This beautiful art deco building is one of New York's most famous key tourist attractions. The 381-meter-tall, 102-story Empire State building used to be the tallest in the world for 41 years until the 1 World Trade Center was built. Since the opening in 1931, the Empire State Building immediately became a landmark and an iconic symbol for NYC.
There are two observatories atop the Empire State Building, both offer astounding views. On clear days, you can see up to 80 miles, looking into the neighboring states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
The 86th Floor Observatory (1,050 feet) is the city's highest open-air observation deck, and what most people are looking for when visiting the Empire State Building. This area has been featured in many movies and TV shows, so don't be surprised if you find it very familiar.
High-speed, automatic elevators will take you up to the The Top Deck on the 102nd Floor that stands 1,250 feet above the bustling streets below. Views are... incredible. When you’re this high up, the view doesn’t end just at New York City. On the clearest days, you can gaze up to 80 miles into the distance, far enough to see six states from a single vantage point.
Beside two amazing observatories, the Empire State Building offers multiple exhibits, located on the 2nd and 80th floors. Exhibits are open to all ticket holders.
Be aware you can easily spend half your touring day just at this one attraction. The line to go up the Empire State Building is almost always long and moves slowly.
For visitors looking to dodge the crowds, we recommend taking a trip to the top in the morning, before the daily rush.