Empire State Building – What to Expect and How to Plan Your Visit

On my second day in New York City, I decided to visit the Empire State Building. I bought my ticket online the same morning. What I learned quickly was that ticket prices vary depending on the time slot visiting around sunset is more expensive, and if you want to go all the way up to the 102nd floor, it costs about $40 extra on top of the regular price. The standard ticket to the 86th floor observatory costs around $48–$50, which is what I chose. When I arrived at the Empire State Building, I had some trouble finding the correct entrance. I tried a few doors and kept being told I was at the wrong one, so I ended up walking around the entire building until I found the right entrance. Even though I arrived about an hour earlier than my reserved time, they allowed me to enter without any issue. Before going in, I stepped out briefly to get some snacks, then returned and started the visit. The first elevator took me up to the 80th floor, which I initially thought was the final observatory. A staff member then guided me (and others) to transfer to another elevator to reach the open-air 86th floor observatory. Before the observatory, there’s a small exhibit area with historical displays, including how the building was constructed in 1931, along with photos of famous visitors and NYC landmarks. It added a nice cultural touch to the experience. Once I reached the top, I took my time. I stayed for several hours, taking in the panoramic views, taking photos, and waiting patiently for the sunset and the night skyline. Even though I didn’t pay the extra sunset fee, staying longer gave me the chance to see both day and night views without paying more. Tips for visiting: Buy tickets in advance to save time, but arrive early if you can. Be aware of entrance location it’s not obvious from every side of the building. Ticket prices increase for sunset or 102nd-floor access, but you can avoid the higher cost by coming earlier and waiting. Bring snacks or water if you plan to stay for long. In the end, it was absolutely worth it. Watching the city light up from above was unforgettable, and waiting it out was a great way to save money while still getting the full experience.