Empire State Building

Standing 1,454 ft (443 m) tall, the Empire State Building is currently the tallest building in the US and is considered an American cultural icon. This National Historic Landmark was also named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers and is a must for any visitor to NYC.

Designed by William F. Lamb and completed in 1931 in the Art Deco style, the building has 102 stories, 6,500 windows, 73 elevators, and is topped by a 203 ft- (62 m-) pinnacle. It was built as part of a fiercely fought competition in New York to be named “World’s Tallest Building”, which it won, and the photos taken during construction (by Lewis Wickes Hine) are famous around the world . It now not only serves as a tourist spot, but also houses commercial and office space that welcomes about 21,000 employees daily. For the global icon’s fantastic history, visit the permanent exhibition on the 80th floor!

The 86th floor is open to visitors too and offers an indoor and outdoor 360-degree observation deck with spectacular panoramic views. What many tourists don't know is that there is a second observation deck on the 102nd floor. Almost a quarter of a mile up in the sky, it is the highest public point in NYC and offers a climate-controlled indoor gallery with even further-reaching views.

Luckily, the Empire State Building is open 365 days a year to as late at 2:00 a.m. Remember to consider the weather and dress appropriately. It is also worth leaving plenty of time for your visit as there are usually lines at the ticket booth, security check, and elevators (so buying tickets online may help reduce waiting time). No glass or bottles are allowed in the building and, though cameras are allowed, tripods are not. To get there; take subway 6 to 3rd Street. Or numbers 1/2/3 to 34th Street. Then just follow the signs!

Opening Hours

8 a.m. - 2 a.m. every day.

Admission

Tickets start at $25 (top deck $40, seniors $22, children up to 12 years $19).

If you buy them online, you can go straight to the observation deck.

Contact

Email: info@esbnyc.com
Phone: +1 212 736 3100

• Official website

• Wikipedia