Watching the sunset from the Empire State Building’s observation deck wasn’t just a highlight of my New York trip, it was a moment of pure magic that blended awe-inspiring views with a sense of personal wonder.
In this article, I’ll share how it felt to experience golden hour atop NYC’s most iconic skyscraper, sprinkle in some fascinating history about the building, and offer practical tips so you can plan your own Empire State Building sunset visit.
Golden Hour Anticipation at an Icon
I arrived at the Empire State Building in the late afternoon, brimming with anticipation. The building’s Art Deco details caught my eye immediately – from the sleek geometric patterns in the lobby to the gilded celestial mural overhead.
Even at ground level, the 1930s glamour of this tower is palpable, reminding me that I was stepping into a living piece of New York history. This 102-story skyscraper, designed by Shreve, Lamb & Harmon and built in 1930–31, is an architectural marvel that once reigned as the tallest building in the world.
Knowing it was constructed in just thirteen and a half months during the Great Depression made me appreciate the moment even more – I felt I was about to witness the sunset from atop a true monument of human ambition and resilience.
The sun was still a bit above the horizon as I joined the line for the elevators, ticket in hand. (I had wisely booked my sunset time slot online in advance, since these popular times can sell out.)
The energy in the air was a mix of excitement and impatience – everyone knew we were headed somewhere special. As we shuffled through security and the exhibits, I caught snippets of conversations in several languages, reminding me that this skyscraper draws visitors from all over the world. We were all here for the same reason: to catch that legendary view.
Ascending into the Sky
After exploring a few engaging exhibits about the building’s history (don’t miss the King Kong display where you can pretend the giant ape’s hand is grabbing you – a fun nod to the 1933 film that made this building a movie star), I headed for the elevators.
A uniformed attendant ushered us in, and soon we were rocketing upward. The elevator ride itself was surprisingly quick – less than a minute to zoom up to the 80th floor.
My ears popped as the numbers climbed. On the ceiling of the elevator, an animation played: scenes of 1930s construction workers appeared, humorously “tossing” rivets as if building the tower around us. It’s a brief ride, but it builds anticipation in the pit of your stomach. I took a deep breath, knowing I was almost there.
A short transfer later, I stepped out onto the 86th-floor open-air observation deck, the Main Deck. Immediately, a cool breeze kissed my face. I was 1,050 feet above the streets (the 86th floor is roughly that high up), with only the sky above.
The deck wraps around the building’s spire, giving a full 360-degree view of New York City and beyond. I could walk all around to see Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and even far into New Jersey.
On exceptionally clear days, they say you can glimpse six different states from up here, but on this evening my attention was riveted closer: the skyline of Manhattan was gleaming in the late-day sun, and the sky was starting to blush orange.
A 360° Sunset Panorama
I found a spot at the western side of the deck, where the sun would be setting. The observation area was understandably crowded – sunset is a popular hour – but I managed to cozy up to the chest-high metal railing. For a moment, I just savored the tableau.
New York City sprawled below in miniature: streets full of tiny yellow cabs, rooftops and spires stretching out in every direction, and the Hudson River glinting to the west.
The late sun bathed the skyscrapers in honeyed light, and reflective windows on nearby towers shone like fire. As the sun dipped lower, the sky transformed into a canvas of warm oranges and pinks.
I watched sunlight flash off the Chrysler Building’s art deco crown for an instant, and then, one by one, city lights began to flicker on.
Despite the crowd, a hush fell over the deck during those few minutes when the sun met the horizon. Conversations quieted; most people simply gazed, rapt. The atmosphere was electric yet peaceful – a rare calm at the “Center of the Universe” that is Midtown Manhattan.
I could hear the wind high up here and the faint sound of a camera shutter. Someone next to me gasped at the sight of the Statue of Liberty silhouetted in the distance, just where the sun was descending.
Indeed, from this height you can see far downtown: I watched the sun slip behind Lady Liberty and paint the Hudson River in golden light.
