Empire State Building Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Empire State Building. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• NYC Empire State Building Sunrise Experience + Starbucks Reserve

• NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket

• New York CityPASS®

• New York Pass: 100+ Things To Do including Empire State Building

• Go City: New York Explorer Pass: 100+ Things to Do Including Edge

To visit the Empire State Building, Main Deck tickets for the 86th Floor Observatory start from US$44 for adults, US$38 for children aged 6–12, and US$42 for seniors. Top Deck tickets include access to both observation decks—on floors 86 and 102—and cost US$79 for adults, US$73 for children, and US$77 for seniors.

Yes, the Empire State Building is worth visiting—arguably, it's the most famous structure on New York City's skyline. Your visit will take you to one or both of its observation decks, where you'll be able to get a bird's-eye view of Manhattan and see for up to 80 miles (128 kilometers) on a clear day. You'll also learn about its engineering and architectural importance. It's especially memorable if you book an experience that takes place before it opens to the general public.

Per one customer who booked the NYC Empire State Building Sunrise Experience + Starbucks Reserve, "It was great to be there and see a contrast between the dark scene as we arrived, and the city waking up. It was also very special to only be sharing the experience with a small number of people - there must have been about 40 people there today. No queues, no jostling, unrestricted views of the city. Staff were very attentive and friendly and we even got a Starbucks as part of the deal on our way out. All in all, expensive, but if this is something you will only do once in your lifetime, it's entirely worth it."

Yes, it’s worth buying tickets to the Empire State Building in advance. Not only will you guarantee your admission, but you’ll also avoid needing to wait in the separate ticket line. That said, you can also visit the landmark’s on-site kiosks to enquire about last-minute ticket availability.

First-time visitors to the Empire State Building should start with standard admission tickets to the 86th Floor Observatory or visit the 102nd Floor Top Deck for an added cost. Other options such as premium skip-the-line admission, sunrise experiences, and all-access tickets can cost US$500 per person.

Yes, you can visit the Empire State Building’s ground-floor dining and shopping areas for free. Children five and under and military veterans can enter the building for free. Everyone else will need to purchase a ticket to visit the Empire State Building’s observation decks.

That depends. The Empire State Building’s 86th Floor Observation Deck offers spectacular New York City skyline views. However, the 102nd Floor Top Deck is 16 stories higher, and with its 360-degree floor-to-ceiling windows, visitors can enjoy even more striking—and unimpeded—views of the city.

Yes, you need a ticket to reach the top of the Empire State Building, including both the 86th Floor Observation Deck and the 102nd Floor Top Deck. Guarantee your admission by booking tickets online in advance. However, you can also try your luck at the on-site ticket kiosks.

To reserve a time slot for the Empire State Building, purchase advance tickets on its website—a variety of visiting packages are available, so you can choose the best option for you. You can also book tickets at kiosks on the second floor.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting the Empire State Building. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in New York City:

• Statue of Liberty

• Central Park

• Ellis Island

• National September 11 Memorial & Museum

• Flatiron Building

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in New York.