Empire State Building
Building Iconic Art Deco skyscraper with city observation decks
The Empire State Building is an Art Deco skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan with observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors. Visitors queue for panoramic city views, day or night, and study its 1930s architecture.
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The Empire State Building is an Art Deco skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan completed in 1931 and long held as one of the world’s best-known high-rise landmarks. The building’s roof height is 1,250 feet and its antenna brings the total structure height to about 1,454 feet.
Public observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors provide elevated, 360-degree views across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and beyond. The 86th-floor deck is an open-air experience while the 102nd-floor deck is enclosed and higher, and both are major visitor draws.
The building’s interior contains preserved Art Deco design elements, and the tower’s exterior lighting program changes color nightly for holidays and special events. Visitor services include interpretive exhibits about the building’s construction and history.
Constructed rapidly during 1930-1931 and designed by Shreve, Lamb & Harmon, the building was completed at the height of the early 20th-century skyscraper boom. It opened in 1931 and has been maintained and renovated for public access and mechanical upgrades while preserving its historic design.
Located at 350 Fifth Avenue at 34th Street in Midtown Manhattan, the building sits on the eastern side of the Broadway corridor and is a short walk from major transit hubs in midtown.
- Height and observatories: Roof height is 1,250 feet and the top of the antenna reaches 1,454 feet, with public observatories on the 86th and 102nd floors.
- Tower lighting: Exterior lighting on the tower is used nightly to mark holidays and events, and specific color schemes are published in advance.
What to See #
- 86th-floor observatory: An outdoor observation level on the 86th floor that provides a 360-degree open-air viewing experience across Manhattan and surrounding boroughs. It is the most-visited public deck in the building.
- 102nd-floor observatory: A higher enclosed observation space on the 102nd floor that offers panoramic views and more limited-capacity access with separate tickets or timed entry.
- Main lobby: An Art Deco lobby with decorative murals and original architectural finishes that dates to the building's completion and is part of the public circulation route.
How to Get to Empire State Building #
The Empire State Building is at 350 Fifth Avenue (corner of 34th Street and Fifth Avenue) in Midtown Manhattan. It is a short walk from the 34th Street-Herald Square subway station (B/D/F/M/N/Q/R/W lines) and also within easy walking distance of 34th Street-Penn Station (A/C/E and 1/2/3 lines). Taxis and ride‑hailing services can be dropped off on Fifth Avenue near 34th Street.
Tips for Visiting Empire State Building #
- Buy timed-entry or express tickets online to skip long ticketing and security lines-sold slots (especially at sunset) can make walk-up visits take hours.
- Visit very early in the morning or late at night for the least crowded experience; sunset is beautiful but draws the largest queues for the outdoor decks.
- Decide beforehand which deck you prefer: the 86th-floor open-air deck gives unobstructed viewing, while the higher 102nd-floor level is smaller and more enclosed-book accordingly to match the experience you want.
Best Time to Visit Empire State Building #
To minimize waiting times at this indoor/observation attraction, go early on a weekday morning; sunset and holiday periods are the busiest.
Weather & Climate near Empire State Building #
Empire State Building's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1219 mm/year), wettest in July, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 19°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (115 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
