Empire State Building

What it is

A 1931 Art Deco skyscraper on Fifth Avenue at 34th Street with two observation decks: the open-air 86th floor and the enclosed 102nd floor near the top of the mast.

Why travelers go

For the open-air 86th-floor deck, which sits high enough to see both ends of Manhattan and low enough that the streets below still read as streets rather than as a map. It is the most legible high view in the city.

What is genuinely good

Open-air rather than behind glass, a central position that shows you more of the island than a downtown observatory does, and rescheduling on the flexible ticket types. The Art Deco lobby and the building's own exhibition are included and are better than they need to be.

Downsides and tourist traps

The starting price is 44 dollars and a 5 dollar booking charge lands on every transaction. The 102nd floor costs meaningfully more for an enclosed view that is not much better. Sunset slots are the most crowded hour of the day, and the deck is genuinely tight when full.

Best for

First-time visitors to New York, anyone who wants an open-air view rather than a window, and photographers who can book an off-peak slot.

Consider skipping if

You specifically want the Empire State Building in your photograph, in which case Top of the Rock is the better choice. Skip it too if you are doing One World Observatory on the same trip, because two paid high views in one visit is a lot of money for diminishing returns.

Practical advice

Book a timed slot online and treat the 5 dollar booking charge as part of the price when you compare against other observatories. Avoid the hour either side of sunset unless you are prepared to queue. Weather decides this attraction more than any other in the city, so pick a clear day and use a flexible ticket if your dates allow.

Tickets and reservations

Main deck 86th floor tickets start at 44 dollars, with a 5 dollar booking charge added to each transaction. Upgraded and flexible ticket types cost more and allow rescheduling.

Getting there

34th Street Herald Square on the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R and W lines is two blocks away. 34th Street Penn Station on the 1, 2, 3, A, C and E lines is a short walk west.

Where it sits

Midtown Manhattan on Fifth Avenue at 34th Street, in a dense commercial district next to Herald Square and Macy's. It is functional rather than charming at street level, and Bryant Park and Koreatown are both a short walk for somewhere better to eat.

How long to allow

Around ninety minutes including security, the lift and time on the deck. Longer if you add the 102nd floor or arrive near sunset.

Accessibility

Both observation decks are reached by lift and the building publishes accessibility information for visitors with reduced mobility.

The RuinMyTrip verdict

Still the best paid high view in New York, mostly because it is open-air and centrally placed. Book off-peak, stay on the 86th floor, and remember the 5 dollar booking charge when you are comparing it against the alternatives.

Sources

Every figure above was checked against these before publication. If one has since changed, tell us and we will correct it.

• Main deck 86th floor tickets start at 44 dollars. source
• A 5 dollar booking charge is added to each transaction. source

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