The Empire State Building is one of the rare New York attractions that can feel familiar before you have ever seen it in person. Its Art Deco silhouette has appeared in movies, photographs and postcards for generations, yet standing on the open-air 86th-floor observation deck still feels unmistakably like New York.
Visiting well, however, requires more planning than simply buying the first ticket you see. The building now offers museum-style exhibits, timed entry, an open-air 86th-floor deck and an optional 102nd-floor observatory. This guide explains what each ticket level offers, the best time to visit and whether the higher deck is worth the extra cost.
Why visit the Empire State Building?
The strongest reason is not that it is the highest observation deck in the city—it is not. The appeal is the combination of history, architecture and open-air skyline views. From Midtown you look south toward Lower Manhattan, west toward Hudson Yards, east toward Queens and north toward Central Park and the towers of Midtown.
The Empire State Building opened in 1931 and became an instant symbol of New York’s vertical ambition. Today, the observatory experience also includes exhibits that explain the construction of the skyscraper and its place in popular culture. If you want only the highest possible viewpoint, another observatory may suit you better. If you want the most classic New York skyscraper experience, this one is hard to replace.
86th floor vs 102nd floor
The 86th Floor Main Deck is the essential part of the visit. It is open air, wraps around the building and gives you 360-degree views. For many travelers, this is the strongest deck because you can feel the wind, hear the city and photograph the skyline without being completely enclosed behind glass.
The 102nd Floor Top Deck is higher and enclosed with floor-to-ceiling windows. On a clear day, the official attraction says visibility can extend up to 80 miles. The perspective is more expansive, but the experience is less tactile than the 86th floor.
If your budget is limited, I would choose the 86th floor and spend the difference on another New York experience. If this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip and you enjoy observation decks, the 102nd floor can be a worthwhile upgrade.
Current opening hours
The Empire State Building is open every day, but operating hours change during the year. The official Empire State Building hours page currently lists extended summer hours and shorter hours during parts of autumn and winter. Timed reservations are required, and the final entry is generally one hour before closing.
Because the schedule changes seasonally, do not copy an opening time from an old blog post. Check the official site again a few days before your visit.
Best time to visit
Morning
Morning is the easiest choice if you want a calmer visit and clearer views. The city can feel surprisingly peaceful from above before the middle of the day. It also leaves your afternoon free for museums, Central Park or neighborhoods.
Sunset
Sunset is the most dramatic time because you can see New York in daylight, golden hour and after dark. It is also one of the busiest and most expensive periods. If sunset matters to you, book well in advance and arrive early enough that security or elevator queues do not make you miss the light.
Night
At night, the city becomes a field of lights and Midtown looks particularly impressive. You lose some long-distance detail, but the atmosphere is excellent. If you are planning several viewpoints, a smart strategy is to see one during daylight and another after dark. Our New York observation decks comparison helps you choose.
What can you see from the Empire State Building?
Looking south, One World Trade Center anchors Lower Manhattan. To the southwest, Edge and the towers of Hudson Yards are easy to identify. To the north and northeast, you can pick out the Chrysler Building, Central Park and many Midtown skyscrapers. On clear days, the Statue of Liberty appears in the harbor.
The view is different from Top of the Rock because the Empire State Building itself is missing from your skyline. That sounds obvious, but it matters in photographs. If your dream image is the Manhattan skyline with the Empire State Building in it, Top of the Rock is often the better choice.
The exhibits before the observation deck
The modern visitor experience is more than an elevator ride. Exhibits cover the building’s construction, cultural history and famous screen appearances. This gives useful context, especially if you have children or are visiting New York for the first time.
Do not rush through everything simply because you are excited to reach the top. The construction story is one of the best parts: the speed at which the building rose during the early 1930s is central to understanding why it became such a powerful symbol of the city.
How long should you allow?
Plan on 90 minutes to two hours for a comfortable visit, longer if you add the 102nd floor or want to stay through sunset. Security, exhibits, elevator queues and photo stops all take time.
A common planning mistake is to put a Broadway curtain time or dinner reservation too close to your observatory slot. Midtown distances look short on a map, but crowds and security lines can turn a simple transfer into a stressful rush.
Where is the entrance?
The Empire State Building is at 20 West 34th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. It is easy to reach from Herald Square, Penn Station and several subway lines. Because it sits in a very busy section of Midtown, walking is often faster than taking a taxi for short distances.
Pairing the visit with our Midtown Manhattan guide is practical. You can combine it with Bryant Park, Grand Central, Fifth Avenue or the Flatiron area depending on your itinerary.
Is the 102nd floor worth it?
It depends on what you value. The 102nd floor is higher, quieter and offers an impressive enclosed panorama. But the 86th floor already delivers the classic open-air experience most visitors imagine. If you are visiting with a family, paying the upgrade for several people can become expensive quickly.
My preference for a first trip is to prioritize the 86th floor unless you have a strong interest in skyscrapers or this is one of your top two attractions in New York.
Empire State Building vs Top of the Rock
Choose the Empire State Building for history, Art Deco atmosphere and the feeling of standing on the city’s most famous skyscraper. Choose Top of the Rock if you want the Empire State Building in your photos and a strong northward view toward Central Park.
If your budget allows two observatories, they complement each other best at different times of day. Do not book both at sunset; you will pay a premium twice for very similar light.
Empire State Building vs Edge and One World Observatory
Edge is more contemporary and offers a dramatic outdoor platform with angled glass walls and a glass floor. One World Observatory is fully enclosed and focuses on Lower Manhattan and harbor views. The Empire State Building feels more historic and central.
There is no universally “best” deck. The right choice depends on where you are staying, the skyline angle you want and how much you care about outdoor space versus immersive exhibits.
Tickets and money-saving strategies
Ticket prices vary by experience and date, and an additional booking charge may apply. Check the official website before purchase. The building is also included in several attraction passes, so compare the pass cost with your actual planned sightseeing rather than buying one automatically.
Our New York attraction pass guide explains how to decide whether a pass makes financial sense.
Photography tips
For skyline photography, clean your phone lens before going up—it sounds trivial, but smudges become obvious against bright city lights. At sunset, expose for the sky rather than the darkest buildings. At night, brace your phone or camera against a stable surface if permitted and avoid digital zoom whenever possible.
On the open-air deck, be patient. The best photo is often taken after you move a few meters away from the busiest corner.
Is it good with children?
Yes, particularly because the exhibits make the visit more varied than a simple viewpoint. Children who enjoy elevators, buildings and city views usually find it engaging. Still, late-night slots and long sunset waits can be tiring for younger kids. Our New York with kids guide has more family planning advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit both the 86th and 102nd floors?
Yes, if you buy the ticket option that includes the Top Deck. The 102nd floor is an upgrade rather than a replacement for the 86th floor, so you still experience the famous open-air Main Deck.
Final tip
If the Empire State Building matters to you, do not reduce it to a ten-minute photo stop. Give yourself time to absorb the exhibits and stay on the 86th floor long enough to walk the entire perimeter. The building is not simply a high place to look down from; it is one of the places where New York’s history, architecture and skyline come together in a single experience.