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• Tickets are valid for your chosen visit date. Please check our Safety page for information on updated hours.
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Guide To Visiting The Empire State Building in New York City – Everything You Need to Know!

Last updated: December 16, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - 2 Comments

If you’re visiting New York City, then one landmark you won’t want to miss is the Empire State Building. This iconic structure is one of the most recognisable buildings in the world, and is a must-see when you visit New York.

The Empire State Building can be admired from the outside, but for the best experience you’ll want to go inside it to take in the spectacular views on offer from the upper levels.

Of course, if you do decide to visit the Empire State Building, then you will want to do a little bit of planning. This is one of the most popular attractions in the city, with millions of people visiting every year. As such, it gets quite busy, and lines are common. We recommend buying your ticket online in advance.

In this guide, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about visiting the Empire State Building to help you make the most of your visit. We share tips based on our experiences visiting it on multiple trips to New York City. We’ll cover how to get here, where to buy tickets, tips for your visit, ideas for saving money, and lots more.

Let’s get started!

Overview of the Empire State Building

Before we go into our guide for visiting the Empire State Building, we thought we’d share some facts and information about this iconic New York landmark which we think you’ll find interesting, and perhaps make you even more excited for your visit.

What is the Empire State Building?

The Empire State Building is a huge Art Deco skyscraper in the centre of Manhattan. It has 102 floors, and when it opened it was the tallest skyscraper in the world.

The building is primarily used as office space by a wide variety of companies, as well as serving as a popular tourist attraction. There are shops and eateries on the ground floors, as well as observation decks you can visit on the 80th, 86th and 102nd floors.

It has its own zip code, has featured in numerous movies and TV shows, including King Kong , An Affair to Remember , Sleepless in Seattle , and Elf . It is definitely a must-visit attraction for visitors to New York City.

When was the Empire State Building Built?

Construction on the Empire State Building started on the 17th March 1930, and was completed 13 months later on the 11th April 1931. It was opened on the 1st May 1931.

The building was constructed at a record pace, at an average of 4.5 stories a week. During one 10 day period, 14 floors were built!

What is the Empire State Building Made From?

The Empire State Building is constructed from a steel frame with a limestone facade. The use of steel frames combined with the invention of elevators is what made it possible to build skyscrapers to such dizzying heights, and the technique is still used in skyscraper construction to this day.

Why is it Called the Empire State Building?

The Empire State Building derives its name from the nickname given to the State of New York, which is the Empire State.

How Tall is the Empire State Building?

The Empire State Building is 1,454 feet (443.2 meters) high, measured to the very tip of the building. The roof is 1,250 ft (381 m) high.

When it was built it was the tallest building in the world, a title it held until the World Trade Centre buildings were finished in 1970.

Today it is only the seventh tallest building in the city, and only in the top 50 worldwide. However, it is still the most well known of New York’s impressive skyscraper collection, even if it is no longer the tallest.

Where is the Empire State Building?

The Empire State Building is in midtown Manhattan. The full address is Empire State Building, 350 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10118. It is also sometimes listed as 20 West 34th Street New York.

The Empire State Building is a huge building. It’s so large in fact it has its own zip code. It also has multiple entrances. As a visitor who is planning to go up to the observatories, you will need to enter at 20 West 34th Street, which is the dedicated observatory entrance.

How to Get to the Empire State Building

Getting to the Empire State Building is easy – the building is very central and you have lots of options. Here’s an overview of the various ways to get here.

Public Transport to the Empire State Building

New York City has a good public transport system which includes buses and a subway, as well as a number of other options. You can see our complete guide to getting around New York here for more ideas.

For the Empire State Building, the best options are going to be either by subway or public bus.

Subway to Empire State Building

There are a number of metro stations within a five or ten minute walk of the Empire State Building. The closest are:

• 34th Street Penn Station: Lines 1, 2, and 3 and A, C, and E. Five minute walk from the exit to the Empire State Building
• 34th Street Herald Square Station: Lines N, Q, R, and W and B, D, F, and M. Five minute walk from the exit to the Empire State Building
• Grand Central Terminal: Lines 4, 5, 6 and 7. 10 minute walk from the exit to the Empire State Building.

You can get information on routes and schedules on the MTA website here .

Bus to Empire State Building

Multiple bus routes service the Empire State Building, depending on where you are coming from. Nearby bus stops, all within 5 minutes walk of the Empire State Building include:

• W 34 St & 5 Avenue: multiple buses including QM10, QM12, QM15, QM16, QM17 and more.
• 5 Av / W 34 Street: BxM7 and BxM18
• 5 Av/W 35 Street: X27, X28, X37, and X38

There are many more bus stops in the vicinity of the Empire State Building. You can see more information on routes and schedules on the MTA website here .

Sightseeing Bus to the Empire State Building

As with many cities around the world, there are a number of sightseeing buses operating in New York. These visit the most popular attractions in the city, and usually have either a live commentary or pre-recorded audio that tells you what you are seeing.

You can buy tickets for these that last various durations, usually a minimum of one day, and you can get on and off them as you please.

Naturally, as the Empire State Building is a popular attraction in the city, most sightseeing buses have a stop nearby so you can visit easily. We used the Big Bus New York Sightseeing bus on a recent trip to New York, and enjoyed the live audio commentary on the bus we rode.

You can purchase tickets in advance for either 1, 2 or 3 days here . Alternatively, sightseeing buses are included on the majority of New York attraction passes .

Driving to the Empire State Building

We would definitely recommend against driving to the Empire State Building. Traffic in Manhattan is always busy and parking, if you can find any, is likely to be expensive.

Of course, if you do have a car and wish to park, there are options. You can see nearby parking structures and parking lots with this link .

If you drive, we recommend booking a parking spot in advance to be sure of a spot. We’d also suggest parking for the day as this will work out more cost effective, and then using public transport to get around to visit any other sights.

Do you Have to Pay to Visit the Empire State Building?

If you wish to visit any of the exhibits or observation decks at the Empire State Building, then you will need a ticket. See the next section for details of ticket pricing.

Of course, you can visit the outside of the building, as well as the ground floor dining options and shops for free.

How Much Does It Cost to Visit the Empire State Building?

Pricing for the Empire State Building varies depending on the experience you want, with ticket prices ranging from $44 all the way up to $500 for an adult. Prices are correct as of April 2023.

First, you have to decide which floors you want to visit.

• Main Deck access includes access to the observation deck on the 86th floor, as well as all the exhibits on the 2nd and 80th floors.
• Top Deck access includes the above, as well as access to the 102nd floor observation deck.

As well as the two different areas, you can also pay for more premium experiences and add-ons. These include

• Express tickets which allow you to skip the security lines and elevator lines.
• Guided tours, which are either small group or private
• Tickets for access to the tower at sunrise
• Lunch or Dinner at one of the sit-down restaurants on site
• A ticket that lets you visit twice on the same day, once in the daytime and once at night, to see the city at different times of day.

Here are the prices for the main ticket types. These prices are taken directly from the official website and are accurate as of April 2023. Children under 6 are free for all ticket types.

Note that the prices on the official site do not include any service fees or taxes, which are added at checkout. There is currently a $2 convenience fee per ticket, plus around 9% tax per ticket to add to the below prices when buying from the official site.

• A Main Deck ticket costs $44 for an adult, $38 for a child (6-12) and $42 for a senior (62+).
• An Express Ticket to the Main Deck costs $84 for all visitors. This includes priority skip the line access through the security line and elevators
• A Top Deck ticket costs $79 for an adult, $73 for a child (6-12) and $77 for a senior (62+)
• An Express Ticket to the Top Deck costs $119 for all visitors. This includes priority skip the line access through the security line and elevators and expedited entry to the 86th and 102nd floors

Note that if you choose to visit during sunset hours, there’s an additional fee of around $10 (before tax) per ticket as this is the most popular time to visit.

In addition to the main tickets above, there are some additional tours and experiences, which are priced as follows:

• AM/PM Experience – $64 for an adult, $54 for a child (6-12). This ticket is the same as the Main Deck ticket but allows you to return after 8pm and visit the observatory deck after dark.
• Sunrise on 86th floor – costs $125 for all visitors. This is a limited availability ticket, with only 50 sold per session
• Premium Experience – costs $175 for all visitors. VIP behind the scenes tour which visits all the decks with a tour guide. Groups no larger than 7 people.
• ESB All Access Tour – costs $500 per person. The most exclusive tour available. Includes celebrity treatment, a private tour, champagne and snacks
• Happily Ever After Empire – costs $1,000 per couple. If you’re looking for a unique location to pop the question, you can book this package which includes priority access to the 86th floor, a private guided tour of the building, your own private corner, to ask the question, a complimentary bottle of champagne and access to the 102nd floor.

Where to Buy Empire State Building Tickets?

There are a number of options for purchasing Empire State Building tickets.

First, you can buy entry tickets in person on-site. You’ll find the ticket machines after the security line on the second floor. We’d generally advise against buying entry tickets on site as it’s an unnecessary line that you can skip by purchasing online instead. In addition, current rules state that tickets must be purchased in advance.

We recommend instead that you buy your tickets from GetYourGuide here . They are an authorised ticket seller, and tickets are normally the same price or sometimes slightly cheaper than the official site once the taxes and convenience fees are taken into account.

Tickets booked via GetYourGuide also usually have the advantage of being refundable up to 24 hours in advance of your visit, unlike the tickets on the official website which are nonrefundable. However, always check the ticket description before purchase to check the policy.

Tickets are sent to your e-mail and you can either display them on your phone for scanning, or print them out.

They have a number of ticket options:

• This ticket is the most popular option for visitors, and includes access to the 2nd floor exhibition, 80th floor, and 86th floor observation deck. Also known as the standard Main deck ticket. It does not include 102nd floor access, but you can upgrade the ticket on site if you wish at either the 2nd floor or 86th floor. You can also pay a little bit more for the express version. Click here to buy this ticket.
• This AM/PM experience ticket gives you the same entry as the main deck ticket in the day, and also allows you to return after dark so you can see the city at night. Click here to buy this ticket.
• This sunrise experience ticket gives you early access to the 86th floor observation deck of the Empire State Building for sunrise. Tickets are limited to 50 per sunrise, meaning this is the best way to get the Empire State Building observation deck almost to yourself. After sunrise, you’ll get to visit the 2nd floor exhibits.
• This VIP Guided Tour Experience . You can book either a small-group guided tour or the red-carpet VIP private tour experience with celebrity green room access, drinks and snacks.

If you want to visit the 102nd floor, you will either need to upgrade your ticket on site, or buy the 102nd ticket from the official site here .

When comparing prices against the official site, be aware that a convenience fee of $2 is added to every ticket, and the prices shown do not include tax.

Attraction Passes that Include the Empire State Building

As with many cities around the world, there are a number of attraction passes for New York City which include free or discounted admission to some of the top attractions in the city. I’ve put together a comprehensive guide to New York Attraction passes , but here’s a quick list of the ones which include free entry to the Empire State Building.

Note that generally these passes just include standard entry to the Main Deck, so whilst they let you skip the ticket line, they are not express passes and they do not allow access to the 102nd floor observatory.

You can however pay for an upgrade on site for access to the the 102nd floor observatory if you wish.

• New York CityPASS – this includes access to the Empire State Building, with the added benefit that you can return and get same night admission after 10pm. It also includes access to five other major attractions in the city
• The New York Pass – includes standard skip the ticket line entry to the Empire State Building as well as over 100 other attractions in the city
• New York Sightseeing Pass – includes standard skip the ticket line entry to the Empire State Building as well as over 100 other attractions in the city

On a recent trip to New York City we used the New York Pass to visit the Empire State Building and had no issues.

Note that you do not need to reserve a timeslot with these passes, however at busier times it can be a good idea to do so. Information on how to do so is provided with each pass.

Can You Skip The Lines at the Empire State Building?

Yes, it is possible to purchase a ticket to skip the lines at the Empire State Building.

There are three types of line you will encounter when visiting the Empire State Building.

First there is a security line, then there’s a line for tickets, and then if it is particularly busy, there will be lines for the various elevators.

If you purchase your entry ticket in advance, then you can skip the lines for the ticket machines, which are found on the 2nd floor. We highly recommend purchasing your ticket in advance so you don’t waste time in the ticket line.

It’s also possible to purchase an express ticket like this (make sure you select the express option). This will let you take advantage of VIP entry, and go to the front of the security and elevator lines by using the express lanes.

Of course, if lots of people have these tickets there is the potential to be a bit of a wait, but for the most part these tickets will offer a faster experience than the standard ticket that most visitors buy.

What are the Opening Times for the Empire State Building?

The Empire State Building is normally open 365 days of the year from 8am until 2am. The last elevators typically ascend at 1:15 am.

In exceptional circumstances these opening times may change – check the official website in advance of your visit to be sure it is open when you visit.

Note: currently the opening times are changed. Check the official website for the latest information.

You can also visit the Empire State Building for sunrise, with the exclusive sunrise access ticket . Times will vary depending on the time of the sunrise.

Tours of the Empire State Building

There are a number ways to experience the Empire State Building. As well as the official tours mentioned earlier in this guide, there are a number of other options you have, both for visiting, and for getting a unique view of the building.

