Plan on 1-3 hours for your total stay depending on when you visit and you will have a great - and relaxing time! The best time to go to the ESB is always first thing in the morning. It's Best to get there around 7:50 am, ten minutes before they open the doors. Weekdays tend to be less busy than weekends. Additionally, late afternoon (4pm-6pm) tends to be less busy than other times of the day.

Purchase your tickets today or from your hotel concierge
You can save as much as thirty minutes to one hour!

> Check Ticket Prices
> Purchase Tickets

For visitors with pre-purchased Observatory Tickets (including tickets purchased online): After passing through the security check, proceed straight ahead through the doorway to bypass the ticket purchase line and on towards the line for the Observatory elevators.

For visitors who have NOT pre-purchased Observatory Tickets: After passing through the security check, proceed to the right towards the ticket purchase line. The Observatory ticket booths accept U.S. currency, all American-based travelers checks, and all major credit cards except Diner's Club. After purchasing tickets, proceed towards the line for the Observatory elevators.

Be Prepared for the Security Check

No Glass

No Tripods

Camera ok

Camcorder ok

Opening and Closing Hours

Opens at 8am

Closes at 2am

The Empire State Building is open daily 365 days a year. 8:00am to 2:00am 7 days a week. Last elevators go up at 1:15am and you should plan to get there at least 30 minutes prior to the last elevator, 60 minutes during busy tourist seasons.

> More on hours of operation

Keep The Kids Entertained
(This is more of an aggravation saver...)

Click on pages below to open and print up some Empire State Building Coloring Pages to keep your kids happy while waiting on the line.