am to 12am, last entry at 11:15pm
As you can see, the latest you can enter the building is 11:15pm from spring through early summer. Hours are extended during the busy summer months when it stays open until 2am!
The last elevators go up to the observatories at 45 minutes prior to closing time. And the last elevators come down 15 minutes before closing so make sure to budget enough time.
Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded if you want to beat the rush. July and August are the busiest months. Weather can also impact hours so check the website for any changes.
Empire State Building Ticket Options
There are a few different ticket options when visiting the Empire State Building
86th Floor Observatory Starts at $44 for adults, $38 for children. This offers 360 degree open-air views from the main observation deck on the 86th floor, 1,050 feet up.
102nd Floor Observatory: Starts at $79 for adults, $73 for children. This higher deck offers indoor views 1,250 feet up from the 102nd floor.
Express Pass: Starts at $89 for adults. This offers access to the express elevator from the lobby straight to the 102nd floor. Great for avoiding lines!
AM/PM Experience: Starts at $109 for adults. This ticket allows you to visit once in daylight, and once at night to see the sunset and city lights.
CityPASS: Starts at $144 for adults. This includes admission to the Empire State plus 4 other major NYC attractions over 9 days. Great option for sightseeing!
When buying tickets directly from the Empire State Building website, there is a $5 surcharge per transaction. You can avoid fees by getting tickets from third party vendors like CityPASS.
Handy Tips for Visiting The Empire State Building
Here are some tips to make the most of your visit to the Empire State Building:
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Purchase tickets in advance online. This allows you to skip the long ticket lines at the building. You’ll just go straight to the security check.
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Visit early or late in the day to avoid massive crowds during peak times. First thing in the morning or later at night are less busy.
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Check the forecast. If possible, aim for a clear day for the best city views. The views are still amazing even on cloudy days though!
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Dress for the weather if visiting the open-air 86th floor deck, especially in colder months. It can get quite windy up there.
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Upgrade your ticket to 102nd floor and/or Express Pass for shortest lines. The 86th floor deck draws bigger crowds.
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Allow 2-3 hours for your visit, especially if you plan to visit both observatories. This gives you ample time to enjoy the views at your own pace.
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Store bags at the baggage check before going through security. No large bags are allowed at the top.
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Bring your camera! For breathtaking photos of New York City. Try different spots on both decks for great angles.
Visiting the Empire State Building is an only-in-New-York experience. Following these tips will help you make the most of your visit to this iconic Art Deco skyscraper and its spectacular views. Don’t forget to look down too at the streets below for a real sense of the building’s immense scale. With a little planning, you’ll have an unforgettable time at one of the Big Apple’s top attractions.
FAQ
What hours can you visit the Empire State Building?
What are the regular opening hours of the Empire State Building? The Empire State Building is usually open every day between 9am and 11pm.
What is the best time to go to the Empire State Building?
Head up in the morning or after 8 p.m. During these times, it’s less crowded and you can enjoy a more private, romantic view of NYC.
Is it worth going to the 102nd floor?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a more exclusive and peaceful experience, the 102nd floor deck is well worth the upgrade. It’s a great choice if you want to avoid the crowds on the 86th floor and is ideal for photographers seeking clearer, unobstructed shots through floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
How late can you go up in the Empire State Building?
The Empire State Building observatory is open 365 days a year, from 9 a.m. to around 12 a.m., with the last elevator going up at 11:15 p.m. The observatory hours can vary from month to month. Purchased tickets allow you to go up to either the 86th floor observation deck or the 102nd floor for an extra charge.