These include:

• This guided walking tour which includes tickets to the Empire State Building as well as tour of a number of other sights in the city
• How about experiencing the Empire State Building from the air? You can get a truly once in a lifetime view by taking a private or shared helicopter ride over the city.

What is there to See and Do at the Empire State Building?

The majority of visitors who come to the Empire State Building are primarily interested in visiting the world famous outdoor observation deck and taking in the views of the city.

However, there is more to do on site than enjoying the view, and the entire experience has been significantly improved in recent years. As a result, a visit to the Empire State Building is definitely no longer just about standing in line for an elevator and taking in that view.

If you haven’t visited before, or perhaps haven’t visited for a while, you may be surprised as to how much there is to see and do here following major upgrades in 2019.

Here are some of the things you can do on site.

Observation Decks at the Empire State Building

Obviously the main reason for your visit is to go up towards the top of the tower and experience the views. There are three floors with observatories in the Empire State Building as follows:

• 80th floor indoor observatory . Opened in late 2019, this is the newest observatory. It’s an entirely indoor observatory, so the views are through glass windows
• 86th floor indoor/outdoor observatory . The original and most famous of the observatories, this features both an indoor and outdoor viewing area which wraps around the whole building. This is the highest floor within the actual tower, all the height above this is the spire. It’s also the highest open-air viewpoint in the city.
• 102nd floor observatory . Found on the highest floor of the building, and fully refurbished in 2019, this floor now features floor to ceiling glass windows offering spectacular views over the city.

Exhibits and Route through the Empire State Building

The Empire State Building has a number of exhibits where you can learn about all sorts of things related to the building. This includes information about the construction of the Empire State Buildings, its architecture, its history, and its appearances in popular culture.

Here are all the exhibits you will see when you visit, as well as where they are located so you know what to expect at which part of your visit.

The first nine exhibits are located on the 2nd floor after the ticket check. These flow one after another in progressive order, and are as follows:

• The Site in the 1920s : The exhibits start with an overview of the site before the building was even here, when the Waldorf Astoria Hotel stood on this location.
• Construction : Models, images, and statues depict the construction process of the building, which took just over a year to complete
• Opening Day : Newspaper prints and images share the excitement of the day the Empire State Building opened to the world
• Modern Marvel : This interactive exhibit tells the story of how the present day Empire State Building is both energy efficient and sustainable
• Otis Elevators : A skyscraper could not exist without elevators, and this exhibit tells the story of the elevators that make a visit to the upper floor possible in minutes
• Urban Campus : The Empire State Building is more than just a tourist attraction—thousands of people come to work here every day. This exhibit shows some of the workspaces and views that visitors don’t normally get to see
• World’s Most Famous Building : The Empire State Building is regularly featured in the media, including in movies, TV shows, games, commercials, This 72 screen exhibit offers an immersive snapshot of over 600 clips that feature the building.
• Kong : Arguably the most well known film to have featured the Empire State Building, the 1933 Kong movie was where the Empire State Building made its silver screen debut. This fun exhibit gives you an idea of what it might have been like to be inside the building as Kong scaled it!
• Celebrity : A lot of people visit the Empire State Building, including some of the world’s most well known faces. This exhibit shares a history of some of these more famous visitors, including signed memorabilia.

Following these 2nd floor exhibits, you will ride the elevator to the 80th floor. This elevator ride is also an experience, with the whole ceiling of the elevator displaying a fun video that shows the building being built around the elevator shaft as you ascend. Thankfully it’s all done by the time you get to the top!

Following the elevator ride you’ll come out on the 80th floor. This is also an observatory deck with windows offering views over the city, so you will likely want to pause at a window and enjoy the view.

However, as well as the views from the windows you’ll find the following exhibits on the 80th floor:

• NYC: Above and Beyond : This interactive exhibit asks you questions about your interests and will then suggest an itinerary of sights you might want to visit throughout the city
• Artistry in Light : This short film with accompanying images tells the story of how the music and light shows at the Empire State Building are put together.
• Stephen Wiltshire’s Drawing : In 2017 British artist Stephen Wiltshire took a 45 minute long helicopter flight over New York City. He then drew, from memory, a detailed landscape image of the city. This is now on display on the 80th floor
• Scenes of NYC : The last major exhibit features some of the classic viewfinders that the 86th floor is known for. If you look through the viewfinders, you’ll see panoramic views of nine well-known New York locations and landmarks.

From the 80th floor there is another elevator to the 86th floor which is just a standard elevator.

The 86th floor is all about the view, with both an indoor and outdoor viewing experience. There are some plaques and signs, but no major exhibits on this floor.

From the 86th floor you can also ride up to the 102nd floor observation deck via another elevator if you have the correct ticket. This glass elevator has a light show and offers view of the inside of the tower as you ascend.

The top floor also has no exhibits, but the stunning views through the floor to ceiling windows more than make up for that.

One thing to bear in mind when visiting is that the exhibits, particularly on the second floor, are designed with a one-way flow in mind. Basically a visit to the Empire State Building used to involve a lot of lines, and the idea was to replace this rather boring line experience with something a lot more fun and interactive.

What this means is that you shouldn’t feel the urge to rush through and head to the top, as it’s a one-way flow and after you leave the 2nd floor exhibits for the 80th floor, you cannot return to them. So make sure you take your time and see everything on your way – the view will be waiting for you at the top when you are done!

The exception to this rule is for the sunrise ticket , where you visit the exhibits after the sunrise.

Restaurants at the Empire State Building

You can dine at the Empire State Building, and there are a number of options for doing so, including both table service options and fast-casual self-service dining options. All the dining options are on the ground floor, and can be visited without a ticket.

For a sit down meal, you have two main options. First there is the STATE Grill & Bar which offers breakfast, lunch and dinner options, as well as bar and lounge snacks. They also have a full drinks menu of soft and alcoholic beverages.

The other main sit-down dining option is Tacombi . This offers Mexican food including Tacos made from scratch. There’s also a full drinks range, with their margaritas being a popular option.

If you’d prefer something a bit quicker, there are a number of casual dining options on the ground floor as well, which include Chopt, Chipotle, and Sushi-Terra. There’s also a Juice Press and a Starbucks on site if you are just looking for a drink.

Shopping at the Empire State Building

Naturally, you can go souvenir shopping at the Empire State Building. There’s a gift store on the 80th floor as well as on the 2nd floor just after you exit the elevators and before you leave the building.

There’s also a Walgreens, AT&T store, and a FedEx Express store on site.

Tips for Visiting the Empire State Building

Here are a few things to be aware of when you visit the Empire State Building so you are fully prepared.

Prohibited Items at the Empire State Building

There are a few things you can’t bring to the Empire State Building, which include:

• Bags or Luggage, including carry-on sized luggage. Be sure to leave your suitcases and luggage at your hotel, in your tour bus, or in a storage locker elsewhere in the city before visiting. Small backpacks or purses are fine, but will of course be searched during the security check.
• Glass, including glass bottles
• Alcoholic beverages
• Can, bottles, or flasks
• Professional camera and video equipment, including tripods.
• Sports equipment such as tennis rackets, baseball bats etc.
• Musical instruments
• Costumes or theatrical masks
• Firearms of any kind

Note that there are no lockers, luggage storage, or coat check facilities at the Empire State Building. So if you bring any of the prohibited items you will not be allowed in. You can see the full list of prohibited items here .

If you have luggage you need to store, then we suggest taking advantage of a luggage storage service like Nannybag , which has locations all around the city including some near the Empire State Building.

Strollers at the Empire State Building

Foldable strollers and prams are permitted at the Empire State Building and the lifts can accommodate them. There is no stroller storage, so you will need to use the stroller throughout the visit.

Note that you must fold the stroller on the observation decks.

It is probably a wise idea to not bring a stroller unless you need to do so as you will end up needing to fold and carry it for a lot of the visit.

Restrooms at the Empire State Building

There are restrooms available at the Empire State Building on the 86th floor, including wheelchair accessible toilets.

Bag / Coat Storage at the Empire State Building

There is no luggage storage or coat check at the Empire State Building. You will have to carry whatever you bring for the duration of your visit. If you wish to store a bag nearby, check out Nannybag for some locations.

Photography at the Empire State Building

Photography and video recording for personal use is permitted at the Empire State Building on all the floors.

However, professional photography equipment is not permitted, which includes tripods, monopods, or bi-pods. If you want to do any commercial filming you will need to get prior written permission.

How Long To Visit the Empire State Building For?

As you can see from our guide, there is a lot to see and do at the Empire State Building. We would recommend a minimum of 90 minutes for your visit if you are visiting the main deck, and around 2 hours if you also intend to also  visit the 102nd floor.

Of course, you’ll want to allow more time if you plan to eat here.

What is the Best Time of Day to Visit the Empire State Building?

The Empire State Building is a popular attraction and it does get crowded. If you want to avoid the crowds, it’s recommended you visit either early in the morning, between 8am and 10am, or late at night, from around 11pm onwards.

Download the Free Empire State Building App

To make the most of your experience you might want to download the free Empire State Building app, which is available on the Apple store for iOS and the Google Play Store for Android . We would recommend downloading this ahead of your visit.

The app features audio and visual information to help you navigate your way around, as well as history and trivia about the building. It’s free, and you’ll just need to bring along your own headphones or earbuds to listen to it during your visit.

Accessibility at the Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is fully ADA compliant, and visitors with disabilities should generally have no problem visiting. Both motorized and non-motorized wheelchairs are allowed on site, and there are ramps throughout the building where required.

Service dogs are also allowed on site, and the 86th floor features accessible restrooms as well as lowered viewing walls and binoculars. You can see more information on their accessibility page here .

If you have any questions or concerns prior to your visit, you can reach out to the on-site team via their website here .

Where to Stay Near the Empire State Building

New York City has a huge range of accommodation options at a variety of budgets. In our experience, there are definitely more mid-range and high end properties, although there are some budget options.

If you want to stay near the Empire State Building, we’ve put together this list of options which are all within a 20 minute walk of the Empire State Building. This means you’ll be able to easily visit early in the morning or late at night, and not have to think too much about getting back to your hotel!

These accommodation options are ordered approximately by price, from lowest to highest, although prices do vary so always check different options to find the right property for your budget and requirements.

• American Dream Hostel – this is a positively reviewed hostel which features private rooms that share bathrooms. It’s around a 20 minute walk from the Empire State Building, making it one of the closest hostels we could find in the area. There’s a free breakfast, snacks through the day, and an on-site kitchen and luggage storage.
• Hotel 31 – This 2* hotel is just 650 yards fro the Empire State Building. Accommodation is simple, and there are both rooms with private and shared bathrooms. Breakfast is available as an option, and there’s a 24 hour reception
• The Paul Hotel – this hotel has a mix of private bunk bed rooms and standard rooms, all of which have private bathrooms and coffee making facilities. It’s only 450 yards from the Empire State Building and there’s also a sun terrace and fitness centre on site. Breakfast is available.
• Hotel Wolcott – this 3* hotel is one of the closest options to the Empire State Building, found just a 3 minute walk away. All rooms have private bathrooms and air conditioning. There’s no dining available on site.
• Arlo Nomad – This is a well rated 4* hotel just 350 yards from the Empire State Building. A variety of room types are available, including “micro-hotel” options with bunk beds. Rooms have refrigerators and there’s an on-site restaurant and rooftop bar
• Hampton by Hilton Manhattan 35th Street – just one block away from the Empire State Building, this well rated 3* hotel offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, free coffee/tea, and inclusive breakfast
• U Hotel Fifth Avenue – a 3* boutique hotel just 2 minutes walk from the Empire State Building offering private rooms with en-suite facilities and air conditioning. Breakfast is available and there’s an on-site Starbucks
• Park Terrace Hotel on Bryant Park – A very well reviewed 4* hotel with sound-proofed rooms featuring Nespresso machines and en-suite facilities. There’s a fitness centre, sauna, and business centre as well as on-site dining and drinking options
• The Langham – one of the best 5* hotels near the Empire State Building, this is the option to go for if you are looking for luxury. Only 350 yards from the Empire State Building, the spacious rooms feature espresso makers, private bathrooms, and all the amenities you would expect.

Hopefully that gives you some ideas for where to stay near the Empire State Building. You can see more hotels, hostels and apartments on booking.com here .

We recommend checking listings on The Plum Guide for Midtown if you are interested in an apartment rental for your time in New York.

Plum Guide offer a range of high quality accommodation options across a range of price points and we’ve used them for a number of stays around the world. Basically they only allow the highest quality listings to appear on their site, saving you time having to wade through hundreds of options. You can see our Plum Guide review here for our experiences with them. For more options, see our guide to AirBnB alternatives here .

Further Reading

Well, that’s it for our guide to visiting the Empire State Building! We hope you found it useful.

We also wanted to share some more content we’ve written on visiting New York City and travelling in the USA in general, to ensure you have all the information you might need. We’ve also got a few third party resources to recommend that we think you might find helpful for your trip.

