The Empire State Building offers some of the best views in New York City all year round, but climbing to the top isn’t the most winter-friendly activity.
Well now that has changed! For the first time ever, the Empire State Building has installed radiant heaters on its main 86th Floor Observatory.
This is the open-air 360 degree observatory, the most popular spot for taking in views and pictures in the iconic New York building. Spy Central Park, The Hudson River and East River, The Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, The Statue of Liberty and more…and then use the high-powered binoculars to get an even closer look!
The addition of the heaters is part of the four-year $165 million renovation project, which also involved a brand new 80th Floor with interactive exhibits, and a larger-than-life King Kong installation on the 2nd floor.
If you’re still a little too chilly outdoors, you can also take in views on the 102nd Floor Observatory, which is entirely enclosed and heated with floor to ceiling windows (as shown above). Though access to that floor costs an extra $20 dollars.
“The Empire State Building is an all-season destination,” says Jean-Yves Ghazi, President of the Observatory. “The addition of the heat lamps on the 86th Floor will provide our guests with a comfortable experience regardless of the weather, as they take in the views from the heart of New York City.”
Where: 20 W 34th St.
When: Open 8am to 2am
featured image source: Empire State Building