Empire State Building Observatory

New York Empire State Building Observatory

When Peter and I were in New York, we made an effort to make it to the top of the popular buildings in the New York City. We wanted to capture photos of the city from above. There is only so much you can see at ground level.

On the top of our list was the Empire State Building. This 103-story skyscraper that stood as the tallest building for nearly 40 years is still as iconic today as it was in the 1930’s.

We research online before going to the Empire State Building when was the best time to go, tickets, hours and so on.

Below you’ll find tips that you want to keep in mind if you’re planning a trip to New York and you have the Empire State Building Observatory on your must-do list.

Empire State Building Observatory Tickets

This was my and Peter’s first time in New York so we had all of the touristy things planned for our week in the city. Everything from the Brooklyn Bridge to the One World Observatory.

While researching the ticket prices online, we found that New York offers a CityPASS. A CityPASS is a booklet that saves you 42% on admission to the best attractions in New York City.

If you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing while in New York getting the CityPASS is your best option. It costs $114 and gets you to all of the places you plan on visiting anyways. And you don’t have to wait in line to buy tickets.

We bought the New York CityPASS the first day we were in the city and used it until our last day. I highly recommend you get it if you’re planning on going to at least 5 of the attractions.

But if you don’t get the booklet a ticket to the Empire State Building Observatory costs $35 per adult and goes up from there.

Best Time to Go to the Empire State Building Observatory

Peter and I visited during the perfect time, dinner time. There were no lines and not as many people as there could have been. We reached the observation deck in about 10 minutes.

Once you walk inside and there are no lines you realize how long the lines can get. There are ropes and weaving lines that look like you’re in line at Disneyland for a roller coaster.

I read that mornings are also great. New York is an evening city and if you go anywhere in the am, like when the observatory opens there will be no wait.

If you go to the Empire State Building website to buy tickets and research other details, you’ll see a number next to the Buy Tickets button on the top right of the website. This number shows how long it will take you, if you have a general admission ticket, to get to the 86th floor Observation Deck. This time is updated every two minutes. So if you’re not sure how long you’ll be waiting in line, check their website before you go.

Empire State Building Facts

Before or after visiting a historical building like the Empire State Building, I like to research the history of it. I research and learn about its history to fully appreciate it. In my research, I found some interesting facts that I thought you might like.

I was the tallest building from 1931 to 1972
It’s 103 stories tall – 1,250 feet to top floor
It is struck by lightning an average of 23 times per year
It was built in one year and 45 days
It has its own zip code because it’s home to so many businesses
The building’s lobby is a designated historic landmark

I hope you like these amazing New York city photos! If you have any questions about visit the Empire State Building Observatory just send me an email!

Stay Stylish,
-V