• To help you plan your visit more, we have a guide to spending 2 days in New York City as well as 3 days in New York City
• We have a detailed  guide to getting around New York , which should help you plan your transport in the city
• If you are thinking of investing in an attraction pass, see our guide to our favourite New York City attraction passes
• If you enjoy walking tours, check out our  review of some of the Take Walks  New York walking tours
• Wondering how much to budget for your trip? We have a guide to  how much it costs to travel in the USA  to help you plan
• If you’re heading on from New York and thinking of hiring a car, take a look at our  tips for driving in the USA
• If you’re looking for a guide to New York, we can recommend the  Frommer’s EasyGuide to New York City .

And that’s it for this guide! As always, if you have any feedback, comments or questions, just pop them in the comments section below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. Safe travels!

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Shelley Martin says

6th August 2023 at 2:30 am

Thanks for the great article! I want to be on the deck half an hour prior to sunset on Wednesday 27 September, which is 6.45 pm. What entrance time do you think i should book my ticket for? Coming from Australia!

Laurence Norah says

6th August 2023 at 9:48 am

Hey Shelley!

My pleasure! So I would probably aim for around 4pm to 5pm. That should give you plenty of time to see all the exhibits as you go through from the entrance (there’s quite a lot to see before you actually go up the elevator). That said, if you don’t think you’ll be as interested in the galleries and exhibits and just want to get to the top, then I’d say 5pm should give you plenty of time. Normally even at busier times the queues aren’t more than 45 minutes to an hour, and you’re visiting on a weekday so it should be fine.

Have a great time in NYC!

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Everything You Need to Know About Visiting the Empire State Building

Katie Calautti 10/12/2023

Opening Day. Courtesy, Empire State Building. Photo: Evan Joseph

King Kong scaled it. An affair was remembered atop it. Buddy the Elf gallivanted through its Art Deco lobby. The Empire State Building is one of the most recognizable and visited structures in the world, welcoming millions of sightseers each year. And if you haven’t visited since 2019, it’s time to head back. That year the destination unveiled a massive $165 million reimagination of its Observatory Experience, which was just named the top attraction in the United States by Tripadvisor for the second year running.

You can visit exhibits on the second floor and the newly built 80th floor interactive multigallery museum, as well as the iconic 86th Floor Observatory and the entirely redesigned 102nd Floor Observatory. With floor-to-ceiling windows that frame sprawling views, you can see six states on a clear day—New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Delaware. To help you make the most of your visit, we spoke to an insider, Siobhan McShane. The longtime Empire State Building host gives guided tours of the attraction’s observation decks and historical artifacts. She shared a few of the more exciting and unexpected things you’ll find when you enter what's touted as the "World’s Most Famous Building.” Here are her tips about what you’ll see and how to maximize your visit:

King Kong. Courtesy, Empire State Building. Photo: Evan Joseph

1. You can (and should!) preplan your trip

Reservations are required, so save time and money by purchasing your tickets online . Aside from the main observatory options, there are multiple special offerings, such as an All Access tour and Sunrise Experience. All ticket types include the open-air, 360-degree 86th Floor Observatory—the famous site of countless film and television scenes.

“The north and south views are definitely the most popular,” says MacShane, who’s been an observatory host for 19 years. “Guests love to look south to the Financial District and the harbor, and north at Central Park.”

102nd Floor Observation Deck. Courtesy, Empire State Building. Photo: Evan Joseph

2. Do head up to the 102nd floor

“If you’re here, you should go to the very top!” MacShane continues. “The views are truly remarkable. You immediately see the stunning views as the elevator doors open, and it delivers a true sense of awe on guests’ faces as they see the entire city before they even step out of the elevator car.”

Wonder of the Modern World. Courtesy, Empire State Building. Photo: Evan Joseph

3. Don’t rush through the indoor portions

While the views are exciting, make time to learn about the building’s storied history. “A lot of people rush through the new museum, which is actually one of the primary highlights of the visit,” says MacShane. “Before the reimagination, the only major part of the attraction was the incredible views, which are still unmatched to this day. The thing that sets us apart from other attractions and observatories, however, is our museum and our history. There isn’t a time limit, so take your time and enjoy it all!”

“Construction” exhibit. Courtesy, Empire State Building. Photo: Evan Joseph

4. Appreciate how the Empire State Building was ahead of its time

MacShane says people are usually most surprised by the details surrounding the Empire State Building’s construction. “The fact that the entire building was completed in under a year and a month ahead of schedule amazes people,” she says. “Construction started March 17, 1930, and ended March 1, 1931. The building opened May 1, 1931, just 13 months after construction began.” The building was so high-tech when it first opened that it required changes to local laws. “The law at the time of opening stated that elevators could only go max 600 feet per minute, but ESB’s elevators went 800 feet per minute, so the law was updated,” she says. Also, “Wind tunnels under the building act as cooling for the lower floors. This is still the case today.”

Empire State Building at dusk. Courtesy, Empire State Building. Photo: Evan Joseph

5. You might catch a meaningful moment…

It’s no surprise that people choose the stunning backdrop of the Empire State Building’s views for their most important occasions. “There’s no way I can count how many engagements I’ve seen—it has to be in the thousands,” says MacShane.

“Celebrity” exhibit. Courtesy, Empire State Building. Photo: Evan Joseph

6. …or even a celebrity!

On your way to the 86th floor, you’ll walk through an exhibit filled with photographs of famous visitors who’ve graced the observatory over the last 92 years. In 2022 alone, about 150 people of note walked the Empire State Building’s halls. Click here to book your tickets to visit the Empire State Building today.

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Empire State Building Tickets and Tours

Empire state building tickets & tours.

Incredible panoramic views across 6 states from the highest 360-degree open-air vantage point in New York City. Choose your tickets and tour.

Empire State Building Ticket Price & Discount

Empire state building tickets - skip the line.

• Duration 45 minutes
• Optional audio guide

Empire State AM/PM Experience Ticket

• Skip the ticket line

Empire State Building Sunrise Experience Ticket

• Duration 1.5 hours

VIP Empire State Building Tour

• Access to VIP entry

create your vacation destiny

Empire state building tickets options, empire state building tickets.

• Full description: There are two ticket options, an Empire State Building General Admission ticket, and an Empire State Building Express Ticket. The former allows you to skip the ticket purchase line, while the latter allows you to enjoy an upgraded VIP experience. With an Express ticket, you will be able to skip all lines, including the ticket purchase line, security line and elevator lines that take you up and down. The New Empire state building experience lets you have access to the legendary NYC landmark, with air views of New York. This Empire State Building Ticket Price is $45 .
• Highlights: The highlights of this tour include 360-degree views of NYC from the 86th-floor observation deck, with the express Empire State Building tickets you get red-carpet treatment, two attractions for the price of an Observation deck, and the Interactive Museum. You can also admire the architecture of the Empire state building, including the newly designed Art Deco Lobby, and Observatory entrance featuring a guided tour in 9 languages with a free app.
• Includes: This includes entrance to empire state building with skip the line access, depending upon the option, access to the observation deck and to interactive immersive galleries, a two-story architectural model of the building, art deco lobby, multimedia app, Free WiFi, booking fees and sales tax.

Empire State Building AM/PM Experience Ticket

• Full description: With this ticket, you get to enjoy the city from the 360-degree open-air observatory both under the sun and the sparkling city lights the same night. Also provided to the guests, will be access to the brand new Observatory experience, complete with 10,000 square feet of interactive exhibits that take you on a trip from the building’s construction, to the current place it holds in pop culture. The observation deck is open daily from 8 AM-2 AM, and you can see up to six states from there on a clear day. Depending upon the date selected, the Empire State Building night ticket is redeemable after 9 PM or 10 PM. This Empire State Building Ticket Price is $66.
• Highlights: The highlights of this tour include a lookout on New York City, the city that never sleeps. The panoramic views of up to six states can be seen through the open-air promenade or climate controlled viewing gallery. You can enjoy the romance of Manhattan at night, with a sparkling array of lights. You also get to skip the line with your barcoded Empire State Building ticket and download the free multilingual app.
• Includes: This includes, multimedia app, barcoded ticket, free WiFi, access to immersive exhibits, booking fees, sales tax, and access to the observation deck twice a day.
• Full description: You get to see the sunrise from the top of the Empire state building, and join a VIP group to watch dawn break over a waking New York City. On a clear day, you could even spot up to six cities from the deck, or enjoy the sights from within a cosy climate-controlled viewing gallery. Also benefit from the state of the art, air purification system, that regulates the air quality inside the building. You also get to explore the galleries before starting your day and going back onto the city streets. Apart from that, you get to visit the museums that are awe-inspiring. As is the transition from night to day, of which you will be a witness. This Empire State Building Ticket Price is $125.
• Highlights: The highlights include exclusive access to the Empire state building before it opens to the public, a free app and a complimentary self-guided tour in 9 languages, a spectacular view from the open-air 86th-floor observation deck, and awe-inspiring sight of the sun rising over the city that never sleeps.
• Includes: The Empire State Building tour includes exclusive access to the 86th-floor observation deck, empire state building greeting host, access to the interactive immersive galleries, access to the two-story architectural model of the building, audio guide, free WiFi, Art Deco Lobby etc.

Empire State Building Tour Options

• Full Description: One can explore this world-famous landmark through an Empire State Building guided tour, and get an insider’s perspective on it. You get to choose between two options, a VIP small group tour, or an all-access private tour. This will let you skip the lines, access to the 86th-floor observatory, Art Deco lobby, Celebrity walk, and exhibits celebrating the building’s history.  With the upgrade to private, you get VIP entry into the building, Celebrity green room, browse the memorabilia case, and a guided tour with a champagne toast, soft drinks, snacks, coffee, and tea. This Empire State Building Tour cost is $175 .
• Highlights: Apart from getting an insider’s look at the empire state building, you get to join an intimate group for a VIP guided tour, smile for a commemorative souvenir photograph, enjoy the observatory with skip the line access, etc. You can also upgrade to the all-access option to receive star treatment.
• Includes: The Empire State Building tour includes a 90 minute guided tour, access to the 86th-floor observatory, souvenir photograph, access to VIP entry, access to the celebrity green room, food and drinks (with all access options), free WiFi, booking fees and sales tax.

Empire State Building Visitors Guide

Why choose the empire state building.

The Empire State Building is one building you definitely don’t want to miss out on. It is important to plan your visit here. It is also mostly included in every ticket you purchase because it is one of New York’s best attractions. There are two viewing platforms, one on the 86 th floor, and one on the 102 nd floor. The Empire State Building is near Times Square, Central Park, Madison Square Garden or 5th Avenue.

There is a lot of hassle involved in getting in if you do not avail Empire State Building tickets online beforehand. However, there is hassle only because it is a beautiful place and people would give almost anything up for a day to get into this magnificent building. 

If one plans on visiting at night to see the glow of New York City from the deck of the Empire state building, he or she should visit around 9 pm to 1 am probably during Thursdays and Saturdays. At this time, a live saxophonist will be on hand to provide wonderful music. 

The Empire State Building tour is also available in 9 different languages. This national historic landmark has a lot to it. Several exhibits call upon the people to come and enjoy its grandeur.

But what are the constructive reasons here? visiting it is definitely worth the wait, it is a great place for history buffs, this is a place that harbours extended night hours, and is a beauty!

Security and Prohibited Items

Every person who enters is allowed to bring a smartphone, small cameras, purses, and small backpacks. However there is a list of prohibited items that we need to take a look into, and all visitors should keep in mind :

• No weapon of any kind
• No glass items
• No cans, bottles, flasks
• No professional cameras
• No sports equipment
• No markers, paint, etc
• No musical instruments
• no costumes and masks
• Large packages, suitcases and luggage are not allowed. 

There are a few luggage places where you can keep stuff so that they do not affect your visit to the Empire state building. These are near this tourist attraction so that you can enjoy and have a hassle-free experience.

Advice for Visitors

• There might be a line outside the door at busy times, and you might get flustered. To avoid this, and for comfort and security, there is a limit of people allowed to be entering through that door. Once you are inside, you might skip the regular Empire State Building ticket lines and proceed directly to the high-speed elevator line. 
• Visitors to the observatory can enjoy the opportunity of availing of free WiFi outside.

Amenities: Starbucks and Sushi-Teria for dining.

Accessibility: The Empire state building is Fully ADA compliant, with the 86 th floor having handicapped restrooms, and lowered viewing walls, and binoculars. The building won’t let service dogs in. The building permits motorized and non-motorized wheelchairs and the 86 th floor has ramps to make getting around kind of easier. There are also viewing walls that are lower than the standard so that the visitors in chairs can take the view in.

Smile and enjoy New York. Visit Empire State Building

Enjoy 360-degree unobstructed views of New York City from the 86th-floor Observation Deck - located in the very heart of NYC.

Empire State Building Tickets and Tours FAQs

You will definitely need tickets for the Empire State building observatory, and the entrance. We provide e-tickets for you. all you need to do is choose the date and time. After that you can just print the tickets or show your mobile phone at the counter.

Buying tickets in advance will help you save money and time. You can get them on your smartphone in an instant.

Tickets will be valid on the chosen date and time only.

It offers the fastest way to the building, and you don’t have to stand in long queues. If you are running short on time, this could really help.

