Once again New York City’s tallest building, the world-famous Empire State Building stands 1,453 feet, 8 9/16th inches and 103 floors tall, soaring more than a quarter of a mile high above the heart of Manhattan. A New York City Landmark and a National Historic Landmark, the art deco structure has been immortalized in more than 90 films and is one of those quintessential New York experiences everyone should try at least once.

Visitors enter the building from Fifth Avenue between 33rd and 34th streets, passing through an airport-quality security check before boarding express elevators that shoot up to the 80th floor in about 45 seconds. A second set of elevators leads to the 86th-floor observatory, 1,050 feet (320 meters) above the city. Since opening to the public in 1931, the observatory has welcomed almost 110 million visitors. It features indoor and outdoor viewing areas (including a glass-enclosed pavilion) offering a panoramic view of the city, restrooms and a gift shop. The 102nd floor Observatory reopened on November 1, 2005.

The observatory is open daily from 8:00 am to 2:00 am seven days a week, with the most striking light (and the greatest rush of visitors) typically occurring around sunset. If you don't mind getting an early start, consider going right at opening time to enjoy the morning light and thinner crowds. Aside from the 2:00 am closing time, there's no limit to how long you can stay, so feel free to linger and enjoy the stupendous view in every direction. High powered binoculars are available on the promenades for the convenience of visitors at a minimal cost.

Advance tickets purchased online at www.esbnyc.com cost a little more than onsite admission, but it's worth paying the extra $2.00 per person to avoid the long lines at the ticket counter. Online tickets can be printed out from your own computer to avoid mailing charges. CityPass holders (www.citypass.com/city/ny.html) also may skip the ticket line and go directly to the elevators. Military personnel are admitted free when in full uniform. For current updates on waiting times and visibility from the observatory, call 212-736-3100 or 877-NYC-VIEW (692-8439).

Empire State Building
350 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10118
212-736-3100