Located on 5th Avenue, Midtown Manhattan, NYC, The Empire State Building is an 88-year-old skyscraper that is a popular attraction spot.
Can you go to the top of the Empire State building for free?
You may not visit the building for free, except if you have a pass.
The building is often visited by tourists who love going up to the observatories on the 86th and 102nd floors to view the New York Skyline.
This American cultural icon was named after New York’s nickname and featured in over two hundred and fifty movies and TV shows.
Can you go to the top of the Empire State Building for free?
You can only visit the building if you have purchased the New York Explorer Pass or New York City Pass.
Visitors are permitted to enter the Empire State Building for free.
The importance of these passes is that they allow you to skip the rather long queue at the Empire State’s ticketing counter and you can go directly to the 86th-floor observatory at no extra cost.
here is what you should know about the Empire State Building:
· The Imperial Lobby
In 2009, this part of the Empire State Building was restored and Art Deco elements were included.
These consisted of 24-karat gold and aluminum leaf ceiling murals that pay homage to the mechanical age, planets, and stars.
One of the most famous images in New York City can also be found here.
This image shows the Empire State Building with beams of light radiating through the mast hung on the fifth avenue lobby.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission has gifted the stature of a historic landmark to this lobby, making it one of the few interiors in New York with this.
· The Dare to Dream Exhibit
Here, you get to see the planning and construction phase of the Empire State Building alongside the history of the Empire State Building, engineering and construction.
The construction in this building pays homage to the remarkable job done by the laborers and architects who helped to bring this building to life.
There are original documents alongside construction jot downs, architectural drawings, period photographs and other bookkeeping documents around this exhibit.
· The Sustainability Exhibit
The sustainability exhibit displays the state-of-the-art technology kickstarted by the Empire State Building in 2009.
This is committed to reducing the amount of energy consumed by over 38%, energy costs by $4.4 million every year, and the rate of carbon emissions by 105,000 metric tons over the next 15 years.
Around this exhibit, you’ll learn the processes and working of the technology in a not only fun way, the lessons are interactive and convenient for all ages.
· The Views from the 86th floor!
From the 86th floor of the Empire State Building, you get a 360° unobstructed view of the Manhattan skyline.
It is the highest open-air observatory in New York and has been used as the setting for many movies and TV shows, making it a very popular part of this building.
All around the Empire State Building’s site, the main deck provides stunning views of:
- The Statue of Liberty
- Central Park
- Hudson River
- Brooklyn Bridge
- Times Square and so on
● Better Views from the 102nd Floor
The 102nd floor above the Main Deck offers an excellent and even better view of the Manhattan skyline.
However, unlike the view from the 86th floor, this view is enclosed.
You can also get an aerial view of Central Park from this view and see beyond skyscrapers 80 miles away.
To get to this floor, you have to take a manually operated Otis elevator, which permits you to experience the rise in altitude as you go higher.
How much does it cost to go to the top floor of the Empire State Building?
While visiting the Empire State Building, many questions are raised about the kind of tickets one should purchase.
So, what tickets should you get?
There are two types of tickets, namely:
- The Standard tickets
- The Express tickets
To help you know which ticket is preferable, below are some of the differences between the two of them:
● Standard tickets
The standard tickets are also referred to as General Admission tickets.
For adults, it costs $45.73 per person, while older people get a discount of $2 on the adult ticket.
For children between the ages of 6-12, a discount of $6.5 is given, while children five years and below can enter for free.
If you purchase your standard tickets online, you can wait in only two lines for security and the elevator.
On the flip side, you’ll have to stand in a queue to purchase your tickets for hours during the peak season.
● Express tickets
The Express tickets are also known as Skip all the Lines tickets.
They are more expensive than the Standard tickets and cost $85 per person regardless of the age of that person.
However, children under six can enter the building for free.
A good tip is to buy Express tickets online.
This way, you won’t have to wait in any queue to purchase the tickets.
Getting tickets can leave you waiting in the queue for over an hour during the peak seasons so it is best to get them online.
My recommendation
Unlike Standard tickets, Express tickets are more expensive.
However, you can purchase these tickets under the following circumstances:
- If you are visiting the building during the peak periods
- If you can’t plan your visit during off hours from 8 am to 11 pm or after sunset to 1 am
- If you don’t have a lot of time on your hands and would like to finish your tour of the building in an hour
- If you are traveling with children and are worried that they may become uneasy and uncomfortable while waiting for tickets
- If you can afford it and would like a hassle-free experience at the Empire State Building.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take the elevator to get to the top of the Empire State building?
To get to the 86th floor, the ride in the elevator takes less than sixty seconds.
The Empire State Building has been used as a set in tons of movies and TV shows.
How long is the line to the top of the Empire State Building?
The Empire State Building is one of the most famous tourist attractions in New York City and gathers many people from all over the world every year.
As such, you may get to wait in line for about 45 minutes to 1 hour on average.
How long does it take to walk up the Empire State?
For your visit to Empire State Building, you’ll have to set aside at least one hour and even more time if you plan to go up to the main deck and the top deck.
In the peak seasons, especially around the warmer months, the wait can be extended to buy tickets and get into the elevators.