One could take a print out of the ticket on their smartphones, or just present their smartphones at the gate.

On Fifth Avenue between 33 rd and 34 th streets in Manhattan, New York, United States.

Yes it is. The whole building is accessible.

Empire State Building | Tickets, Hours & Views

Home | Travel | North America | United States | New York | NYC | Empire State Building | Tickets, Hours & Views

The Empire State Building is one of the most iconic landmarks in the entire U.S., and it’s impossible to think of New York City without seeing this massive skyscraper looming over Midtown, one of the best neighborhoods in Manhattan . Of course, it’s even better to visit the Empire State Building and see it for yourself, as this is one of the top things to do in NYC .

Every time we visit the Big Apple, we’re always amazed by the size and height of the Empire State Building . Not only that, but this Art Deco skyscraper holds nearly 100 years of history, so it’s one of the most famous buildings in NYC .

Empire State Building | Tickets, Hours & Views

Since this is a popular tourist attraction, you must plan your visit and purchase tickets to the Empire State Building in advance. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know, including the Empire State Building hours , tours, and more. For example, there are different ticket options as well as New York city passes that include this famous landmark. I recommend the New York Pass , but you can look through all the passes in our article.

Guide to visiting the Empire State Building observation deck

You’re probably excited to visit the Empire State Building , but keep in mind that you can’t just walk in and go up to the observatories. Don’t worry, because I’ll share all the info you need to get your tickets for the Empire State Building and maximize your time at this incredible attraction, which is especially important if you have just 2 days in NYC .

In this guide, I’ll share the most important information about this NYC landmark, including:

Empire State Building ticket options

Empire state building hours.

Empire State Building tours

Other places to visit inside the Empire State Building

By the end of this article, you’ll have everything you need to tour the Empire State Building .

As one of the best observation decks in New York City , the Empire State Building is wildly popular, so purchasing tickets in advance is a must-do. There are several different ticket options and packages depending on which Empire State Building observatory you want to visit.

Empire State Building 86 th floor

The 86 th -floor observatory of the Empire State Building is known as the Main Deck and is 1,050 feet high. It’s famous for its appearance in several movies and TV shows and seeing it in person is even more breathtaking. I recommend including this observation deck on our 3-day NYC itinerary .

This open-air, wraparound deck gives you 360° views of New York City , the Hudson River, and beyond. On clear days, you can even see New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Massachusetts, and Connecticut! Again, you need to purchase Empire State Building tickets in advance, so get your skip-the-line ticket as soon as possible.

Empire State Building 102 nd floor

For the best views from the Empire State Building , you must visit the 102 nd 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.

After checking out the 86 th floor, take a glass elevator to the highest Empire State Building observation deck . The 102 nd floor was recently renovated and features floor-to-ceiling windows, so the experience is incredible.

Best of all, with this ticket , you can select the upgrade option to see both the 86 th and 102nd-floor observatories.

Attraction passes that include the Empire State Building

If you’re going to be in the Big Apple for a couple of days and you want to see several popular landmarks, it’s worth getting a New York city pass . There are different tourist cards available, although we recommend the New York Pass since it offers a variety of options depending on the length of your trip.

All of the passes include access to the Empire State Building’s 86 th floor , and the New York Pass gives you a discount if you want to also visit the 102 nd floor. We have a complete guide to these attraction passes that breaks down the cost savings, but I’ll tell you here that it’s a great value, especially if you want to see other observation decks in NYC like the Top of the Rock .

Before you purchase tickets for the Empire State Building , you should consider the hours of operation. This way, you can select the best time slot to visit the Empire State Building , based on your itinerary and preferences.

Currently, the Empire State Building’s hours are 10 am to 12 am, and the attraction is typically open 365 days a year. Most people spend about 1 to 1.5 hours here, so keep that in mind when planning your visit.

Visiting the Empire State Building at night

While the view from the Empire State Building is gorgeous any time of day, many people prefer visiting at sunset or after dark. Capturing the iconic view from this skyscraper is one of the best things to do in New York City at night , especially with your special someone!

If you want to go to the Empire State Building at night , I recommend booking this combo ticket that includes a morning visit and a nighttime visit. That way, you get the best of both worlds .

Many tourists opt for a self-guided visit to the Empire State Building , either with their 86 th -floor ticket or 102 nd -floor ticket. Both options include the exhibits on the 2 nd and 80 th floors, which I’ll talk about later.

If you prefer to do a tour of the Empire State Building , consider this VIP guided tour . It’ll grant you access to the secret VIP entrance, which leads to the Art Deco Lobby. Then, head to the Celebrity Green Room, where you’ll enjoy champagne, coffee, tea, and snacks. Browse the Celebrity Walk exhibit, which details the famous figures who have visited this iconic skyscraper.

Then, you’ll meet your tour guide, who will lead you to the 86 th -floor observatory, all while sharing unique insights and info about the building’s architecture and design. This 1.5-hour tour is reserved for small groups and includes skip-the-line access and a complimentary souvenir photo.

View from the Empire State Building

The Empire State Building’s observation decks provide some of the best photo ops in all of New York City . As I said before, you’ll get magnificent views no matter when you go, although I think the best time to visit the Empire State Building is at sunset, so you can admire the golden glow over Manhattan. After dark, the entire city lights up, creating a glittery landscape. It’s no wonder is one of the top couples’ things to do in NYC .

To be fair, if you visit during the daytime, you can better distinguish all the sights, including the Hudson and East Rivers, the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty. You’ll also be able to see prominent skyscrapers like the Flatiron Building, the Chrysler Building, One World Observatory, and the Rockefeller Center. With some luck, the skies will be clear, and you can gaze up to 80 miles into Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania .

While most people come to see the Empire State Building’s observatories , that’s not all that this landmark skyscraper has to offer. Below are some more things to do at the Empire State Building , including places to eat and shop.

Exhibits and route through the Empire State Building

Regardless of the Empire State Building ticket you purchase, you’ll have access to the exhibits on the 2 nd and 80 th floors. I recommend stopping by to learn more about the history of this skyscraper, from its construction to opening day in 1931 to its most recent renovations.

One of the exhibits contains a replica of the skyscraper’s original Otis elevator while another is dedicated to the building’s sustainability and energy conservation efforts. The Artistry in Light section is where you can watch a short film detailing the technology involved in the attraction’s light-and-sound shows.

Another small theater shows hundreds of clips featuring the Empire State Building’s cinematic and pop culture history, including celebrities and public figures who have visited the landmark over the years. There is even a gallery with a King Kong installation, portraying the massive gorilla’s hands crashing through the building’s walls.

Up on the 80 th floor, look through the viewfinders, then snap an Empire State Building photo with one of the bronze sculptures depicting 1930s construction workers. The fun doesn’t stop there, of course, because then it’s time to ascend to the 86 th -floor observatory.

Empire State Building restaurants

There are a few restaurants in the Empire State Building , so if you want to make it a date night, you won’t have trouble finding a place for dinner. For example, the STATE Grill & Bar serves lunch, dinner, and cocktails, as well as prix fixe menus. Another place is Tacombi , a Mexican restaurant serving authentic Mexican tacos and margaritas.

There are also more casual, fast-food options like Chipotle and Starbucks. Some highly-rated restaurants near the Empire State Building include Antoya Korean BBQ and Fine & Rare , where you can get classic American favorites while listening to live jazz.

Shopping at the Empire State Building

If you want to pick up some souvenirs during your visit to the Empire State Building , you can check out the gift shop on the 80 th floor. Also, the Empire State Building is on 5 th Avenue, the most famous shopping street in NYC. So, you’ll be close to all kinds of luxury shops like Banana Republic, Armani, Swarovski, Zara, Urban Outfitters, and Macy’s flagship store.

Empire State Building history and facts

As you go inside the Empire State Building , you’ll find exhibits and photos commemorating its history. I recommend checking out these interesting displays, although I’ll give you a glimpse of what to expect below.

Empire State Building history

Before the Empire State Building was built, the area was the site of the Waldorf Astoria hotel. However, the hotel became less popular with New York’s upper class by the 1920s, so the plan was to replace it with a corporate office building.

In early 1930, construction on the Empire State Building began. It took a little over a year to complete the project, but its opening coincided with the Great Depression, so only a small fraction of the office space was rented out.

To help drum up more tenants, the owners began advertising the Empire State Building’s height . This attracted lots of tourists who wanted to visit the Empire State Building’s observation decks , and the skyscraper became more of a tourist attraction.

Empire State Building construction

Construction on the Empire State Building began on March 17, 1930, and it took just one year and 45 days to complete the structure. It took over 3,500 workers to build the steel skyscraper, which cost nearly $42 million.

Empire State Building height

The Empire State Building’s 86 th -floor observatory is 1,050 tall, while the 102nd-floor observation deck is 1,224 feet tall. The roof of the Empire State Building is 1,250 feet above the ground, while the tip hovers 1,454 feet tall.

Empire State Building lights

Since 1977, lights on the façade have lit up the Empire State Building at night , usually on holidays. In 2012, the bulbs were replaced with 1,200 LED lights, allowing for millions of color combinations and patterns that synchronize to music.

Empire State Building in movies

Besides its references in TV shows and books, the Empire State Building has been featured in dozens of movies. The most famous appearance was in 1933’s King Kong , when the giant gorilla climbed to the top of the skyscraper. The building was also featured in Sleepless in Seattle , Independence Day , and Spider-Man .

Hotels near the Empire State Building

The Empire State Building in NYC is centrally located in Midtown Manhattan, one of the best neighborhoods in NYC , so it’s close to all kinds of shops, restaurants, and hotels. If you want to stay in this part of town, these are the best hotels near the Empire State Building :

• Hilton Garden Inn West 35th Street – This clean hotel is a block from the Empire State Building, giving you great views of the attraction from your room.
• MOXY NYC Times Square – In addition to its free coffee, Wi-Fi, and gym, this hotel is home to Magic Hour , one of the best rooftop bars in NYC where you can see the Empire State Building.
• U Hotel Fifth Avenue – This is a boutique hotel next to the Empire State Building, featuring Italian marble bathrooms, 24-hour concierge service, and beautiful views.

For other accommodations in Midtown and the rest of Manhattan, look at our guide on where to stay in New York City .

Empire State Building FAQs

If you still have questions about New York’s Empire State Building , here are the answers to some commonly asked questions.

When was the Empire State Building built?

Construction began on March 17, 1930, and the building opened on April 11, 1931.

Why was the Empire State Building built?

The skyscraper, which was intended to be the tallest in the world, was built for corporate office space.

Where is the Empire State Building?

The Empire State Building is in Midtown Manhattan, at 20 West 34 th Street, NYC.

How tall is the Empire State Building?

The total height of the Empire State Building is 1,454 feet.

How many floors does the Empire State Building have?

The Empire State Building has 102 floors, although there is a secret 103 rd floor that’s inaccessible to the public.

What’s inside the Empire State Building?

Most of the Empire State Building’s floors are still used as office space. The second and 80 th floors contain exhibits, while the observatories are on the 86 th and 102 nd floors. The lobby is designed in the Art Deco style and is accessible to the public.

When is the best time to visit the Empire State Building?

To avoid long lines, plan to visit the Empire State Building when it opens at 10 am or right before it closes, around 11 pm. That said, for the most beautiful views, go just before sunset.

How long does it take to visit the Empire State Building?

People usually spend an hour to an hour and a half touring the Empire State Building .

Why do the lights on the Empire State Building change?

The lights on the Empire State Building change to commemorate holidays and special events. The computerized lights have over 16 million colors.

That’s it for this guide to the Empire State Building . I hope you found all the information you need to plan your visit, but if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave me a comment. Have a wonderful time at this manmade wonder!

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Empire State Building Tour

“Of the many Empire State tours, here are a few of our collections”

Empire State Building Tours 2024

NYC: Empire State Building Tour & Skip-the-Line

NYC: Empire State Building VIP Guided Tour

New York City: Manhattan Helicopter Tour

Free cancellation, change of plans no problem. cancel up to 24 hours before your activity starts for a full refund. .

The Empire State Building offers an unparalleled experience that goes beyond simply enjoying a view. As you explore one of the world’s most famous landmarks, you’ll have the opportunity to see the newly renovated art deco lobby with its artistic murals and visit the historical Dare to Dream exhibit. You’ll then ascend to the 86th open-air observatory deck, where you’ll be treated to a 360-degree panoramic view of New York City. 

A free multimedia tour app is included in your visit, available in multiple languages, to help you fully understand and appreciate the sights you’ll see. If you’ve had the Empire State Building on your bucket list, now is the perfect time to visit this iconic destination.

We offer several Empire State Building tours for visitors to choose from. Some options include:

NYC: The Superhero Walking Tour of New York

See New York City through the eyes of superheroes on this tour that takes you to famous film locations from blockbuster movies. You’ll get a firsthand look at the hangouts of beloved characters like Spider-Man, Batman, and the Avengers. 

Our guide will also provide a history of comic books and superheroes in New York, dating back to their origins in the 1930s and show how the city continues to shape the genre in both comics and films. Marvel characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man, and the Fantastic Four all reside in New York in the comics, while DC’s Gotham City and Metropolis are both based on the city. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the Superhero Tour of New York.

