Visiting the Empire State Building at night

Visiting the Empire State Building at night offers a different perspective than a daytime visit.

As the sun sets, the city that never sleeps truly comes alive, with millions of lights illuminating the iconic skyline.

Experiencing this transformation from the observation decks of the Empire State Building is a must-do for any visitor to New York City.

The Empire State Building also participates in the nightly spectacle with its own tower lights, adding vibrant colors and sparkles to the cityscape.

This guide will help you plan your nighttime visit to the Empire State Building, covering essential aspects such as tickets, the best time to visit, observation deck options, etc.

What’s ahead

Empire State Building’s night tickets

Whether you visit the Empire State Building during the day or at night, purchasing tickets in advance is best.

When you buy your Empire State Building tickets online, you avoid wasting time at the ticket counter queues and get your preferred time slots.

Three ways to enter the Empire State Building at night are – the General Admission ticket, the Express Pass, or the AM/PM ticket.

Each ticket offers a different experience based on your priorities.

General Admission Ticket

The General Admission Ticket provides standard entry to the 86th-floor or the 102nd-floor observatory, based on what you opt for.

You also get an audio guide in multiple languages: English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Spanish.

It’s the most budget-friendly option but has the potential for long lines, especially during popular evening hours.

This is the best ticket if you don’t mind waiting and want to experience the dazzling city lights from above.

Arriving later in the evening, after 9 PM, can help avoid peak crowds.

Cost for 86th floor: $50 onwards

Cost for 86th + 102nd floor: $88 onwards

Express Pass

For a faster, hassle-free experience, the Express Pass allows you to skip all lines, including those for security and elevators.

Express Pass is also available for both the 86th-floor and the 102nd-floor observatories.

This is the best option if you’re short on time or prefer to avoid waiting in the evening rush.

It’s more expensive, but it ensures you maximize your time enjoying the stunning nighttime views without the frustration of queues.

Cost for 86th floor: $96 onwards

Cost for 86th + 102nd floor: $135 onwards

AM/PM ticket

The AM/PM Ticket offers a unique opportunity to visit twice in one day – once in the morning and again at night.

This is ideal if you want to experience the cityscape in daylight and return to see the skyline lit up after dark.

It costs slightly more than general admission but provides two unforgettable experiences in one day.

While the day visit must happen anytime during the day, the night visit must happen three hours before closing. Find Out More

Cost for 86th floor: $69 onwards

Our verdict: For night visits, the Express Pass is highly recommended for convenience.

Catch the magic of sunrise from the Empire State Building. Our guide covers from timings and tickets to the best viewing tips – for an unforgettable early morning experience above the city.

Night timings of Empire State Building

During the peak season of May to the end of August, the Empire State Building closes at midnight or 1 am. During the lean season, the observation deck closes at any time between 9 pm and 11 pm.

Since the last elevator goes up 45 minutes before closing, check out the detailed timings to know the day’s closing time and plan your visit.

You will need at least an hour at the Empire State Building for a night visit.

Choosing your visit time

8 to 9 pm – to avoid the crowd

The timing of your night visit to the Empire State Building significantly influences the crowds you’ll encounter and the views you’ll witness.

For a more relaxed and peaceful experience, visiting on a weekday evening, especially after sunset, around 8 or 9 PM, is recommended.

Another option is to visit after 11 PM or even after midnight, when crowds are at their thinnest, especially on weekdays. These late-night visits offer a unique, almost private experience.

Sunset hours – for best views

If you don’t mind being at the Empire State Building for a longer time, we suggest you book a time slot an hour before sunset and witness the city’s magical transformation from day to night.

Watching the sun dip below the horizon and the city lights gradually twinkle to life is a breathtaking sight from the observation deck. Remember that sunset is a popular time, so expect some crowds.

After sunset, you can stay on to enjoy the night views.

Compare The EBS with other NYC observation decks!
New York City boasts five observation decks, each providing a unique perspective of the skyline. You can compare The EBS with other iconic decks like The Edge, Summit One Vanderbilt, One World Observatory, and TOTR to determine which view and atmosphere best suit your visit.

ESB’s Light Show

The Empire State Building’s nightly light show is a captivating spectacle that adds a touch of magic to the New York City skyline.

As darkness descends, the building’s tower lights transform into a vibrant display of colors and sparkles, captivating onlookers across the city.

Nightly Spectacle: The mesmerizing light show begins at nightfall, illuminating the iconic skyscraper with a dazzling array of colors and patterns. This enchanting display continues until 2 AM.

Hourly Sparkle: Adding an extra element of wonder to the nightly show, the Empire State Building treats viewers to a brief but captivating sparkle of lights every hour on the hour. These intermittent bursts of brilliance further enhance the visual appeal of the building’s nighttime illumination.

The Empire State Building’s light show is not just a random display of colors; it often reflects special occasions, holidays, and events.

The best place to view ESB’s light show is from a height, from somewhere near the building. And the second best place is the open-air observatory on the building’s 86th floor.

Visiting the Empire State Building comes with plenty of questions. Our detailed FAQs cover everything you need to know – from opening hours and best visiting times to hidden tips – ensuring a smooth and memorable experience at this iconic landmark.

Dining options after night-time visit to ESB

The Empire State Building offers a variety of dining options with impressive views, especially at night.

STATE Grill and Bar: This signature restaurant on the 35th floor offers elevated American fare in a stylish setting. You can enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the dazzling city lights.

Tacombi: For a casual dining experience, head to Tacombi on the ground floor. They specialize in Mexican cuisine, including tacos and tequila.

Starbucks: There’s a Starbucks on the 80th floor for a quick coffee fix with a view.

While these are the dining options within the Empire State Building, remember that the surrounding area in Midtown Manhattan is packed with diverse restaurants and bars.

Night time settings: For optimal night photography, increase ISO to 400, activate HDR mode, and use the shutter release to minimize blur. These settings help capture the city’s vibrant lights and reduce camera shake.

Additional Tips

• Dress warmly: Evenings can get chilly, especially on the open-air observation deck. Layer up to ensure comfort throughout your visit.
• Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking and standing, so comfortable footwear is essential.
• Arrive early: Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time slot to ensure smooth entry.
• Download the app: The Empire State Building’s free multimedia app offers an audio guide in nine languages, videos, images, and interactive features to enhance your experience.