The Empire State Building

To tour the Empire State Building is to step into a story of grit, ambition, and sky-high dreams. Rising 1,454 feet into the Manhattan skyline, this Art Deco giant isn’t just a building—it’s a living monument to American resilience. Built in the wake of the Great Depression and completed in just over a year, the Empire State Building remains one of the most beloved tourist attractions in New York City. Whether you’re drawn by its cinematic fame, its sweeping views from the top, or its rich past carved in stone and steel, one thing is certain: a visit to the Empire State Building is unforgettable.

 

What to Know

Before you pack your camera and ascend to the top of the Empire State Building, there are a few things worth knowing. This isn’t just another skyscraper—it’s a cultural cornerstone. The Empire State Building tickets grant access to observatories that offer jaw-dropping, panoramic views of the Big Apple from both the 86th and 102nd floors. On clear days, visibility can stretch for 80 miles.

 

But it’s not just about the view. This building tells a story—of the fearless "sky boys" who dangled above the city on steel beams, of immigrant laborers chasing the American dream, and of an era when building upward felt like reaching for the stars.

 

How to Get There

Just head to 20 W. 34th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues. Arriving by subway? Easy. Hop on the B, D, F, M, N, Q, or R to 34th Street–Herald Square or the 1, 2, 3 to Penn Station. Coming in from out of town? Amtrak and NJ Transit drop you just two blocks west.

 

Insider tip: Look for the “Observatory Entrance” right on 34th Street. The main guest entrance is clearly marked. Avoid the entrances on 5th Avenue or 33rd—they’re private access only.

 

Best Time to Visit

Want to skip the crowds? Aim for early mornings or late evenings on weekdays. The golden hour right after sunrise and the sparkling spectacle of the city at night are both unbeatable. Sunset slots are understandably popular, so book in advance if you're eyeing that magic hour.

 

Highlights & Features

 

86th-Floor Observatory:

The main deck offers a 360-degree outdoor view with powerful binoculars to zoom in on landmarks.

 

102nd-Floor Observatory:

A more exclusive experience, recently renovated, and enclosed with floor-to-ceiling glass.

 

Art Deco Lobby:

A visual feast with restored ceiling murals and historic displays.

 

Exhibits on the 2nd and 80th Floors:

Interactive experiences telling the story of the Empire State Building’s construction and cultural impact.

 

Lewis Hine Photography Display:

Rare images from the 1930s capturing daring workers during construction.

 

Sustainability Exhibit:

Learn how the building transformed into a global leader in energy efficiency.

 

Observation Deck Light Shows:

The building’s spire is illuminated in various colors to mark holidays, causes, and city events.

 

History / Fun Facts

Did you know the Empire State Building was constructed in just 13 months—a feat nearly unimaginable today? At its peak, 3,000 workers labored on-site, including bricklayers, carpenters, and ironworkers. But it was the daredevil steelworkers—nicknamed "sky boys"—who truly captured the city's imagination. These men strolled across narrow beams without harnesses, hundreds of feet in the air, often waving to crowds below who watched with bated breath.

A sixteen-year-old water boy once recalled walking the steel beams as a “thrill”—but the real enemy wasn’t height, it was weather. Rain made surfaces slick, and cold temperatures turned hands numb, making the job even riskier.

 

Photographer Lewis Hine braved the same dangers as he captured unforgettable moments during construction. Often suspended in custom baskets high above the streets, he created an enduring visual legacy that’s still on display today.

The workers are forever honored in the building’s grand lobby with medallions and plaques, a tribute to the hands and hearts behind the monument.

 

To visit the Empire State Building is more than just checking off a tourist stop—it’s witnessing the pulse of New York history from a perch that once held the title of the world’s tallest building for over four decades. Whether you're marveling at the skyline from the top of the Empire State Building or soaking in the legacy from the exhibits below, you're part of a story that continues to inspire.

 

So grab your Empire State Building tickets, step into the elevator, and prepare to rise—literally and metaphorically—above it all.