Visitor Tips

Hours

Observatory Hours:
Open daily 365 days a year.
8 a.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week. The last elevators go up at 1:15 a.m.*

*Last elevator time is subject to change.

Prices

ADMISSION	FEE	TAX	TOTAL
Adults     13–61	$20.21	$1.79	$22.00
Senior Citizens     62 or older	$18.37	$1.63	$20.00
Children     6–12	$14.70	$1.30	$16.00
Children     5 or younger	FREE	N/A	N/A
Military Personnel in Uniform	FREE	N/A	N/A
ESB Express Pass	$41.33	$3.67	$45.00
ESB Audio Tour	$7.35	$0.65	$8.00

Observatory Audio Tour

Tony's Audio Tour of the views is an entertaining collection of stories, tid-bits and fascinating facts about New York City. Self-guided, its seven, three-minute segments correspond to seven numbered views from the Empire State Building Observatory, letting you know what you're viewing from the only place in New York City where you can see everything famous at once!

Tickets for the audio tour are available at the Observatory ticket office located on the 2^nd Floor of the building.

Directions and Transit Information

Our Address: 350 Fifth Avenue New York, NY. (Between 33^rd and 34^th Street)

View a more detailed map.

TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

TRAIN
Long Island Railroad, New Jersey Transit, or Amtrak to Penn Station Walk 2 Blocks East to Fifth Avenue.
Metro-North, from Westchester and Connecticut to Grand Central Station. Subway Shuttle (S) to Times Square Downtown (1) (2) or (3) to 34th Street
SUBWAY
(1) (2) (3) (A) (C) or (E) to 34th Street/Penn Station. Walk 2 Blocks East to 5th Avenue.
(B) (D) (F) (N) (Q) (R) or PATH to 34th Street/Avenue of the Americas. Walk 1 Block East to 5th Avenue
CAR
Drive into Manhattan via any connecting bridge, tunnel or road. View more detailed driving directions
BUS
From	Take
Northern Manhattan/Upper East Side	M4
Upper West Side/Harlem	M10 South
Downtown/West Side	M10-North
Other Locations in Manhattan: Take any North-South bus to 34th Street. Transfer to M34 or M16 Disembark at 7th Avenue.
Northwest Queens	Q32

Accessibility

Entering the Empire State Building (see map):

Main Entrance - Fifth Avenue between 33^rd & 34^th Streets. All visitors must use this entrance.
Handicap Entrance - 34^th Street, the entrance between Bank of America and Starbucks. Note: The 34^th Street Handicap Entrance is only open Monday - Friday until 6 p.m. Please use the Main Entrance for all other times.
All visitors to the Observatory will be directed to use the Main or Handicap Entrances if entering the building from any other entrance.

Things to Know Before You Come

Visitors and their belongings are subject to inspection. The Empire State Building appreciates your patience and understanding of these procedures and the additional time that may be required.

Security and Safety Guidelines

• All visitors to the Empire State Building must pass through primary security screening (similar to airport security procedure) before going to the Observatory.
• There are no locker storage facilities at the Empire State Building for personal belongings.
• Please keep in mind that wait times vary and can be longer during peak seasons.
• In case of an emergency, please contact a Security Officer or an Observatory representative.

Prohibited Items at the Empire State Building

The items listed are not permitted for entry into the Empire State Building. Do not carry any of these items into the security screening area. Items that are confiscated may not be returned. Please note that this list is not exhaustive, so if you are unsure about an item, please do not bring it. Any questions and uncertainties should be referred to the Security Officers on duty.

• All weapons, including firearms, ammunition, knives, swords, scissors, mace, any dangerous items and any dual-use items that could be dangerous are strictly prohibited in the Empire State Building.
• Glass items, including bottles, glasses, marbles, etc.
• Alcoholic beverages.
• Cans, bottles, flasks, etc.
• Professional cameras, equipment and camera stands: mono-pods, bi-pods and tri-pods
• Sports equipment such as skateboards, roller skates, golf clubs, baseball bats, hockey sticks, baseballs, footballs, tennis balls, etc.
• Marking instruments, including spray paint and markers.
• Musical instruments.
• Large packages, suitcases, carry-on luggage and other such parcels.
• Costumes and masks.

Procedures on Visiting the Observatory

• Enter via the Main Entrance on Fifth Avenue between 33^rd & 34^th Streets.
• Elevators are available for handicap visitors and visitors with baby strollers.
• All visitors (with or without tickets) must go through the Observatory security-check line.
• The Observatory ticket office accepts U.S. currency, all American-based travelers checks, and all major credit cards except Diner's Club.

Note: The Empire State Building reserves the right to close the Observatory for safety issues and/or due to capacity.

You may call the Empire State Building to find out wait times, visibility, etc. at (212) 736-3100 or toll free (877) NYC-VIEW (692-8439).

Lost Property

For lost items, call (212) 736-3100. If you find items while visiting, please take them to the Visitor Information Desk in the Main Lobby.

Unclaimed items will not be kept after 7 days.