Top 10 Things to Have When Climbing the Empire State Building

Top 10 Things to Have When Climbing the Empire State Building
Experience the Iconic New York City Skyline with the Right Gear

Climbing the Empire State Building—whether literally up the stairs for an event like the annual Run-Up or figuratively via the elevators to the 86th or 102nd floor observatories—is a must-do experience in New York City. Towering over Midtown Manhattan, this historic structure offers some of the most unforgettable panoramic views of NYC’s skyline. But before you ascend this iconic skyscraper, make sure you're equipped with the right essentials for comfort, convenience, and unforgettable memories.

This blog post guides you through the Top 10 Things to Have When Climbing the Empire State Building, whether you’re visiting as a first-time tourist or returning for another awe-inspiring view.

1. Comfortable Walking Shoes

#walkinggear #comfortabletravel #EmpireStateBuilding #exploreNYC

Let’s start with the foundation—your feet. Expect to do plenty of walking and standing. From waiting in lines, navigating elevators, exploring exhibits, and walking around the observation decks, your feet will be busy.
Choose lightweight sneakers or walking shoes with strong arch support and cushioning. Even if you're just riding the elevators, your overall experience will be much more enjoyable with shoes that don’t leave you aching by the end of the day.

Pro Tip: Break in your shoes before your NYC trip to avoid painful blisters during your climb.

2. Lightweight Backpack or Crossbody Bag

#daypack #travelbag #NYCtravel #EmpireStateTrip

Space is limited inside the building, so avoid large or bulky bags. Instead, go for a small, lightweight backpack or crossbody bag. It should be just big enough to carry your essentials like tickets, ID, snacks, phone, and water.

Security checks are standard before entry, and smaller bags make that process faster. A compact bag also makes maneuvering around observation decks and exhibits far easier.

Eco-Friendly Tip: Choose a reusable and sustainable bag to reduce your travel footprint.

3. Refillable Water Bottle

#hydration #eco-friendly #EmpireStateVisit #travelmusthave

Staying hydrated is a must, especially during hot summer days or long queues. Instead of purchasing bottled water at premium NYC prices, bring your own refillable water bottle.
Look for one that is compact, leak-proof, and BPA-free. Some areas of NYC, including near the Empire State Building, offer refill stations or restaurants where you can ask for water refills.

Note: Water is not allowed on the observation deck itself, so be sure to hydrate beforehand and keep it sealed in your bag.

4. Sunglasses

#eyewear #sunprotection #skylinephotos #EmpireStateViews

Sunglasses aren't just about style—they’re essential for clear, comfortable views of the NYC skyline from the top.
On a bright, sunny day, UV rays can be intense at 1,050 feet above the street. Protect your eyes and enhance visibility of landmarks by wearing polarized sunglasses.

Photo Tip: Choose shades that reduce glare if you’re also snapping photos from behind glass.

5. Travel Guidebook or City Map

#travelgear #EmpireStateGuide #NYCsightseeing #traveltips

While digital apps are helpful, there’s something reliable and distraction-free about carrying a small printed guidebook or foldable city map. It’s a great way to identify surrounding buildings, plan your next stops, and learn historical tidbits about the Empire State Building.

Many printed maps also show recommended photo angles or hidden architectural details, perfect for travelers seeking more than just a skyline view.

6. Camera or Smartphone with Extra Storage

#travelphotography #EmpireStateExperience #skylinephotos #NYCmemories

The Empire State Building offers postcard-perfect photo ops of NYC, especially during sunset or at night. Make sure your device is up to the task.
Bring a smartphone or DSLR with plenty of available storage. Bonus points if you carry a backup SD card or cloud storage solution, just in case.

The top viewing areas have minimal space, so opt for lightweight gear. Use panorama or wide-angle modes to fully capture the skyline.

Hashtag Your View: Many visitors share their Empire State shots using #EmpireStateViews or #SkylineSpotting.

