The Empire State Building isn’t just an iconic New York City landmark—it’s an experience, and visiting at night makes it even more magical.
As the city transforms into a glittering spectacle below, the building itself shines as a beacon of light against the night sky, offering breathtaking views.
If you’re planning a nighttime visit, you probably have many questions: Which ticket should you buy? What time offers the best experience? How crowded does it get? Is it even worth visiting at night?
This guide covers everything you need to know before booking your Empire State Building night visit.
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Why visit the Empire State Building at night?
Tourists who have been to the Empire State Building at night give three reasons why it is a must-do activity:
- Mesmerizing Views
- Romantic Atmosphere
- No Crowd
Unique, mesmerizing views
At night, New York City transforms into a disco ball – showing off its dazzling display of lights.
Visitors love the illuminated buildings and streets below and are mesmerized by what seems like a city covered in a blanket of stars.
At night, you can’t see the city’s layout and geography in detail, but the views are no less fascinating. The multitude of lights creates a memorable experience.
While you may not be able to spot all the landmarks, you can’t miss the illuminated structures such as the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Flatiron Building, One World Trade Center, the Chrysler Building, and Times Square.
Romantic and exclusive atmosphere
Visiting the Empire State Building at night is a very romantic experience.
The combination of the breathtaking views, the quiet, and the availability of a saxophonist to play your requests creates an ideal atmosphere for couples.
The atmosphere is more intimate at night, contrasting with the bustling day and early evening.
No crowd
When you visit later at night, you avoid the evening hours around sunset, which tend to be crowded, as many people gather to see the sun go down.
With fewer people around, you can relax and walk around the observatory, taking in the views from all sides of the building without feeling rushed or crowded.
A less crowded observation deck also means more space and opportunity to take pictures.
Tickets for your night visit
You need a ticket to enter the Empire State Building, and it is better to book a time slot. While tickets are available at the venue, we suggest getting them online because they are convenient. On the night of your visit, you can show your e-ticket on your mobile and walk in. There is no need to take printouts.
For a night visit to the Empire State Building, you have four ticket options:
- Standard Ticket: This provides access to the 86th-floor observatory and the rest of the exhibits.
- Express Ticket: This premium option allows you to skip all lines, including security and elevator lines. But since it won’t be crowded, you won’t need an Express Pass.
- AM/PM Ticket: This ticket allows you to visit the observatory twice in a day – once during the day and again at night. You can also access the building’s exhibits.
- 102nd Floor Ticket: Get this ticket if you want to visit the Top Deck on the 102nd floor. Visitors who have been to both floors believe there is not much difference in the views. However, if you are visiting during winter, the Top Deck ticket makes sense because unlike the Main Deck (on the 86th floor), the Top Deck is enclosed.
Best time to visit Empire State Building after dark
The Empire State Building offers a spectacular experience at night, but choosing the right time can make all the difference.
Sunset: Arriving just before sunset lets you witness the city’s stunning transition from day to night. As the sun sets, the skyline glows in golden hues before the city lights take over, creating a breathtaking view. The only disadvantage of visiting around sunset is staying on until it gets completely dark and the lights start coming out.
Late Night: If you prefer a quieter, more intimate experience, visiting after 10 or 11 pm is ideal. Crowds thin out, and the observation decks are even less busy on weekdays, allowing for a more relaxed visit.
Dress Warmly: Even during summer, the outdoor deck on the 86th floor can be cold at night. Dress up in layers or at least bring a jacket.
Till when is ESB open at night?
During the peak season of April to September, the Empire State Building opens at 8 am or 9 am and closes at 12 or 1 am. During the lean season, the observation deck opens at 10 am and closes at 9 or 10 pm.
The tower lights turn off at 2 am.
Arrival Time: Arrive at the 34th Street entrance at the exact time on your ticket. If you arrive early, you may have to come back later.
Late Arrivals: Since the observation deck is not very crowded late at night, the folks at the entrance are liberal—they will let you inside even if you are late.
Duration of Visit: Allow at least one hour for your visit. Allow more time if you want to visit both the 86th and 102nd floors.
Views to expect at night
Empire State Building offers a 360-degree view for about 80 miles (128 km) during the day, but you don’t get this much visibility at night. Only the structures lit up are visible.
Some of the iconic landmarks you can spot are:
- Statue of Liberty
- Times Square
- One World Trade Center
- Chrysler Building
- Rockefeller Center
- Flatiron Building
- Brooklyn Bridge
- Bryant Park
- Fifth Avenue
However, Central Park may look like a dark patch on the horizon.
Building Illumination: The Empire State Building is illuminated with colored lights at night, with a light show every hour. The colors change to commemorate special occasions and holidays. The lighting is customizable, with each section of the top of the building able to display different colors. The lights are turned off at 2 am daily.
Should you visit at night or day?
Deciding between a daytime or nighttime visit to the Empire State Building depends on what kind of experience you are looking for.
Empire State Building: Day vs. Night Comparison
| Day visit | Night Visit | |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Clear views of NYC’s layout, landmarks, and distant areas | Some buildings may not be as visible; Central Park appears dark |
| Atmosphere | Bright, vibrant cityscape with detailed views | Romantic, magical city lights illuminating the skyline |
| Crowds | Busiest between 11 AM – 3 PM; early mornings are quieter | Fewer visitors after 10 PM, with the least crowds after midnight |
| Photography | Easier due to natural light, great for cityscape shots | Unique nighttime shots, require good camera settings |
| Best For | First-time visitors, families, history lovers, clear city views | Couples, thrill seekers, those looking for a quieter experience |
| Romantic Factor | Classic NYC views, but not as intimate | Highly romantic, perfect for couples |
When should you visit?
- Daytime: Best for first-time visitors, families, and those wanting clear visibility of NYC’s landmarks.
- Nighttime: Ideal for a romantic, intimate experience with fewer crowds and spectacular city lights.
- Want both? Consider an AM/PM ticket to experience both day and night views on the same day!
Insider tip: The night lights can make it difficult to take photos without a good camera, so if you decide to take photos at night, you may want to use the night mode on your camera, set the ISO to 400, and use a shutter release to avoid blurred images.
