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Empire State Building at night

Getting a view from the Empire State Building at night is an opportunity of a lifetime.

Presently, the building usually operates until 12 am, late into the night.

This means that you can also get a great view from the observation decks way after the sunset.

Witness the spectacularly lit-up New York landscape with towering skyscrapers, making it a picturesque sight.

This view is further enhanced by the hustle-bustle of New York’s lively nightlife, which slowly comes alive as the night gets darker.

Empire State Building during the day or night?

When should you visit the Empire State Building – during the night or day? When is the Empire State Building better – at night or day? 

When would the views be the best, when the sun is beaming bright or during the night when the New York skyline lights up to become a spectacle?

Well, we are here to help you find an answer to all your questions!

Why should I visit during the day?

If you want to get the clearest views of everything there is to see from the Empire State Building observation decks; then the daytime is the best. 

You can get the best experience of standing atop 86 or/and 102 floors from the ground in the daytime.

Clicking the best pictures on a clear and bright sunny day doesn’t get any better when you do it on one of the best observation decks in New York. 

You can see all the way down to the most iconic parts of the city, like the Statue of Liberty and Central Park. 

You can even look as far as Brooklyn and New Jersey! 

Now those are some sights to see. 

Look at the miniature-esque New York City architecture, and unleash your photography skills!

However, you can do all this only during the daytime.

If you are looking for an experience like this, you should visit the Empire State Building during the day. 

But, beware of the crowds filling the place since most tourists usually come during the daytime. 

If you go during the daytime, you may need to face long queues and waiting hours. 

Why should I visit during the night?

empire state building in night
Image: ESBNYC.com

Well, first things first, you’ll get a lot more breathing space in the observation decks when visiting Empire State Building at night. 

The crowds are much less at the Empire State Building at night, which is one of the best reasons you should visit the building at this hour. 

If you don’t want to stress about waiting in long queues, then the night visit is perfect for you.

Secondly, visiting the Empire State Building at night is considered a romantic experience. 

If you’re particularly looking for a romantic exploration date, then it couldn’t get any better than this. 

You will get to stand amongst glittering skyscrapers and the faint noises of New York City’s famed nightlife, making the most out of the moment. 

The view from the top of the Empire State Building at night is entirely different from the view during the day.

The city beams with millions of lights, and the New York Skyline shines through, making for some of the most stunning sights. 

Don’t forget to click some amazing pictures while soaking your eyes in the beautiful landscape around you. 

One drawback of the night visit is that you probably won’t get to see as far as you can during the day. 

This means that you’ll be getting most of the best views from the locations in the immediate surroundings.

Which time is the best?

Wondering what is the best time to visit the Empire State Building: during the day or night?

Both timings differ in terms of crowds and views.

If you don’t mind the crowds and want to visit the New York Empire State Building and get views as far as 80 miles (120 kilometers), then a daytime visit is best.

If you don’t like overcrowded places, and are more into the intimate experience of the New York skyline, then a nighttime visit would best suit you. 

In short, It all depends on your expectations since both the timings offer different but equally amazing experiences!

Can’t decide whether to visit during the day or night? Want to try both? Then go for the Morning and Night Entry Ticket to the Empire State Building!

Visit the observation decks both during the day and night at a much cheaper price!

Empire State Building’s night lights

If you are unable to get to the top of the Empire State Building,  you can look at it from the outside. 

Every year since 1976, the New York Empire State Building gets lit with colored night lights that make it stand out and look prettier than usual.

The illuminated landscape with a spectacular display of lights, colors, and forms is worth a view!

They use their signature white color on most days. On special occasions, they showcase creative color combinations and designs. 

Putting up rainbow colors on New York Pride Day or shutting their lights altogether to celebrate Earth Day is one of the many ways in which they have used their lighting.

This spectacular light view can only be experienced best from outside the building.

This is something you should definitely not miss if you are in New York!

Empire State Building at night FAQs

Can you go up the Empire State Building at night?

Yes! Going up the Empire State Building at night is a unique experience you must not miss.

Day and night entry tickets for Empire State Building are the perfect option for the nighttime experience that give you entry to the building twice on the same day.

Is the Empire State Building open at night?

Yes, the Empire State Building is open until late at night, till 12 am.

Is Empire State Building better at night or day?

The night and day Empire State Building experiences have their own charm, but depending on your liking, you can choose either.

Empire State Building is very crowded during the day but provides excellent views during this time.

On the other hand, the Empire State Building is not overcrowded at night, gives a more intimate experience and is perfect for a romantic visit.

Insider tip: The day and night Empire State Building tickets allow you to visit both so you don’t have to choose!

Featured Image: ESBNYC.com

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