• Our guided tour guide
• Empire State Building Pass
• See the location where The Avengers fought for humanity in New York City
• Explore the iconic Spiderman locations from the films
• Learn about the superhero battles that have taken place in a famous train station
• Discover the New York landmark that has appeared in numerous superhero stories
• Find out about the city that served as inspiration for Gotham and Metropolis

Price: €38.80 per person

Elevate your visit to the iconic Empire State Building with a guided tour. Choose between a VIP small-group tour or an exclusive all-access private tour for a more personalized experience. Both options offer priority access, including skip-the-line access to the 86th-floor observatory and VIP entry to the building. 

Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Art Deco Lobby, and the Celebrity Walk, and see exhibits celebrating the building’s history. Your tour guide will share interesting facts and trivia about the landmark. As a special memento, you’ll have the chance to take a souvenir photograph. 

If you opt for the all-access private tour, you’ll also have access to the Celebrity Green Room, where you can relax and browse memorabilia. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy a champagne toast, refreshments, and snacks.

• 90-minute guided tour
• Access to the iconic Empire State Building’s 86th-floor Observatory and VIP entry. 
• For a truly special visit, upgrade to the all-access option to also have access to the Celebrity Green Room, where you can relax and browse memorabilia. 
• This option also includes food and drinks to enjoy during your tour. 
• Don’t forget to take a souvenir photograph to remember your trip. 
• Additionally, you’ll have access to free Wi-Fi, and the Empire State Building entry fee and sales tax are included in the price.
• Experience the iconic Empire State Building like never before with a VIP guided tour. 
• Get an insider’s look at this world-famous landmark with a small group and enjoy skip-the-line access to the observatory. 
• Don’t forget to snap a photo to commemorate your trip. 
• For a truly special experience, upgrade to the all-access option and receive star treatment.

Price: €183.95 per person

New York City: Top Sights Walking Tour with Local Guide

Experience the top 30 sights of New York City with a local guide. During this 5-hour walking tour, you’ll start on Wall Street, the oldest part of Manhattan, and visit iconic buildings like the New York Stock Exchange, the Rockefeller Center, and the Empire State Building. 

You’ll also pass through neighbourhoods like Greenwich Village, Chinatown, and Little Italy, learning about their history along the way. Make your way to Central Park, where you’ll see landmarks like NBC Studios, Radio City Music Hall, St Patrick’s Cathedral, and the Guggenheim. 

Other notable stops include the Flatiron Building, Madison Square Garden, 5th Avenue, Times Square, the New York Public Library, the Chrysler Building, Grand Central Station, and Carnegie Hall. This comprehensive tour is a great way to discover the city and get a feel for its rich history and culture.

• 5-hour walking tour
• Our expert local guide
• Experience the best of New York City with a tour that covers the top 30 sights of the city. 
• Led by a local guide, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the city’s rich history and culture as you pass through neighbourhoods like Five Points, Chinatown, and Little Italy. 
• Along the way, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to snap photos of iconic buildings like the New York Stock Exchange and the Empire State Building. 
• This small group tour allows you to enjoy a more personalized experience and get a feel for the city at your own pace.

Price: €60.14 per person

New York City: Private Helicopter Flight for up to 6 People

Take in breathtaking panoramic views of New York City from the sky on a private helicopter tour. Fly aboard an Airbus AS350/H125 helicopter and escape the crowds as you depart from Westchester County Airport, located just outside the city. 

After a safety briefing, sit back and marvel at iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and Central Park as you fly over Manhattan. This unforgettable experience is perfect for enjoying with family and friends. 

To get to the airport, you can catch the Metro-North rail line or use the free parking if you come by car. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the city from a unique perspective, either by day or night.

• An exclusive tour of the Airbus AS350/H125 helicopter
• Roundtrip pickup and transfer from Manhattan (if this option is booked)
• See the sights of Manhattan from a unique perspective on a private helicopter tour. 
• With a range of flight times to choose from, including day, sunset, and evening options, you can enjoy the city’s stunning views no matter when you visit. 
• During your flight, you’ll get to fly directly over iconic landmarks like Central Park and the Empire State Building, taking in the breathtaking sights of the city from above. 
• Plus, with this private flight, you won’t have to share the experience with any other passengers – it’s just your group and the pilot. 
• Don’t miss this opportunity to see the city like never before.

Price: €1454.94

New York City’s Iconic Sights: 3-Hour Photography Tour

Enhance your photography skills while capturing iconic sites in Manhattan on a 3-hour guided walk and photography tour. This tour is suitable for photographers of all skill levels and is a fun, innovative way to discover the city. 

You’ll have the opportunity to photograph landmarks like Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, the Empire State Building, and locations in Central Park, learning how to best capture these iconic sites as you go. 

Our guide will teach you how to work with lines and angles to bring your photos to life, and you’ll even get a chance to photograph the skyline from Central Park. With small group sizes of no more than 8 participants, this is an intimate and personalized way to learn more about taking stunning photographs with Manhattan as your backdrop.

• Our professional photographer as your guide/instructor
• Subway fare
• Experience the highlights of New York City on a unique walking tour that focuses on photography. 
• Led by a professional photographer, this tour allows you to capture iconic sites like Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and the Empire State Building with your camera. 
• As you walk through the city, you’ll get some great tips and techniques from your guide to help you take stunning photographs. 
• This tour is a great way to see the city and improve your photography skills at the same time.

Price: €121.25

Things to Note

Important Reminder:

To visit the Empire State Building Observatory Experience, you’ll need to first select a date and time of visit on the reservation website and bring both the timed reservation tickets and the voucher provided by our company to gain entry. Please note that this reservation link will be deactivated on March 31, 2022. After that date, you’ll need to make a same-day or next-day reservation by using the on-site kiosks located on the second floor of the building. Make sure to remember that reservations are subject to availability. 

Note: As of February 18, 2022, masks are optional for all guests at the Empire State Building Observatory Experience.

Insider Tips:

• Please note that tripods are not allowed at the Empire State Building Observatory and there are no storage facilities on site. 
• However, a free multimedia tour app is included with every Empire State Building admission. 
• You can download the app for free from the Apple Store or Google Play, or connect to it once on-site via the free WiFi. 
• To avoid crowds, it’s recommended to visit the Observatory before 10:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.
• Peak visiting times may vary by season.

Explore Empire State Building

Empire state building tickets, advice for visitors, getting there, facts and figures, about empire state building.

Empire State Building: Everything To Know Before You Go

The Empire State Building is one of NYC's (and the world's) most iconic skyscrapers! Here's what to know if you plan on visiting.

For both locals and tourists alike, visiting the Empire State Building is an NYC bucket list item! With over 4 million visitors each year, it’s cemented itself as one of the most popular attractions in the world. Complete with observation decks , interactive exhibits , and more, it’s one of the best things to do in NYC . Here’s a complete guide to the Empire State Building if you plan on visiting!

Table Of Contents

Empire State Building History

Planning your visit to the empire state building, empire state building tickets, exploring the empire state building, empire state building fun facts, things to do near empire state building.

To appreciate just now how iconic the Empire State Building is, we must start with a little history and how it came to be. With nearly 100 years of history under its belt, the idea for the skyscraper began during a competition to build the world’s tallest building in the late 1920s.

Inspired by Art Deco designs, the building began construction during the Great Depression and was completed in the early 1930s. From there, the ESB has become a popular cultural symbol, being featured in films and TV shows like “King Kong.” Ever since, the Empire State Building has continued to receive modern renovations, new attractions, and more.

Where is the Empire State Building?

The Empire State Building is located in Midtown Manhattan at 20 W 34th St . You can find it on the west side of Fifth Avenue, between 33rd Street to the south and 34th Street to the north.

When was the Empire State Building built?

The Empire State Building was completed in 1931 , and was designed by architectural firm Shreve, Lamb & Harmon.

How long did it take to build the Empire State Building?

The Empire State Building took an astonishing 1 year and 45 days to complete , with construction starting on March 17, 1930! After demolishing the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, over 3,400 men were used each day to complete the structure. The workers averaged building 4 stories per week.

How many stories is the Empire State Building?

Rising up to 102 stories , the Empire State Building has a roof height of 1,250 feet and stands a total of 1,454 feet tall , including its antenna. At one point in time, it was the was the tallest skyscraper in the world (1931 – 1970), which was surpassed by the original World Trade Center and now the One World Trade Center. Now, it’s the 7th tallest building in NYC , and the 54th tallest in the world .

All great tour stops require a bit of planning, and we’ve got all the information you’ll need before you make your booking! Check out everything below, from visit times to transportation, and more.

Best Times To Visit

This is one of NYC’s most busiest landmarks, and lines can form very quickly to enter the Empire State Building. It’s open 365 a days a year, rain or shine from 8 am – 2 am . The busiest time to visit the ESB is in the morning , so if you want to beat the crowd we suggest going anywhere between 12 – 4 pm or after 8 pm .

Getting There

Transportation to the Empire State Building is quite easy since it’s very centrally located in Midtown Manhattan . Here are the best ways to get to the ESB.

Visiting the Empire State Building via subway is always our best recommendation. The landmark is accessible via many MTA lines which are a short walk away. There are 3 main stations that you want to aim for:

• 34th St – Penn Station: 1, 2, 3, A, C, E
• 34th St – Herald Square: N, Q, R, W, B, D, F, M
• Grand Central Terminal: 4, 5, 6, 7

There are multiple MTA bus routes that will drop you off within walking distance of the Empire State Building. Check out the most convenient bus routes below and all of the options on the MTA website here .

• W 34 St & 5 Avenue: multiple buses including QM10, QM12, QM15, QM16, QM17 and more.
• 5 Av / W 34 Street: BxM7 and BxM18
• 5 Av/W 35 Street: X27, X28, X37, and X38

Sightseeing Bus

Tour guide and sightseeing buses are popular among many tourists, and can be a great means of transport to the Empire State Building. Hop-on hop-off tours like Big Bus Tours and TopView® NYC Bus Tours can be great options that will drop you off at the landmark’s doorstep.

We typically don’t recommend driving to the Empire State Building due to many factors, like traffic and parking. It can be difficult to find a spot around the area, and many lots and garages have gauged pricing…especially during pique hours. However, there are many parking structures around ($30-$50/hr) and metered street parking should you choose to drive.

All guests will go through airport-style security upon entrance to the Empire State Building. A list of prohibited items can be seen below. It’s important to note that are no lockers available to store personal belongings, and if you’re traveling with a stroller it must be foldable. Prohibited items below, full list here :

• Glass, including glass bottles
• Alcoholic beverages
• Bags or Luggage, including carry-on sized luggage
• Professional camera and video equipment, including tripods
• Musical instruments
• Costumes or theatrical masks
• Firearms of any kind

Accessibility

The Empire State Building is fully ADA-compliant! The entire property is complete with ramps, handicap-accessible restrooms, lowered walls with binoculars, as well as the allowance of motorized and non-motorized wheelchairs and service dogs.

Access to the Empire State Building is on a ticket reservation basis, which are scheduled out in 15 minute intervals. There are plenty of different ticketing options that come with certain access, add-ons, and exclusives. Ranging from $44 – $500, you can get a range from basic access to the observation decks to VIP guided tours of the landmark. Check out some of the most common ticketing options below:

• Main Deck Tickets : Access to 86th Floor Observatory
• Top Deck Tickets : access to both 102nd & 86th Floor Observatories
• Express Pass 86th Floor : Expedited entry to ESB and skip-the-line access to the exhibits
• CityPASS® : Admission plus access to other NYC landmarks
• Starbucks Reserve® Sunrise Experience : Early morning experience w/ free Starbucks coffee and Princi pastries

The Empire State Building was listed the #1 US attraction by Tripadvisor in both 2022 and 2023, but what is there to do exactly?! Home to observation decks, shops, eateries, and more, we’ll outline all of the fun that lies ahead!

86th Floor Observatory

The most popular attraction at the Empire State Building is the main deck observatory on the 86th floor. Offering 360-degree views of New York, the open-air wrap-around observation deck provides breathtaking views of the city…plus 6 different states if it’s clear enough!

Top Deck: 102nd Floor Observatory

For a slightly higher price, you can also elevate to the 102nd floor, where the “Top Deck” observatory resides…offering even higher views of Manhattan through their floor-to-ceiling windows on all sides. From this deck, you’ll be able to see up to 80 miles outwards on a good day!

Interactive Experiences

As you explore the Empire State Building, be sure to spend some time with the multiple exhibits around the building that tell the historical tale of the place you stand! From construction to pop culture and beyond, these different experiences are a great walk through of how the landmark came to be. Check out just some of the exhibits below and see them all here :

• The Site in the 1920s: Watch the NYC streets of the late 1920s evolve from the destruction of the original Waldorf-Astoria Hotel to the beginning construction of the Empire State Building.
• Construction: Immerse yourself and snap photos with bronze sculptures of coworkers who completed the building in astonishing time.
• Kong: Touch King Kong’s hands which poke through the walls, just as they did in the 1933 film.
• Celebrity: Admire a collage of A-list celebrities, athletes, and other famous visitors’ images and memorabilia from their trip to the ESB.
• Artistry in Light: Listen to a short film by world-renowned lighting designer Marc Brickman on how the spire lights of the ESB work.
• World’s Most Famous Building: Take in a clip montage of 600 commercials, films, TV shows, comics, and games that feature the iconic building.

