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
Tips 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
Private New York City Helicopter Tour
See Manhattan, the harbor and Coney Island from above
NYC Skyline Dinner & Dancing Cruise from Queens
Sail the NYC skyline with a buffet dinner and rooftop DJ dancing
Explore Midtown Manhattan Art & Architecture Walk
Walk Midtown from Times Square to Rockefeller Center for art and architecture insights
Central Park & Manhattan 2.5-Hour Pedicab Tour
Private pedicab sightseeing with unlimited photo stops
2-Hour Pedicab Sightseeing Tour of New York City
Explore NYC landmarks with a private pedicab guide
New York City Speedboat Photo Tour to the Statue of Liberty
Capture New York Harbor landmarks from a fast, photo-focused speedboat
Half-Day New York City Highlights Bus Tour with Photo Stops
Cover Manhattan landmarks and photo stops from a comfortable luxury bus
Manhattan Skyline Kayak Eco Tour in Hoboken
Pair Manhattan skyline views with a closer look at the Hudson River's ecology
Semi-Private Midtown Manhattan Skyscraper Walking Tour
Explore Midtown’s landmark architecture and history on foot
Private Midtown Architecture Walking Tour with an Architect
Trace Midtown South’s evolving skyline with an architect guide
Private New York City Guided Walking Tour
Explore New York City with a native guide on a private walk tailored to your interests
9-Mile New York City Highlights Bike Tour
Bike 9 miles through Manhattan with a licensed guide
6-Hour New York City Guided Bus Tour
Explore New York City by climate-controlled bus with a live guide and Staten Island Ferry ride
1-Hour Statue of Liberty Cruise From New York City
See Manhattan landmarks with live commentary from the East River
Private NYC Pedicab Tour of Times Square & Central Park
Explore Times Square, Fifth Avenue and Central Park by private pedicab
Private Pedicab Tour of Central Park & NYC
A private, customizable pedicab ride with photo stops and NYC storytelling
Midtown NYC Art & Architecture Walking Tour
Discover the art and architecture behind Midtown's landmark buildings
Private Manhattan Skyline Helicopter Tour from Westchester
See Manhattan from above on a private helicopter flight from Westchester
Private 6-Hour Guided Tour of New York City
Customize a private New York City sightseeing route with a dedicated guide and driver
NYC TV & Movie Locations Bus Tour with Actor Guides
See Manhattan's screen landmarks with a local actor guide
Guided Private Walking Tour of Midtown Manhattan
Follow Midtown’s skyscraper story from Flatiron to Grand Central
2-Hour Midtown South Architecture Walking Tour
Trace Midtown’s architectural evolution with a licensed architect
Jersey City Jet Ski Tour to Statue of Liberty & Manhattan
Ride past NYC landmarks with time in the Statue of Liberty rental zone
German-Language Bike Tour of New York City Highlights
Ride Manhattan’s top sights with a licensed guide—tour available in German