Have you ever dreamt of standing atop one of the world’s most iconic skyscrapers, gazing out over the glittering expanse of New York City? Well, I have some good news for ya – the Empire State Building is waiting for you! But before you rush off to this magnificent landmark, lemme give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about visiting times, ticket options, and making the most of your experience.
Current Empire State Building Operating Hours
The Empire State Building welcomes visitors almost every day of the year, but their hours vary by season Here’s the latest schedule for 2026
| Date Range | Operating Hours | Last Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 23 | 12:00pm – 10:00pm | 9:00pm |
| Feb 24 – Mar 5 | 10:00am – 10:00pm | 9:00pm |
| Mar 6 – Mar 27 | 9:00am – 10:00pm | 9:00pm |
| Mar 28 – Apr 12 | 9:00am – 12:00am | 11:00pm |
| Apr 13 – May 13 | 10:00am – 11:30pm | 10:30pm |
| May 14 – Jun 30 | 9:00am – 12:00am | 11:00pm |
Important to note The building is currently open from 9 AM to 12 A.M. (that’s midnight for those who get confused by the AM/PM thing – I know I do sometimes!).
Why Do the Hours Change Throughout the Year?
You might be wondering why the hours aren’t the same year-round. Well, the Empire State Building adjusts its schedule based on:
- Tourist seasons (summer months typically have extended hours)
- Holidays and special events
- Maintenance requirements
- Seasonal daylight hours
This flexibility allows them to accommodate the largest number of visitors while maintaining the quality of the experience. Smart, right?
Planning Your Visit – When to Go?
Choosing the right time to visit can make or break your Empire State Building experience. Here’s what I’ve learned from countless visits:
Busiest Times (Try to Avoid):
- Weekends between 11am and 3pm
- Holidays
- Summer vacation periods
- Sunset hours (though beautiful, these are super popular)
Best Times to Visit:
- Early morning (as soon as they open)
- Late evening (after 9pm)
- Weekdays, especially Tuesday through Thursday
- Winter months (fewer tourists, though dress warm for the observation deck!)
Ticket Options – Which One’s Right for You?
When planning your visit, you’ll need to decide which experience suits your interests and budget. The Empire State Building offers several options:
Main Deck (86th Floor)
- Adult: $44.00
- Child: $38.00
- Senior: $42.00
- Features: Open-air observation deck with 360° views
- Perfect for: Budget-conscious visitors who still want the iconic ESB experience
Top Deck (86th & 102nd Floors) – MOST POPULAR
- Adult: $79.00
- Child: $73.00
- Senior: $77.00
- Features: Access to both the 86th floor AND the reimagined 102nd floor with floor-to-ceiling views
- Perfect for: Those wanting the complete experience with unmatched views up to 80 miles on clear days
CityPASS® Option
- Adult: $164.00 (regular price $283.00)
- Child: $136.00 (regular price $275.00)
- Features: Includes ESB 86th floor access plus 4 more NYC attractions with AM/PM Experience (bonus same-night admission 3 hours before closing)
- Perfect for: First-time NYC visitors planning to see multiple attractions
Note: All tickets include a booking charge (usually $5 per transaction, though CityPASS® has a $2 booking charge per ticket).
Important Booking Tips
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Reservations Required: You MUST have a reservation for a specific time upon checkout. Walk-up tickets are available but not guaranteed.
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Arrive Early: Plan to arrive about 15-30 minutes before your scheduled time to allow for security screening.
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Entry Doors Close Early: The entry doors close 1 hour before the building’s closing time. Don’t miss your chance by arriving too late!
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Check Weather: While the views are amazing anytime, clear days offer the best visibility. Some visitors prefer visiting twice – once during daylight and once at night!
What Can You See from the Empire State Building?
The Empire State Building offers some of the most spectacular views in New York City. From the observation decks, you can see:
- Brooklyn Bridge
- Central Park
- The Statue of Liberty
- One World Trade Center
- Times Square
- Hudson River
- East River
- And on exceptionally clear days, views up to 80 miles away!
My Personal Experience & Tips
I’ve visited the Empire State Building three times now, and I’ve learned something new each time. Here’s my personal advice:
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Download the App: The Empire State Building has an excellent app that provides audio tours and info about what you’re seeing.
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Visit Twice if Possible: The building offers a completely different experience during day versus night. Some tickets offer same-day return options.
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Dress Appropriately: It gets WINDY and often much colder on the observation deck than at street level. Bring an extra layer, especially at night.
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Bathrooms: Use the restrooms BEFORE heading up to the observation decks. There are facilities on the 86th floor, but they can get crowded.
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Photos: The light is best for photography in the hour after sunrise or before sunset (the famous “golden hour”).
What Else is at the Empire State Building?
