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Empire State Building

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At a Glance

Time Needed: 60 min.

Ages: All

Allows Food/Drink: No

Luggage Storage: No

The Empire State Building is a must-see attraction for tourists visiting New York City. Located in the heart of Manhattan, this iconic skyscraper offers breathtaking views of the city skyline and is steeped in history and culture. One of the main reasons a tourist would want to visit the Empire State Building is for its observation deck. At the top of the building, visitors can experience the awe-inspiring 360-degree views of the city from a height of 1,250 feet. On clear days, visitors can see up to 80 miles in every direction, making it an unforgettable experience. Additionally, the Empire State Building is a symbol of American ingenuity and innovation. Built during the Great Depression, it stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of the American people. The building is also home to a museum that tells the story of its construction and the people who made it possible. The Empire State Building has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, making it a recognizable icon around the world. A visit to this iconic landmark is not just a chance to take in the view but also an opportunity to be a part of history and culture.

20 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001 Get Directions





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Review: ELF Brings Christmas Cheer to Broadway At Music Circus

It’s a miracle on H Street! Finally, the magic of Broadway at Music Circus can be experienced outside of the summer months. In its first show since expanding its season to go almost year-round, the Music Circus team is offering a dazzling display of holiday splendor with a family favorite, Elf.

Photos: The Rockettes Celebrate CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR Opening at Empire State Building

On Friday, November 7, the Rockettes appeared at the Empire State Building to light the tower in celebration of the opening of the 2024 Christmas Spectacular. Check out photos here!

WYO PLAY To Present LANDMARKS Story Slam

Join WYO PLAY for a Story Slam on November 19th at 7 p.m. in the Lotus Café, aka the lobby of the Mars Black Box at the WYO Performing Arts Center. A Story Slam is an open-mic style short storytelling competition!

ELF THE MUSICAL Comes to Walnut Street Theatre

Walnut Street Theatre will continue their 216th Season with the story of Buddy the elf. Travel with Buddy from the North Pole all the way to New York City in ELF The Broadway Musical. Meet the creative team and learn who's who in the cast and how to get tickets.

EMPIRE: THE MUSICAL to Release Original Cast Album

EMPIRE: The Musical Original Off-Broadway Cast album will be released this winter. The story is told through the lens of three generations of dreamers and doers spanning New York City in the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, and the Bicentennial Year of 1976. Learn more about the show and about the album.

Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge Launches Surf Club Pop-Up in Times Square

Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge is known for its rotating pop-up themes and this season it’s currently transformed its all-season space into Magic Hour Surf Club which runs until the fall. 

Review Roundup: EMPIRE Opens Off-Broadway

EMPIRE: The Musical just celebrated its opening night at New World Stages. The production, with Book, Music & Lyrics by Caroline Sherman & Robert Hull, is directed by Tony Award winner Cady Huffman. Check out what the critics are saying about the new musical!

Video: EMPIRE: THE MUSICAL at New World Stages

Get a first look at Empire: The Musical at New World Stages! Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

Photos: Get a First Look at EMPIRE: THE MUSICAL at New World Stages

Get a first look at photos of Empire: The Musical at New World Stages! Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

Bar Buzz: Balcón Rooftop at The Marmara Park Avenue-A Great Rooftop Destination

Have you been to Have you been to Balcón Rooftop yet?  If not, what are you waiting for? Located on the 20th floor of The Marmara Park Avenue on East 32nd Street, their cocktail program and food choices are outstanding.

Photos: Meet the Cast of EMPIRE: THE MUSICAL

EMPIRE: The Musical, is getting ready to premiere in its hometown, New York City, July 1 for a 12-week limited engagement at New World Stages. Check out photos of the cast in rehearsals!

Max Celebrates Season 2 of HOUSE OF THE DRAGON With 270-ft Vhagar The Dragon Installation

Max concludes the global 'Raise Your Banners' campaign for season two of HOUSE OF THE DRAGON with a spectacular 270-ft Vhagar the Dragon installation.

EMPIRE: THE MUSICAL to Premiere at New World Stages in July

EMPIRE: The Musical, will premiere in its hometown, New York City at New World Stages. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

STAYCATION in NYC-Make Your Plans

Plan to stay in the city and enjoy some of the special events that are available.  There's nothing better than a 'staycation' with fun and food so close to home.

AL FRESCO SEASON-Find Your Spot

It's al fresco season, time to enjoy all that NYC offers. 


Empire State Building Frequently Asked Questions

What are the closest subway stops to Empire State Building

The closest subway stops to the Empire State Building at 20 W 34th St in New York City are:

1. 34 St - Herald Sq (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W) - This subway stop is located right at Herald Square, just a short walk from the Empire State Building. It is served by multiple subway lines, making it a convenient option for getting to and from the attraction.

2. 33 St (6) - This subway stop is located on Park Avenue South, just a block away from the Empire State Building. It is served by the 6 train, providing easy access to the area.

