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NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket

Badge of Excellence
New York City, USA
Trending
Booked 10+ times in 12 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.
· 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

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 Observatory
  • 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.
    1

    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

    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 7,076 reviews
    Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

    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

    Excellent day we spend...

    Muzammil_M, Apr 2026
    Excellent day we spend wonderful time with our family easy access and we watch beautiful sunset Thank you team

    Still the best views!!

    Dhiren_C, Apr 2026
    Excellent sunset views of NYC. Still the best and original. Much prefer it to The Edge and Summit as it’s extremely nostalgic.

    Awesome views

    LYNETTE_M, Mar 2026
    Absolutely breathtaking, photos do no justice Must be seen . Weather was perfect and the views were magnificent

    Empire State Building

    Nancy_K, Mar 2026
    The King Kong area as you walked to get to the elevators was great for pictures The views were very nice. On both the 86th and 102nd floors

    The views were amazing...

    Angela_D, Mar 2026
    The views were amazing and the entrance was seamless. We enjoyed learning about the historical aspects of the construction of the Empire State Building.

    Above it All - Empire State

    Kenneth_W, Mar 2026
    Visiting the Empire State Building was nothing short of unforgettable. Experiencing both the 86th and 102nd floor Observatory Decks offered breathtaking, panoramic views that truly capture the spirit and scale of New York City. What made the visit even more special was the incredible insight shared by James C and Joshua. Their knowledge of the building’s engineering and the surrounding cityscape added a deeper appreciation to what we were seeing. They didn’t just point out landmarks - they brought the history and structure of this iconic skyscraper to life. From the open-air feel of the 86th floor to the stunning, elevated perspective of the 102nd, every moment felt unique and awe-inspiring. This was more than just a visit - it was an experience we’ll all remember for years to come.

    Amazing experience

    Stacey_H, Mar 2026
    Amazing experience staff are very friendly and helpful, very clean and classy building, going to the 86th floor was something else.. . Would definitely recommend

    Response from Host, Mar 2026

    Thank you so much for such an amazing review! The view from the 86th floor is something that will stay with you with such amazing memories! We hope to welcome you back again in the future!

    The highlight of our New...

    Debbie_H, Mar 2026
    The highlight of our New York trip! Loved all the historical displays and videos. Amazing experience from start to finish!

    Empire State Building

    LAUREEN_S, Mar 2026
    Great hour long (+/-) activity. The building is beautiful and the interactive displays are entertaining. The view is fantastic.

    We arrived in time to see...

    Kathy_B, Mar 2026
    We arrived in time to see daylight turn to night, as we wanted to see how the city looked with all the lights on. Good decision on our part.

    Empire State Building

    Marie_N, Mar 2026
    That this is a self-guided tour. Handicapped friendly. Happy we chose to go all the way to the top floor.

    Great views but bad service

    lisasullivan, Mar 2026
    Great views of the city shame for such a well known landmark that they don’t acknowledge disability I advised when entering that I am disabled as I cannot stand for long periods as I have cancer and suffer extreme exhaustion I asked if they was a different queue for disabled they said no just follow it around I asked again at the 2nd floor and was told the same thing amazing views of the city but disappointing service if your disabled be prepared to join the long queues

    A must do experience

    Stacey_C, Mar 2026
    A great experience and if you time it right you can watch the sunset, which is a must do! The views of all of New York are incredible!

    Excellent ESB!!

    Carl_M, Mar 2026
    Beautiful, clean, and we'll managed. Treated like an American treasure. With strong local integration.

    The Big Apple View.

    Annette_A, Mar 2026
    This experience was filled with information about the Empire State Building. Give yourself some time so that you can read the information that is displayed. We were lucky it was not too crowded so we didn’t feel rushed. The views are everything.

    Beautiful to see, wouldn't waste money on a speed pass

    Heather_M, Mar 2026
    It's beautiful to see, but don't waste money on a speed pass. It was just as quick to go through the main security and lines as the others. We went at 4 pm on a Friday in March during spring break, and it wasn't super busy. Staff could have encouraged those not viewing sights to step to the interior of the room as there were a couple of groups that were just standing and talking and not even viewing anything with their back to the windows, and didn't move so others could view out the windows. The other was a group of 4 children who were sitting in front of the windows looking at phones and no ones could get to the window. It was rather rude and staff didn't ask them to move. This was on the 102nd floor so there isn't a lot of space there to begin with. Otherwise, the viewing is beautiful on both levels an It's nice to be able to go outside on the 86th floor. Something to experience if you are a first-timer in New York.

    Great views, poor customer service

    Jean_W, Mar 2026
    The staff isn't helpful and borderline rude. Signage is weak. When we went through security there were no trays and yet I got yelled at for not using a tray for my phone.

    Super fun! Lots to learn...

    Tia_L, Mar 2026
    Super fun! Lots to learn about the history. Plenty of rooms to capture memories, insight of the structure and the changes made over the years.

    It is very well organized...

    Barbara_R, Mar 2026
    It is very well organized and the team members are very friendly and helpful. The view is fabulous!!

    Wow it was amazing,...

    David_B, Mar 2026
    Wow it was amazing, highly recommend Lift was quick inside platform 80th was good, 86th outside platform was Wow 👌

    Easy booking experience!

    Jackie_P, Mar 2026
    Booked this an hour or so before tour and it was so simple! Highly recommend going around sunset time- it was a stunning view of the city!

    Girls Trip

    CONNIE_K, Mar 2026
    Scheduling a time worked out for my visit! Beautiful views of New York! Observation Deck was easy to navigate and had many areas of viewing.

    This is a wonderful...

    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.

    It is worth every penny,...

    Indiana_F, Feb 2026
    It is worth every penny, an experience not to be overlooked. Word of caution when you choose your pics at the end of visit make sure you actually receive them in your email before you leave. I never got mine?

    Response from Host, Mar 2026

    Hi! We are sorry to hear you did not receive your email as you had hoped. Please reach out to us at "roomtoimprove@esbonyc.com" and give us any details or codes you have that we can forward to our Showtime partners to get you your photos. We look forward to hearing from you.

    You have to see it

    Debora_S, Feb 2026
    Going to the top is amazing. If you are late they still let you go within the 1 1/2 hr tour time. Our flight was late and we tried to call /chat both companies and no one responded so we went anyway and luckily at least saw it without a guide. Experience 10, communication 0.

    Do it.

    Sharilyn_B, Feb 2026
    What a fun experience. Lots of historical facts to read about as you travel to the top for the grand view. Pretty amazing how it all came together. Staff was very nice and genuinely wanted us to enjoy our time there.

    From $47.91

    per person

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

    Book ahead!
    On average, this is booked 19 days in advance.

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