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United States/Things to Do in New York, couple trip

Empire State Building (couple trip)

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How Couple-Friendly is Empire State Building?

90%Couple-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 90% Couple-Friendly: Nighttime skyline, live saxophone sets, and dedicated proposal packages create a highly romantic setting, but heavy tourist traffic at sunset can limit privacy for date moments.

Google
Reviews4.7/ 5
(from 120,662 reviews)
Empire State Building Tour in NEW YORK!
15 min
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Empire State Building Tour in NEW YORK!
1M views • 1 year ago
The BEST views of New York City, Empire State Building Tour | Indian in America | Aanam C
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The BEST views of New York City, Empire State Building Tour | Indian in America | Aanam C
7.9K views • 2 years ago
Empire State Building Adventure: Family Fun at 1,250 Feet! #empirestatebuilding #kids
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Empire State Building Adventure: Family Fun at 1,250 Feet! #empirestatebuilding #kids
1.1K views • 11 months ago

Positives:

  • Romantic Photo Ops: The open-air deck and lobby murals create perfect backdrops for couple portraits.
  • Unique Memories: Seeing NYC by day and night from one ticket makes your visit extra special.

Challenges:

  • Long Lines: Entry and elevator queues can exceed 30 minutes during peak season.
  • Wind Chill: The outdoor deck feels colder than ground level; bring a warm jacket.
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🏖️ Explore Empire State Building with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Empire State Building. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Empire State Building?

  • An Art Deco–style skyscraper completed in 1931, standing 1,454 feet tall with a limestone and granite façade topped by a gleaming stainless-steel spire
  • A 102-story office tower originally built as multi-tenant commercial space, now hosting corporate offices, broadcast studios, and interpretive exhibitions on its upper floors
  • A National Historic Landmark that exemplifies pioneering steel-frame construction and rapid assembly—rising at a record pace of over four floors per week during its 13-month build

What is so special about Empire State Building for couple trip?

  1. Experience a 360° skyline view at dusk or night.
  2. Use AM/PM tickets for daytime and nighttime visits.
  3. Admire the Art Deco lobby without a ticket.
  4. Enjoy free nightly tower-light shows.
  5. Capture romantic photos on the open-air deck.

Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours

Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Two hours lets you enjoy views at the 86th and 102nd floors and explore exhibits without rushing.

(View Empire State Building on Map)

Couple-Friendly Activities in Empire State Building

86th Floor Observatory Visit:

Step onto the open-air deck for a 360° view of NYC landmarks.

Tip: Go at sunset or after 8 pm for fewer crowds and golden-hour light.

AM/PM Experience:

Use one ticket to visit by day and again after 9 pm under city lights.

Tip: Book online to save $5 and compare cityscapes in daylight versus night.

Art Deco Lobby Tour:

Admire the restored ceiling mural and bronze elevator doors free of charge.

Tip: Arrive first to capture lobby details without lines.

Tower Light Show:

Watch free nightly light and music shows choreographed on the exterior.

Tip: Stand on 5th Avenue at 34th Street 10 minutes before showtime.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Empire State Building

  1. Prebook Online: Reserve tickets in advance to skip the main ticket line and save time.
  2. Sunset Timing: Aim for a 6 pm entry in summer or 4 pm in winter for sunset views.
  3. Audio Guide QR: Use the free QR-code audio tour to learn fun facts at your own pace.
🏖️ Tour Empire State Building like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Empire State Building. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Empire State Building

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Milind “Joe” Joshi

Milind “Joe” Joshi

Oct 2025

I visited Empire State Building after 25 years and thanks to a friend visited all the three levels as a special guest. Since my last visit, the experience has been further enhanced due to digitization. The panoramic view is fantastic. Though it is no more the tallest building in the world, it has history which is worth relishing.

Deepak Kumar

Deepak Kumar

Oct 2025

Visited the Empire State Building yesterday with CityPASS. We didn’t reserve a time and just went straight for sunset. The line was long but moved quickly, with smooth check-in and security. On the way up, there were some nice exhibits and photo spots. The 80th floor had great views all around, and then we went up to the 86th floor for the open-air observatory. The city lights were absolutely amaz...

Jacky Lam

Jacky Lam

Sep 2025

The Empire State Building is truly iconic and an absolute must-visit in New York City! From the moment you step inside, you feel the history and grandeur of this landmark. The observation decks offer breathtaking 360-degree views of Manhattan and beyond—it’s simply magical, especially at sunset or when the city lights up at night. The building itself is a masterpiece of Art Deco design, and the ex...

Muhammed Cimen

Muhammed Cimen

Sep 2025

Visiting the Empire State Building is definitely a must when you’re in New York City. Getting there is very easy since it’s right in the heart of Manhattan, surrounded by subway stations and bus stops. Once inside, however, be prepared for long lines, strict security checks, and lots of people—it’s not the easiest place to explore. That being said, the moment you reach the observation deck, all th...

Teodora Šujak

Teodora Šujak

Aug 2025

Honestly, visiting the Empire State Building was such a cool experience. You always see it in movies and pictures, but standing there in person feels completely different. The building is massive, and the lobby inside is beautiful. Everything is set up really well for tourists, so it doesn’t feel too confusing even though there are a lot of people. The museum on the way up was actually pretty fun...

When is the best time to visit Empire State Building (New York, United States)?

Wear layers in winter—the deck is windy. Visit in autumn or spring for clear skies. In summer, head up before afternoon storms. Check light-show schedule during holidays.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to New York on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Standard Tickets (2 adults)USD 88
AM/PM Upgrade (2 adults)USD 20
SouvenirUSD 15
Total EstimatedUSD 123

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Empire State Building

Address: 20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001, USA

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About Empire State Building

Opening Hours

Monday:10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday:10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday:10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday:10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday:10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday:10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday:10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Average price

US$ 43.12
Book on GetYourGuide

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Average price

US$ 43.12
Book on GetYourGuide
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