Things to do nearEmpire State Building
The Empire State Building is New York's most iconic skyscraper, offering sweeping city views, Art Deco grandeur, and a century of cultural history.
Completed in 1931 during the height of the Great Depression, the Empire State Building held the title of the world's tallest structure for nearly four decades and remains one of the most recognized buildings on earth. Its limestone and granite facade, punctuated by rows of stainless steel spandrels, exemplifies the streamlined ambition of American Art Deco architecture. The lobby, restored to its original splendor, features murals depicting the building itself set against a sunburst backdrop, drawing admiring glances from visitors before they even board an elevator.
The 86th-floor observation deck is the primary destination for most visitors, an open-air platform that offers unobstructed panoramas stretching across all five boroughs and, on clear days, into neighboring states. A second observation deck on the 102nd floor sits closer to the building's mooring mast and provides an even more intimate vantage point above the city. Beyond the views, the building houses a small but engaging exhibit on its own construction, documenting the extraordinary pace at which thousands of workers assembled the structure in just over a year.
Films from King Kong to Sleepless in Seattle have cemented its place in popular imagination, and that cultural weight is palpable the moment you step onto the deck and see Manhattan laid out below. For anyone seeking to understand New York City in a single, concentrated experience, the Empire State Building remains an essential and deeply rewarding stop.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Empire State Building
Visit the main observation deck on the 86th floor at dusk to catch both the daylit skyline and the city as it transitions into its glittering nighttime display.
Purchase your timed-entry tickets in advance online to avoid lengthy queues at the lobby ticket windows, especially on weekends and during summer months.
Bring a light jacket even in summer, as the open-air 86th-floor deck can be noticeably cooler and windier than street level.
Look for the building's signature colored tower lights at night, which change to mark holidays, seasons, and cultural events throughout the year.
Explore the surrounding Midtown blocks on foot after your visit, as the nearby Flatiron District and Bryant Park are both within comfortable walking distance.
Top tours & experiences near Empire State Building
Cruise Manhattan on a Climate Change & Architecture Tour
Circle Manhattan by yacht and learn how NYC is adapting to climate change
Small Group Midtown Tour with Local NYC Guide
See iconic Midtown landmarks, from Times Square to Grand Central, on a small-group walk
Cruise the East River Abandoned Islands at Sunset
Sail past North and South Brother Islands with an urban naturalist at sunset
Explore Gilded Age New York Around Madison Square
Walk Madison Square’s Gilded Age streets with historic images
Explore Midtown Manhattan Art & Architecture Walk
Walk Midtown from Times Square to Rockefeller Center for art and architecture insights
Private NYC Helicopter Tour From Westchester
See Manhattan from above on a private helicopter flight from Westchester
Explore Midtown South NYC Architecture on a Private Tour
Walk Midtown South with a licensed architect on a private tour
Explore Midtown Manhattan Architecture on a Private Tour
Walk Midtown’s skyline story with a licensed architect guide
Explore Midtown South NYC Architecture on a 2-Hour Tour
Walk Midtown South with a licensed architect, from the New York Public Library to Times Square
3-Hour New York City Highlights Guided Bike Tour
Bike 9 miles through Manhattan with a licensed guide
Shared 30- to 45-Minute NYC Helicopter Tour
See Manhattan from above on a shared helicopter flight from Westchester
Fly a 25-30 Minute NYC Helicopter Tour to Coney Island
See NYC from above on a 25–30 minute helicopter flight to Coney Island
Fly Over Manhattan on an 18-20 Minute Helicopter Tour
See NYC icons from above on an 18–20 minute helicopter flight
Fly a 12–15 Minute NYC Helicopter Tour to Central Park
See NYC landmarks from the air on a 12–15 minute helicopter flight
Explore Midtown Manhattan on a 2.5-Hour Guided Walk
Walk Midtown with an expert guide in a small group of 12
2-Hour Midtown Manhattan Architecture Walking Tour
Walk Midtown Manhattan with a licensed architect and decode NYC’s skyline
2.5-Hour Central Park & Midtown Pedicab Tour
Ride a private pedicab through Central Park plus Midtown landmarks
Private 3-Hour Pedicab Tour of NYC & Central Park
Private pedicab ride through Central Park and Manhattan highlights
Explore Midtown Manhattan on a 2.5-Hour Walking Tour
See Midtown Manhattan highlights in 2.5 hours, with an optional Top of the Rock add-on
Fly Over Manhattan on a 12-15 Minute Helicopter Tour
See the Statue of Liberty and Central Park from the air in 12–15 minutes
Fly a New York City Helicopter Tour Over Central Park
18–20 minute helicopter flight from Liberty Harbor to Central Park and Upper Manhattan
25-30 Minute New York City VIP Helicopter Tour
See NYC by helicopter, with a longer route to Coney Island and the Palisades
Fly a 20-25 Minute NYC Skyline Helicopter Tour
See the Manhattan skyline by helicopter from NJ in 20–25 minutes
NYC Night Helicopter Tour From New Jersey
See the Manhattan skyline at night on a 20–25 minute helicopter flight from New Jersey
Fly a 25-30 Minute NYC Helicopter Tour to Coney Island
See NYC from the air on a private helicopter flight to Coney Island
Fly a 12-15 Minute Manhattan Helicopter Tour
See Manhattan’s skyline and Central Park on a 12–15 minute private helicopter flight
Fly Over Manhattan on a 12-15 Minute Helicopter Tour
See Manhattan landmarks by helicopter in 12–15 minutes
Fly a 12-15 Minute NYC Helicopter Tour Over Central Park
Private 12–15 min helicopter flight over NYC, from the Statue of Liberty to Central Park
Fly a Private NYC Helicopter Tour to Central Park
Private 12–15 min helicopter flight over the Statue of Liberty and Central Park
Take a 25–30 Minute VIP Helicopter Tour in NYC
Private 25–30 min Manhattan helicopter tour with Coney Island and Palisades views
Explore Manhattan Highlights Bike Tour In German
Ride Manhattan’s top sights with a licensed guide—tour available in German
3-Hour NYC Guided Electric Bike Tour
Ride 9 miles through Manhattan with a licensed guide
Ride a 3-Hour New York City Highlights Bike Tour
Cycle 9 miles through Manhattan highlights with a Dutch-speaking guide
Enjoy a 3-Hour NYC 5-Course Dinner Cruise
Cruise NYC Harbor with a plated 5-course dinner and live music
6-Hour New York City Guided Glass-Top Bus Tour
See NYC highlights by glass-top bus with guided stops and a Staten Island Ferry ride
Take a 1-Hour New York City Speedboat Sightseeing Tour
Speedboat NYC sightseeing with photo stops and live narration
Cruise The NYC Skyline With Dinner & DJ Dancing
Sail the NYC skyline with a buffet dinner and rooftop DJ dancing
Explore NYC by Closed-Top Bus & Staten Island Ferry
See top NYC sights by closed-top bus, plus a Staten Island Ferry ride
Explore New York City Night Bus Tour From Times Square
See NYC after dark on a private guided bus tour with stops and short walks
Explore Midtown Manhattan on a 2.5-Hour Walking Tour
Walk through Midtown Manhattan highlights with a private group tour