To the south, the skyscrapers of Lower Manhattan were edged in a pink glow. To the east, the East River and bridges were turning dusky purple. It felt like the entire city held its breath for the spectacle.
When the sun finally dipped below the horizon, the crowd erupted in gentle applause and contented sighs. I realized I was smiling ear to ear, a bit teary-eyed from the sheer beauty of it. Twilight spread over the city, and the sky’s colors deepened from orange to purple, then to a velvety blue.
New York began to sparkle. Thousands of lights from buildings and cars came alive, and I found myself in a sea of both stars and city lights. Staying a while longer was a no-brainer – one wonderful thing about the Empire State Building is that there’s no time limit on your visit.
Many sunset-watchers left soon after the sun vanished, so the deck grew quieter. I lingered, moving around to different sides of the observatory to catch every angle of the night skyline.
Standing on History and Feeling Tiny
As daylight faded, I leaned on the rail and let my mind wander. Being atop the Empire State Building at sunset was more than just a pretty view for me – it felt deeply meaningful.
I thought about how in the early 1930s, ironworkers stood on these heights without modern safety gear, assembling this tower floor by floor in record time.
Here I was, enjoying the fruits of their labor nearly a century later. The building itself is an Art Deco masterpiece, with its iconic spire that has made it a symbol of New York City’s skyline.
It was surreal to remember that from 1931 until 1970, this was the tallest building on Earth. Standing there, I felt both very small and very connected to history.
I also recalled how many romantic or dramatic moments in movies have taken place right here. In addition to King Kong clinging to the spire, films like Sleepless in Seattle and An Affair to Remember cemented this observatory’s reputation as the ultimate place for cinematic romance and drama. Now, enveloped by the kaleidoscope of a New York evening, I understood why.
There is an undeniable romance to this perch above the city. A couple near me shared a quiet hug as the last light faded – it was easy to imagine a first kiss happening here, or even a proposal.
The Empire State Building seems to collect memories like that. In fact, it’s said to have been the setting for tens of millions of unforgettable moments over the years, and now I had one of my own to cherish.
I realized that watching the sunset here was so special to me because it encapsulated everything I love about travel: the adventure of going somewhere legendary, the beauty of nature’s daily show, the thrill of seeing a city from a new perspective, and the sense of being a part of something bigger. I felt an overwhelming gratitude – for the city, for the moment, for the serendipity that gave me clear weather that day.
When the Empire State Building’s crown lights switched on in their evening colors, I was still standing there, awestruck.
I didn’t see the building’s lights from where I was (you can’t, when you’re on it), but I knew that now the tower itself had become a beacon in the night, visible to millions. And here I was on that beacon, feeling on top of the world.
Practical Tips for Your Empire State Building Sunset Visit
If my story has inspired you, here are some practical travel tips to help you plan your own sunset experience at the Empire State Building.
These pointers blend my personal advice with insider info to make your visit smooth and memorable:
- Book in Advance for Sunset: Sunset is a very popular (and premium) time slot at the Empire State. Tickets for sunset often cost a bit extra (around $10 more for the 86th floor) and can sell out, so reserve your tickets online well ahead of time for your desired date. Pick a time at least 60–90 minutes before actual sunset. This gives you time to go through security, explore the exhibits, and find a good viewing spot without rushing. (Note: Reservations are required now; you can’t just walk in without a timed ticket.)
- Arrive a Bit Early & Plan for Security: Even with timed tickets, expect airport-style security and some waiting. Arriving 15-30 minutes before your scheduled entry is wise. Once inside, you’ll go through interesting exhibits about the building’s history on the 2nd and 80th floors. If you’re keen on these, allow extra time. (They are one-way; you can’t backtrack.) If you only care about the view, you can move through them more quickly, but I found them worthwhile – especially the nostalgic photos and the fun King Kong interactive exhibit!
