February 10, 2003

NewYorkology Basics: Empire State Building

(Updated March 2007)

The Empire State Building is currently the city's tallest building and it packs a wallop of architecture, romance, panoramic views, history and legend all wrapped into one. Plus, it's open late, now even later than before. The last elevator goes up at 1:15 a.m. with the decks open until 2 a.m.

The whole trek takes between 45 minutes and two hours - depending on the crowds -- to get through security and up to the top and back to the street. The outdoor decks close if lightning is expected and you may want to skip it altogether if there is thick fog, which prevents you from seeing much.

You can buy regular tickets online, (now $18 for adults,) or if you spend $45 for the Express Pass, you can get to the top in under 20 minutes. The main observation deck is on the 86th floor, (at 1,050 feet,) but you can now pay an extra $15 to get access to the 102nd floor observation deck as well.

You can check out lighting schedule to figure out why the colors change at night.

And finally, a key bit of info culled from the small print on the ESB's own website:

You may always call the Empire State Building to find out how long the wait is, visibility, etc. 1.212.736.3100 or toll free 1.877.NYCVIEW (1.877.692.8439).

February 10, 2003 12:15 PM in Basic NYC Guide

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