AttractionNew York, NYEmpire State Building observatories
Empire State Building Entry Rules: Bags, Water and Food
Checked Source: Empire State Building FAQ page (esbnyc.com, opens in a new tab)Verified by BC
Short answer
The Empire State Building bans large bags, suitcases, carry-on luggage and oversized packages, glass, cans, bottles and flasks, outside food and beverages, tripods, monopods and bipods, scissors and weapons. Prohibited items may be confiscated and not returned, and there are no lockers or storage on site.
Every rule at Empire State Building
An item that is not listed is not mentioned in the official pages we checked. Each row links to the page its rule came from.
Bag policy in detail
Large bags, suitcases, carry-on luggage and oversized packages are prohibited. The FAQ gives no size for a large bag, and prohibited items may be confiscated and not returned. The pages do not mention backpacks and purses.
- Bag: Large bags and luggage banned, no size given
- Water bottle: Cans, bottles and flasks banned
- Outside food: Not allowed
Food and drink
Glass items, cans, bottles, flasks or similar containers are prohibited and must be discarded before or at security. Outside food and beverages are prohibited. The pages do not mention coolers.
Cameras and electronics
Professional camera equipment and stands, meaning tripods, monopods and bipods, are prohibited. Tripods, monopods and bipods are prohibited. The pages do not mention camera lenses, drones, laptops, tablets and power banks.
Strollers and family items
The pages do not mention strollers and a medical bag process.
Umbrellas, blankets and comfort items
The pages do not mention umbrellas, blankets and seat cushions.
Signs, flags and fan items
The pages do not mention signs, flags and binoculars.
Medical needs and accessibility
The pages describe no separate medical bag process, so ask the venue before the event if you need to bring medical items.
Security screening and arrival
Visitors go through a security screening area, and the FAQ list of prohibited items is not exhaustive. Anything prohibited may be confiscated and not returned.
Bag storage and lockers
There are no locker or storage facilities on site.
Observatory visits
The FAQ covers the Empire State Building observation deck. Costumes and masks are prohibited, except for PPE.
Prohibited items
From the official entry page. Staff can also refuse anything they decide could affect safety.
- Water bottles
- Outside food
- Tripods
- Weapons, including firearms, knives, scissors and mace
- Glass items and alcoholic beverages
- Sports equipment such as skateboards, bats and golf clubs
- Marking instruments such as spray paint or markers
- Musical instruments
- Costumes and masks, except PPE
Questions about Empire State Building
Large bags, suitcases, carry-on luggage and oversized packages are prohibited. The FAQ gives no size for a large bag, and prohibited items may be confiscated and not returned.
Glass items, cans, bottles, flasks or similar containers are prohibited and must be discarded before or at security.
Outside food and beverages are prohibited.
Professional camera equipment and stands, meaning tripods, monopods and bipods, are prohibited.
Sources
Checked on October 5, 2026 against the sources above. Venues can change rules without notice, and rules can differ by event. Confirm with the venue for your date. Next review: October 19, 2026.
Change log
First check: 21 rules read against the Empire State Building FAQ page.
See something wrong? Report a wrong rule or read how we verify.
Not affiliated with Empire State Building or its operators.