New York's famous Empire State Building, a New York City Landmark and a National Historic Landmark, soars more than a quarter of a mile into the atmosphere above the heart of Manhattan.
The feeling and spirit of New York City is embodied in the Empire State Building, which offers one of the most spectacular views on earth seen from the 86th Floor Observatory.
86th Floor Observatory:
The 86th floor Observatory, 1,050 feet (320 meters) high, reached by high speed, automatic elevators, has both a glass-enclosed area, which is heated in winter and cooled in summer, and spacious outdoor promenades on all four sides of the building. High powered binoculars are available on the promenades for the convenience of visitors at a minimal cost. The 86th floor observatory is handicap accessible.
Since the Observatory opened to the public in 1931, almost 110 million visitors have thrilled to the awe-inspiring vision of the city beneath them. Each year over 3.5 million people are whisked to the 86th floor to be where Cary Grant waited in vain for Deborah Kerr in an "Affair to Remember", while Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan had their fateful meeting in the movie "Sleepless in Seattle."
The building, one of New York City's main tourist attractions, offers a variety of activities for its visitors. One can tour the Observatory 365 days per year, day and night, rain or shine for breathtaking views of Manhattan and beyond. Also, there are two restaurants, a sushi bar, three coffee shops, a drug store, a Hallmark card shop, a post office and two banks, in addition to the plethora of restaurants and nightlife activities in the surrounding area.
There are also several art exhibits for all to view in the lobby, including the addition of items from Fay Wray's private collection of photographs, posters and "King Kong" memorabilia permanently displayed in two lobby showcase windows.
All in all, the feeling and spirit of New York City is embodied in the Empire State Building. From the people who fell in love here, to the ones who have returned with their children and grandchildren, everyone recognizes the building not only as an awe-inspiring landmark which offers one of the most spectacular views on earth but an unequaled symbol of American ingenuity and Art Deco architecture.
Operating Times:
8:00 am to 2:00 am - 7 days a week. Last elevators go up at 1:15 am.
Reservation Notes:
Reservations are NOT needed or accepted. Tickets can be used on any operating day within 6 months of the purchase date.
Booth Location:
The Empire State Building is located at 350 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10018. Use the Main Entrance on Fifth Avenue between 33rd & 34th Streets. Proceed to Security Check-In first.
Nearest Intersection:
Fifth Avenue at 34th Street
Parking:
GGMC Parking: 4 East 33rd Street, between 5th and Madison. Directly across from the Empire State Building.
Gotham Garage: 9-19 West 35th Street between 5th & 6th Ave.
Meyers Parking: 325 W. 34th Street between 8th & 9th Ave.
Procedures on visiting the Observatory (there are always people available to assist you with directions):
- Enter building via the Main Entrance on Fifth Avenue between 33rd & 34th Streets.
- Proceed straight ahead and take the escalators (on the right hand side) to the second floor. Elevators are available for handicap visitors and visitors with baby strollers.
- All visitors need to go through the Observatory security check line.
- The remote-controlled elevators will take 16 people at a time to the 80th Floor.(It is possible to ride from lobby to 86th floor in less than one minute).
- An Observatory employee will direct tourists off the elevator on the 80th floor and proceed toward the Tower Elevator to the 86th Floor Observatory, (sometimes when conditions permit, there is an option to walk up or down the stairs between the 80th floor and the 86th Floor Observatory).
- There are Indoor and Outdoor viewing areas.
- Restrooms are available within the Observatory including handicapped facilities.
- No time limit on stay.
Tips
102nd Floor Observatory tickets are only sold upon arrival at the Empire State Building at an additional cost.
New Multimedia Audio Tour now available in French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Madarin, Korean and English. This fun and engaging tour outlines the building's construction, sustainability and views using s state of the art mobile device.
Visiting Attractions
Empire State Building Observatory