Bucket list experience:
This art deco icon, built 1929-31, was New York’s tallest building for decades until the twin towers were built at the World Trade Centre – now replaced of course by the One World Trade skyscraper at the same site.
It’s one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world – and gets ridiculously busy – but it’s worth it for the unrivalled views of the city from the observation deck.
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Destination Guide >The closest subway stops are 34th Street on the 1,2, or 3 lines (Penn Station), or the B, D, F, N, Q, R to 34th Street (Avenue of the Americas).
To avoid the ticket-window queue, buy tickets online in advance or a City Pass (see below). The only way to avoid often-enormous queues for the lifts inside is stealthy timing or to pay double for an Express ticket.
The mobile-delivered City Pass gives you entry to 6 top New York attractions at a 40% discount: the Empire State Building’s 86th-floor observatory, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim Museum, ferry access to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island or the Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
The building is open all year round, seven days a week. Dawn (8am) and late afternoon (around 3pm) are best for queues. Avoid mid-morning to mid-afternoon when the queues are largest and the light is flattest.
Grey and wet days are obviously likely to be disappointing. Just after a giant rainstorm is genius – tiny queues and sharp light.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
New York City
$48 | Rating 4.31 / 5 [4208 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)[0.5 miles]
The surrounding clean, light streets in this enclave boast cool, modern skyscrapers.
Bryant Park is an elegant city park, adorned with the beautiful New York Public Library New York, and during the week fills with flocks of office workers eating lunch at scattered tables and chairs.
The Empire State, Rockefeller Centre, Broadway theatres, Central Park, and 5th Avenue shopping are close by.
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New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)[1.6 miles]
Funky and efficient affordable option in a handy location for Fifth Avenue, Museum Mile, and Central Park.
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New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)[1.7 miles]
A visually cutting-edge, super trendy, well located luxury boutique with city views.
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New York City, New York, United States of America (USA)[1.7 miles]
Sumptuous luxury hotel with lauded bar, spa, eateries, right next to Manhattan’s best shopping and museums.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
New York, United States of America (USA)
The ‘city that never sleeps’ is a 24/7 thrill of soaring skyscrapers, jaw-dropping architecture, dynamic culture and world-class art, dining and performing arts scenes.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
New York, United States of America (USA)[1.5 miles]
The iconic building where world leaders and diplomats gather to resolve the world’s greatest challenges – and a bastion of hope that one day the world can live together in peace.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
New York, United States of America (USA)[1.6 miles]
One of the world’s greatest museums of contemporary art, taking you on an artistic journey through Post-Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Impressionism and Pop Art.
Best for ages: 8+ | £22
New York, United States of America (USA)[1.6 miles]
Uber-cool park built on an elevated, disused railway track that manages to combine terrific design, gritty urban architecture and river views.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free | 30 minutes
New York, United States of America (USA)[1.8 miles]
One of the world’s two most prestigious cities for theatre hosts a wide variety of world-class performing arts and performers – but nothing beats a Broadway musical.
Best for ages: 13+ | £35 | 2+ hours
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
New York, United States of America (USA)[1.5 miles]
A feast of hundreds of private art galleries, packed into one enclave on the west of Manhattan, showcasing an eclectic mix of contemporary and modern art.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
New York, United States of America (USA)[1.8 miles]
Located where the High Line meets Chelsea and the Meatpacking District, this erstwhile warehouse is one of New York’s great foodie destinations. The rambling hall is crammed by casual restaurants, food kiosks, and speciality food shops.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
New York, United States of America (USA)[1.9 miles]
One of the world’s most iconic and prestigious concert venues has a storied history dating back to 1891. It’s known for exceptional acoustics and stunning architecture, and countless legendary performances by renowned musicians and orchestras from around the world. Book ahead for an unforgettable evening.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
New York, United States of America (USA)[2.2 miles]
A specialist in 20th- and 21st-century American art, from Jackson Pollock to Keith Haring to Cindy Sherman. Every two years holds the Whitney Biennial which showcases a huge range of new contemporary art, often from little-known artists.
Best for ages: 18+ | £22
