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Empire State Building

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The Empire State Building from Brooklyn Bridge

Empire State Building

No trip to New York would be complete without a trip up the Empire State Building!  Whether you are walking the Brooklyn Bridge, wandering around Washington Square or taking in Central Park, you’re sure to catch a glimpse of this iconic building.

Follow our guide to the Empire State Building below including tips to beat the queues and alternative vantage points.

 

The Empire State Building from Brooklyn Bridge

The Empire State Building from Brooklyn Bridge

 

Empire State Building; How To Beat The Queues

1. Buy Tickets Online; whilst there are no particular savings with this option, you do jump the ticket queues for the box office.

2. Queues; there are 3 main queues at the Empire State Building that comprise of the queue to purchase tickets, the security queue & the queue for the lift.  Clearly if you purchase tickets in advance, you can avoid the first bottle neck.

3. Express Pass; to bypass all 3 queues at the Empire State Building,  you can purchase an Express Pass but it comes at a price.  If you are considering this option, then make your purchase online otherwise you’ll end up waiting in the ticket queue!

If you are planning a trip to New York, look out for our Cheap Ticket Guide to Broadway packed with money saving ideas.

 

View from the Empire State Building

View from the top of the Empire State Building

 

Empire State Building; Tips & Tricks

4. Timing; the Empire State Building is open late into the evening but remember to check the timing of the last lift up to the top on the day of your visit.

5. Avid queue-busters; may wish to purchasing tickets in advance and arrive an hour before opening time or alternatively, if money is no object, purchase an Express Pass.

6. 102nd Floor; tickets are now available that include both the 86th main deck as well as a further lift up to the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building, (additional charge).  As this second deck is just 60 metres higher, (remember you are already 320m from the ground on the 86th floor), consider whether this extra height is likely to offer value for money.

You can find our favourite vantage point of the Empire State Building below but for alternative views look out for the High Line for a new perspective over the city.

 

Empire State Building

Empire State Building from Washington Square

 

Best Views of the Empire State Building

Debate continues as to the best vantage points to view the Empire State Building so let me add our favourite into the mix.  The Top of the Strand roof top terrace bar comes complete with a retractable glass roof & offers great views of the Empire State Building, particularly as it lights up at night.  As this is a popular spot throughout the year, best get there as it opens around 5pm, if you want to bag a seat. Service is good, prices are reasonable & the view says it all.

Check if this venue is open on the day of your visit.

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