What time is best to see Empire State?

It's rarely anything other than busy but you can avoid long waits and jockeying for position on the observation decks by visiting early in the morning or late in the evening. For families with young kids, the best time to visit the Empire State Building is in the mornings before around 11AM.



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Allow at least one hour for your visit, slightly more if you will be visiting both the main deck and the top deck. During peak visiting hours, especially in the warmer months, there may be extended waits to buy tickets and enter the elevators.

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The Express Pass lets you make your way down the red carpet and skip all the lines on your way to the Main Deck. Experience the convenience of an expedited journey to the top of the building.

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WINNER FOR THE BEST VIEW: Depends on what you want to see/ or have on your picture: The Top of the Rock has more impressive views of Central Park and the Empire State Building. The Empire State Building is higher and has better views of Manhattan and Statue of Liberty, and of other US states on the clearest days!

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Security Checks: Cameras and camcorders are allowed, but no tripods. ONLY carry-on size and style bags, suitcases, backpacks, duffle bags, luggage, etc., are permitted. There is no coat check, package, baggage check or holding area available. For more information about the Observatory policies, visit www.esbnyc.com.

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Purchase Tickets online or at the building Tickets are valid for the date you choose at checkout. For visitors looking to dodge the crowds, we recommend taking a trip to the top between 12pm and 2pm, as our daily morning rush is over by then.

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It's an unforgettable experience when the doors of the elevator open up on the 86th floor and you can admire the maze of skyscrapers at a vantage point of 1,250 feet. Many of you are wondering if it's worth paying extra to go to the 102nd floor and without taking away too much, I'd say YES.

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The 86th floor is an open-air observation deck that offers 360-degree views of New York City and beyond. It is also the main observation deck that all visitors can access with their tickets. The 102nd floor is an enclosed observation deck that offers floor-to-ceiling glass windows for a more immersive experience.

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Visitors reach the 86th Floor Observatory by elevator in less than one minute. New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Weddings event was held in 1994.

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It is approximately 2793 feet to get from Times Square to Empire State Building.

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For the best views from the Empire State Building, you must visit the 102nd floor. From up here, you'll be 1,224 feet high and able to see up to 80 miles into the distance. It's the ultimate panoramic view of New York's bridges, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, and other iconic sights.

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Entry to the Empire State Building's 86th-floor observatory is included for free with the purchase of the New York Sightseeing Pass, the New York Pass, and the New York Explorer Pass. It is also free twice with the purchase of a CityPass booklet, giving you the opportunity to come day and night.

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Secret 103rd floor balcony of the Empire State Building — usually open only to VIPs — is revealed in vertigo-inducing photographs.

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