trip advisor; #1 attraction in the US

Tonight's Lights

Purple and Red

We're #1 in the WORLD

Thanks to the millions of guests that visit the Empire State Building Observatory each year, we are proud to be named the #1 Attraction in the World in Tripadvisor’s 2024 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things to Do, and #1 Attraction in the U.S. for the third consecutive year.

The Empire State Building Observatory has more than 60,000 5-star reviews, where guests from all over the globe have shared their incredible experience at the World’s Most Famous Building, including our interactive exhibits, and incredible views. As “once-in-a-lifetime” memory that can’t be missed, and one of the best things to do in New York City, we can’t wait to welcome you for your next visit.

EXPRESS PASS 86TH & 102ND FLOORS

Bypass all queues and take our red carpet all the way up to the very top of the building! Pass includes expedited entry to the 86th and 102nd Floors.

 

Building Model
CityPASS and ESB
SAVE WITH CITYPASS® - 43% OFF

One easy CityPASS® purchase saves 43% at ESB plus 4 more top NYC attractions. CityPASS® tickets include our AM/PM Experience: 86th floor observatory and BONUS same-night admission 3 hours before closing.

Premium Experience

Discover even more of the Empire State Building. Enjoy a guided 90-minute tour that includes the building’s lovingly restored Art Deco lobby on 5th Avenue, the Celebrity Walk, and exhibits that celebrate the building’s history and heritage.

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Sunrise
STARBUCKS RESERVE® SUNRISE EXPERIENCE

Get a glimpse of New York as the first light of day creeps over the city. From our 86th-floor observation deck you can watch “the city that never sleeps” awaken. 

Step into our newly revitalized 2nd and 80th floor galleries. See how the ESB was built, relive the building’s defining moments, and put yourself in the clutches of King Kong.

Before you visit, enjoy our EarthCam views of Manhattan showcasing the beauty of the city's skyline with ESB front and center

#EmpireStateBuilding

Experience the magic of the holidays in NYC at the Empire State Building! This December, the iconic landmark transforms into a winter wonderland filled with festive joy and excitement. Bring your family to meet Santa Claus, sip on indulgent Ghirardelli hot cocoa from our pop-up stand, and lose yourself in the enchantment of fan-favorite holiday movie screenings. Surrounded by dazzling, over-the-top decor, every corner promises a new adventure and a chance to create cherished memories. 

Experience the holidays at ESB
Experience the holidays at ESB

The Empire State Building has released its newest ambassador membership program! Join and earn points every time you spend at the Observatory and get rewarded. By completing different thresholds, you will gain access to free tickets to experience New York's Most Famous Building and one-of-a-kind NFTs. 

Join ESB's Ambassador Membership Program
Text US to see tonight's lights!

Ever wanted to know why the building was lit up a certain color? Or what timely events are happening at ESB? Now, be the first to know by texting CONNECT to 27416! You'll get the latest updates including the reason behind tonight's lights, special activations and exclusives!

 

ESB text
ESB text

Want to take your guest experience to the next level? Discover behind-the-scenes content of the world’s Most Famous Building with our new QR Code labels. Simply scan the camera of your mobile device over each QR code plaque when visiting the exhibits to learn fun facts about how King Kong was made, sustainability elements of the building, and even more about our parent company, Empire State Realty Trust!

Empire State Building 102nd Floor Observatory

We are pleased to announce that Tripadvisor®, the world's largest travel guidance platform, released the 2024 winners of the coveted Travelers' Choice® Award series: The Best of the Best Things to Do. Out of a list of many qualifying competitors, the iconic Empire State Building was awarded the #1 Attraction in the World for travelers to visit, after already earning the title for #1 Attraction in the U.S. in 2022 and 2024. We are proud to provide the most authentic New York experience for our guests from around the world and look forward to your visit.

ESB with a Dark Blue Sky Background

Missed the latest celebrity lighting ceremonies, firework displays, or concert light shows? Not to worry - see a full list of videos shot with high resolution drone footage updated weekly on our channel!

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The Empire State Building is on TikTok! Get your daily dose of ESB content and watch as we interact with our edifice friends like the Chrysler Building and showcase some of the most stunning views New York’s Most Famous Building has to offer.

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