How long does a typical visit take?

Plan on 60–90 minutes for a relaxed visit including exhibits and both observatories; shorter if you skip exhibits or have priority entry.

Are tickets required?

Yes—timed tickets are recommended and can be purchased online; walk-up tickets are sometimes available but often involve longer waits.

Is the building accessible?

Yes—accessible entrances and elevators reach observation levels; staff assist visitors with mobility needs and there are accessible restrooms.

Can I bring a tripod or drone?

Tripods may be allowed in some areas during off-peak hours with permission; drones are prohibited for safety and security reasons.

When are the observation decks open?

Hours vary seasonally and for special events; check the operator’s official schedule before planning, especially for late-night visits.

Is photography allowed?

Yes—photography is welcome on observation decks, but follow posted rules regarding flash and avoid blocking railings or emergency routes.

Empire State Building: Iconic Views & History in Midtown Manhattan

The Empire State Building stands in Midtown Manhattan, New York, New York, United States, cutting a clean, vertical line into the city skyline. Completed in 1931, this Art Deco skyscraper remains an essential stop for anyone visiting the city: its limestone-and-granite façade, stainless-steel spire, and tiered setbacks make it both an architectural landmark and a functioning observation platform.

Step inside and the trip becomes a short history lesson and a panoramic reward. Key features include the eighty-sixth floor open-air observatory and the enclosed one-hundred-and-second floor viewing deck, elevator banks that once symbolized modern speed, and the building’s signature crown of lights that change color for holidays and events. From these heights you can pick out geometric street grids, crossing bridges, the Hudson and East rivers, and distant highlands on clear days. The structure’s steel frame and setbacks reflect early twentieth-century zoning solutions, while the Art Deco lobby still shows period ornamentation and craftsmanship.

Why book a visit through a trusted operator? For many travelers the appeal is practical: timed tickets cut queue time, guided options explain sightlines and history, and evening visits trade daylight panoramas for glittering city lights. The building is a major part of the local outdoor recreation area not because it’s a park, but because its viewpoints convert the cityscape into a landscape—an urban vantage offering long-distance reference points useful for planning walks, river runs, or rooftop outings.

Unique natural or geological elements are limited within Manhattan, but the vantage provides context for surrounding geology: you can trace the Hudson River’s broad channel, spot Manhattan schist outcrops in parks and near building foundations, and observe migratory bird corridors that pass the façade in spring and fall. A cultural note: completed during the Great Depression, the Empire State Building opened to the public in 1931 and held the title of the world’s tallest building for nearly forty years.

About All New York Fun Tours

All New York Fun Tours is a New York City–based tour operator offering a wide range of curated experiences across Manhattan, Brooklyn and the five boroughs. The company features private SUV tours, private and public walking tours, photography-focused tours in Central Park and city landmarks, live virtual and livestream experiences, airport meet-and-greet services, holiday-themed selfie walks, honeymoon packages with professional photoshoots, and specialized options such as golf packages and minibus tours. Many tours are customizable and designed for couples, families, and small groups, with options for private, group, and public departures.

Select experiences include licensed tour guides and professional photographers who lead walking photo tours, smartphone selfie workshops, and full-service photo shoots that deliver high-resolution digital images. Nighttime SUV tours highlight iconic skyline views and neighborhoods, while daytime walking tours explore hidden gems, art galleries, and historic sites. Virtual tours and livestreams provide live guided access to Wall Street, Midtown, bridges, and the 9/11 Memorial for remote participants.

All New York Fun Tours promotes flexible itineraries and private transportation for guests seeking comfort and privacy, and offers themed seasonal experiences during holidays. The catalog of tours includes more than thirty distinct products spanning photography, food, culture, architecture, and landmark sightseeing. Guests can expect locally focused knowledge, customizable routes, and multimedia options to capture memories throughout New York City.

Many experiences are family-friendly and some are tailored for international visitors, including specific tours marketed to UK tourists, with airport meet-and-greet and private transport upon request.