Visiting the Empire State Building: Best Time to Visit for the Best Views
Discover the best time to visit the Empire State Building for breathtaking views of New York City. Learn when to go, how to avoid crowds, which observation deck to choose, and where to book the best Empire State Building tours.
TRAVEL
12/25/20255 min read
This blog post contains affiliate links. This means that if you click on some of the links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this site—your support helps me continue creating helpful travel content!
Visiting the Empire State Building is a must-do experience for anyone traveling to New York City. Rising proudly above Midtown Manhattan, this legendary skyscraper is more than just an architectural icon—it’s a symbol of ambition, history, and the unmistakable energy of NYC. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, knowing when to visit, which observatory to choose, and how to book the best tour can make a huge difference in your experience.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn the best time to visit the Empire State Building for unforgettable views, how to avoid crowds, and why booking through trusted platforms like Viator and GetYourGuide is the smartest option. You’ll also discover one of the best combined tours in Manhattan, perfect for travelers who want to maximize their time.
Why the Empire State Building Is a Must-Visit Attraction
Standing at 1,454 feet including its antenna, the Empire State Building was once the tallest building in the world and remains one of the most recognizable landmarks globally. Its Art Deco design, rich history, and panoramic observatories attract millions of visitors each year.
From the observation decks, you can enjoy 360-degree views of New York City, stretching across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and even into New Jersey on clear days. Few experiences capture the scale and excitement of NYC quite like seeing it from above.
To ensure you get the most out of this iconic attraction, timing and planning are key.
Best Time to Visit the Empire State Building for the Best Views
1. Visiting During the Day
A daytime visit offers crystal-clear visibility and is ideal if you want to identify famous landmarks like Central Park, Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty. Morning visits—especially right when the building opens—tend to be quieter and provide the best lighting for photos.
Best for:
First-time visitors
Photography enthusiasts
Families with kids
👉 Book your daytime Empire State Building tickets here
2. Sunset: The Most Popular Time (and for Good Reason)
Sunset is widely considered the best time to visit the Empire State Building. You get to watch the city transform from daylight to golden hour, and then into a sparkling nighttime skyline—all in one visit. However, sunset time is also the busiest. Booking tickets in advance is essential if you don’t want to miss out or spend hours waiting in line.
Pro tip: Arrive at least 45–60 minutes before sunset to secure a great viewing spot.
3. Nighttime Visits: A Magical Experience
At night, New York City becomes a glowing sea of lights. The streets buzz with energy, and the illuminated skyline feels almost cinematic. Night visits are often less crowded than sunset hours and are perfect for couples or travelers looking for a romantic or dramatic experience.
Best for:
Couples
Night photographers
Repeat visitors
👉 Check nighttime Empire State Building tours here.
Best Days of the Week to Visit
Weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday): Least crowded
Weekends: Busier, especially Friday and Saturday evenings
Holidays: Expect heavy crowds—book well in advance
If flexibility allows, a weekday morning or late-night visit offers the best balance of views and comfort.
Recommended Tour:
“Go Up the Empire State Building and 3 Hour Manhattan Walking Tour”
If you want more than just an observation deck visit, this highly rated Viator tour is an excellent choice.
Why This Tour Stands Out
This experience combines two essential New York activities into one seamless, time-efficient package. You’ll explore Manhattan’s most famous neighborhoods on foot with a knowledgeable local guide, then cap off the experience with breathtaking views from the Empire State Building’s 86th-floor observation deck.
During the walking portion, you’ll pass through iconic areas and landmarks that define New York City. Instead of wandering aimlessly or juggling multiple bookings, this tour gives you a well-curated overview of the city in just a few hours.
Once the walking tour concludes, you’ll head straight to the Empire State Building—tickets are already included, so there’s no need to stand in long lines or worry about availability. You’ll ride up to the 86th floor and enjoy sweeping views over Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and beyond. For an even more elevated experience, you can upgrade your ticket to include the exclusive 102nd Floor Observatory.
What’s Included
Guided 3-hour walking tour of Manhattan
Visits to 20+ top New York sights
Small group for a more personal experience
Fun, knowledgeable local guide
Empire State Building 86th Floor Observatory ticket
Optional upgrade to the 102nd Floor Observatory
Who This Tour Is Perfect For
First-time visitors to NYC
Travelers with limited time
Visitors who want history, views, and efficiency in one package
👉 Check availability and book this Viator tour here.
Choosing Between the 86th and 102nd Floor Observatories
86th Floor Observatory
This is the classic experience most visitors choose. It’s partially open-air, allowing you to truly feel the city around you.
Highlights:
Open-air views
Iconic experience
Included in most standard tickets
102nd Floor Observatory (Upgrade Option)
Located higher up and fully enclosed, the 102nd floor offers a more exclusive and elevated view.
Why upgrade:
Fewer crowds
Higher vantage point
Ideal for clear-weather days
👉 Upgrade your experience when booking your tour.
Why You Should Book Your Empire State Building Tickets in Advance
Booking in advance doesn’t just save time—it significantly improves your experience.
Benefits of advance booking:
Skip long ticket lines
Secure sunset or peak-time entry
Access bundled tours and discounts
Platforms like Viator and GetYourGuide are trusted worldwide, offering verified reviews, flexible cancellation policies, and competitive pricing.
👉 Book with confidence using Viator or GetYourGuide
Insider Tips for the Best Empire State Building Experience
Check the weather forecast before booking—clear days offer the best visibility
Dress warmly if visiting the 86th floor at night or in winter
Bring a camera or phone with night mode
Avoid peak times if you’re traveling with kids
Is Visiting the Empire State Building Worth It?
Absolutely. While New York City has many observation decks, the Empire State Building remains the most iconic. The history, location, and open-air experience set it apart from newer alternatives.
When combined with smart timing and advance booking through Viator or GetYourGuide, your visit becomes smooth, memorable, and well worth the investment.
Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead for the Best Views
Visiting the Empire State Building is a highlight of any New York City trip, but choosing the right time and the right ticket makes all the difference. Whether you prefer daytime clarity, sunset magic, or nighttime sparkle, planning ahead ensures you get the views you came for. For the best experience, book your Empire State Building tour in advance using trusted platforms and consider a combined tour to explore more of Manhattan in less time.
👉 Start planning your Empire State Building visit today
