NEW YORK - Even on a cloudy day it's arguably one of the best views in the world.

King Kong was there. So were Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. But some New Yorkers will tell you they have never been to the observation deck of the building that was the world's tallest for more than 40 years.

What You Need To Know


  • The Empire State Building was completed in 1931, taking just a year and 45 days to build 
  • It was the tallest building in the world for nearly 40 years from 1931 to 1970.
  • The main observation deck is on the 86th floor and a newly remodeled one on the 102nd floor
  • The building now features a state-of-the-art air purification and fresh-air ventilation system 

"There's no better time to visit the Empire State Building than now when we first reopen, before the tourists return to New York City, this is their observatory. New York City, for New Yorkers," said Jean-Yves Ghazi, President of The Empire State Building Observatory.

Ghazi explained how it will work as visitors return to the 102-story skyscraper completed in 1931 in just one year and 45 days. One big difference: a time ticketing system has been implemented.

"We are controlling the capacity of the space," Ghazi said.

At peak times the public space gets more than 1,500 visitors an hour. That will now be capped at 500.

There will be temperature screenings, facial coverings must be worn, hand sanitizer stations everywhere. In the recently redeveloped observatory's exhibition space where you can get up close and personal with Kong.

Videos run automatically instead of by touching the screen. There's also a new indoor environmental quality system with state-of-the-art air purification and a fresh air ventilation system. In a bit of good luck, it was installed in December. 

The ride up to the observation decks there's social distancing footprints on the floor. It's actually a pretty entertaining elevator ride. 

Then of course the main attraction - the view.

Visitors will be walking in one direction to avoid any log jams, including in the new 102nd floor observation area, just completed last year and costs a little extra to visit.

Looking up at the iconic structure is great, looking down from it, even better. 

"It really is magical. There is really no day that the view is identical," Ghazi said.

To plan your visit to the Empire State Building, head to esbnyc.com.