4 Tips for Exploring the Empire State Building in New York City

Make the most of your time at the Empire State Building by buying tickets in advance on the official website. While you will still have to wait in a line or two, you’ll skip the main ticket queue and have more time to take in the sights. If you’d like to skip all the lines, buy the coveted Express Pass. With this ticket in hand, you’ll be taken straight to the observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors – no waiting required!

You’ll want to give yourself at least a couple hours for your Empire State Building visit, if not more. Take your time gazing at vistas in all directions from the two observation decks, take a ton of photos and peer through the binoculars for a closer look. Peruse exhibits covering the building’s history, construction and celebrity visitors. Dine at one of the on-site restaurants, and shop for souvenirs at the 80th floor gift shop. There isn’t a time limit for your visit (other than closing time at midnight), so there’s no need to rush.

To experience the beauty of the Empire State Building both day and night, you don’t have to stick around for hours on end. Snag the AM/PM Experience or a CityPASS, both of which let you visit once during the day and a second time within three hours of closing.

As one of the most popular attractions in New York City, the Empire State Building can get very busy. Luckily, it’s open every day, rain or shine – including holidays – so you can often find ways to escape the crowds. First, you’ll want to work the natural crowd patterns in your favor. The Empire State Building tends to be less busy during the coldest months of the year, making it the ideal time for you to swoop in for a visit. As for the best time of day, avoid the first two hours after opening, as well as the hour after sunset, as those times are consistently busy.

While crowds are mostly predictable, there are occasionally unexpected dips and surges. That’s when the Empire State Building’s Top Deck ticket may come in handy. With access to both the open-air 86th Floor Observatory and the window-framed 102nd Floor Top Deck, you’ll have options to choose from to avoid the crowds. Take in the 360-degree views of the city and beyond. On a clear day, you can see six states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Delaware.

With its unbeatable views of the New York City skyline, boroughs and waterways, the Empire State Building is a popular photo spot. Here are the best tips to getting that post-worthy snap: Turn off your flash when taking photos from the enclosed observation areas, and opt to take most of your pictures on the open-air 86th Floor Observatory. The open-air setting often comes with lots of wind, so avoid clothing the wind can easily blow around. Finally, if you’re hoping to take a beautiful sunset photo, schedule your visit for at least an hour before sunset, to get an ideal spot before the rest of the sun-chasing crowds. Of course, don’t forget to take a few pictures of the Empire State Building itself. Grab a shot of the exterior from 34th Street and Fifth Avenue or Madison Square Park, along with some photos of the beautiful art deco lobby.

The Empire State Building is in Midtown Manhattan. Fly into John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in Queens, New York, or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey. Once you’re settled into the city, New York’s public subway system and buses are the most convenient ways to navigate the city and reach this iconic landmark.