Get Empire State Building Tickets and enjoy NYC Skyline Views

The Empire State Building is the United States’ number one attraction. Do not miss your chance to experience the iconic views of New York City from the Empire State Building's 86th-floor observatory. With our Empire State Building Observatory Tickets, you have a chance to enjoy a 360-degree view of the city that never sleeps.

What to Expect at the Empire State Building

The Empire State Building's main deck observatory on the 86th floor has been the setting for dozens of movie and television scenes, as well as tens of millions of iconic moments. It is one of the most iconic NYC landmarks and the most popular observation deck in NYC. The open-air observation deck wraps around the building’s spire, providing 360-degree views of New York, Brooklyn, Queens, and beyond. On the clearest days, this unforgettable view spans six states, offering glimpses of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Delaware.

The Empire State Building is more than just a view. It's an immersive experience inside a world-famous landmark. In addition to our Observation Decks, your visit includes the new entrance on 34th Street, our two-story building model, self-service ticketing kiosks available in nine languages, the restored lobby with its stunning art deco ceiling murals, and the historical Dare To Dream Exhibit.

The Empire State Building offers a unique experience that goes beyond just admiring the view. As you ascend to the 86th floor in the high-speed elevator, you'll feel the building's history come alive. The glass elevator ride itself is a part of the experience, as it's accompanied by a dynamic light show that tells the story of the building's construction.

Once you step onto the observatory deck, you'll be greeted by the stunning 360-degree views of New York City. From here you’ll be able to see all the New York sites you know and love including Central Park, Times Square and the Statue of Liberty.

The Empire State Building also offers a variety of exhibits that enhance your visit. Situated on the 80th floor, the 'Dare to Dream' exhibit serves as a tribute to the dedicated men and women who transformed this architectural dream into a modern marvel. The exhibit is a rich tapestry of original photographs, architectural sketches, and construction notes, each piece offering a fascinating snapshot of the building's storied past.

Make your way to the 2nd floor to explore the newly refurbished museum. Here, a collection of interactive exhibits guide you on a journey through the building's history, its construction, its iconic status in popular culture, and its recent transformation into a global leader in sustainability.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned New Yorker, the Empire State Building promises an experience like no other. It's a journey that weaves together breathtaking views, a deep dive into rich history, and a fresh perspective on the city that never sleeps.

Empire State Building History

The Empire State Building, an iconic symbol of American ingenuity and financial success, was built between 1929 and 1931. Once the tallest building in the world, it stands as a testament to the technological prowess of its time.

The building was designed by Shreve, Lamb, and Harmon, based on a pencil design, and it took only 20 months to complete. Despite opening during the Great Depression, the building gave a psychological boost to the nation and has since played a starring role in movies like King Kong and Sleepless in Seattle.

The Empire State Building's story is one of extraordinary ambition and architectural innovation. The building's construction began in 1929, a project spearheaded by a group of well-known investors, including former General Motors executive John Jakob Raskob and former New York Governor Alfred E. Smith. The building was designed in the Art Deco style, which was popular at the time, and its distinctive silhouette quickly became a symbol of New York City.

The construction of the Empire State Building was a marvel of modern engineering. The framework rose at an astonishing rate of four and a half stories per week, not least because of the use of prefabricated parts. The building was completed ahead of schedule and under budget, with no workers' deaths during construction - a remarkable achievement for the time.

When it was completed in 1931 the Empire State Building soared to an impressive height of 1,454 feet (443.2 meters), and became the tallest building in the world. It proudly held this title for nearly four decades, until the North Tower of the World Trade Center claimed the spot in 1971. Today, the Empire State Building still stands tall as the fifth-highest skyscraper in the United States and ranks as the 28th tallest worldwide.

The Empire State Building's observatories attract millions of visitors each year. The 86th-floor observatory offers impressive 360-degree views of the city, while the 102nd-floor observatory, located in a metal tower that was originally intended as a mooring mast for airships, offers a unique view from an incredible height.

The Empire State Building is not just a popular tourist attraction but also a working office building. The ESB houses a number of businesses and even has its own ZIP code. In 2010, in an effort to improve both energy efficiency and infrastructure, the building underwent a $550 million renovation. The efforts were successful and now the Empire State Building is at the forefront of sustainability and technology within the New York City real estate industry.

The history of the building stands as a monument to both the ingenuity and ambition of the human spirit. It is a symbol of the never ending will of humans to always reach higher, to conquer the skies and to leave a mark that will stand the test of time.

Book Your Tickets for the Empire State Building Now

Don't miss out on this defining experience. Book your Empire State Building Observatory Tickets now and witness the mesmerizing views of New York City!