Empire State Building Tours

Empire State Building featuring views, a city and a skyscraper
Top of the Rock which includes a skyscraper, a city and views
Empire State Building which includes a city and landscape views
Top of the Rock showing views, landscape views and a city
Empire State Building showing interior views as well as a large group of people


No trip to New York is complete without zooming up the top of this iconic building, where the views of Manhattan are unmatchable.

The Empire State Building is a world-famous landmark, synonymous with New York. It’s renowned as a backdrop in films such as “An Affair to Remember,” “King Kong,” and “Sleepless in Seattle.” In fact, it’s one of the city’s most significant and romantic skyscrapers. 

Officially opened in 1931, the Empire State Building took over the Chrysler Building’s title as tallest in the world, a record it had held for 40 years. New York owes its “Empire State” nickname to the building, which is to New York what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris, or the Space Needle is to Seattle.  

The building, an impressive 1,453 feet tall including the broadcast tower, offers views of Manhattan’s twinkling lights from two observatories. One platform is on the 86th floor and there’s another at the very top level on the 102nd floor, right under the broadcast tower. On the way to the observatories, be sure to spend time in the Dare to Dream 80th Floor Exhibit. This permanent display includes photographs, construction notes, and information on the building’s engineering.

At the 86th floor, take a walk along the open-air promenade for spectacular views of Midtown, Lower Manhattan and Central Park. On a clear day, it’s possible to see as far as New Jersey and Connecticut. Pop a quarter or two in the old-fashioned binoculars for a close-up peek of nearby attractions, including Bryant Park and Times Square. 

The 102nd floor observatory is the highest public point in New York. The enclosed viewing area is ideal if you’re visiting in winter. 

The Empire State Building is located in Midtown, Manhattan, in the heart of the city, easily accessible by bus, subway or rail. The two observatories are open to the public 365 days a year. Lines for the ticket office and elevators can be long, so it’s wise to buy tickets on the Empire State Building’s official website. Wedding proposals aren’t uncommon, and a saxophone player sometimes serenades lovebirds visiting the 86th floor. 

Plan a trip to see Empire State Building

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hotel Riu Plaza Manhattan Times Square
1 Hotel Central Park
Hotel Beacon

Browse tours and tickets to explore Empire State Building

Tours & day trips

See all 868 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 259 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 119 activities

Shows & concerts

See all 52 activities

Reviews of Empire State Building

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
4664
5 - Excellent 59%
4 - Good
2543
4 - Good 32%
3 - Okay
615
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
69
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
54
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Sunset from the 86th floor is the best!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The tour guide was helpful on tour.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Pay the money for tye 102 panarama view! Totally worth it as long as you are not afraid of heights.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Actually could see from my window, but views are typically N.Y. restricted, somewhat.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Fun to ride the elevator to the observation deck. The view of NYC is wonderful, if the weather cooperates.

4/5 - Good

Bre

They would not just let us visit the 2nd floor. :(

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Empire State Building

Hyatt Grand Central New York
Hyatt Grand Central New York
4 out of 5
109 East 42nd Street, at Grand Central Terminal, New York, NY
Hyatt Grand Central New York
Hotel St. James
Hotel St. James
2.5 out of 5
109 W. 45TH ST., New York, NY
Hotel St. James
THE NEW YORKER HOTEL BY LOTTE HOTELS
THE NEW YORKER HOTEL BY LOTTE HOTELS
4 out of 5
481 Eighth Ave., New York, NY
THE NEW YORKER HOTEL BY LOTTE HOTELS
Hotel Stanford
Hotel Stanford
3 out of 5
43 W 32nd St, New York, NY
Hotel Stanford
Virgin Hotels New York City
Virgin Hotels New York City
5 out of 5
1227 Broadway, New York, NY
Virgin Hotels New York City
Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel
Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel
4 out of 5
811 7th Ave, New York, NY
Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel
Arlo Midtown
Arlo Midtown
4 out of 5
351 West 38th Street, New York, NY
Arlo Midtown
Lotte New York Palace
Lotte New York Palace
4.5 out of 5
455 Madison Ave, New York, NY
Lotte New York Palace
Kixby
Kixby
4 out of 5
45 W 35th St, New York, NY
Kixby
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.