Attraction
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met on Fifth Avenue is one of the world's great encyclopaedic art museums, spanning five thousand years of art from every corner of the globe.
Empire State Building
The 1931 Art Deco tower on Fifth Avenue remains Midtown's defining skyscraper, with two observation decks and exhibits on the building's history.
At a glance
- Type
- Skyscraper and observatory
- Area
- Midtown, New York, United States
- Official site
- esbnyc.com
- Last checked
- October 23, 2026
Good to know
- Two observation decks
- Open late
- Exhibits
Why we recommend it
Completed in 1931, the Empire State Building is the Art Deco icon of the New York skyline. The observatory entrance is on West 34th Street, and the visit begins with interactive exhibits on the tower's construction and its place in film before you ride up to the observation decks.
The open-air deck wraps around the building and gives views across Midtown to both rivers. Opening hours change with the season and it stays open late into the evening, so check the official site before you go. Sunset slots sell out quickly, while visiting later at night is often less crowded.
Reviewed by Lifestylemetro · Details checked October 23, 2026
Empire State Building FAQs
Where is the entrance to the observatory?
The observatory entrance is at 20 West 34th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
How many observation decks are there?
There are two observation decks.