New York Tickets

Take a Look at What's Inside the Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is touted as the world's most famous skyscraper and indeed, the building’s silhouette is one of the most recognizable structures in the world. It has fascinated visitors since the beginning and is a top attraction on most people’s travel lists.

This article will give you a sneak peek into what’s inside the Empire State Building, its most remarkable features, and inform you of what to expect on your visit to New York City’s most spectacular landmark.

Highlights Inside the Empire State Building

empire state building inside

Art Deco-Styled Lobby

empire state building inside

86th Floor Observatory

empire state building inside

102nd Floor Observation Deck

empire state building inside

103rd Floor - Restricted Access

empire state building inside

Exhibits

empire state building inside

Restaurants

empire state building inside

Gift Shop

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Empire State Building: General Admission Tickets

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Empire State Building: Skip-the-Line Tickets

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Edge Observation Deck Tickets: Timed Entry

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Combo (Save 5%): Empire State Building 86th Floor + Edge Observation Deck Tickets

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Combo (Save 10%): Empire State Building Tickets + Big Bus New York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

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Combo (Save 6%): The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) + Empire State Building 86th-Floor Tickets

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Midtown Walking Tour with Empire State Building Tickets

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Combo (Save 5%): Empire State Building + 90-Min NYC Downtown Sightseeing Cruise

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Combo (Save 5%): SUMMIT One Vanderbilt + Empire State Building Tickets

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Combo (Save 5%): Empire State Building 86th-Floor + American Museum of Natural History Tickets

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What’s Inside the Empire State Building?

The grandeur of the building’s exterior is only matched by the outstanding design aesthetics of its interiors. Check out some of the building’s highlights below.

empire state building inside

Main Deck 86th Floor Observatory

The 86th-floor observatory is what draws people to the Empire State Building the most. It is extremely spacious and offers panoramic views that stretch 80 miles in every direction. During your visit, you will be greeted by New York City’s most distinguished landmarks including the Rockefeller Center, the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, Central Park, the Chrysler Building, and many others. On a clear day, you can even discover states like New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Delaware on the horizon.

About the 86th Floor
empire state building inside

Top Deck 102nd Floor Observatory

Prepare to get swept away by stunning views as the observatory hovers 1250 feet above the Manhattan streets. You will be making your way 16 floors higher in a state-of-the-art glass elevator, which is an enticing experience in itself. Although the observatory is completely enclosed, its exclusive appeal is a huge crowd-puller. During the renovations of 2019, the entire space was fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows that enable visitors to better admire the city’s most-coveted views. However, the viewing experience comes at a steep price as you will have to purchase a brand-new ticket to gain access.

What's on the 102nd Floor
empire state building inside

Exhibits on the 2nd & 80th Floors

Visiting the Empire State Building is an out-and-out immersive experience as it brilliantly weaves an element of storytelling throughout the experience. The second floor’s sprawling 10,000-square-foot area pays homage to the building’s captivating history. Visitors will be introduced to the story of its construction which began in 1930, its opening in 1931, and its journey over the ensuing decades, through a series of exciting exhibitions. The building’s most memorable pop culture moments from films like King Kong and Elf are also honored spectacularly!

Empire State Building Exhibits
empire state building inside

Restaurants

The Empire State Building houses an assortment of restaurants that are fully prepared to satisfy all types of food cravings. The State Grill & Bar has a beautiful setting where you can enjoy New York staples like mac and cheese, caesar salad, the truffle chicken burger, and steak fries over lunch, dinner, and breakfast. If you crave an explosion of flavors, make your way to Tacombi, which is reputed for serving the city’s most mouth-watering tacos and other authentic Mexican delicacies.

Empire State Building Restaurants
empire state building inside

Gift Shop

Located on the 2nd floor, the gift shop at the Empire State Building is a swanky place that houses a wide collection of impressive memorabilia. Among the items found here are t-shirts, holiday ornaments, and decorative souvenirs that celebrate the distinct design of the Empire State Building. Also included in the collection are some appealing King Kong merchandise, which are a huge hit among young fans. You can even purchase amazing gifts for your loved ones back home at the gift shop.

Empire State Building Shop

Visitor Tips

  • Although ​tickets to the Empire State Building have no fixed time limit, people usually spend about 1 to 2 hours at the location. 
  • Do not arrive with heavy luggage as the building does not have any lockers for storage purposes. 
  • If possible, plan your visit during the weekdays as the Empire State Building becomes a tourist magnet over the weekends. If you want to beat the crowds, the best time is in the morning at 10 AM or in the afternoon at around 3 PM. 
  • You can enter the building and admire the ​Art Deco-styled lobby free of cost without purchasing a ticket to the observation deck.  
  • Carry a city map along with you to help you identify all the landmarks from the ​observation deck.
  • No matter the outside weather, make sure to bring along a jacket or a long coat as it can get surprisingly cold and windy at the top.  
  • There are no restrooms beyond the 2nd floor, so use the services before heading to the top. 

Plan Your Visit to the Empire State Building

Frequently Asked Questions About What’s Inside the Empire State Building

Is there a specific route to follow inside?

You will start at the ​grand lobby and make your way through the exhibits, before heading up to the ​observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors for panoramic views.

Can I take photos inside the Empire State Building?

Yes, photography is allowed inside the Empire State Building, and there are numerous spots for ​capturing this memorable experience. You will need to acquire special permission beforehand to take tripods and professional equipment with you.

Is it free to go inside the Empire State Building?

You can enter the building’s lobby and admire its Art Deco aesthetics completely for free. However, you will need a ​ticket to visit the building’s observation decks and exhibits.

Can I bring a stroller or wheelchair inside the Empire State Building?

Yes, strollers and wheelchairs are allowed. The building is designed to accommodate visitors with mobility needs.

Is Wi-Fi available inside?

Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the building, making it easy to share your experience at Empire State Building in real-time!

Are food and drinks allowed inside the Empire State Building?

Outside food and beverages are not permitted, but there are ​dining options available in the building itself.

Is there a gift shop inside the Empire State Building?

Yes, there are ​multiple gift shops where you can purchase souvenirs, including exclusive Empire State Building merchandise.

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