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Beyond New York City

NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket

Badge of Excellence
New York City, USA
Very popular!
10+ bookings in the past 6 hours.
+16
  • 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket

Why travelers loved this

4.4
·
· George_C ·
Aug 2026
Awesome experience, the views are amazing. Very informative, clean environment, friendly staff. Highly recommended!
· Lynn_R ·
Jul 2026
Very nice experience. Efficiently run. Highly recommend! Not too crowded. ESB is gorgeous. Do not miss the opportunity when visiting NYC!

Overview

Marvel at the 360-degree, unobstructed views from the world-famous Empire State Building. Enjoy access to the open-air 86th Floor Observation Deck for stunning views of Central Park and beyond. Upgrade to the 102nd Floor Observation Deck with floor-to-ceiling glass windows for the ultimate skyline view that stretches up to six states. All tickets include access to exhibition displays on the 2nd and 80th floors. You can also upgrade for skip-the-line entry for faster arrival.
  • Experience the 86th Floor Observation Deck, with the option to upgrade to the 102nd Floor
  • Interactive History–Explore exhibits on construction, pop culture, and sustainability
  • Upgrade for skip-the-line tickets to make sightseeing extra efficient
  • Get up close and personal with a New York City icon

What's Included

  • Admission to the Empire State Building
  • Access to 86th Floor Observation Deck
  • Access to second floor immersive exhibits
  • Free Wi-Fi on-site
  • See a rare 1818 silk Declaration of Independence at the Empire State Building

    Meeting and Pickup

    Departure Point

    • Empire State Building, 20 West 34th Street, New York City, NY 10001

    What To Expect

    Make your own way to the Empire State Building in Midtown Manhattan any day of the year.

    Begin your visit at the Empire State Building’s iconic 86th Floor Observation Deck, where you enjoy the best 360-degree views in New York City. From 1,054 feet (320 meters) above, take in sweeping panoramas of Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and beyond. This open-air deck is the perfect spot for unforgettable photos both day and night.

    For even better views, choose a ticket to the reimagined 102nd Floor Observation Deck. Here, floor-to-ceiling glass windows provide unmatched views of up to six states. This ultimate New York City view provides a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the city from one of the highest vantage points in Manhattan.

    Before you take in the views, immerse yourself in the Empire State Building’s history and artistry. Explore the interactive museum galleries on the second and 80th floors, where exhibits trace its historic construction, sustainability innovations, and starring role in films like "King Kong" and
    "Sleepless in Seattle." Don’t miss the Art Deco Fifth Avenue Lobby, a New York architectural gem, that has welcomed millions of visitors from around the world.
    1

    Empire State Building

    Admission Ticket Included

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Stroller accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Near public transportation
    • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
    • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Most travelers can participate
    • No refunds due to weather conditions, length of lines or wait times at the building
    • Infant tickets for children 0-5 years are free and can be picked up at the ticket office upon arrival
    • For the best experience, we recommend visiting two hours after opening time
    • Running a little late? Please arrive as close as possible to your scheduled time, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

    Traveler Photos

    Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

    Reviews

    4.4
    based on 7,477 reviews
    Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
    Sort by: Most recent

    Empire State Building

    terri_r, Aug 2026
    Icon landmark NY . Not strenuous with some stairs. Many pictures opportunities on multiple levels. The history was presented well and interactive

    I must do in New York City

    Heather_O, Aug 2026
    An absolute must do in New York City. Such an iconic, historical, piece of the city. The views are spectacular, and it gives you an appreciation for the hard work it took to erect a masterpiece.

    Good for history and to see the city

    Jan_N, Aug 2026
    Trip expensive but great. For taking picturss didn’t realize we would also go from 80 (inside windows) to 86 (outside) so we took the same pictures twice.

    Great!

    John_H, Aug 2026
    I thought it would be a guided tour. We thought someone was going to lead us on a tour. We were on our own to figure out what was what.

    Great

    Sara_A, Aug 2026
    The experience was excellent! We truly enjoyed the views of the skyscrapers. You can admire the towers either from behind the windows or from the rooftop of the building. The sight is breathtaking and offers a unique perspective of the cityscape. Don't miss the opportunity to take in these stunning views!

    Excellent experience,we love it and every time we come to New York will visit The Empire State 😍😍🌯

    Estela_R, Aug 2026
    Excellent, Good customer service and it was incredible .It was fantastic adventure for me and my Son.

    No comment

    Lynne_M, Aug 2026
    Making reservations is highly recommended and glad I did - teens first trip to New York enjoyed the experience

    Great place to visit

    Margaret_R, Aug 2026
    It’s a great tourist attraction. The museum and observation deck are so interesting. Highly recommend gelato on 86th floor observation deck.

    Worth it

    Josephine_B, Aug 2026
    Awesome deal on tickets and a fantastic experience! Steve was super friendly, sharing cool facts and pointing out spots from the 102nd-floor observatory.

    Sunset rain

    Anne_L, Aug 2026
    We got tickets to see both floors, it was raining at first but then cleared up, still could see out very far. Went at sunset and it was beautiful watching the lights of the city come to life!

    Great experience

    Sebastian_S, Aug 2026
    We had a great experience! At the 102 deck, Steve was fantastic! He took pictures for us and walked us around the many views. Amazing!!!

