Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.
Skip to main content

Click here for our travel alert about the Israel – Gaza conflict.
Due to the current conflict in Ukraine, our policies exclude coverage for any trips to Russia, Ukraine or Belarus. Check out latest travel alerts here before buying a policy.

Known over the world, you will love to discover this famous skyscraper located in the intersection between 5th Avenue and West 34th Street in New York. Until the construction of the World Trade Centre this building was the highest in the world. The Empire State was finished in 1931 and it is managed by W&H Properties with an astounding 102 floors. Around 21 000 lucky people work in this building daily, with the pleasure of admiring the amazing views of New York City. In this article, InsureandGo wants to help you to organize your visit to The Empire State Building and give you some useful information before you visit New Yorkers most beloved building. In the entrance by 5th Avenue you can appreciate the marble hall. You will notice during your visit that the last 30 floors are illuminated with different colour. These colours resemble the special celebration of the season.

History

This building was constructed in a very short period. Consider this; the draws of the Empire State Building were made in just 2 weeks, with the completed project built in only one year and 45 days. That’s an average of 4.5 floors per week! The building was inaugurated by President Hoover who turned the lights on from Washington.  Nowadays, The Empire State Building is an icon of pop culture, providing one of the most amazing views of the world.

How to arrive there

You can arrive to The Empire State Building by public transport (Lines M2, M3,M4,M5,M16 OR M34). By Subway: Lines 1, 2,3,A,D or E (stopping in 34th Street/ Penn Station) or lines B,D,F,N,Q or R (stopping in 34th Street/ Avenue of Americas)

Opening times and prices 

The Empire State is accessible for tourists with 2 main viewpoints. There is one viewpoint on the 86th floor and another one on the 102nd floor, which has a fee of 17 dollars per person. Every year 4 million tourists visit this building so expect lengthy queues at the door if you don’t arrive there at an appropriate time. The Empire State opens at 8 in the morning and the last lift to go up is at 1:15 am. If you are interested in visiting the Empire State Building on the day of the marathon (don’t forget to register beforehand), you will enjoy the privilege of competing with other runners to be the first one to climb to the top of the building.

Curiosities and advices

The Empire State Building has been visited by more than 100 million tourists, but this is no surprise considering the unforgettable views from the 102nd level.  It was built in the middle of the Great Depression, with occupation at just 25 per cent. This influenced the name “Empty State Building.” Economic recovery of the country didn’t start until 1940, when the offices of the Empire State Building finally started to be occupied. InsureandGo recommends that you buy the tickets on the internet before your visit to avoid the long queues. Another interesting fact is that it is going to take you only 45 seconds to go from the ground floor to the 80th floor. Also more than 250 movies have been filmed in The Empire State Building of New York. Do you need travel insurance for USA? Here are some great reasons why you should InsureandGo:

  • Kids Travel FREE with mum and dad
  • Prices from only $26.37
  • Unlimited medical expenses
  • 24hr emergency medical assistance
  • Unlimited cancellation on our gold policy