Empire State Building Tours and Activities

Empire State Building featuring a high-rise building, a city and views
Empire State Building
Empire State Building
Empire State Building
Empire State Building showing interior views as well as a large group of people


View the stunning Manhattan skyline for the top of this iconic superstructure and experience a truly bird’s eye view of the entire city.

The Empire State building is known worldwide as icon of incredible architectural engineering. This formidable landmark goes hand in hand with the name of New York City and is for many, a symbol of determination, perseverance and courage. The building itself has featured in numerous movies such as “An Affair to Remember”, “King Kong” and “Sleepless in Seattle”, to name but a few.

In 1931, the Empire State Building made its debut as the tallest building in the world, superseding its predecessor the Chrysler building. This record was held for over 40 years and is for New York what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris, the Space Needle to Seattle or Big Ben to London.

Measuring a colossal 443 metres tall, this prodigious superstructure offers a unique view of Manhattan’s bright lights from two observatories. For an in depth history of the buildings construction, stop off at the Dare to Dream Exhibit on the 80th floor. This permanent exhibit documents the construction of a global icon, including photographs, construction notes and detailed engineering information.

The first observation platform is located on the 86th floor and offers visitors an exceptional view of Midtown, Lower Manhattan and Central Park via an open-air deck. It is well worth the opportunity to take a photograph of the sprawling New York jungle beneath your feet, or a close up look through the old fashioned binoculars posted around the promenade deck. On a clear day, visitors can see as far as New Jersey and Connecticut.

The second observatory is situated on the 102nd floor and is the highest point open to the public in the city. This platform sits just under the broadcasting antenna and is perfect for viewing in the winter thanks to its enclosed observation area.

With its great location and excellent views, it is no wonder that wedding proposals are not an uncommon occurrence at the top of this romantic superstructure.

Due to its central location in Midtown, Manhattan, the Empire State Building is easily accessible either by bus, subway or train. It’s best to purchase tickets through the Empire State Building’s official website, as queues for the ticket office and lift are often long.

Plan a trip to see Empire State Building

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Top Empire State Building Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

4 out of 5
811 7th Ave, New York, NY
Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel
Hyatt Grand Central New York

Hyatt Grand Central New York

4 out of 5
109 East 42nd Street, at Grand Central Terminal, New York, NY
Hyatt Grand Central New York
NEW YORKER BY LOTTE HOTELS

NEW YORKER BY LOTTE HOTELS

4 out of 5
481 Eighth Ave., New York, NY
NEW YORKER BY LOTTE HOTELS
Hotel Stanford

Hotel Stanford

3 out of 5
43 W 32nd St, New York, NY
Hotel Stanford
Hotel St. James

Hotel St. James

2.5 out of 5
109 W. 45TH ST., New York, NY
Hotel St. James
Arlo Midtown

Arlo Midtown

4 out of 5
351 West 38th Street, New York, NY
Arlo Midtown
The Shelburne Sonesta New York

The Shelburne Sonesta New York

4 out of 5
303 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY
The Shelburne Sonesta New York
Virgin Hotels New York City

Virgin Hotels New York City

5 out of 5
1227 Broadway, New York, NY
Virgin Hotels New York City
Doubletree by Hilton New York Times Square South

Doubletree by Hilton New York Times Square South

3.5 out of 5
525 8Th Ave, New York, NY
Doubletree by Hilton New York Times Square South
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Empire State Building

Near the Empire State Building, visitors can enjoy a range of activities including immersive exhibits and a free tour, providing a unique insight into this iconic landmark. The surrounding area is vibrant with theatre, art, and entertainment options, making it a perfect spot for tourists looking to experience the cultural heartbeat of New York City.

Shopping

Macy's, located 322m from the Empire State Building, offers a vibrant shopping experience with a mix of business and entertainment vibes. For unique finds, visit Grand Central Market, just 966m away. If you're up for a drive, Tiffany & Co. is 1.6km away, perfect for luxury gifts.

Recreation

At Carnegie Hall, immerse yourself in world-class performances, experiencing the magic of live music just 1.6km away. For a bit of fun, glide across the ice at Rink at Rockefeller Center, only 1.3km away. Alternatively, indulge in luxury at the University Club, also 1.6km away.

Adventure

Embark on a thrilling day at DreamWorks Water Park, 9.7km from the Empire State Building, featuring exciting waterslides and family-friendly attractions. Alternatively, head to the ExtraVertical Climbing Center, located 3.2km away, for a challenging outdoor climbing experience. East River Park offers adventurous activities 3.2km away, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the Empire State Building. Visit the adults-only Museum of Sex for a unique twist, or catch a show at Town Hall and Richard Rodgers Theatre, both offering rich cultural experiences and entertaining performances just a short stroll away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is surrounded by a vibrant mix of urban parks, bustling streets, and intriguing galleries, making it a fantastic spot for culture seekers and families alike. While exploring this iconic landmark, you can also immerse yourself in the local New York experience, discovering the rich history and attractions that define the city. Don't miss the chance to enjoy the sights and sounds around this famous skyscraper during your visit.

  • Times Square: Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Times Square, just 805m from the Empire State Building. This modern square is renowned for its dazzling lights, bustling atmosphere, and iconic billboards, making it a must-see for any visitor.
  • Grand Central Terminal: Discover the architectural beauty of Grand Central Terminal, located 805m away. This symbolic landmark boasts stunning Beaux-Arts design and a rich history, offering a glimpse into New York City's culture and heritage.
  • Madison Square Garden: Just 644m from the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden is an entertainment hub that hosts concerts, sporting events, and family shows, ensuring a thrilling experience for visitors of all ages.

Best time to go to Empire State Building

The best time to visit Empire State Building is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January31.6°F (-0.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June70.2°F (21.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July76.8°F (24.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August75.4°F (24.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October57.9°F (14.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Empire State Building

To save money on your visit to the Empire State Building, consider travelling between January and March for lower accommodation rates. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can secure better deals, particularly on Sundays when prices are lowest. For transportation, use public transport like the subway, which is affordable and efficient. Explore free activities in the area, and don't forget to check Expedia for package deals combining flights and hotels for additional savings. Look for last-minute deals and sort accommodation options by price to find the best rates that fit your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Empire State Building are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to September to October and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Empire State Building about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Empire State Building is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Empire State Building is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to narrow down your choices based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay near the Empire State Building with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.