8 Things to Do at the Top of Empire State Building
Visiting Empire State Building offers unforgettable views of New York. But there's so much more! Here are 8 ideas to make your visit even more memorable.
1/ Discover a Surprise in the Empire State Building Elevator
- Position yourself in the center of the elevator car, facing the door, as you enter the lift to the 86th-floor observatory of the Empire State Building. From here, you’ll have the perfect view to watch the floor counter climb all the way to 86!
- Since 2017, the ride up to the top includes a delightful surprise. I won’t spoil it, but you’ll love it — and it’s a great welcome to the Empire State Building!
2/ Spot Five U.S. States from the Top
- On a perfectly clear day, the Empire State Building’s observatory offers views across five U.S. states. You’ll see New York directly below and New Jersey across the Hudson River.
- On the clearest days, you can also spot Pennsylvania to the south, Connecticut to the north, and Massachusetts beyond Connecticut. That makes five.
3/ Try a Science Experiment at the Top
- Visiting with someone special? Try this: kiss them. When your lips touch, you may feel a slight electric shock. It’s not love at first sight — it’s static electricity, which is much stronger at this altitude.
- The effect works best when atmospheric conditions are right. A perfect excuse to try again!
4/ Take Photos
- A 2011 Cornell University study found the Empire State Building to be the world’s most photographed monument. Researchers counted how many times the building appeared in photos tagged on Flickr. The method has its limits — Flickr was used mainly by Americans at the time — but the Empire State Building has remained a photography favorite ever since.
- Instagram and TikTok have only made it more popular. The Empire State Building remains one of the world’s most photographed landmarks, with over 3.3 million posts on Instagram and counting. Click away!
5/ Use the Restroom
- Here’s an unusual tip, but given the crowds, you won’t be alone in thinking it: how often do you get to use a restroom 320 m (1,050 ft) above the ground?
6/ Get Married
- After that last tip, here’s something more romantic. Once a year, on February 14, the Empire State Building holds a lottery for couples to get married on the 86th floor. If this interests you, plan well ahead!
- Looking for the perfect place to propose in New York? The Empire State Building is one of the most stunning places to propose in New York. The answer is almost guaranteed, and you’ll have a lifetime of reasons to return to the spot where you asked.
7/ Race Up the Stairs
- If you’re very fit, sign up for the Empire State Building Run-Up. Each October, competitors race to climb 1,576 steps to the 86th floor as fast as they can. Registration closes in December, so you have time to train for next year’s race.
- To enter, visit the race organizers’ website. Before you apply, know this: the men’s record is held by Australian Paul Crake at 9 minutes 33 seconds. The women’s record belongs to Austrian Andrea Mayr at 11 minutes 23 seconds. Ready to train?
8/ Listen to Saxophone
- Want to visit the Empire State Building with live jazz? During the tourist season, a saxophonist performs on the 86th floor Thursday through Saturday from 9 pm to midnight.