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Empire State Building - 86th Floor Observatory

20 West 34th Street, New York, New York

Description

The Empire State Building is one of New York's most iconic buildings, the tallest skyscraper in the world between 1931 and 1970 with a roof at 380m and an antenna topping 443m. It is known for its Art Deco design, its height and the various observation decks: the outdoor one on the 86th floor and the 102nd indoor one (ticket for the latter provides access to both). This review is for the 86th floor observatory.

Access & Transport

The building is off 5th Av., between 34th and 33rd St. The 33rd Street PATH station and '34 St - Herald Sq' underground station (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W) are just one block away.

Instructions & Recommendations

*** It is recommended to buy timed entry tickets ahead of time *** Once inside, there is no limit on the amount of time one can spend inside. Tickets for sunset time have a ~$10/pers surcharge.

Meta review

One of the most famous observation decks in the world and one of the most popular as well with online reviewers. Visitors obviously do very much enjoy the exceptional views but it is the wealth of historical information on the construction and foundations and the outdoor experience that make this option stand out. Ratings are overall clearly very positive and the only recurring negative comments relate to pricing which is deemed to be quite high (without being compared to other observatory decks in the city).

Environmental & Social

Not an eco-friendly building though the marginal carbon footprint is not ridiculous. Socially neutral.

Conclusion

Not the only option in NYC but certainly the one with historical cachet. Often, the views from 300m (or more) high in the sky are actually not as impressive as one may expect but in the case of Manhattan there is so much verticality in the skyline that we think the experience is very much worth it - if that does not stretch your budget too much.

Key positive

Exceptional panoramic views

Historical and technical background of the ES

Key negative

A little pricey

Suitability

Suitable for all ages and for visitors with reduced mobility.

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in October 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:1h 15m

Regulated hours

Monday10:00 - 22:30

Tuesday10:00 - 22:30

Wednesday10:00 - 22:30

Thursday10:00 - 22:30

Friday10:00 - 22:30

Saturday10:00 - 22:30

Sunday10:00 - 22:30

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
62 - 99
US$42
Adult
13 - 61
US$44
Child
6 - 12
US$38
Infant
0 - 5
US$0
There is a $10/pers surcharge during the 2h around sunset time

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