    On a clear day

    Susan_D, Aug 2026
    The displays were fantastic. Make sure it is a clear day. We did both levels. I’m not sure going to the 102nd floor was worth it. It is the same view.

    Great trip even with poor visibility

    Mark_H, Aug 2026
    The weather wasn't great, poor visibility BUT that meant it was less crowded and I was able to ramble my way through the exhibition at my own gentle pace..... lovely helpful staff... the rain came, so I got back inside. Managed to get a fair few photos. A good trip

    Excellent day trip

    Adele_P, Aug 2026
    This is an absolute must. And with the priority ticket you’re able to bypass all the queues as well. So worth it. Especially being able to go to the 102nd floor as well.

    Awesome experience, the...

    George_C, Aug 2026
    Awesome experience, the views are amazing. Very informative, clean environment, friendly staff. Highly recommended!

    A must-see in New York

    Brendia_E, Aug 2026
    I’m not sure if a jam-packed itinerary was getting to me here for hitting all of the tourist-like spots or what but it was ok for me. I certainly appreciated the architecture and design and fun setups within but the view was a view for me. If you’re more of a history buff and like to point out which building is which , what was filmed where, or who did what where, then sure it adds another element to the experience. However, for me, it was ok. I’m more of a “feels” type of person and I just didn’t get that awe factor from it. Overall, a good experience for the family.

    Night time experience and it was 10/10 did not disappoint. Would highly recommend to anyone

    Amy_M, Aug 2026
    We opted to go at night time and it didn’t disappoint. The views were incredible, there was no queues etc due to going late at night but what an experience we will never forget.

    We had the best time on...

    Brianne_E, Aug 2026
    We had the best time on the 86th floor, but the most amazing part of the trip was the 102nd floor. No outside food or drinks are allowed onto the 102nd floor.

    Good views and info about the Empire state building

    Ivette_W, Aug 2026
    Overall, a good tour of one of the world's most iconic buildings. I wish it would not have been as crowded for the Kong arm photo opportunity and you cannot go back after the observatory. Displays were very informative as well as interactive.

    Pricey but nice views

    Amy_P, Aug 2026
    Booked this last minute on a Sunday afternoon in July so I thought it would be crowded, but it wasn’t. Lines were short. Nice museum display. 80th floor had nice views from inside. 86th floor was open air, but metal safety fencing detracts from selfies. A bit pricey…I preferred going to Summit One Vanderbilt and getting a view of the ESB.

    If you want to be on the...

    Denise_B, Jul 2026
    If you want to be on the deck for sunset, plan on getting there earlier due to the museum sections taking time, so you don't miss sunset! (Great addition, by the way! When I was here years ago, the museum/ building stages part didn't exist!)

    Breathtaking Building

    Fran_F, Jul 2026
    The nighttime view is spectacular! The building reminds gorgeously presented. The employees were very kind and accommodating to our daughter being in a wheelchair.

    DON'T make a same day booking - Time was Changed, Refund was Denied!

    Patricia_J, Jul 2026
    This was a same day booking that I made while sitting at dinner. I requested an 8pm tour, but received a confirmation for 6:45pm. I was still sitting at dinner at 6:45. I contacted viator right away, they couldn't reach the tour operator, but assured me that I could cancel the tour and receive a refund since the time I requested was altered during the booking process. Then, and multiple times since then, the refund was refused. We DID NOT take this tour. Would have like to, but the time that was booked was changed during the Viator booking process.

    Response from Host, Aug 2026

    Hi there — I’m sorry to hear about the frustration surrounding your booking. Based on your review, it sounds like there may have been an issue during the reservation process, and I can certainly understand how disappointing that would be. While reservations made through third-party partners are generally managed by the booking platform, we’d still like to better understand what happened. Please email roomtoimprove@esbonyc.com with your Viator booking reference so we can review the details from our end. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and hope to have the opportunity to welcome you in the future.

    It was quite smooth and...

    Rajesh_R, Jul 2026
    It was quite smooth and nice experience, Everything went well as expected, Enough time to take photos and videos, No rush,

    Amazing tour and view, a...

    Kirzia_R, Jul 2026
    Amazing tour and view, a lot of information about the history of the building about movies that were made there. The construction of the building and the view of the city amazing.

    Sunset in NYC

    Louise_A, Jul 2026
    Views were amazing at sunset but it was very crowded so it made it difficult to get good pics. The balloons and mirrored rooms were great for pics. Cocktails were very pretty and adorned with flowers.

    Amazing Experience - Great customer service

    Deborah_K, Jul 2026
    It’s very informative and well organized to get to the upper levels. Workers were very friendly and assisted everyone with professionalism.

    Wonderful

    Carlos_H, Jul 2026
    They should know how wonderful the experience was the employees were amazing and really nice I'm really looking forward to coming back

    Vendor sucks- No regard for customers

    Calvi_N, Jul 2026
    So we had been so excited to go BUT yesterday at 715am PDT while headed to NY our connection to NY was canceled due to weather as had been pretty much all flights to NY. Despite this ans sending the vendor ans Viator my cancelled flights out of my control. The vendor REFUSED to reschedule or refund. Do to me this shows you exactly who they are and care nothing about customer services.

    Great views

    scott_m, Jul 2026
    Great views of the city. Interesting history of the construction of the Empire State Builiding. Well worth it!!

    From $47.91

    per person

    up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

    Book ahead!
    On average, this is booked 17 days in advance.

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