When planning your visit to the Empire State Building, I recommend checking the MTA website for any subway updates or service changes. You can find the latest information on their website: MTA.info. This will ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey to the iconic landmark.

Additionally, I encourage you to consider purchasing tickets in advance to avoid long lines at the Empire State Building. You can find more information and purchase tickets on their official website: ESBnyc.com. Enjoy the breathtaking views from the top of this iconic skyscraper!


What's the best way to get to Empire State Building by bus?

The Empire State Building is located at 20 W 34th St in New York City. If you're looking to reach this iconic landmark by bus, there are several nearby bus stops you can utilize. Here are the closest ones:

1. West 34th Street/5th Avenue (Stop ID: M1, M2, M3, M4)

- This bus stop is located right in front of the Empire State Building on 34th Street. Buses M1, M2, M3, and M4 stop here, providing convenient access to the area.

- [Bus updates for this stop](http://bustime.mta.info/)

2. West 34th Street/6th Avenue (Stop ID: M4)

- Another option is the bus stop at West 34th Street and 6th Avenue, just a short walk away from the Empire State Building. Bus M4 stops here.

- [Bus updates for this stop](http://bustime.mta.info/)

Please note that bus routes and schedules are subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check for updates before your trip. You can find real-time bus information, including any service changes or delays, on the official MTA website or through their mobile app.

Enjoy your visit to the Empire State Building and have a fantastic time exploring New York City!


How much time should I plan to spend at Empire State Building?

The ideal length of time to plan for a visit to the Empire State Building in New York City depends on your personal preferences and the experience you are looking for. On average, most visitors spend about 1 to 2 hours at the Empire State Building.

If you are interested in simply enjoying the stunning views of the city from the observation decks, an hour should be sufficient. However, if you want to fully immerse yourself in the history and architecture of this iconic landmark, you may want to allocate a bit more time.

Keep in mind that the Empire State Building can get quite busy, especially during peak hours. If you want to avoid long lines, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening.

Additionally, if you're interested in capturing breathtaking photos of the New York City skyline, you might want to plan your visit during sunset or at night when the city is beautifully illuminated.

Overall, the Empire State Building offers a unique and memorable experience, and whether you spend an hour or a few, it's sure to be a highlight of your trip to New York City.


Can I bring food and drinks into Empire State Building?

The Empire State Building has a food and drink policy that prohibits outside food and beverages from being brought into the building. However, there are several dining options available within the building itself. The State Grill and Bar, located on the ground floor, offers a fine dining experience with a menu featuring American cuisine. For a more casual option, there are also various cafes and snack bars throughout the building where you can grab a quick bite or a refreshing drink. So, while you can't bring your own food or drinks, you'll have plenty of options to satisfy your cravings during your visit to the Empire State Building.


Does Empire State Building offer luggage storage?

The Empire State Building does not have a luggage storage facility on-site. However, there are several options available nearby where you can securely store your luggage while you visit this iconic attraction.

One convenient option is to use a luggage storage service such as Vertoe or LuggageHero. These services have partnered with local businesses, including hotels and stores, to provide secure storage for your belongings at affordable rates. You can easily find their locations near the Empire State Building and book online in advance.

Another option is to check if your hotel offers luggage storage for guests. Many hotels in New York City provide this service, allowing you to store your bags before check-in or after check-out.

Lastly, if you are traveling to or from the airport, you can consider using the luggage storage services available at airports like JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark. These services allow you to store your luggage for a few hours or even days, giving you the flexibility to explore the city without carrying your bags.

Remember to plan ahead and check the specific policies and rates of each luggage storage option to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience during your visit to the Empire State Building.


Is Empire State Building a good place to visit for foreign travelers who are not native English speakers?

Absolutely! The Empire State Building is a must-visit attraction for visitors from all over the world, including non-English language speakers. As one of the most iconic landmarks in New York City, it offers breathtaking views of the city skyline and beyond.

The Empire State Building provides multilingual assistance and services to cater to international visitors. Upon arrival, you'll find signage and information available in multiple languages, making it easy to navigate and understand. The staff is also well-versed in assisting visitors who may not speak English fluently, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Additionally, the Empire State Building offers audio tours in various languages, including Spanish, French, Italian, German, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, and Portuguese. These audio guides provide fascinating insights into the history, architecture, and interesting facts about the building, making your visit even more enriching.

Whether you're a non-English language speaker or not, the Empire State Building is a must-see attraction that offers an unforgettable experience for visitors from all corners of the globe. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture those incredible views!


What ages are appropriate for Empire State Building?

The Empire State Building in New York City is a popular tourist attraction suitable for visitors of all ages. There is no specific age range recommendation for visiting the building. Whether you are traveling with young children, teenagers, or adults, everyone can enjoy the breathtaking views of the city from the observation deck. However, please note that children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning panoramic views of the Big Apple!


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