New York Dearest
The guide, $35
A landmark · Midtown Manhattan · on 10 New York Dearest lists

Empire State Building

Worth it. Arguably the most famous building in New York City, the Empire State Building offers views so legendary, even King Kong couldn’t resist climbing it for a peek.

Antonina Pattiz
Antonina PattizFrom my Best observation decks in New York
Empire State Building, in my photographs
Address
20 W 34th St Directions
Hours
Daily, typically 9 am or 10 am to 10 pm or 11 pm, hours vary by date, last entry about an hour before close
Subway
B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W to 34 St-Herald Sq, 3 min
Cost
86th floor observatory from $44, 102nd floor add-on $20, plus a $5 booking fee, timed reservation required
Tickets
Get tickets
Website
esbnyc.com

Before you go

What I’d skip

Second, the 86th floor deck is often extremely crowded and the fencing makes photos tricky.

From Best views in New York City that don’t cost $40
When to go

I recommend going early in the morning or right before sunset to avoid the biggest crowds. The exhibits on the way up walk you through the building’s history, which is pretty cool.

From The Most visited attractions in New York
Worth it. Been? Say if you agree.

Empire State Building, in my photographs

14 frames, by season

After dark

5 frames

Every guide it’s in

11 of my guides
  1. Where to Eat Near the Empire State BuildingWhere to eat
  2. Best views in New York City that don’t cost $40I want to love the Empire State Building observation deck more than I do.Skip
  3. Best holiday window displays in New York CityAt the base of the famous building you’ll find some of the best holiday window displays New York City has to offer.Worth it
  4. My favorite movie locations in New York CityOver 100 movies have been filmed at the Empire State Building over nearly a century.Only if
  5. The Most visited attractions in New YorkThe Empire State Building is one of the first places I visited when I moved to New York, and it still impresses me every time.Worth it
  6. Best skyline views of New York CityThe views from the Main Observation Deck on the 86th floor are remarkable!Worth it
  7. Tallest buildings in New YorkThis one of those New York moments that makes you fall in love with the city all over again.Worth it
  8. Best observation decks in New York CityArguably the most famous building in New York City, the Empire State Building offers views so legendary, even King Kong couldn’t resist climbing it…Worth it

Where it is and what’s near

Worth it, within a ten-minute walk
Open it on my map
Hungry afterWhere to Eat Near the Empire State BuildingMy own list, both sides of the walk

The year at Empire State Building

  1. Spring
  2. Summer
  3. Fall
  4. Winter
Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest
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