Dining Options

Feeling hungry during your visit? There are a few dining options you can choose from, including a sit-down restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner called STATE Grill & Bar . Another sit-down option includes NYC Mexican staple Tacombi , which are great for tacos, margaritas, and everything in between!

If you’re looking for something quick, there’s also Chipotle , Chop’t , and JP .

Did you know these things about the world famous building?! We bet some of these fun facts about the Empire State building will surprise you!

• The Empire State Building’s exterior Tower Lights often change color to celebrate different holidays, happenings, and events ! You can check out what color the building is right here .
• The Empire State Building is owned by Empire State Realty Trust , who have owned the building since 2002.
• The Empire State Building is the world’s most photographed building .
• The Empire State Building was part of a race to build the tallest building in the world .
• The Empire State Building is the #1 most popular destination among Uber’s 75+ million riders .

After your visit to the Empire State Building, you may be wondering what to do next! Thankfully, the landmark’s central location makes it easy walkable to other NYC attractions. From sports to ice skating, check out just some of our favorite nearby activities.

Madison Square Garden

Just down the block from the Empire State Building sits the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden. At any given night you’re likely to find a Knicks or Rangers game, concert, comedy show, plus more! Plus, you can even reserve guided tour tickets, which offer you 60 minutes worth of access to exclusive backstage areas, luxury suites, the Chase Bridge, and more! Learn more here .

Bryant Park

One of New York City’s most famous parks is right around the corner, and there’s always something happening here! In the summer, you can find movie screenings , yoga sessions , concerts , and more. During the winter it transforms into the Bryant Park Winter Village with a massive ice rink . You never know what might be happening here so stop by if you’re in the area.

The Morgan Library & Museum

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Private VIP Tours, Skip the Line, Ticket Prices

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• Security line, mandatory for all.
• Ticket line, unless you have pre-purchased tickets from the ESB site, either regular or Express or an attractions pass that includes the 82nd Floor.
• Elevators to the observatory.

Hotels Near the Empire State Building

Hotels near penn station, nyc.

• Pendry Manhattan West - new in 2021, beautiful rooms (photo)
• Hilton New York Fashion District - great rooftop with amazing views
• Crowne Plaza HY36 - opened in 2018, great reviews online

Empire State Building Hours – Plan Your Visit

Empire state building address and information.

• Handicap Entrance – 34th St., the entrance between Bank of America and Starbucks. Note: The 34th Street Handicap Entrance is only open Monday – Friday until 6pm. Please use the Main Entrance for all other times.
• Everyone will be directed to use the Main or Handicap Entrances if you try to enter the building from any other entrance.

5 Cool Facts About the Empire State Building

• It was the tallest building in the world for over 40 years. When it was completed in 1931, the Empire State Building stood at a height of 1,250 feet, making it the tallest building in the world at the time for over 40 years until the completion of the World Trade Center’s North Tower in 1972. Today, it is the 4th tallest building in New York City, the 6th tallest in the United States, and the 43rd tallest tower in the world.
• It was built during the Great Depression and provided jobs for over 3,000 workers. The construction of the Empire State Building was a massive undertaking during a time of economic hardship. However, it provided much-needed jobs for over 3,000 workers during the Great Depression. The building’s construction was also a symbol of hope and progress for many Americans during a difficult time. Despite the challenges, the building was completed in just 410 days, a remarkable feat of engineering and construction.
• The Empire State Building has its own zip code (I know, I worked there!) The zip code is 10118 and it is exclusively used for the building’s mail. The building receives an average of 1,000 pieces of mail every day, including letters, packages, and even wedding invitations. The zip code was established in 1980 and is just one of the many unique features of this iconic New York City landmark.
• It has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, including King Kong and Sleepless in Seattle . Our #1 Attraction has become a cultural icon and has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows. One of the most famous examples is the 1933 film King Kong , in which the giant ape climbs to the top of the building. Other notable appearances include Sleepless in Seattle , An Affair to Remember , and Independence Day . The building has also been featured in countless photographs, paintings, and other works of art.
• The Empire State Building Annual Run Up, held in October, lets competitors race up its 86 flights, the equivalent of 1,576 stairs! Some runners have achieved this in 10 minutes!

Sightsee from the Sky

• Empire State Building - (86 and 102 floors) Best for patient movie and history buffs who need to check it off their bucket list. Recently redone indoor 102nd Floor Observatory
• Top of the Rock - (67-70 floors) Best for sweeping 360° vista views, including of the Empire State Building and Central Park. Shorter lines and cheaper than the ESB.
• One World Observatory - (100-102 floors) Best for homage to the Twin Towers. Modern and high tech, with phenomenal views
• Edge - (100-101 floors) Highest outdoor observation deck, glass bottom floor, deck extends 80 feet away from building (photo)
• Summit One Vanderbilt - (91-93 floors) Opens Oct 2021, all glass elevator, indoor and outdoor decks and glass terraces off the side of the building

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Empire State Building | 102th floor

Sixteen floors above the 86th Floor Observatory, the Empire State Building’s Top Deck provides our most spectacular views of the city and beyond.

From this panorama, dive into the main iconic places of New York.

Russian History in Architecture

• An Introduction to Architecture
• Great Buildings
• Famous Architects
• Famous Houses
• Skyscrapers
• Tips For Homeowners
• Art & Artists

• Doctor of Arts, University of Albany, SUNY
• M.S., Literacy Education, University of Albany, SUNY
• B.A., English, Virginia Commonwealth University

Stretching between Europe and China , Russia is neither East nor West. The vast expanse of field, forest, desert, and tundra has seen Mongol rule , czarist reigns of terror, European invasions, and Communist rule. The architecture that evolved in Russia reflects the ideas of many cultures. Yet, from onion domes to neo-gothic skyscrapers , a distinctively Russian style emerged.

Join us for a photo tour of important architecture in Russia and the Russian empire.

Viking Log Homes in Novgorod, Russia

First Century A.D.: In the walled city of Novgorod in what is now called Russia, the Vikings built rustic log homes.

In a land filled with trees, settlers will build a shelter from timber. Russia's early architecture was primarily wood. Because there were no saws and drills in ancient times, trees were cut with axes and buildings were constructed with rough-hewn logs. Homes built by the Vikings were rectangular with steep, chalet-style roofs.

During the first century AD, churches were also constructed of logs. Using chisels and knives, craftsmen created detailed carvings.

Wooden Churches on Kizhi Island

14th Century: Complex wooden churches were built on the island of Kizhi. The Church of Resurrection of Lazarus, shown here, may be the oldest wooden church in Russia.

Russia's wooden churches often perched on hilltops, overlooking the forests and villages. Although the walls were crudely constructed of rough-hewn logs, similar to the early Viking log huts, the roofs were often complex. Onion shaped domes, symbolizing heaven in the Russian Orthodox tradition, were covered with wooden shingles. The onion domes reflected Byzantine design ideas and were strictly decorative. They were constructed of wood framing and served no structural function.

Located at the northern end of Lake Onega near St. Petersburg, the island of Kizhi (also spelled "Kishi" or "Kiszhi") is famous for its remarkable array of wooden churches. An early mention of the Kizhi settlements is found in chronicles from the 14th and 15th centuries. In 1960, Kizhi became home to an open-air museum for the preservation of Russia's wooden architecture. Restoration work was supervised by the Russian architect, Dr. A. Opolovnikov.

Church of the Transfiguration on Kizhi Island

The Church of the Transfiguration at Kizhi Island has 22 onion domes covered with hundreds of aspen shingles.

Russia's wooden churches began as simple, sacred spaces. The Church of Resurrection of Lazarus may be the oldest wooden church remaining in Russia. Many of these structures, however, were quickly ravished by rot and fire. Over the centuries, destroyed churches were replaced with larger and more elaborate buildings.

Built in 1714 during the reign of Peter the Great, the Church of the Transfiguration shown here has 22 soaring onion domes sheathed in hundreds of aspen shingles. No nails were used in the construction of the cathedral, and today many of the spruce logs are weakened by insects and rot. In addition, a shortage of funds has lead to neglect and poorly executed restoration efforts.

Wooden architecture at Kizhi Pogost is a UNESCO World Heritage site .

Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Moscow

The English name translation is often Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Destroyed by Stalin in 1931, the Cathedral has been rebuilt and is now fully accessible by the Patriarshy Bridge, a pedestrian walkway across Moskva river.

Known to be the world's tallest Orthodox Church, this Christian sacred spot and tourist destination describes a nation's religious and political history.

Historic Events Surrounding the Cathedral

• 1812 : Emperor Alexander I plans to build a grand cathedral to commemorate the Russian Army expelling Napoleon's Army from Moscow
• 1817 : After a design by Russian architect Aleksandr Vitberg, cathedral construction begins but is quickly halted because of the site's unstable ground
• 1832 : Emperor Nicholas I approves a new building site and a new design by Russian architect Konstantin Ton
• 1839 to 1879 : Construction of the Russian Byzantine design, modeled in part on the Assumption Cathedral, the Cathedral of the Dormition
• 1931 : Intentionally destroyed by the Soviet government, with plans to build a palace for the people, "the largest building in the world," as a monument to the new socialist order. Construction was halted during WWII, and then in 1958, the largest open-air public swimming pool (Moskva Pol) was built instead.
• 1994 to 2000 : Dismantling of the swimming pool and reconstruction of the Cathedral.
• 2004 : A steel footbridge, the Patriarshy Bridge, is built to connect the church to downtown Moscow.

Moscow has emerged as a modern city of the 21st century. Rebuilding this Cathedral has been one of the projects that have transformed the city. The Cathedral project leaders included the Mayor of Moscow, Yuri Luzhkov, and the architect M.M. Posokhin, just as they were involved with skyscraper projects such as Mercury City. The rich history of Russia is embodied in this architectural site. The influences of ancient Byzantine lands, warring armies, political regimes, and urban renewal are all present at the site of the of Christ the Savior.

St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow

1554 to 1560: Ivan the Terrible erected the exuberant St. Basil's Cathedral just outside the Kremlin gates in Moscow.

The reign of Ivan IV (the Terrible) brought a brief resurgence of interest in traditional Russian styles. To honor Russia's victory over the Tatars at Kazan, the legendary Ivan the Terrible erected the exuberant St. Basil's Cathedral just outside the Kremlin gates in Moscow. Completed in 1560, St. Basil's is a carnival of painted onion domes in the most expressive of Russo-Byzantine traditions. It is said that Ivan the Terrible had the architects blinded so that they could never again design a building so beautiful.

St. Basil's Cathedral is also known as the Cathedral of the Protection of the Mother of God.

After the reign of Ivan IV, architecture in Russia borrowed more and more from European rather than Eastern styles.

Smolny Cathedral in St. Petersburg

1748 to 1764: Designed by the famous Italian architect, Rastrelli, the Rococo Smolny Cathedral is like a fancy cake.

European ideas reigned during the time of Peter the Great. His namesake city, St. Petersburg, was modeled after European ideas, and his successors continued the tradition by bringing architects from Europe to design palaces, cathedrals and other important buildings.

Designed by the famous Italian architect, Rastrelli, Smolny Cathedral celebrates the Rococo style. Rococo is a French Baroque fashion known for its light, white ornamentation and complex arrangements of curving forms. The blue-and-white Smolny Cathedral is like a confectioner's cake with arches, pediments, and columns. Only the onion-dome caps hint at Russian tradition.

The cathedral was to be the centerpiece of a convent designed for Empress Elisabeth, daughter of Peter the Great. Elisabeth had planned to become a nun, but she abandoned the idea once she was given a chance to rule. At the end of her reign, funding for the convent ran out. Construction stopped in 1764, and the cathedral was not completed until 1835.

Hermitage Winter Palace in St. Petersburg

1754 to 1762: The 16th-century architect Rastrelli created the most famous building of imperial St. Petersburg, the Hermitage Winter Palace.

With Baroque and Rococo flourishes usually reserved for furnishings, the noted 16th-century architect Rastrelli created what is most certainly the most famous building of imperial St. Petersburg: the Hermitage Winter Palace. Built between 1754 and 1762 for Empress Elisabeth (daughter of Peter the Great), the green-and-white palace is a lavish confection of arches, pediments, columns, pilasters, bays, balustrades, and statuary. Three stories high, the palace has 1,945 windows, 1,057 rooms, and 1,987 doors. Not an onion dome is to be found on this strictly European creation.

The Hermitage Winter Palace served as the winter residence for every ruler of Russia since Peter III. Peter's mistress, the Countess Vorontsova, also had rooms in the grand Baroque palace. When his wife Catherine the Great seized the throne, she took possession of her husband's quarters and redecorated. Catherine Palace became the Summer Palace.

