Empire State Building, New York: Photos, Reviews & Location

Iconic, art deco office tower from 1931 with exhibits & observatories on the 86th & 102nd floors.

At a glance

#34 of 191 Historical landmarks in New York #83 of 513 Tourist attractions in New York

LocalGuideWorld score: 4.70

0.7 km from the center of New York

Rating breakdown

5 ★79%
4 ★16%
3 ★4%
2 ★1%
1 ★1%

What reviewers talk about

Share of 16 recent reviews that mention each topic.

View75%
Price & value44%
Service & staff44%
Waiting & crowds38%
Location6%

20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001

esbnyc.com

(212) 736-3100

Photos of Empire State Building (942)

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Empire State Building, New York – photo 1

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Empire State Building, New York – photo 12

Quick facts

What is the rating of Empire State Building?: Empire State Building is rated 4.7 out of 5 based on 196,049 reviews.
How does Empire State Building rank in New York?: Empire State Building is #34 of 191 Historical landmarks in New York by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
Where is Empire State Building located?: 20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001 — 0.7 km from the center of New York.
What do visitors mention most about Empire State Building?: Most often: view, price & value, service & staff (from 16 recent reviews).
How can I contact Empire State Building?: Phone: (212) 736-3100 · Website: esbnyc.com

As you make your way up to the observatory, you learn the history and how this magnificent staple of the NYC skyline was created. You even get to hang out with King Kong! The views are unbeatable and romantic! Fans of the movie “Elf”will really enjoy the entrance when you are ready to leave the tour. Staff was so very friendly and helpful, and everything is streamlined seamlessly. Take in all the details from the elevator doors to the photo ops and you’ll have a great time here.

Stephanie Jacobson 2023 Dec 16

Beautiful scenery! I loved the little exhibit displayed before going up higher. It was nice to go outside and see the city from that view. However, if you wanted to go up to the very top, there was an additional pay that we weren't warned about. We bought our tickets in advance and thought it was for everything but I guess not. Still a good place to go besides that.

Mark Hodson 2023 Dec 13

Went after dark, and glad we did. Seeing NYC @ Christmas time from high up was incredible! While the observation deck was awesome, spend a little more and go all the way up! So worth the little extra. Don't worry about the lines, they move fast. The staff is friendly, helpful, and wrangle you up and down efficiently!

Chris Edwards 2023 Dec 13

Really great. We arrived late for our allocated time and it was no trouble to book us onto the next slot. It was a fun and interesting to learn the history of the building. You had opportunities to take photos on the way up. Amazing views of the city (at night for us) and the cornerstone to the architecture of New York.

Christian Vrbek 2023 Dec 11

It's still one of the places to be in NYC.
What an experience to visit this iconic building in Midtown Manhattan.
Prices are very high ( 100 USD for 2 adults), but it is a MUST to go there.
We were there at opening 10am , so even without reservations, it was a very short waiting time.
Definitely a MUST if you are there and the weather is nice.

Christopher Frometa 2023 Dec 10

The observation tower on floor 80 and 86 was definitely worth the money. The views were absolutely incredible. It’s amazing to see the city in a view like no other. Highly recommend going if you haven’t, and trying to go during the sunset hours.

Sara Omid 2023 Dec 07

Amazing Building. It feels unreal staring at this concrete giant Building with so many Floors. The Queue To get Inside the Empire State Building may be Long but it is worth it. There are so many Historical Mini Museums in the Building which can make your Knowledge about the Building way better. Not only that but the View from the Top is fascinating! You can take great pictures but it is also crowded.

5/5

Waruna Thotamune 2023 Nov 07

The Empire State Building is an absolute masterpiece of architectural marvel. Stepping onto its observation deck, you're greeted with a panoramic view that takes your breath away. The cityscape stretches as far as the eye can see, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of lights and skyscrapers. The experience of being on top of one of the world's most iconic landmarks is truly unforgettable. The attention to detail, from the informative exhibits to the seamless flow of visitors, makes the visit both enjoyable and educational. It's a must-see for anyone visiting New York City, offering a perspective that captures the essence of this vibrant metropolis. Don't forget to buy the city pass. That will be useful to reduce your expenses.

Fiorino Guido 2023 Aug 16

Visited the Empire State building. It was a great experience. The views were great, and the building was a lovely building. Definitely recommend buying ahead tickets. The outside view is very big and wraps around building, so you have 360-degree views. Would recommend as a one time visit. Just did 86th floor but was good enough.

JING LIU 2023 Aug 16

Love it here. In a departure from an old movie, Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan's "Sleepless in Seattle" ended up together here. The top of the Empire State Building, it's just like in the movie, and I noticed the elevator doors, they're all the same. It's amazing. Love it here, it was a snowy night when we arrived, it was very cold, but it didn't matter. We also took a composite photo on it with the Empire State Building. It was fun. It's corny and funny, but happy. The staff is friendly and efficient.

Krishna Sudarshan 2023 Aug 11

The Empire State Building stands as an unwavering sentinel of New York City's skyline, a symbol of the city's indomitable spirit. Despite passing it countless times, its allure remains undiminished, a testament to its enduring charisma. Its Art Deco design, a marriage of grace and grandeur, evokes a sense of nostalgia, transporting us to a bygone era of architectural opulence. Amidst the ever-changing urban landscape, the Empire State Building stands as a timeless icon, contrasting the sleek minimalism of modern structures. Its presence serves as a reminder of the city's rich history and cultural tapestry. The building's observation deck offers a breathtaking panorama, reaffirming its status as a vital thread in the vibrant fabric of New York City, an everlasting monument to human ambition and creativity.

Suzie Berndt 2023 Aug 09

My best friend and I did the sunrise experience - while we balked at the steep price tag, we quickly discovered it was well worth it. You really feel like VIP as you enter the world-famous Empire State Building at 5am. The staff are friendly, relaxed, and helpful. My coffee and croissant were just the right morning snack while we roamed the rooftop balcony, looking out at the waking city below for a solid 2 hours. I can’t wait to do this again.

Kuzey Candemir 2023 Aug 08

The Empire State Building is an absolute marvel. Its iconic silhouette gracing the New York skyline is a sight to behold. The observatory provides breathtaking panoramic views that capture the city's essence. The experience is seamless, from ticketing to the elevator ride, all well-managed. The historical significance and architectural brilliance are awe-inspiring. The attentive staff ensures an informative and enjoyable visit. While peak times can lead to longer queues, the view is worth the wait. The Empire State Building stands as a testament to human achievement and innovation, deserving of a resounding five-star rating. It offers an unforgettable journey through time and a vantage point that encapsulates the heart of New York City.

Colette Tan 2023 Aug 07

My favourite attraction in NYC. Soaking in the lights of NYC 86 floors above is a singular experience.

Would recommend
- going when NYC is safely past summer but not freezing.
- choosing a less popular day (if they even exist).
- catering at least an hour if you are alone, and 1.5hrs if you are with family. You'll need to queue to get in and take the lift up and down.
- watching the sunset is great and gives you the best of both worlds. If you must choose, go at night instead of during the day.

Juan Lopez Madrid 2023 Aug 02

Iconic place to visit! The building brings and amazing city view! It is incredible how many years ago the engineer built this.
It is very organized, and with very good service.
My first time was 12 years ago, at that time the city did not has the others big buildings with roof view options. Now is easier visit and without long lines of people