Many visitors don’t realize that the Empire State Building is more than just observation decks! You’ll also find:
- Shops & Restaurants: Several dining and shopping options within the building
- Exhibits: Learn about the building’s history, architecture, and sustainability efforts
- The NEW Empire State Building Museum: Opened recently, showcasing the building’s cultural significance
Accessibility Information
The Empire State Building is committed to being accessible to all visitors. Key accessibility features include:
- Wheelchair accessibility throughout the building
- Complimentary wheelchair loans (subject to availability)
- Service animals are welcome
- Assistive listening devices available
- Audio descriptions for exhibits
If you have specific accessibility questions, I recommend checking their official website or contacting them directly before your visit.
Special Events & Experiences
Throughout the year, the Empire State Building hosts special events that might enhance your visit:
- Tower Lights: The building’s famous lights change colors for holidays and special occasions
- Sunrise Experience: Special early access tickets for watching the sunrise (limited availability)
- Celebrity Visits: You never know who you might see – the ESB is a popular spot for celebrity visits!
- Wedding Proposals: They even have special packages for those looking to pop the question with a view!
Is it Worth the Cost?
I get this question a lot, and my honest answer is: absolutely! While tickets aren’t cheap, the Empire State Building offers an experience that’s truly unique. The combination of history, architecture, and those incredible views make it a must-visit destination in New York City.
For budget travelers, consider these money-saving tips:
- Visit just the 86th floor instead of both observation decks
- Look for combo tickets if you’re planning to visit multiple attractions
- Check for seasonal promotions or discounts for visiting during off-peak hours
Safety Measures
The Empire State Building takes visitor safety seriously, with measures including:
- Security screening for all visitors
- Regular cleaning and maintenance
- Clear signage and staff assistance
- Comprehensive COVID-19 protocols (when applicable)
Final Thoughts
The Empire State Building isn’t just a tall building – it’s a piece of American history, an architectural marvel, and an experience that will stay with you long after you’ve descended from its lofty heights.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to NYC or a returning traveler, the Empire State Building deserves a spot on your itinerary. Just remember to plan ahead, book your tickets in advance, and check the hours of operation for your planned visit date.
So what are you waiting for? The city that never sleeps is waiting to be viewed from one of its most iconic vantage points. And trust me, once you’ve seen New York from the Empire State Building, you’ll never look at the city the same way again.
Have you visited the Empire State Building before? What was your experience like? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
Quick Reference: Empire State Building Visit Essentials
- Current Hours: 9 A.M. – 12 A.M. (check website for seasonal changes)
- Location: 350 Fifth Avenue, between 33rd and 34th Streets
- Nearest Subway: 34th Street-Herald Square (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W lines)
- Ticket Booking: Online reservations strongly recommended
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings or late evenings
- Must-Bring Items: Camera, comfortable shoes, extra layer for outdoor deck
- Don’t Miss: The newly redesigned 102nd floor observation deck
Remember to check the official Empire State Building website for the most up-to-date information about hours, tickets, and special events. And most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy every minute of this truly iconic New York experience!
The daily opening times of Empire State Building in New York
The following overview lists the visiting hours for Empire State Building in New York. The hours of the current day (today) are highlighted. Please note that opening hours on special days or holidays may differ from what is displayed here. We therefore recommend you to always check the opening hours with Empire State Building before your visit and see if it might be needed to reserve a time slot.
Want to know when Empire State Building is open? These are the opening hours:
| Monday | 9:00 – 23:00 |
| Tuesday | 9:00 – 23:00 |
| Wednesday | 9:00 – 23:00 |
| Thursday | 9:00 – 23:00 |
| Friday | 9:00 – 23:00 |
| Saturday | 9:00 – 23:00 |
| Sunday | 9:00 – 23:00 |
May 16 – Jul 17 9:00am – 12:00am Entry door closes at 11:15pm Jul 18 – Aug 24 9:00am – 1:00am Entry door closes at 12:15am Aug 25 – Sep 1 9:00am – 12:00am Entry door closes at 11:15pm Sep 2 – Sep 30 10:00am – 11:00pm Entry door closes at 10:15pm
Empire State Building Tour – New York City Observation Deck
FAQ
What is the best time to go up the Empire State Building?
Head up in the morning or after 8 p.m. During these times, it’s less crowded and you can enjoy a more private, romantic view of NYC.
How late can you go to the Empire State Building?
9 A.M. – 10 P.M.
Is it worth going to the 102nd floor?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a more exclusive and peaceful experience, the 102nd floor deck is well worth the upgrade. It’s a great choice if you want to avoid the crowds on the 86th floor and is ideal for photographers seeking clearer, unobstructed shots through floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
What is the number one tourist attraction in New York?
An iconic piece of New York is Times Square, one of the world’s most visited tourist attractions. While awe-inspiring during the day, you really should go after dark to get the full effect. Times Square is a major intersection, and is famous for its massive, brightly lit billboards.