Empire State Building

The Empire State Building rose in 1931 as the tallest building in the world and became the enduring symbol of New York, a soaring art deco tower crowned by a slender spire. Its observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors offer one of the great city panoramas, out over the whole of Manhattan and beyond.

Highlights

• The 86th-floor observatory - the classic open-air deck with the full city panorama.
• The art deco lobby - the restored gilded lobby with its mural.
• The 102nd-floor deck - the higher glass-enclosed view.
• Night views - the city lights spread out after dark, and the tower's own coloured lighting.

When to go

Year-round; a clear day for the best view, and either day or night rewards, with the city lights spectacular after dark. Book a timed ticket to skip the worst queues.

Practical notes

It is popular, so queues and security can be long without a timed ticket, and it is not cheap. Other decks, such as the Edge or Top of the Rock, offer views that include the Empire State itself. A clear day matters, since haze or cloud dulls the view.

Nearby

Midtown, Herald Square and the Flatiron are around; Times Square and Central Park are a short ride.

Key facts