Is Visiting The Empire State Building Worth It?

Is the Iconic Empire State Building worth visiting?

Very few buildings in the world are as instantly recognizable as the Empire State Building. This amazing building towers over Midtown Manhattan and has long been a symbol of New York City itself.

The Empire State Building has seen in countless movies, TV shows, and its image is everywhere. But with so many observation decks in NYC, long lines, and a steep ticket price, you might be wondering: is the Empire State Building really worth a visit?

My short answer? It depends! If you’re looking for a classic New York experience, unbeatable city views, and a little piece of history, the Empire State Building might just be a “must-do.”

But there are a few things to consider before heading up. In this post, I’ll break down the how to visit, with the pros, cons, to help you decide if it deserves a spot on your itinerary.

How to Visit the Empire State Building

Location: 20 West 34th Street 
Open: 365 days per year from 8 AM – 2 AM.

Find the Empire State on 34th Street & 6th Avenue, in midtown as you are touring around all the legendary landmarks in that part of town like the Chrysler Building, Herald Square, Grand Central Station, and more.

An average visit lasts about 2 hours, but you can spend as much or as little time as you like!

Pro Tips!
Purchase tix for the 86th Floor which are a bit less expensive than the 102 Floor.
Buy your tix for late afternoon to see the sunset.
Enjoy champagne and listen to music for the sunset experience.
Prepare for wind! There are heating lamps and the famous viewing binoculars.
Reconsider if it’s a cloudy day!!!

You can buy Empire State Building Tickets by clicking here!

Pros for the 86th Floor:

Open-Air Experience – The 86th Floor is an open-air deck that wraps around the building. It’s the iconic, main observation deck of the Empire State Building. Unlike the 102 floor, it gives you the full outdoor experience, with wrap around heaters. Feel the breeze, see the unobstructed views, and hear the sounds of the city below.

Panoramic Views – The 86th Floor deck is 1050 feet above the street and not behind glass! So, you’ll catch 360 degree views of the Statue of Liberty, the Chrysler Building, Times Square, and Central Park. Imagine the photos!

The Full New York Vibe – The 86th Floor is the Empire State deck that you’ve seen in all the famous movies. It’s the most visited deck, with the classic, art deco, old-school NYC vibe.

Cons for the 86th Floor:

Crowds – The 86th Floor can get crowded since it’s the main deck. Especially at sunsets and weekends. But my experience of the crowds hasn’t been a deterrent. There seems to be plenty of room for everyone.

Not the Highest Point – So, if you want to be as high up as possible, you should go to the 102nd Floor.

Pros for the 102nd Floor:

Higher Elevation – The 102nd floor is 1,250 feet above NYC, meaning you get an even more elevated perspective.

Temperature Controlled – the indoor viewing will be cozy and not windy.

Fewer Crowds  – Since it’s a premium upgrade, fewer people make the trip up, so it’s quieter and less crowded.

More of the Skyline – Being higher up means you can see farther, including more of New Jersey, the Atlantic Ocean, and beyond. They say you can see 6 states on a clear day!

Cons for the 102nd Floor:

Fully Enclosed – The 102nd floor is indoors, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows. That means you don’t get an outdoor experience. Your photos may have window glare.

 Additional Cost – The 102nd floor requires an additional ticket upgrade added to the standard admission. Personally, I don’t think it’s worth the extra cost.

What do tickets cost?

86th Floor tix: $44 p/adult, $38 p/child, and $42 p/senior for the 86th floor.

102nd Floor tix: $77 p/adult, $71 p/child. $75 p/senior for the 102 floor.

Buy Your Empire State Building Tickets Here!

What you get when visiting the Empire State Building

Visiting the historic ESB is a fully immersive experience. The outside of the building is gorgeous, but entering the lobby is another level! I always marvel at the Art Deco style of these famous NYC buildings.

You’ll be lead to the interactive museum and exhibitions on the 2nd floor. There, you get to learn about the building, the historic fun facts, and even see King Kong!

You’ll also enjoy the high speed elevator ride up to the 86th. Your ears might pop a little!

 You can always Text CONNECT to 27416 to get updates about the daily lights and any other info about the exhibits.

