Is the Empire State Building worth a visit?

March 28, 2025 Citie to Travel Comments Off

The Empire State Building is one of the most famous skyscrapers in the world. Located in the heart of New York City, it attracts millions of visitors every year. But is it really worth visiting? In this blog you will read everything you need to know.

The history of the Empire State Building

The Empire State Building was built in 1930 and opened in 1931. With its Art Deco design, it was the tallest building in the world for many years. It symbolizes the power and ambition of New York and remains an icon in the city’s skyline.

How high is the Empire State Building?

The building is 443 meters high, including the antenna. Without the antenna, it is 381 meters. This makes it one of the tallest buildings in the United States

Observation deck on the 86th floor

The observation deck on the 86th floor is the most popular vantage point. From here you have a panoramic view of the city. You can see iconic spots such as Central Park, Times Square and the Statue of Liberty.

Observation deck on the 102nd floor

For an even more spectacular view, head to the observation deck on the 102nd floor. This deck is completely surrounded by glass and offers breathtaking views of New York and beyond. Keep in mind, however, that the ticket price is higher than that for the 86th floor and the views are not very different. If you are a true lover of heights, it is a nice addition, but otherwise the observation deck on the 86th floor is often enough.

The Empire State Building Museum

On the second floor is the Empire State Building Museum. Here you will discover how the building was designed and built. There are interactive exhibits, old photographs and construction drawings. One of the highlights is a multimedia presentation on how the Empire State Building became a famous icon. You will also learn about the building’s role in movies, such as the famous scene with King Kong.

The Kong attraction

A unique experience in the Empire State Building is the “King Kong” attraction. Here you step into an interactive exhibit where you relive the famous movie classic, including a giant Kong hand smashing against the windows.

Is the Empire State Building still worth seeing?

New York today has multiple observation decks that offer stunning views of the city. Besides the Empire State Building, you can also go to Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center, One World Observatory at the One World Trade Center, Edge at Hudson Yards and Summit One Vanderbilt. Each of these vantage points has its own charm and advantages.

1. Top of the Rock offers a great view of Central Park and has the advantage of allowing you to take a picture of the Empire State Building itself.

2.One World Observatory is the highest vantage point in the city and offers a modern, enclosed experience with interactive screens.

3.Edge has a glass floor and an open-air area for an exciting experience.

4.Summit One Vanderbiltis the newest attraction and offers a unique experience with mirrors, glass floors and a futuristic design. This provides spectacular reflections and a completely different way to view New York.

Still, the Empire State Building remains a unique experience. It combines history, architecture and an iconic view of New York. Whether you are a lover of historic buildings or just want to enjoy the panorama, a visit to this famous structure remains special!

What is the best time to visit the Empire State Building?

The best time to visit the building is early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid long queues. Sunset is a popular time, but also crowded.

Ordering tickets to the Empire State Building

Want to visit the Empire State Building? Then it’s smart to buy your tickets in advance. Especially during busy tourist seasons, the queues can be very long. By ordering a ticket online in advance, you save time and can enjoy the amazing view faster.

De New York CityPASS

Are you planning to visit multiple sights in New York? Then the New York CityPASS is a smart choice. With this pass, you can save up to 40% on entrance fees to popular attractions, including the Empire State Building.

The CityPASS gives you access to famous sites such as the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, the American Museum of Natural History and the Top of the Rock observation deck. A big advantage is that you can skip the queues at many attractions, leaving you more time to explore the city. The New York CityPASS is a convenient and economical way to get the most out of your trip.

Where is the Empire State Building located?

The Empire State Building is located in the heart of Manhattan, on Fifth Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets. This iconic building is hard to miss, especially if you are near popular shopping destinations such as Macy’s.

Address:

20 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001, United States

How do you get to the Empire State Building?

The Empire State Building is easily accessible by public transportation. Here are the fastest ways to get there:

By subway

The subway is one of the fastest and cheapest ways to travel to the Empire State Building. There are several lines that stop close to the building:

1. Line 1, 2, 3 (red line): Get off at the 34th Street – Penn Station station.
2. Line B, D, F, M (orange line): Get off at the 34th Street – Herald Square station.
3. Line N, Q, R (yellow line): Get off at the 34th Street – Herald Square station.
From these stations it is only a short walk of about 5 minutes to the Empire State Building.

By bus

There are several bus lines that stop at 34th Street, near the Empire State Building. Some convenient lines include:

1. M34 Select Bus Service: This line runs along 34th Street and stops directly at the building.
2.M2, M3, M5, M6 and M7: These lines also stop near the Empire State Building.

3. On foot

If you are near Times Square or another popular area of Manhattan, you can also easily walk to the Empire State Building. It is about a 10-15 minute walk from Times Square.

Our Experience and Visit to the Empire State Building

We have been to the Empire State Building several times, and each time it remains a special experience. The view from the 86th floor is amazing: you can see icons such as Central Park, Times Square and the Statue of Liberty. If you book a ticket in advance or use the CityPASS, you can get in quickly and don’t have to wait in a long queue.

During one of our previous visits, we also went up to the 102nd floor. While the view there was certainly beautiful, we didn’t think the extra cost was really worth it. The view from the 86th floor is impressive enough for most people.

One downside is that it can be quite crowded especially during peak hours, making it more difficult to enjoy the view in peace. We recommend going early in the morning or later in the day so it is less crowded and you can enjoy the panorama to the fullest.

Our 5 tips for visiting the Empire State Building

Based on our visits to the Empire State Building, we have collected a few practical tips. That way you will save time and get the most out of your visit.

1. Off-peak visits

Go early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid long queues and crowds. Sunset is popular, but also the busiest.

2. Buy tickets in advance online

Save time by buying your tickets in advance. Consider an Express Pass if you want to skip queues altogether.

3. Check the weather

For the best views, go on a clear day. Fog or rain can limit visibility, so check the weather forecast in advance.

4. Consider a combination pass

With a New York Pass or CityPASS, you can visit multiple attractions and potentially save money on your admission ticket.

5. Take time for photos on the 86th floor

The observation deck on the 86th floor is outside and offers the best views. Take your time to walk around and explore different angles for the best photos.

Special Offers for a City Trip to New York

Are you planning a city break to New York and would like to visit some of the main sights and attractions? Then take advantage of the special offers below to make the most of your trip and save on costs!