Empire State Building
New York City, New York · Accessibility score 1/5
Address: 20 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001
Phone: (212) 400-3311
About
The Empire State Building stands as one of the world's most recognizable landmarks, rising 1,454 feet above Manhattan's bustling streets. This Art Deco masterpiece, completed in 1931, offers visitors an unforgettable experience that combines architectural wonder with stunning panoramic views. The journey begins with the Empire State Building Experience, an immersive multimedia tour that tells the story of this engineering marvel through interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and behind-the-scenes footage. Visitors can explore the building's rich history, from its record-breaking construction to its starring roles in countless films.
The main attraction is the 86th Floor Observatory, an open-air viewing deck that provides spectacular 360-degree views of New York City. On clear days, you can see up to 80 miles in every direction, taking in Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and the sprawling cityscape below. The experience continues to the 102nd Floor Observatory, an enclosed viewing area that offers an even more intimate perspective from the building's top. Throughout the visit, interactive exhibits enhance understanding of the building's significance and the city's evolution.
The Empire State Building isn't just a tourist destination - it's a living piece of New York history. The building's famous LED light show illuminates the Manhattan skyline nightly, with colors that change to mark holidays, events, and causes. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime New Yorker, ascending this iconic tower provides a fresh perspective on the city that never sleeps. Plan to spend 2-3 hours for the full experience, and consider visiting during both day and evening hours to see the city transform as lights twinkle on below.
Accessibility
The Empire State Building is fully ADA-compliant and welcomes visitors with disabilities. The main entrance at 20 West 34th Street is handicap-accessible, providing step-free access to the building.
Both motorized and non-motorized wheelchairs are permitted throughout the facility, including all observatory levels. The Empire State Building Experience is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring all visitors can enjoy the interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations. Service dogs are welcomed throughout the entire building.
The 86th Floor Observatory features specific accessibility accommodations, including ramps for easier movement around the viewing deck and lowered viewing walls that allow wheelchair users to enjoy unobstructed views of the city. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available on the 86th floor for visitor convenience.
Elevator access operates from street level daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, providing reliable vertical transportation to all public areas. The building's accessibility features ensure that visitors with mobility challenges can fully experience one of New York's most iconic attractions.
For current information about specific accessibility accommodations, assistive listening devices, or other accessibility services, contact the venue directly before your visit.
More accessible places in New York
- Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (New York City)
- Whitney Museum of American Art (New York City)
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum (New York City)
- Top of the Rock (New York City)
- Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island (New York City)
- Intrepid Museum (New York City)