Let’s look down at the night view of New York from the observation deck of the Empire State Building!

The Empire State Building is a skyscraper located in Midtown Manhattan. It's a landmark structure in New York that has been visited by over 100 million tourists from around the world and is designated as a "U.S. National Historic Landmark." With its pointed top, some people might feel like, “I’ve seen that somewhere before!”—and if we say it’s the building King Kong climbed in the movie King Kong, it will probably click.

Now, let’s introduce the highlights of the Empire State Building.

1. What Kind of Building Is the Empire State Building?

The Empire State Building is a world-famous landmark tower located on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York. The iconic “New York skyline and its night view” often seen in photos is typically either the view from here or the Empire State Building seen from Top of the Rock. It's one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations.
In addition to the night view from the observatory, there are also exhibition rooms and attractions where you can learn about the building’s history, making it even more enjoyable if you go with family or friends. For those interested in architectural styles and design, the lobby is also recommended, known for its beautiful Art Deco-style ceiling murals.

• Floors: 102
• Height: 448.7 m
• Completion: April 11, 1931
• Height Ranking: 21st (as of June 2019)

2. Access to the Empire State Building

To get to the Empire State Building, exit the subway at “34th St.” Station on the B/D/F/M/N/Q/R/W lines and head east along either 34th St. or 33rd St. It’s a 4-minute walk from the station. Since it’s a super high-rise building, you can spot it right away just by looking up.

3. Highlights: Observation Decks on the 86th and 102nd Floors

The Empire State Building’s biggest attraction is the panoramic view of Manhattan. There are observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors, with the main deck on the 86th being open-air.

To the northwest, you can see Times Square and Central Park; to the west, the Hudson River; from the south to the west, Brooklyn Bridge, the East River, and the Statue of Liberty. With high-powered binoculars, you can take in Manhattan’s famous landmarks.

The 102nd-floor observation deck is also used as a setting in movies, so take plenty of pictures for unforgettable memories. Since it's higher up and colder than on the ground, it’s best to bring an extra layer. The elevator to the 102nd floor is a manually operated Otis elevator that displays altitude instead of floor numbers—try to enjoy the difference.

The photo shows the southern view. You can look down on One World Trade Center, SOHO, and Wall Street. The island visible in the distance is Staten Island.

4. Recommended: Night View from the 86th Floor

If you want to enjoy the night view, the 86th floor observation deck is recommended. The main deck on the 86th floor is 320 meters high. It has both indoor and outdoor sections, and the outdoor deck allows 360-degree views, giving you a panoramic look in all directions.

5. Ticket Prices and Hours for the Observation Deck

The Empire State Building is open from 8:00 AM to 2:00 AM, every day of the year. Ticket prices for the observation decks vary by age group: adults, children, and seniors.

▶ Hours: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM (open year-round)
▶ Price 1: 86th floor only | Adults: $29 / Seniors: $26 / Children: $23
▶ Price 2: 102nd and 86th floors | Adults: $46 / Seniors: $43 / Children: $40
▶ Price 3 (skip-the-line): $50
▶ Price 4 (children under 5): Free

There are regular tickets that require waiting in line and fast pass-style tickets that allow you to skip the line with minimal wait time. The latter applies only to the 86th floor main deck and costs $50 regardless of age group. Though it’s pricier, if you plan to visit on weekends, during beautiful night-view hours, or peak times, it might be worth it for a more comfortable experience. Additionally, if you want to go up to the 102nd floor, there’s an optional ticket, so be sure to check at the time of purchase.

◎ Lastly

The Empire State Building also offers a detailed commentary on the building’s history or the view from the observation decks, request this when purchasing your ticket. The information is quite in-depth and will also be helpful during the rest of your New York sightseeing. Travel agencies also offer optional tours labeled as night view tours, so booking in advance could make your visit more convenient. Consider giving it a try.