Empire State Building

20 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001, USA

If walking through New York’s streets seems chaotic, try getting above it all—with a panoramic view from the top of the city’s most famous skyscraper. From above, the beautifully engineered order of the buildings, parks and thoroughfares below is revealed—and at sunset, the colors reflecting off the glass towers look magical. There are actually two observation decks to choose from: one on the 86th floor, which is grand enough for most; and another more vertiginous option, on the 102nd floor.

More Recommendations

Empire State Building Observation Deck

If walking through New York’s streets seems chaotic, try getting above it all—with a panoramic view from the top of the city’s most famous skyscraper. From above, the beautifully engineered order of the buildings, parks and thoroughfares below is revealed—and at sunset, the colors reflecting off the glass towers look magical. There are actually two observation decks to choose from: one on the 86th floor, which is grand enough for most; and another more vertiginous option, on the 102nd floor.

Apocalypse Now on 34th St

Two times a year the Sun God works it’s magic on Manhattan in a spectacle called Manhattanhenge. The rare occurance when the sun sets in exact alignment with the grid of streets in Manhattan. This 15 minutes of illumination on the cross streets of New York City provides an Apocalypse Now feeling with people shading there eyes, armed with their camera standing in the middle of 34th street trying to get the perfect photo. Last weekend, I was one of them trying to get the perfect sunset picture of the Empire State Building. If you missed it, you’re in luck; it happens twice a year...put it on your calendar! Get that camera ready and grab some sunglasses! Get the schedule here - http://www.haydenplanetarium.org/resources/starstruck/manhattanhenge/

Summer at last

After a long cold winter this year, today is definitely the day New York has been waiting for; looking over from the top of one of the most iconic buildings in the city, the Empire State Building.

Information on this page, including website, location, and opening hours, is subject to have changed since this page was last published. If you would like to report anything that’s inaccurate, let us know at notification@afar.com.

Nearby highlights
Sign up for our newsletter
Join more than a million of the world’s best travelers. Subscribe to the Daily Wander newsletter.
More From AFAR