Essential Tips for Visiting the Empire State Building

Visiting the Empire State Building is extremely popular with travelers coming to New York City. During peak travel season and on weekends, this can mean long waits to get to the 86th-floor observatory. However, with these insider tips and advice, you can save yourself time and make the most of your visit to the Empire State Building.

Buy Your Tickets Online and Wait in Fewer Lines

Getting to the Empire State Observatory requires waiting in three lines: one for security, one for tickets, and one for the elevator. There’s no skipping the security line; however, you can skip the ticket line by buying your tickets online in advance. Furthermore, you can skip the line for the elevator and security if you purchase an Express Pass (though it costs more than double the price of a regular ticket).

Don’t Miss the 102nd Floor Observatory

For a long time, visitors could only go as high as the 86th-floor Observatory, but now, you can head even higher up to the 102nd Floor Observatory. While the 102nd Floor Observatory isn’t open air like the 86th floor, being 16 stories further up gives you a great view of New York City. You will be able to see all the area bridges and Central Park. Because the area is glassed in, you’ll capture better pictures from the 86th Floor, but the view is extraordinary! You can’t buy tickets to the 102nd Floor Observatory online; however, you can purchase tickets at a kiosk on the 86th Floor (so you can still skip the ticket line) or at the regular ticket booth.

Begin or End Your Day at the Empire State Building

If you’re trying to squeeze numerous activities into a short period, it’s beneficial to remember that the Empire State Building opens at 8 a.m. and the last elevator ascends at 1:15 a.m. (the Observatory is open until 2 a.m.). This makes the Empire State Building an excellent choice for beginning or ending your day since it’s open before most attractions and closes after many other spots.

Consider the Weather

The views from the Empire State Building are best on clear, dry days. Therefore, check the weather in New York City and consider it when planning your visit to the Empire State Building. Of course, the first clear day after a few rainy days will attract other visitors as well, so prepare for long lines. While you’ll have access to interior areas, the best views are from the outside. If it’s cold, dress warmly, as the wind can make it feel cooler at the top of the Empire State Building. Likewise, the sun can be strong at the top, so take that into consideration, especially during the summer when you might want to wear a hat or apply sunblock.

Should You Visit During the Day or at Night?

The views from the Empire State Building are impressive at any time; however, during the daytime—especially on a clear day—you’ll see the city’s layout and surrounding geography in greater detail. Nighttime viewing, on the other hand, offers the excitement of the city’s lights. You can experience the best of both worlds by timing your visit during sunset, where you can watch the sunlight fade and the lights emerge in the city.

Allow Plenty of Time for Your Visit to the Empire State Building

Even if you buy your tickets online, there’s no avoiding the line for security clearance or the maze of walking to get to the elevators, so plan at least 2 hours for your visit. There isn’t much to do on the security line, but it’s designed so the line moves most of the time, and interesting displays about the energy-saving measures at the Empire State Building are featured. On weekends and when the weather is especially beautiful, lines can be even longer. The lines tend to be shortest if you arrive very early in the day.

Skip Firework Viewing From the Empire State Building

While it may seem like a good idea to head to the Empire State Building observatory to view fireworks on the Fourth of July or other holidays, you may want to avoid planning your visit on those days. On July 4th, they actually close the Observatory before the fireworks and offer about 300 special “July 4 Fireworks tickets,” which include refreshments and limit the crowd to about a quarter of the usual maximum. For more details, contact the building directly.

Be Prepared for the Security Check

Every visitor to the Empire State Building must pass through security screening, so be aware. Glass and bottles are not permitted in the building. While cameras and camcorders are allowed, tripods are not. There is no coat or luggage check, so whatever you bring into the building you will need to carry throughout your visit.

You Can Only Get Married on Valentine’s Day

The Empire State Building is only available for weddings on Valentine’s Day, and you’ll need to apply and be chosen to participate. Applications are typically due by November 30.

Keep the Kids Entertained

Kids enjoy seeing the views from the Empire State Building; however, very few enjoy waiting in lines. You might consider an express pass to avoid the hassle, or bring along activities to keep them engaged during the wait. You can also explore educational materials to help prepare your children for their visit and get them excited.