What the Empire State Building is and why it matters
The Empire State Building is a 102-story office and observation tower completed in 1931 on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. It held the title of world's tallest building for 40 years until the World Trade Center opened in 1972. The building rises 1,454 feet from street level to the tip of its antenna, with the roof reaching 1,380 feet. It remains one of the most recognizable structures in the world and one of the most visited paid monuments in the United States.
The building was constructed in just 410 days during the Great Depression, using 60,000 tons of steel and 10 million bricks. It was designed by the architectural firm Shreve & Lamb and built by the Starrett Brothers and Eken construction company. The building's Art Deco style — with its limestone and granite facade, setbacks, and crown — defined a generation of skyscraper design.
Key Takeaways
- The Empire State Building has two observation decks: the 86th floor (open-air) and the 102nd floor (enclosed), each offering different views of New York City and surrounding areas.
- The building contains approximately 2.7 million square feet of office and commercial space across its 102 floors, with tenants ranging from small firms to major corporations.
- Visitors can reach the observation decks by elevator in about one minute, or climb the stairs — the building offers an annual race up 1,576 steps from the lobby to the 86th floor.
- The building's exterior is lit at night with colored lights that change for holidays, events, and causes, a tradition that began in 1932.
The two observation decks and what each offers
The 86th floor observation deck is the primary viewing area and the one most visitors experience. It is an open-air platform that wraps around the building's exterior, giving unobstructed 360-degree views. On a clear day, you can see up to 80 miles in all directions — into New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and across the five boroughs of New York City. The deck is 1,050 feet above street level.
The 102nd floor observation deck sits inside the building's crown and offers an enclosed, climate-controlled viewing space. It is smaller and less crowded than the 86th floor, and the windows are higher up, so the perspective is different. The 102nd floor is 1,250 feet above street level. Most visitors go to the 86th floor first, then take a second elevator to the 102nd floor if they want the higher vantage point.
Both decks have interpretive displays that identify landmarks visible from that height — the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the George Washington Bridge, and others. The 86th floor has a gift shop and a bar. The 102nd floor has a smaller gift shop. Neither deck has a restaurant, though the building has dining options on lower floors.
How to get there and what to expect on arrival
The main entrance is on Fifth Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets. There is a separate entrance on 34th Street for those purchasing tickets in advance online. Visitors enter through a lobby that has been renovated several times; the current lobby design dates to 2009 and includes a large model of the building and historical photographs.
Security screening is required before you board the elevators, similar to airport security but usually faster. You will pass through a metal detector and your bags may be scanned. Once cleared, you board an elevator to the 86th floor. The ride takes about 45 seconds. From the 86th floor, a separate bank of elevators goes to the 102nd floor.
Wait times vary by season and time of day. Summer afternoons and weekends are the busiest periods. Early morning visits (the building opens at 8 a.m.) typically have shorter waits. Evening visits are popular because you can see the city transition from daylight to night, and the lights of the city are visible from the observation decks after dark.
The building's role in New York City's skyline and culture
The Empire State Building is the third-tallest building in New York City by roof height, after One World Trade Center and 111 West 57th Street. However, it remains the most iconic because of its distinctive Art Deco crown and its long history as the city's most recognizable symbol. The building appears in hundreds of films, television shows, and photographs.
The building's lighting system is one of its most visible features. The exterior is illuminated each night with white lights, and the crown is lit with colored lights that change for occasions: red, white, and blue for Independence Day; green for St. Patrick's Day; pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month; and many others. The lighting scheme has become a way for the building to acknowledge events and causes in real time.
The building also hosts the annual Empire State Building Run-Up, a race up the stairs from the lobby to the 86th floor. The event has taken place since 1978 and draws competitive runners from around the world. The record for the race is under 10 minutes.
Office and commercial space inside the building
The Empire State Building is primarily an office building. Approximately 2,700 companies have offices there, ranging from one-person operations to large corporations. The building has been continuously occupied since its opening in 1931. Office space is rented by the floor or by portions of floors, and rental rates vary based on the floor level and the current market.
The building underwent a major energy efficiency renovation between 2009 and 2011. This included upgrading the windows, insulation, and HVAC systems. The renovation reduced the building's energy consumption by about 38 percent compared to its pre-renovation baseline.
The lower floors contain retail space, restaurants, and the observation deck ticketing area. The building's ground floor has a Starbucks, a gift shop, and access to the subway system. The second floor has additional retail and dining options.
Visiting hours, tickets, and practical information
The Empire State Building is open daily from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. (last elevator up at 1:15 a.m.). Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the ticket window on the day of your visit. Online tickets are typically cheaper and allow you to skip the ticket line, though you still go through security screening.
Ticket prices vary depending on which observation deck you visit and whether you purchase in advance or at the door. As of 2024, prices range from approximately $27 to $72 per person depending on the option chosen. Children, seniors, and military personnel may receive discounts. The building accepts major credit cards and cash.
The building is accessible by subway: the N, R, W, and F trains stop at 34th Street-Herald Square, about two blocks away. The A, C, and E trains stop at 34th Street-Penn Station, also nearby. There is limited street parking in the area, and most visitors arrive by public transit or taxi.
The building's history from construction through today
Construction began on March 17, 1930, and the building opened to the public on May 1, 1931. The project was completed ahead of schedule and under budget, a remarkable achievement during the Depression. The building was financed by John J. Raskob, a former DuPont executive, and built as a speculative office building — meaning it was built without pre-leased tenants, which was a significant financial risk at the time.
The building's most famous cultural moment came in 1933 when King Kong climbed the exterior in the film of the same name. The film was released just two years after the building opened and cemented its place in popular culture. Since then, the building has appeared in countless films, from Sleepless in Seattle to Independence Day.
In 1945, a B-25 bomber crashed into the building during heavy fog, hitting the 79th floor and killing 14 people. The building was repaired and remained in use. The crash is one of the most dramatic events in the building's history but did not compromise its structural integrity.
The building changed ownership several times over its history. In 2011, it was purchased by a group of investors including Helmut Sohmen and the Malkin family. The current ownership group has continued to maintain and upgrade the building while preserving its historical character.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you go to the top of the Empire State Building for free?
No, there is a ticket fee to access either observation deck. However, some buildings in New York City with observation decks do not charge admission — the Vessel at Hudson Yards and some hotel observation areas offer free or lower-cost access. The Empire State Building charges because the observation decks are a primary revenue source for the building's owners.
How long does it take to visit the observation decks?
Most visitors spend 45 minutes to two hours on the observation decks. This includes time waiting for the elevator, time on the 86th floor, and time on the 102nd floor if you go there. If you visit during a busy time, add time for security screening and elevator queues. Evening visits may take longer if you want to see both daylight and night views.
Is the 102nd floor worth the extra cost?
The 102nd floor offers a higher vantage point and is less crowded, but the views are similar to the 86th floor. Whether it is worth the extra cost depends on your preference for height versus crowd size and your budget. Many visitors find the 86th floor sufficient and skip the 102nd floor.
What should I bring when I visit?
Bring a camera or phone for photos, sunscreen if visiting during the day, and a light jacket because it is cooler at height and the open-air 86th floor is exposed to wind. The observation decks have no food or water for sale, so bring water if you plan to stay for a while. Bags are allowed but will be scanned during security screening.
Can you see the Statue of Liberty from the observation decks?
Yes, on a clear day the Statue of Liberty is visible from both observation decks, particularly from the 86th floor where you have an unobstructed view. It is located to the southwest, in New York Harbor. The distance is about 5 miles from the Empire State Building.