Last Updated on May 21, 2021
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All About The Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is a 102-story skyscraper on Fifth Avenue between West 33rd and 34th Streets in New York City. It has a roof height of 1,250 feet, and with its antenna included, it stands a total of 1,454 feet tall. The Empire State Building stood as the world’s tallest building for nearly 40 years– from its completion in early 1931 until the topping out of the original World Trade Center’s North Tower in late 1970. What is even more impressive is that it was built in 14 months from start to finish during the Great Depression.
Did You Know?
The tower is within the boundaries of Manhattan’s 10001 Zip code, but since 1980, it has distinguished itself with a unique code of 10118.
President Hoover pressed a button in Washington, D.C. officially opening and turning on the Empire State Building’s lights for the first time. He did not even have to make the trip to New York to do it!
A View You Will Not Forget
A trip to New York would not be complete without a visit to this historic building. Being ‘on the top’ of the most iconic building in Manhattan is an experience you will not easily forget. The views are breathtaking, especially if you have the chance to see the view during the day and at night to see how the city changes after dark.
Empire State or Top Of The Rock?
There’s always a lot of debate over which view people want to see: the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock. If you get a NYC CityPASS as we did, you don’t have to choose and can go up to see the views of both. As part of the NYC CityPASS, you’re also able to go back up the Empire State building at night, that same day. At the end of the day we were super tired, but are glad we made ourselves stick it out a little longer to be able to see the city lit up at night. It is magical to see during the day, but at night is a whole different kind of magic.
Is The Empire State Building Worth A Visit?
The Empire State Building is well worth a visit. The lobby and interior are beautiful, and there is also an exhibit about the history and construction process of the building. The view of New York is one of the best.
A Step Into History
What we liked about this New York landmark is that when you step inside it is like a big step into history. Your first stop is on the 80th floor, where you can read all about the building, facts about how it was built, people, and technology. From the 80th floor, there is another elevator you take to the viewing platform on the 86th floor. It really is mesmerizing and is nothing short of a work of art amongst the skies.

Best Time To Go
Even though the tower is a national landmark and is usually always crowded, we were able to get in pretty quick and the line moved smoothly. The wait was a bit longer at night than when we went earlier that day.
You’ll want to see this view on the first clear day of your trip. This will make sure you get to go for the best sights. You’ll want to dress warmer than on street level as it is a lot cooler up top.
Cost Of Your Visit
We loved having our CityPass to check out all of NYC’s top attractions, including the Empire State building. It is a great pass because you can save 40% or more on New York’s 6 best attractions with CityPASS and be able to see it all. Why pay full price when you don’t have to? If you just showed up at the attraction and bought your full-priced admission, the rates when we went were (standard pass):
Adults – $42 |
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Child (6-12 years old) – $36 |
Seniors – $40 |
The Incredible Views – In Photos
NYC During The Day
All there is to learn about the Empire State building — right at your fingertips!

New York At Night
It is really worth visiting this iconic building when you are in New York. Don’t make yourself have to choose which view to see. Get yourself a NYC CityPASS and include the Empire State building in your New York experience too.
Have you been up the Empire State building? What did you think?
Disclaimer: Our visit to the Empire State building was sponsored by CityPASS, but as always, our opinions are our own.
Last updated February 2021
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