Empire State Building at Night: Our Experience and Tips

Visiting the Empire State Building at night had been a dream of ours for years. We wanted to stand high above Manhattan and see the sea of lights we knew from the movies with our own eyes. Our visit was wonderfully spontaneous and far from perfectly planned. That is precisely why it became a memory that has stayed with us ever since.

New York’s Sea of Lights from 1,050 Feet Above

These days, a visit requires a little more planning: You book a timed entry for the observation deck, while prices and opening hours can change. The fascination, however, remains the same. From the open-air deck on the 86th floor, the city fades into a distant hum as an endless grid of lights spreads out around you. In this guide, we combine our personal experience with the practical information you need to plan your own visit today.

Walking from Times Square to the Empire State Building

We walked south from Times Square late in the evening. Even several blocks away, we could spot the blue-lit top between the buildings. Today, head for the Observatory entrance at 20 West 34th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenue. Both 34th Street–Herald Square and 34th Street–Penn Station are about a five-minute walk away. From Times Square, allow roughly 15 minutes on foot, depending on your pace.

Our Spontaneous Visit Just Before Midnight

By the time we arrived, it was already after 11 p.m. We knew neither the opening hours nor the ticket prices. Instead of the line we expected, we walked through almost empty halls straight to the ticket counter. That was pure luck and is difficult to replicate today, as timed reservations are now required. What has not changed is the impressive Art Deco entrance: The large mural, marble surfaces and gold-colored details make even the walk to the elevators feel special.

Tickets, Prices and Current Opening Hours

Standard admission to the 86th floor currently starts at around $46 for adults; the date, time and optional upgrades can change the final price. Children aged six to twelve and visitors aged 62 or older receive discounted tickets, while children under six enter free of charge. Because opening hours vary by season, check and book your visit directly on the official Empire State Building website. Regular tickets are valid for one admission. Even with a timed slot, allow extra time for security, the exhibitions and the elevators.

86th or 102nd Floor: Which Deck Is Better at Night?

We chose the 86th floor and did not regret it. The open-air deck sits about 1,050 feet above the street and wraps around the building. The wind and the direct connection to the city are a large part of the experience. The 102nd floor is around 200 feet higher, fully enclosed in glass and costs extra. That can be comfortable in bad weather, but reflections make nighttime photos more difficult. For a first visit, we think the 86th floor is more than enough.

The View over Manhattan at Night

When we stepped outside, “wow” was honestly all we could say at first. The Chrysler Building glows to the northeast, the lights stretch toward Lower Manhattan in the south, and the dark Hudson River separates Manhattan from New Jersey in the west. You can also spot the Flatiron Building, Madison Square Garden and, on a clear night, the Statue of Liberty. Central Park, by contrast, appears mostly as a vast dark area after sunset. The signs around the deck help you find your bearings, as does a map app on your phone.

There is one drawback: From the Empire State Building, you cannot see the building itself in the skyline. For that classic view, Top of the Rock offers the better perspective. For us, the feeling of standing on the city’s most famous skyscraper mattered more. It opened in 1931 and remained the tallest building in the world for almost four decades—a sense of history you feel more strongly here than on many modern observation decks.

The Best Time to Visit with Fewer Crowds

The hour right after sunset is one of the most popular times to visit. If you want to experience daylight, twilight and darkness in a single visit, reserve a slot about 45 to 60 minutes before sunset and expect larger crowds. If the city lights are your priority, it is often quieter after 8 p.m. Our very late visit was almost deserted, but you should not count on that. Check the weather forecast before booking as well: The air is often clearer after rain, while low clouds or haze can severely limit visibility.

Wind, Cold and the Security Check

Even on a mild day, the open-air deck can be surprisingly windy and noticeably colder than street level. During our April visit, we were glad to have jackets, although it felt pleasant below. Outdoor heaters are available in winter, but warm clothing is still a sensible choice. Large bags, glass bottles, food and drinks, tripods and other professional camera equipment are not permitted. There are no lockers, so leave suitcases and bulky bags at your hotel before visiting.

Tips for Photographing New York at Night

For night photography, the open-air deck is more practical than shooting through glass because there are no reflections from indoor lighting. Tripods, however, are prohibited. Keep your camera or phone as steady as possible, switch on night mode and take several shots: Wind and longer exposures can quickly cause blur. The metal fencing may get in the way, but with a little patience you will find suitable gaps. And put your phone away from time to time—the view feels far bigger in person than it ever will on a screen.

How Much Time Should You Allow?

Allow at least 90 minutes for a visit to the 86th floor. This includes the exhibitions on the second and 80th floors about the building’s construction, history and appearances in movies. If you add the 102nd floor, around two hours is more realistic. There is no fixed time limit on the observation decks, so you can wait for larger groups to move on and enjoy the view at your own pace.

Our Verdict on the Empire State Building at Night

Admission is considerably more expensive today than it was during our visit, yet the Empire State Building at night remains a memorable experience. The open-air deck, historic atmosphere and illuminated street canyons feel distinctly different from a daytime visit. If you want the Empire State Building itself in your panorama, compare the city’s other observation decks. If you are looking for that classic moment high above Manhattan, the 86th floor is an excellent choice even without an upgrade.

New York: Tours and Tickets

Would you rather explore with a guide who knows the city inside out? Then we recommend joining a guided tour with a local. It is a great way to experience New York from a different perspective. At GetYourGuide, you will find plenty of exciting tours and tickets for New York.

How to Get to New York City

There are numerous direct flights to New York City from Europe and destinations around the world. The metropolitan area is served by three major airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). This gives you a wide choice of airlines and connections for both international and domestic travel. You can compare flight times and prices on Skyscanner.

Within the United States, you can also travel to New York by train or long-distance bus. The available connections and prices depend on your starting point, route and travel time. Omio lets you compare many of these options and book suitable tickets. On shorter routes, this can be a convenient alternative to a domestic flight.

Arriving by ship is possible as well. Transatlantic crossings and cruises connect New York with Europe, Canada and the Caribbean. If New York is your only destination, however, this option is usually far more time-consuming than flying.

How did you like the Empire State Building at night? Share your experience in the comments.

Behind the travel tips

Written by Tobi

We share firsthand experiences and practical tips for independent travel.

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