Nicholas I lived in a comparatively modest apartment in the Palace while his wife Alexandra did further decorating, commissioning the elaborate Malachite Room. Alexandra's exuberant room later became the meeting place for Kerensky's Provisional Government.

In July 1917, the Provisional Government took up residence in the Hermitage Winter Palace, laying the foundation for the October Revolution. The Bolshevik government eventually transferred its capital to Moscow. Since that time, the Winter Palace has served as the renown Hermitage Museum.

Tavrichesky Palace in St. Petersburg

1783 to 1789: Catherine the Great hired the noted Russian architect Ivan Egorovich Starov to design a palace using themes from ancient Greece and Rome.

Elsewhere in the world, Russia was mocked for crude, exuberant expressions of Western architecture. When she became Empress, Catherine the Great wanted to introduce more dignified styles. She had studied engravings of classical architecture and new European buildings, and she made neoclassicism the official court style.

When Grigory Potemkin-Tavricheski (Potyomkin-Tavrichesky) was named Prince of Tauride (Crimea), Catherine hired the noted Russian architect I. E. Starov to design a classical palace for her favored military officer and consort. The architecture of Palladio , based on classical ancient Greek and Roman buildings, was the style of the day and influenced what is often called Tauride Palace or Taurida Palace . Prince Grigory's palace was starkly neoclassical with symmetrical rows of columns, a pronounced pediment, and dome just like many of the neoclassical buildings found in Washington, DC.

Tavrichesky or Tavricheskiy Palace was completed in 1789 and reconstructed in the beginning of the twentieth century.

Lenin's Mausoleum in Moscow

1924 to 1930 : Designed by Alexei Shchusev, Lenin's Mausoleum is made of simple cubes in the form of a step pyramid.

Interest in the old styles was briefly reawakened during the 1800s, but with the 20th century came the Russian Revolution and a revolution in the visual arts. The avant-garde Constructivist movement celebrated the industrial age and the new socialist order. Stark, mechanistic buildings were constructed from mass-produced components.

Designed by Alexei Shchusev, Lenin's Mausoleum has been described as a masterpiece of architectural simplicity. The mausoleum was originally a wooden cube. The body of Vladimir Lenin, founder of the Soviet Union, was displayed inside a glass casket. In 1924, Shchusev built a more permanent mausoleum made of wooden cubes assembled into a step pyramid formation. In 1930, the wood was replaced with red granite (symbolizing Communism) and black labradorite (symbolizing mourning). The austere pyramid stands just outside the Kremlin wall.

The Vysotniye Zdaniye in Moscow

1950s: After the Soviet triumph over Nazi Germany, Stalin launched an ambitious plan to construct a series of Neo-Gothic skyscrapers, the Vysotniye Zdaniye.

During the reconstruction of Moscow in the 1930s, under the dictatorship of Joseph Stalin, many churches, bell towers, and cathedrals were destroyed. The Savior Cathedral was demolished to make way for the grandiose Palace of Soviets. This was to be the tallest building in the world, a towering 415-meter monument topped by a 100-meter statue of Lenin. It was part of Stalin's ambitious plan: the Vysotniye Zdaniye or High Buildings .

Eight skyscrapers were planned in the 1930s, and seven were built in the 1950s, forming a ring in the center of Moscow.

Bringing Moscow into the 20th century had to wait until after World War II and the Soviet triumph over Nazi Germany. Stalin re-launched the plan and architects were re-commissioned to design a series of Neo-Gothic skyscrapers similar to the abandoned Palace of Soviets. Often called "wedding cake" skyscrapers, the buildings were tiered to create a sense of upward movement. Each building was given a central tower and, at Stalin's request, a sparkling metalized glass spire. It was felt that the spire distinguished Stalin's buildings from the Empire State Building and other American skyscrapers. Also, these new Moscow buildings incorporated ideas from Gothic cathedrals and 17th-century Russian churches. Thus, the past and future were combined.

Often called the Seven Sisters , the Vysotniye Zdaniye are these buildings:

• 1952: Kotelnicheskaya Naberezhnaya (also known as Kotelniki Apartments or the Kotelnicheskaya Embankment)
• 1953: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• 1953: The Moscow State University Tower
• 1953 (renovated 2007): Leningradskaya Hotel
• 1953: Red Gate Square
• 1954: Kudrinskaya Square (also known as Kudrinskaya Ploshchad 1, Revolt Square, Vostaniya, and Uprising Square)
• 1955 (renovated 1995 & 2010): The Hotel Ukraine (also known as the Radisson Royal Hotel)

And what happened to the Palace of Soviets? The construction site proved too wet for such an enormous structure, and the project was abandoned when Russia entered World War II. Stalin's successor, Nikita Khrushchev, turned the construction site into the world's largest public swimming pool. In 2000, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior was reconstructed.

Recent years brought another urban revival. Yury Luzhkov, mayor of Moscow from 1992 to 2010, launched a plan to build a second ring of Neo-Gothic skyscrapers just beyond the center of Moscow. As many as 60 new buildings were planned until Luzhkov was forced from office on corruption charges.

Siberian Wooden Houses

The czars built their great palaces of stone, but common Russians lived in rustic, wooden structures.

Russia is a huge country. Its land mass encompasses two continents, Europe and Asia, with many natural resources. The largest area, Siberia, has an abundance of trees, so people built their houses of wood. The izba is what Americans would call a log cabin .

Artisans soon discovered that wood could be carved into intricate designs similar to what the wealthy did with stone. Similarly, jocular colors could brighten the long winter days in a rural community. So, mix together the colorful exterior found on St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow and the construction materials found on the Wooden Churches on Kizhi Island and you get the traditional wooden house found in many parts of Siberia.

Most of these houses were built by working class people before the Russian Revolution of 1917 . The rise of Communism ended private property ownership in favor of a more communal type of living. Throughout the twentieth century, many of these houses became government properties, but were not well-maintained and fell into disrepair. The post-Communist question of today, then, is should these houses be restored and preserved?

As Russian people flock to cities and live in modern high-rises, what will become of the many wooden residences found in more remote areas like Siberia? Without government intervention, historic preservation of the Siberian wooden house becomes an economic decision. "Their fate is emblematic of the struggle across Russia to balance the preservation of architectural treasures with the demands for development," says Clifford J. Levy in The New York Times . "But people have begun to embrace them not only for their beauty, but also because they seem a link to Siberia's rustic past...."

Mercury City Tower in Moscow

Moscow is known to have fewer building regulations than other European cities, but that's not the only reason for the city's 21st-century building boom. Yuri Luzhkov, Mayor of Moscow from 1992 to 2010, had a vision for the Russian capital that has rebuilt the past (see the Cathedral of Christ the Savior) and modernized its architecture. Mercury City Tower's design is one of the first green building designs in the history of Russian architecture. It's golden brown glass facade makes it prominent in the Moscow city skyline.

About Mercury City Tower

• Height: 1,112 feet (339 meters)—29 meters higher than The Shard
• Floors: 75 (5 floors below ground)
• Square Feet: 1.7 million
• Built: 2006 - 2013
• Architectural style: structural expressionism
• Construction Material: concrete with glass curtain wall
• Architects: Frank Williams & Partners Architects LLP (New York); M.M.Posokhin (Moscow)
• Other Names: Mercury City Tower, Mercury Office Tower
• Multiple Use: Office, Residential, Commercial
• Official Website: www.mercury-city.com/

The Tower has "green architecture" mechanisms including the ability to collect melting water and provide natural lighting to 75% workspaces. Another green trend is to source locally, cutting down on transportation costs and energy consumption. Ten percent of the construction materials came from a 300-kilometer radius of the construction site.

"Though blessed with an abundance of natural energy resources, it is important to conserve energy in a country like Russia," said architect Michael Posokhin on green building. "I'm always trying to look for the special, unique feeling of each site, and incorporate it in my design."

The tower has "a strong vertical thrust similar to the one found in New York's Chrysler Building ," said architect Frank Williams. "The new tower is sheathed in a light, warm silver glass that will act as a background for Moscow's new City Hall, which has a rich red glass roofscape. This new City Hall sits adjacent to MERCURY CITY TOWER."

Moscow has entered the 21st century.

• EMPORIS Public Relations . Names and dates from the EMPORIS database, including Vysotniye Zdaniya ; Lomonosov Moscow State University Main Building ; Kotelnicheskaya Naberezhnaya ; Leningradskaya Hotel ; Red Gate Square ; Kudrinskaya Ploshchad 1 ; Ministry of Foreign Affairs ; Radisson Royal Hotel ; Palace of the Soviets  [Accessed November 6, 2012]
• A Fresh Take on a 19th-Century Gingerbread Village by Clifford J. Levy, The New York Times , June 25, 2008 [accessed November 6, 2013]
• History of the Cathedral (1812-1931) , Destruction (1931-1990) , Reconstruction (1990-2000) , The Cathedral of Christ The Savior English language website at www.xxc.ru/english/ [Accessed February 3, 2014]
• Mercury City Tower, Portfolio International, Frank Williams & Partners Architects LLP. www.fw-p.com/default.aspx?page=5&type=99&project=319&set=1&focus=0&link=1. [Accessed November 6, 2012].
• Architecture for our Spirit and Soul - Sacred Buildings
• Wonders of the World - Winners and Finalists
• Architecture Timeline - Western Influences on Building Design
• A Palace and Cathedral After an Earthquake
• Geography of Moscow, Russia
• Biography of Ivan the Terrible, First Tsar of Russia
• The Architecture of Washington, DC
• Introduction to Byzantine Architecture
• 10 Examples of Buttress Styles
• Execution of Czar Nicholas II of Russia and His Family
• 10 Buildings that Changed the World
• An Introduction to Gothic Revival Architecture
• All About Gothic Architecture
• See the Best Architecture in Spain
• The Significance of the Color Red in Russian Culture
• Architecture in Vienna, a Guide for Travelers

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Stalin's Seven Sisters Skyscrapers in Moscow

• Guide to Russia

What are Stalin’s Seven Sisters in Moscow?

• Stalin’s Seven Sisters are seven skyscrapers built in Moscow between 1947 and 1957 . Their construction was not just functional, but had ideological and political importance. They were intended to show the accomplishment and regeneration of the USSR in the post-war period, and provide exclusive residence for the Soviet elite and foreign visitors
• The architecture of Stalin’s Seven Sisters reflected this. They were built in monumental Stalinist Empire style and inspired by skyscrapers of the USA. They are characterised by their wedding-cake shape, intricate architectural and decorative details, and luxurious interiors
• Today, two of Stalin’s Seven Sisters are luxury hotels, one is the main building of Moscow State University, one is home to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the others are residential, commercial and administrative properties

Stalin used architecture as a political and ideological tool, constructing the Seven Sisters skyscrapers in Moscow to reflect the modernity, ambition and triumph of Soviet Russia. For years the tallest buildings in Europe, these seven commanding skyscrapers are significant monuments of architecture and urban planning which draw the eye from all over Moscow.

Photo by Carlos Delgado on Wikipedia

History of Stalin’s Seven Sisters

Stalin commissioned the Seven Sisters in Moscow to demonstrate the triumph and regeneration of the USSR after the devastation of the Second World War, and rival the high-rises of capitalist cities. Their foundations were laid on the 800th anniversary of Moscow in September 1947.

Eight buildings were planned on the city’s main intersections and in the bends of the Moskva River. The leading architects of the era were entrusted with each project, and received Stalin Prizes in 1949 for their plans. The tallest and most central skyscraper was to be the Zaryadye Administrative Building next to the Kremlin, but construction was halted after the death of Stalin (thankfully, as this huge building would have spoilt the architectural ensemble of the Kremlin and Red Square).

Did you know? Today, Park Zaryadye lies on the site where the Zaryadye Administrative Building would have stood.

Two of Stalin’s Seven Sisters were designed as luxury hotels to show off the Soviet Union to foreign visitors. Others were built to house the Soviet elite and were like a city within a city, housing apartments, shops, offices and entertainment facilities and equipped with the latest technology including high-speed lifts, rubbish chutes, ventilation, and internal telephone systems.

Did you know? Rumour had it that secret corridors were constructed throughout the residential buildings so that residents could be spied upon at any point!

Architecture and design of Stalin’s Seven Sisters

The Seven Sisters were constructed in Stalinist Empire style, a leading architectural trend from 1933 to 1955. Stalinist Empire is a synthesis of many architectural styles including Russian Baroque, Art Deco, and Neo-Gothic, and makes for some impressively monumental yet harmonious and well-proportioned buildings. The architects and engineers of Stalin’s Seven Sisters closely studied skyscrapers built in the USA; much like the Empire State Building and Woolworth Building, the Seven Sisters are characterised by their wedding-cake-like upper floors tapering to a towering spire.

Stalin’s Seven Sisters skyscrapers were so huge that their construction required ingenious and innovative technology. Their floorplans would reinforce them against swaying in the wind, the wedding-cake silhouette better distributed the weight of the building, and in some cases liquid nitrogen was used to freeze the soil during construction! Although the technology developed during this time advanced housing development later on, the sheer effort and funds expended on the Seven Sisters detracted from construction of housing elsewhere in the USSR, at a moment when the country was in desperate need of rebuilding.