Some ESB Fun Facts

• The ESB was built in 1931 by William Lamb, and at the time, was the tallest building in the world.
• Today it’s the 54th tallest building in the world.
• It was named for the motto of the state of New York.  
• At 1454 feet tall, it is a magnificent Art Deco era skyscraper that has been featured in more movies than you can count.
• Since 1976 the lights of the ESB have changed daily for special occasions, holidays, and to commemorate all kinds of people and world events.
• This is where Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly, and Jules Munshin have a hilarious scene in On the Town, and where Debra Kerr and Cary Grant agree to meet in An Affair to Remember, and of course where Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan finally meet in Sleepless in Seattle.  Do I need to mention King Kong and Superman? You see what I mean? 

Best Places To Stay In New York City

I’ve done a lot research so you don’t have to! Here are some safe NYC hotels with great reviews in great neighborhoods.

Best Midtown Spot –The Empire Hotel is a perfect spot across from Lincoln Center, steps away from Central Park. It’s considered the iconic “crown jewel” of Midtown. 

Best Budget Spot – Arlo Soho  Arlo Soho is in the heart of Greenwich Village, has a rooftop bar, and views of the river. This spot can cost you $292 and up.

Best Mid-Range Spot – The Hotel Beacon The Hotel Beacon is a historic building on the Upper West Side with apartment style rooms near Central Park. This hotel can cost you $479 and up.

Best Luxury Spot – Lotte New York Palace Lotte New York Palace was formerly the historic Villard Mansion, on Madison Avenue. This grand, 5 star hotel can cost you $595 and up.

What to pack for New York City

The time of year will obviously have a big impact on what to bring. Here is an outline for some basics. Remember that dressing for a visit to New York should be about comfort and convenience. You’re likely to leave your hotel in the morning and not return again until bedtime, so one outfit a day with layers should suffice.

Winter/Spring

• Very comfortable water proof shoes or boots and warm socks.
• Very warm waterproof coat or jacket.
• Hat, gloves, scarf.
• Casual outfits – pants, warm shirts, a sweater.
• One nicer outfit in case you want to dress up one evening for a show or nice restaurant.
• A lightweight day pack.
• A portable phone charger.

Summer/Fall

• Very comfortable walking shoes or sneakers, waterproof if expecting rain.
• A lightweight jacket.
• Casual outfits – pants, lightweight shirts, a sweater.
• One nicer outfit in case you want to dress up one evening for a show or nice restaurant.
• A lightweight day pack.
• A portable phone charger.
• Sunscreen.

What is the best way to get around in New York City?

While walking is the best way to see the city, and ride shares and taxis are always available, the subway and buses work well.

Here’s How to Ride Public Transport in NYC

• Each ride costs $2.90. The easiest thing is to TAP TO PAY with your smartphone, credit card, or OMNY (One Metro New York) card.
• If you tap with the same device within 7 days, you’ll be capped at $34 and ride free the rest of the 7 days! If you spend less than $34, you’re only charged for the rides you take.
• You can tap in up to 4 people on your same device or card.
• Note: if it’s your first time tapping, it takes a few minutes for your bank to approve a new user, so you might not be able to tap in others on your first time.
• Subways and bus fares are $1.45 for 65 or older and those with disabilities – if you have applied for the reduced fare program. More info here.

Best Restaurants near the Empire State Building

So many choices, so little time. Here are some NYC favorite restaurants. They all have Gluten Free options. – A lot of my favorite food and things to do are in Lower Manhattan. Here’s a GREAT rec near the Empire State Building:

Izakaya MEW
53 W 35th Street
Awesome Japanese Sushi restaurant. Very hip atmosphere, kind of hole in the wall spot, with great drinks!

So, is visiting the Empire State Building worth it?

In a nutshell…

To answer the original question…YES, a resounding YES! I love me an iconic NYC thing, so I say YES. Do it once in your life! It’s especially exciting for first time visitors to NYC.

Many New Yorkers haven’t done it and even frown upon some of these famous tourist activities. But for me, it’s like seeing a part of history. It’s a museum, not a gimmick. The exhibitions are really interesting and fun for all ages and the opportunity to see the city from that angle is pretty epic!

There’s a reason it’s considered to be the #1 and most popular attraction! Send me your pics!

And if you want to learn more about my favorite city, then check here for New York City posts. I’ve made some great itineraries for 1 day in NYC, 2 days in NYC, 3 days in NYC, 4 days in NYC, and 5 days in NYC. You can choose a day to see the Empire State Building and have a blast touring around!

Enjoy!

xx,
Carrie