Empire State Building
Choose the Empire State Building for the building itself: Art Deco details, New York mythology and an open-air deck. Choose Top of the Rock if the priority is the best photograph of the skyline.
A closer look
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Short answer
Is Empire State Building worth it?
Empire State Building deserves a place on most first itineraries. Go early or reserve ahead. Crowds are part of the cost.
The answer depends on your budget, time and travel style; the breakdown below shows who gets the most value.
The Empire State Building turns an observation deck into a visit through New York's most recognizable skyscraper. Its 86th-floor terrace is exposed to the city rather than sealed behind glass.
How to do it right
- 01
Book the first morning slot for clearer views and shorter waits, or go after dark for the illuminated street grid.
- 02
Buy the standard 86th-floor ticket. The open-air deck is the essential experience, and the 102nd floor is an optional upgrade.
- 03
Leave time for the Art Deco lobby and exhibits instead of treating the building as an elevator to a view.
- 04
Choose Top of the Rock instead when the photograph matters most, since the Empire State Building appears in that skyline.
Is it a fit?
Go if
You're traveling with kids
Yes for children excited by skyscrapers and city views. The exhibits and open-air 86th floor create a clear payoff; book an early slot and skip the 102nd-floor upgrade to keep the visit moving.
You're traveling as a couple
As a couple, Empire State Building is an easy yes.
You're traveling solo
Solo, Empire State Building is an easy yes.
You care about the visual experience
Empire State Building rewards a trip built around beauty & photography.
Think twice if
You're watching the budget
Choose one observation deck and buy the standard 86th-floor ticket. The open-air view is the essential Empire State experience; premium times and the 102nd-floor upgrade add cost without changing the verdict.
You only have one day
Keep Empire State Building only when it outranks a half-day elsewhere.
History and culture matter to you
Empire State Building offers some history & culture, but not enough to make it the reason to go.
You're planning for two
Empire State Building offers some romance, but not enough to make it the reason to go.
Plan it well
- Cost
- $44+ for the 86th floor; $79+ for the 102nd and 86th floors; $5 booking fee per transaction
- Timing
- At opening for clarity and shorter waits, or after dark for the illuminated street grid
- Booking
- Reserve a timed ticket on the official website and compare the 86th-floor ticket before accepting upgrades
- Allow
- 1.5–2 hrs
- Accessibility
- The observation experience and 86th-floor deck provide accessible routes and viewing areas
- Getting there
- The entrance is on West 34th Street, a short walk from Herald Square
Consider instead
Keep exploring
Top verdicts in New York
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Sources and method (6)
- The official visitor site describes two observation decks and publishes current hours, ticket and accessibility information. esbnyc.com ↗
- The 86th-floor main deck is an open-air observatory with 360-degree views. esbnyc.com ↗
- Official tickets currently start at $44 for the 86th floor and $79 for the 102nd and 86th floors, with a $5 booking charge per transaction. esbnyc.com ↗
- timeout.com ↗
- esbnyc.com ↗
- wherearethosemorgans.com ↗