NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket

Badge of Excellence

New York City, USA

Very popular!

20+ bookings in the past 6 hours.

45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket

Why travelers loved this

4.4

· MayraA_E ·

Mar 2026

This is a wonderful activity for families to enjoy! It show cased a well organized, educational, adventurous, and quick activities. There were helpful and friendly staff that guided us.

· Lorraine_T ·

May 2026

Enjoyable experience. Amazing building. The people are friendly working there. Nice gift shop. The ice cream is nice.

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Overview

Marvel at the 360-degree, unobstructed views from the world-famous Empire State Building. Enjoy access to the open-air 86th Floor Observatory for stunning views of Central Park and beyond. Upgrade to the 102nd Floor Observatory 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 its 2nd and 80th floors. You can also upgrade for skip-the-line entry for faster arrival.

Experience the 86th Floor Observatory, with the option to upgrade to the 102nd Floor Observatory
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

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 Library in Midtown Manhattan any day of the year.

Begin your visit at the Empire State Building’s iconic 86th Floor Observatory, 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 Observatory. 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.

Empire State Building

Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
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

Supplied by

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 7,144 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Empire State of mind

Louis_S, May 2026

A lot of history told in a creative way. Love the time lapse construction video and beautiful views from the top. So different than 30 years ago.

New York again!

ALICIA_R, May 2026

Been to NY a few times but it was our first time exploring this site. Had a great time. Worth visiting.

Fantastic views of New York

Jeremy_D, May 2026

Fantastic views of New York and surrounding areas. No queues if you go early. Whole tour was about 90 minutes - allow more if there was queues.

The story of Lady Liberty

gina_d, May 2026

We took a tour of the Statue of Liberty. Our guide (Joseph) was very knowledgeable and he gave great insight involving how Lady Liberty became the icon of our American culture she is today.

It’s an experience you’ll...

Kaylene_B, May 2026

It’s an experience you’ll never forget!!! Make sure to take your time going through as there is so much to see!!!

Don't use this company.

Aiza_W, May 2026

I've been attempting to get in touch with this company to reschedule the booking date, but unfortunately, I haven't received any response. I've made several calls, but no one has picked up. I even reached out to Viator for assistance, but they're also having trouble reaching the company. I wouldn't suggest this company since they seem to have communication issues.

Enjoyable experience....

Lorraine_T, May 2026

Enjoyable experience. Amazing building. The people are friendly working there. Nice gift shop. The ice cream is nice.

Well worth a trip!

Susan_F, May 2026

Fabulous experience. Best views of the city by far. A definite must to visit while in New York, the shops pretty good too.

Worth the views

L_D, May 2026

I have always wanted to visit the Empire State Building and I am so glad I did. I flew in Saturday morning and fropped my luggage at a close Bounce luggage storage location that was about a five minute walk away. There is a really cool Starbucks that u can order from and relax until your appointed time that is right at the building. It is bigger than most with a reserved seating room downstairs and interactive wall. My entry time was at 11:15 and I was able to walk right in, no wait. Enjoy the museum part. I love how interactive it is. The 86th floor was beautiful but the 102nd felt special only because u are up so high and views are not obstructed with fencing. It is floor to ceiling glass. Tips: go earlier. Dew crowds and walk right in. Allow about an hour to hour and half to really enjoy

Lovely

Heather_S, May 2026

It is self led and very chill. We made sure we visited outside the summer rush months. The view was beautiful

Great for last minute...

Joyce_W, May 2026

Great for last minute tickets. We went at night (golden hour) and stunning 360o views. There is not a bad side of the building. Would suggest walking around the entire observation deck. It was windy on the 86th observation deck so be aware of that. Lots of history of the building, building of the building and that era. Worth a trip if you’re NYC. It’s iconic. Oh, photo opp with King Kong!

First Timers to NYC

MariaBella_B, May 2026

This tour is highly recommended especially to those who are first time visitors in NYC. the Iconic Empire State Building is a MUST to every visitor coming to NYC and the best tour is thru Viator

“It is what it is”

Sandra_M, May 2026

All the smartly dressed attendants are very polite and attentive, it is difficult to capture good photos

Wonderful

Roy_E, May 2026

Absolutely excellent wonderful views & fantastic interaction with the mighty King Kong. Brilliant fantastic excellent

Great place to visit, iconic, excellent staff

Spud, May 2026

Very easy to access use your printed tickets to access the viewing point. Great views, very well organised once inside, great flow to the whole attraction. The staff are really good .

Response from Host, May 2026

Thank you for your great feedback! We’re so glad you enjoyed the views and found everything well organized. A special thank you for your kind words about our staff! We hope to see you again!

Excellent tour highly recommend if your a fan of the show.

Mary_L, May 2026

Our guide John was so interesting to listen to he told us loads of facts about the show and was very friendly and engaging. The driver edwar was also a very safe driver we felt completely relaxed.

Fantastic experience

sara_a, May 2026

Amazing views from 86 wasn't brave enough to go to 102 definitely worth a visit great experience for everyone

Amazing

sara_a, May 2026

What an experience I only made it to the 86th floor where the others went to 102 amazing views from 86

Beautiful

cathleen_r, May 2026

It wasn’t necessary to upgrade to VIP express lane. Waste of money. Beautiful views though. Totally worth going, but not the upgrade. But then again, maybe I hit a slow day.

Fabulous views of the NY skyline lovely experience suitable for all the family

Nicola_P, Apr 2026

Really lovely experience, not crowded, fabulous views, the team are really friendly and take the time to share information and stories

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Thank you so much for the kind words! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the experience, and we truly appreciate the wonderful feedback about our team. We look forward to welcoming you back again in the future!

Amazing!!

Donna_L, Apr 2026

So much fun and unexpected interactive videos and pictures. We loved it!! The view at sunset was so gorgeous, just amazing views!!

Response from Host, Apr 2026

We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your experience during your visit! Thank you so much for sharing and we look forward to welcoming you back again in the future!

Wonderful experience....

Ariana_B, Apr 2026

Wonderful experience. Tickets came straight to my phone. Guides were very nice and made navigation easy. Worth while.

First trip

Vince_O, Apr 2026

Beautiful views. Great educational experience. Fun. Pricey A 100 character review is too short to be thorough and too long to be entertaining.

Enjoy the views!

SuAnn_M, Apr 2026

Take your time - enjoy the views! Try and go on a day with minimal clouds. Get your tickets ahead of time.

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Thank you for coming! We hope to see you again soon!

Empire State Building visit

Mark_R, Apr 2026

It's a good experience, a bit expensive though, $101 for 2 people to go to the 86th floor, more if you want to go to the 102nd floor ..$182 for 2 people. The views were great, there is educational displays and information along the way. It wasn't too crowded and you don't feel rushed. You can definitely take some great pictures of the city.

Amazing views

Sara_L, Apr 2026

We loved the skip the line tickets, got yo go up on red carpets, making you feel very special. Needed as went in July busy time. Loved the whole experience and views were amazing. Highly recommend