How to Visit the Empire State Building During Your Trip

No building is more synonymous with the skyline of New York City than the Empire State Building. For over forty years, it stood as the tallest building in the world. Visiting its open-air observation deck on the 86th floor is a defining NYC tourist experience, but doing it correctly requires strategy to avoid crushing crowds and miserable wait times.

Timing is Everything

During the World Cup, the lines to enter the Empire State Building will be staggering. If you show up at 2:00 PM on a Saturday in July, you might wait two hours just to reach the elevators. To beat the crowds, you must go at the extremes of the day. Book the very first time slot in the morning (usually 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM), or go very late at night. The building is open past midnight, and looking down at the glowing grid of Manhattan at 11:30 PM is arguably a better experience than going during the hazy afternoon.

Ticketing and Upgrades

• Express Passes:

  If you must go during peak hours (sunset is notoriously crowded), strongly consider purchasing the Express Pass. It is significantly more expensive, but it allows you to bypass all queues—security, elevators, and exhibits. Your time on vacation is valuable.

• The 102nd Floor Upgrade:

  The standard ticket takes you to the famous 86th-floor open-air deck. For an additional fee, you can take a glass elevator to the enclosed 102nd-floor observatory. While neat, most locals agree the 86th floor is the better, more visceral experience due to the open air.

• The Competitors:

  Remember that if you are ON the Empire State Building, you cannot see it in your photos. If getting the classic NYC skyline photo (with the Empire State Building in it) is your goal, visit the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center instead.

The building recently underwent a massive $165 million renovation of its exhibits. Take your time wandering through the 2nd-floor galleries detailing the building's 1930s construction before heading to the elevators.