- Best Vantage Points: On the 86th-floor outdoor deck, you can walk all around. For sunset, the west and south sides of the deck are prime: westward is the actual sun setting over New Jersey, and south gives you the sun’s colors as a backdrop to downtown Manhattan (you’ll see the Statue of Liberty and One World Trade Center silhouetted). That said, do a full lap of the observatory. The north and east views are gorgeous too (you can spot Central Park uptown and the East River bridges). The deck can get crowded, especially near sunset on the west side, so stake your spot a bit early. Don’t worry if others are nearby – most folks are courteous and cycle around after they’ve taken a few photos.
- Consider the 102nd Floor (Top Deck): For an extra fee, you can go even higher to the 102nd-floor observatory. This indoor viewing gallery was renovated with floor-to-ceiling glass windows. It is more intimate, often with fewer people and even higher panoramic views. I personally stayed on the 86th floor because I love the open air (and the 86th is the classic experience), but if you’re curious about the very top of the Empire State Building, the upgrade could be worth it for you. Keep in mind the 102nd floor is enclosed (no open-air breeze up there), and at night there might be some window reflections. But on a clear sunset, you’d get an incredible view with potentially less crowding.
- Dress for the Weather: No matter the season, it’s often windy and cooler up on the 86th-floor outdoor deck. I visited in late summer and still felt a temperature drop. Bring a light jacket or sweater, especially if you’re going in cooler months. In winter, you’ll definitely want a coat, hat, and maybe gloves – they even put out heaters on the deck in colder months (you’ll see the red glow in the ceiling heaters). Wear sturdy shoes since you’ll be on your feet a while.
- Photography Tips: You’ll want photos of this view! Bring a camera or make sure your phone is charged. The metal safety fencing around the deck has gaps large enough to poke lenses through, so you can get clear shots. Tripods are not allowed (security will confiscate them), so plan on handheld photography. For the best results, arrive while it’s still daylight to capture the city in golden hour, then again at sunset, and finally the night lights – you can thus get a variety of shots. If you have a steady hand (or can brace on a railing), dusk photos can come out beautifully. And don’t forget to put the camera down at times and just enjoy with your own eyes.
- Avoiding the Crowds: By nature, sunset is busy on the Empire State Building (it’s popular for a reason). If you absolutely hate crowds, you might choose to visit at a quieter time – early morning (right at opening) or late at night (after 10 PM) are much less crowded. But if, like me, you crave that sunset moment, just go prepared for some crowd navigation. Weekdays are a bit calmer than weekends. Once the sun has set and the initial crowd thins, stick around for a more tranquil experience as full night falls. There is no time limit at the top, so you won’t be forced to leave until closing. Taking this into account, one strategy is to book a slot maybe 30–45 minutes before sunset, watch sunset, then linger into the next hour when many visitors head out. You might end up with pockets of the deck almost to yourself.
- Facilities and Extras: Note that restrooms are available on the 86th floor (a common question). There’s also a small indoor viewing gallery and gift shop on the 80th and 86th floors if you need a break from the wind or want a souvenir. The Empire State Building has a few dining options on the ground floor (like the State Grill & Bar, and a Starbucks in the lobby) if you want to grab a bite after coming down, but there’s no food or drink sold at the top – so eat beforehand or plan to dine after. Finally, be aware that security is strict: big backpacks or luggage are not allowed (and no glass bottles, alcohol, or weapons, of course). Travel light to save hassle.
My Unforgettable NYC Moment
The combination of the Empire State Building’s grandeur and the natural spectacle of a sunset created a memory I’ll carry forever.
It wasn’t just about seeing New York from above; it was about feeling New York, feeling history, and feeling alive in a moment of beauty.
As I walked out onto 34th Street, I looked back up at the tower – now illuminated against the night sky – and I silently thanked it for the show.
Sunset from the Empire State Building turned out to be one of my favorite NYC moments because it showed me the city in a new light (literally and figuratively).
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time New Yorker, I highly recommend treating yourself to this experience. Plan it well, savor each second up there, and let yourself be moved by the view.
In a city full of amazing sights, there’s something extraordinary about watching day turn to night from the top of the Empire State Building – an experience where, for a little while, you too can feel on top of the world. Safe travels and happy sunset viewing!