7. Portable Phone Charger

#staycharged #traveltech #EmpireStateBuildingVisit #NewYorkTour

Your phone will be doing a lot—navigation, photos, videos, maybe even live-streaming. This kind of usage can quickly drain your battery. A slim, portable power bank can be a lifesaver.
Look for a compact charger that gives at least one full charge and fits comfortably in your bag or pocket. Some versions even include built-in cables for extra convenience.

Bonus: Power banks are also useful if you're booking rideshares or looking up maps after your visit.

8. Weather-Appropriate Jacket

#weatherproof #travelstyle #EmpireStateTrip #EmpireStateObservation

Though the interior is climate-controlled, the open-air observation deck can feel drastically different—especially in winter or on windy days.
Bring a light jacket in spring/fall or a warm, insulated one in winter. Even in summer, the high-altitude breeze can surprise you.

Packable windbreakers or foldable rain jackets are perfect for tourists who want to stay comfortable without overloading their bags.

9. Binoculars

#SkylineSpotting #NYCviews #EmpireStateGuide #EmpireStateExperience

Enhance your viewing experience by bringing a pair of compact binoculars. While stationary telescopes are available on the 86th-floor deck, they often require coins and can be crowded.
Your own pair allows you to zoom in on iconic NYC landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, or even Times Square—without waiting your turn.

Feature Tip: Choose binoculars with a wide field of view for easier sightseeing.

10. Skip-the-Line Ticket or City Pass

#EmpireStateFastPass #SkipTheLine #EmpireStateBuilding #NYCattractions

One of the best decisions you can make is to get a skip-the-line ticket or invest in a New York City Pass. The Empire State Building can get crowded, especially during peak hours.
Fast passes significantly reduce your wait time, giving you more time to explore and enjoy. City Passes often include multiple attractions (Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Museum, Top of the Rock, etc.) for one bundled price.

Time-Saving Tip: Visit early morning or after 10 PM to avoid peak times, even with a skip-the-line pass.

Bonus Tips for the Best Empire State Building Experience

📸 Best Times to Visit

• Early Morning: Fewer crowds, soft light for photos

• Golden Hour/Sunset: Ideal for skyline shots

• Late Evening (after 10 PM): City lights and romance, no crowds

🎫 Ticketing Options

• General Admission (86th Floor)

• Premium (102nd Floor)

• AM/PM Experience (Visit twice in one day)

• City Pass or Go City Cards

🍴 Food & Facilities

Though there are dining options inside the Empire State Building (like State Grill and Bar), you can also explore nearby food spots after your visit in Koreatown or around Herald Square.

🚫 Things to Avoid Bringing

• Large bags or suitcases (not allowed)

• Tripods (unless you have special permission)

• Food and beverages (restricted in observation areas)

• Drones or sharp objects (security will confiscate these)

Final Thoughts: Climb with Comfort and Style

A visit to the Empire State Building isn’t just a stop on your NYC itinerary—it’s a memory in the making. From the bustling Art Deco lobby to the breezy views from above, every moment is Instagram-worthy, educational, and inspiring.
Bringing the right essentials transforms a rushed visit into a relaxed, awe-filled experience. Pack smart, travel light, and soak up every second of one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.

Tags
#walkinggear #NewYork #comfortabletravel #EmpireStateBuilding #daypack #travelbag #NYCsightseeing #EmpireStateVisit #hydration #travelgear #eco-friendly #NewYorkTour #eyewear #sunprotection #NYCviews #EmpireStateObservation #historytour #NYCtravel #EmpireStateGuide #exploreNYC #travelphotography #NYCmemories #EmpireStateViews #skylinephotos #staycharged #traveltech #EmpireStateBuildingVisit #weatherproof #travelstyle #EmpireStateTrip #cityview #EmpireStateExperience #SkylineSpotting #traveltips #NYCattractions #EmpireStateFastPass #SkipTheLine