Looking for an unforgettable experience that showcases the breathtaking beauty of the New York City skyline at night? Look no further than the Empire State Building Observatory. Rising 86 floors above the city streets, the iconic Empire State Building offers visitors unparalleled views of the sparkling cityscape below. And you want to know another tip? You are no longer limited to seeing the city from just the 86th floor! There's a new ticket option in town that I highly recommend that'll take you to the 102nd floor. It's in the spire and it's truly worth every penny you pay for the extra admission. 

So, whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, the Empire State Building Observatory at night is a must-see destination that promises to leave you awestruck. Join us as we explore the magic and wonder of this iconic New York City landmark and discover why it's one of the world's most popular tourist attractions after dark.

First of All, Why Visit at Night? 

I've had the good, or rather great, fortune (in less than two months) of getting to experience clear sky conditions on the Empire State Building twice. And both of those visits were in the off-season, during the wintertime no less. I worried about limited visibility in November and January, but on both times I elevatored up to the top, I was greeted with the most spectacular view. 

So, why nighttime for this observatory instead of daytime? Well, the pictures speak for themselves. Look at that view. The city literally glitters with the dazzling city lights below. Twinkling white lights sparkle out of apartments and neon colored advert lights bejewel like specks of candy sprinkled across the cityscape. It's a treat for the eyes in every direction! 

Planning Your Visit to the Empire State Building Observatory 

In peak tourist season, you definitely have to purchase your tickets in advance if you want to get in. The downside to that is the weather. It's hard to predict what the weather will be like at a specific time, days in advance. Let's get real, meteorologists still struggle to get that right. And if you buy that ticket and it's cloudy, you'll have a crummy experience atop the Empire State Observatory. (Believe me, the first time I went up there years ago, the entire building was shrouded in a thick layer of fog! It was the worst).

That's why, honestly, I recommend that you visit on the off-season. With fewer tourists vying for available ticket slots, you can pretty much buy your tickets at the exact moment you want to go and AFTER you have ensured that the weather has a big thumbs up.  

Will Winter Be Cold? 

Honestly, yes. It will be cold. However, that's what coats, hats, scarves, good shoes and socks, and gloves are for. Besides, on the 86th floor outdoor observatory, they now have heat lamps perched overhead which not only give you a cool red glow in your pics but also keep you plenty toasty warm. There's a price to pay for beautiful photos, and being a little cold atop the Empire State is certainly worth the sacrifice. 

Is the Empire State Building Experience Different from Years Past? 

The answer to that is yes. It has changed immensely. In the past, you just bought a ticket, waited for the elevator, and then zipped up to the 86th floor observatory. That was it. 

Today, it's a much more immersive experience. First, you have to go through security (metal detectors for your person and x-ray for your belongings -- it's a post 9-11 world we live in, folks). Then, once you pass through the security area, you enter the exhibits that tell of the history of the building starting from its conception and construction during the Great Depression and continuing on to its place in American pop culture (movies, books, and all things New York). I found the video presentations on the walls showing the way the building was constructed (pre-OSHA days) to be very fascinating. Take the time to check all of this out now because it may not be available on your way back down if its nearing closing time. 

Once you pass through the exhibits, you enter the elevators for the 80th floor. Here, you can see the city through the windows. Then, you go up just 6 more floors to the outdoor observatory. This is the place where all the big moments in movie history has happened (An Affair to Remember, Sleepless in Seattle, etc.). 

If you were SMART and bought the extra admission, you can then take another elevator up to the 102nd floor. This is all indoors, so your pictures will be through glass, but if you angle your camera just right, you can avoid getting any reflections. I really enjoyed this part of the observatory because it's a place that only celebrities and other VIPS got to go in the past. Now it's open to anyone who has some extra $$$ to throw around. 

Get Your Bearings 

Take time to really get your bearings atop the Empire State Building. Figure out where north, south, east and west are. Remember, from the ESB, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, and Times Square is to the north. To the east is the East River and to the west is the Hudson River. To the south is the Financial District and the World Trade Center tower. In the far distance, you'll be able to spy the sparkle of the Statue of Liberty in the harbor. You will not be able to see the Brooklyn Bridge much from here. If you want a really great vantage point of that bridge, you'll need to head up to the top of the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan. 

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