Did you know? The so-called ‘Eighth Sister’ of Moscow is Triumph Palace, a 57-storey luxury apartment building built in 2001 and the 9th tallest building in Russia!

The Seven Sisters boast many intricate architectural and decorative details. Pillars, arches, balustrades, and turrets enhance their silhouettes, and the spires are topped with an enormous 5-point star so that the true height of the building is visible even from afar. Sculptures of workers and farmers look down on the streets below, and bas-reliefs of Soviet symbols such as laurel wreaths, 5-pointed stars, and hammers and sickles adorn the monolithic walls. The grandness of the architecture and design of Stalin’s Seven Sisters bears a striking resemblance to that of the Moscow Metro!

Photo by User:simon04 on Wikipedia 

Did you know? Other similar skyscrapers were constructed in Kiev, Riga, Prague and Bucharest. The largest is the Palace of Science and Culture in Warsaw, built by Lev Rudnev between 1952 and 1955 as a gift to Poland from the Soviet Union, and nicknamed ‘Stalin’s Souvenir’. At 237 metres, it is the tallest building in Poland and contains libraries, theatres, cinemas, museums, research institutes, and government departments.

The interiors of the Seven Sisters contain gleaming marble floors, carved stone, columns, precious wood panelling, high ceilings, stained glass, and even chandeliers. The architects noted that in skyscrapers in the USA, many of the rooms were dark and overlooked deep inner courtyards, and they thus designed the Seven Sisters so that all rooms would have plenty of natural light.

Did you know? Some interior decorative elements were in fact made from papier mache, to reduce the cost and weight of construction materials.

Where can you find the Seven Sisters, and what are they home to today?

Moscow state university main building.

Photo by  Schoschi (Georg Dembowski) on Wikipedia

The largest of the Seven Sisters is the main building of Moscow State University on Sparrow Hills, designed by Lev Rudnev and constructed between 1949 and 1953 by thousands of Gulag labourers. It was the tallest building in Europe until 1990 and remains today the largest educational building in the world! Four sprawling wings extend from a central tower reaching 240 metres into the sky, and each wing is crowned by smaller towers fronted by enormous clocks. In the student dormitories in the wings alone, there are 6,000 rooms.

Did you know? 40,000 tons of steel and 175 million bricks were used to construct the MGU main building, and the interior lighting network is over 450km long.

The MGU main building was constructed with granite from Ukraine and marble from Georgia and Uzbekistan. It was proposed to place a statue of Stalin atop the building, though Stalin instead ordered for a spire to crown the building. Huge statues of workers and farmers stand at the 27th floor, and there are bas-reliefs of workers and students. The main building still retains its gorgeous original interiors.

• Height – 240 metres, 36 floors
• Address - Ulitsa Leninskiye Gory, 1 (nearest metro is Lomonosovsky Prospekt, 1.1km)
• Best view – from Sparrow Hills observation deck, which also offers an unparalleled view over Moscow (nearest metro is Vorobyovy Gory, 1.8km)

Hotel Ukraina

Photo on Wikipedia

Hotel Ukraina was built by Arkady Mordvinov and Vyacheslav Oltarzhevsky between 1953 and 1957. The U-shaped building is faced with white ceramic blocks, limestone and granite. Four towers stand atop each of the two wings, stylised with Soviet symbols and wheat sheaves. Upon opening, the Ukraina was the tallest hotel in Europe, and received its name in honour of the 300th anniversary of the unification of Russia and Ukraine, celebrated in 1954. A prestigious hotel, it was intended as the residence for foreigners visiting the USSR. 1,200 paintings by Soviet artists decorated the inside, and a winter garden with a fountain was constructed on the 2nd floor.

Today, the building houses a hotel and residential apartments; the hotel occupies the main building, and the apartments the two wings. The luxurious interiors of the public spaces have been preserved since the 1950s, including the paintings and sculptures. It is possible to visit a viewing platform on the 33rd floor for a panorama of the historical centre of Moscow (access is free for hotel guests, and paid for non-guests).

Did you know? The hotel counts among its former guests Robert de Niro, Ralph Fiennes, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

• Height – 206 metres, 34 floors
• Address – Kutuzovsky Prospekt 2/1 (nearest metro is Kievskaya, 1.2km)
• Where to get the best view – from across the Moskva River on Krasnopresnenskaya Embankment, or from the corner of Kutuzovsky Prospekt and Ukrainsky Bulvar

Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Building

Photo by NVO on Wikipedia

The Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Building was built between 1947 and 1952 by Dmitry Chechulin, the chief architect of Moscow, at the confluence of the Moskva and Yauza Rivers. Three wings are attached to a hexagonal central tower, two of which extend into large apartment blocks. Ornate arches, columns, turrets, and spiked metal ornaments decorate the central and side towers. In its 540 apartments lived celebrities, important scientists and members of the Soviet government, and it housed a post office, restaurant, football pitch, cinema, and even a massage parlour.

• Height – 176 metres, 32 floors
• Address – Kotelnicheskaya Embankment, 1 (nearest metro is Taganskaya, 1.2km)
• Best view – Ustinsky Square or Bolshoy Ustinsky Bridge

Did you know? As the skyscraper was constructed by Gulag labour, engraved messages from prisoners were discovered by residents there!

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Photo by Ministry_of_Foreign_Affairs_Russia.jpg on Wikipedia

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs was constructed between 1948 and 1953 by Vladimir Gelfreykh and Adolf Minkus. It is made of red and grey granite, limestone and ceramic blocks, and has many features of English Gothic architecture. Two wings extend from the central tower, each crowned with two square towers. The interior was decorated in the style of Soviet Art Deco, with marble, granite, and stained glass. Interestingly, an enormous crest of the USSR remains on the front of the building – as a monument of architectural heritage, the decision was taken not to remove it.

• Height – 172 metres, 27 floors
• Address - Smolensky Bulvar, 32/34 (nearest metro is Smolenskaya, 350m)
• Best view – Smolenskaya-Sennaya Ploshchad

Did you know? The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was the only one of the Seven Sisters not to be crowned with a 5-pointed star, as its spire was too weak.

Kudrinskaya Square Building

Photo by Dmitry Rozhkov on Wikipedia

The Kudrinskaya Square Building was constructed by Mikhail Posokhin and Ashot Mndoyants between 1948 and 1954. As with the skyscraper on Kotelnicheskaya, it was built for Moscow’s elite and housed over 450 luxury apartments, a cinema, underground car park, ice cream parlour, and Moscow’s largest grocery store. It was richly decorated both inside and out: the exterior is adorned with carved rosettes, cornices, turrets, statues, ornate towers on each corner, and an elegant spire; the interior with chandeliers, stained glass, Greek columns and patterned marble floors. Apartments in the building today are extremely expensive real estate.

• Height – 160 metres, 25 floors
• Address – Kudrinskaya Ploshchad, 1 (nearest metro is Krasnopresnenskaya, 600m)
• Best view – By the fountain on Kudrinskaya Ploshchad

Red Gates Administrative Building

The Red Gates Administrative Building was constructed between 1948 and 1951 by Alexei Dushin. In the U-shaped building, offices are located in the central tower and apartments in the wings, a setup which has remained since the 1950s. The façade is made from limestone embellished with intricate layers of cornices at the top of each tier and a grand entrance made from red granite. Interestingly, there is an entrance to the Krasnye Vorota (Red Gates) metro station right inside the building.

• Height – 138 metres, 26 floors
• Address - Sadovaya-Spasskaya Ulitsa, 21/1 (nearest metro is Krasnye Vorota, entrance on the building’s east wing or directly across the Garden Ring road)
• Best view – Outside Krasnye Vorota metro’s main entrance

Leningradskaya Hotel

The Leningradskaya Hotel was constructed between 1949 and 1954 by Leonid Polyakov and Alexander Boretsky. The architecture and design of this skyscraper is considered to have the most Russian elements compared to its sisters, in particular its tented porch entrance. Palatial public areas were decorated with statues, bronze chandeliers, painted ceilings, murals and stained glass, and there is even a ballroom. Although the excessive luxury of the hotel was shamed in the Khrushchev era, the décor has thankfully been preserved.

• Height – 136 metres, 26 floors
• Address – Kalanchevskaya Ulitsa, 21/40 (nearest metro is the equally luxurious Komsomolskaya, 500m)
• Best view – Komsomolskaya Ploshchad

Did you know? In the stairwell between the 2nd and 7th floors hangs a chandelier, suspended by a 15.5 metres long bronze garland – once the longest lighting fixture in the world!

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Caratteristiche

ESB - L'attrazione perfetta per tour ed eventi di gruppo a New York

APRILE 24, 2024

Vuoi impressionare un gruppo numeroso? L'Osservatorio dell'Empire State Building è la destinazione principale per feste di tutte le dimensioni. Nominato l'attrazione numero 1 negli Stati Uniti dai viaggiatori di Tripadvisor per due anni consecutivi nel 2022 e nel 2023, l'Osservatorio è una destinazione ideale per i gruppi che desiderano imparare e sperimentare il meglio di New York City da un punto di vista unico e creare ricordi indimenticabili.  

Perché i gruppi dovrebbero visitare l'Osservatorio?

Dopo una recente ristrutturazione da 165 milioni di dollari che ha trasformato completamente l'esperienza dell'Osservatorio, l'Empire State Building è una destinazione imperdibile per turisti, visitatori e gente del posto da tutto il mondo. Gli ospiti possono conoscere la costruzione, l'architettura e il significato dell'edificio nella cultura popolare attraverso mostre e tour interattivi e coinvolgenti.

L'Empire State Building offre offerte convenienti opzioni di prenotazione per gruppi attraverso il proprio portale self-service e Account Manager dedicati, ideali per gli organizzatori di gruppi per pianificare e coordinare la propria visita.

I membri del nostro team di vendita lavoreranno con te individualmente per garantire che le tue esigenze siano soddisfatte e che la tua visita vada ben oltre le aspettative.  

Quali gruppi dovrebbero visitare l'Osservatorio?

Non importa il tipo di gruppo, ci saranno sicuramente esperienze memorabili per tutti. I gruppi che visitano l'Empire State Building provengono da scuole, grandi gruppi di amici o familiari, gruppi di lavoro e altro ancora.

Sebbene i tour di gruppo siano autoguidati, in base alle tue esigenze specifiche il team di vendita dell'Osservatorio dell'Empire State Building può condividere diversi aggiornamenti per un tour guidato educativo, storico o qualsiasi altro tour mirato dell'edificio.  

Gite in classe

Gli studenti possono acquisire preziose conoscenze su uno dei monumenti storici più famosi di New York visitando l'Empire State Building. L'ESB offre programmi e risorse unici nel loro genere per studenti e gruppi, che la rendono una destinazione ricca di informazioni senza tempo sull'origine della città e sui miglioramenti apportati all'edificio dal 1931 che lo hanno portato a diventare il "Più Edificio famoso."

All'interno dell'Osservatorio ci sono nove gallerie, ognuna delle quali offre un'esperienza coinvolgente per gli studenti che vanno dalle scuole elementari a quelle superiori. L'Osservatorio prevede inoltre a Curriculum VAPORE che fornisce ai bambini la motivazione di cui hanno bisogno per apprendere l'ingegneria e la sostenibilità, che svolgono un ruolo vitale nella costruzione dell'edificio.

Feste di gruppo più grandi

Nominato "l'edificio più famoso del mondo", l'Empire State Building è una visita imperdibile per chi fa parte di una famiglia numerosa o di gruppi di amici che vogliono vivere New York al massimo! L'Empire State Building offre a tutti gli ospiti la ricca storia dell'edificio e della sua costruzione mentre conduce agli iconici Osservatori dell'86° e del 102° piano.

Grandi gruppi possono ricreare fotografie iconiche di nomi di celebrità familiari come Jared Leto, Zendaya e Oprah Winfrey. Possono anche rivivere le loro scene preferite di film degni di baldoria come "Insonnia d'amore", "King Kong" e "Superman II".  

Imprese e Team

Che la tua azienda sia locale a New York o in città per una conferenza, le divertenti attività di gruppo consentono ai membri di favorire connessioni migliori e costruire un senso di comunità per una maggiore efficienza e miglioramenti nella vita lavorativa. Una visita all'iconico Empire State Building è la scelta migliore per un'attività di gruppo a New York.

È inoltre possibile organizzare tour ed esperienze private per mostrare i retroscena dell'edificio. Successivamente, le squadre possono gustare drink e cena presso i ristoranti situati alla base dell'edificio, tra cui Starbucks Reserve, STATE Grill & Bar e Tacombi.

Come prenotare per un gruppo all'Empire State Building

Fortunatamente, è semplice e veloce avviare il processo di prenotazione di gruppo per l'Osservatorio dell'Empire State Building tramite il Modulo di prenotazione biglietti di gruppo . Dopo aver ricevuto le informazioni, il team dell'Osservatorio ti contatterà con i passaggi successivi.

Per ulteriori informazioni, inviare un'e-mail a [email protected].

Hai un'altra domanda?

Il nostro team è pronto ad aiutare. Contattaci e ottieni le risposte di cui hai bisogno.

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