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Beyond New York City

NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket

Badge of Excellence
New York City, USA
In high demand!
5+ bookings in the last hour!
+13
  • 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket

Why travelers loved this

4.4
·
· 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!
· Janet_M ·
Jun 2026
What a wonderful experience seeing the views of New York from the top of the Empire State Building. We went around 5pm and there were no lines, so we were able to go right in. The exhibits were great, my favorite was the King Kong Giant Hands. It was fun taking pictures with it. The staff were very friendly and organized. Would 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 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
  • From June 9 through July 19 - Limited time Classic Football Jersey Exhibit

    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 7,397 reviews
    Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
    Sort by: Most insightful

    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.

    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!!

    Amazing Experience

    Pavitra_S, Jul 2026
    Loved the experience! Great sights, enjoyable for both adults and kids. A must do for anyone visiting NYC.

    Must do in NYC

    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!

    Lots to look it. They do...

    Alexia_M, Jul 2026
    Lots to look it. They do not rush you through your scheduled time. Take all the pictures and enjoy the history. It's self guided and more for older children to appreciate.

    A historical preservation of the project and its history in the city

    leesa_t, Jul 2026
    Great views. No missed opportunities to sell merchandise. We loved the audiovisual experience of the historical construction of the building.

    Amazing city view

    Shana_G, Jul 2026
    It was great ! We were able to get right up to the deck and see what we wanted to see of the city . I will say there isn’t much seating when you’re up there, so if you are someone that needs to sit , just be aware. Also if you want to go up to the 102 floor you have to go all the way back down to get a ticket for that upgrade

    Would recommend

    Carmen_C, Jul 2026
    It was great. Tour operator Owen was knowledgeable and fun. I liked that they let us do Ellis Island in our own.

    Great

    shannon_w, Jul 2026
    I loved every moment of this experience! My mom did not so much. She doesn't like heights but had heard there was a gift shop. So she was going to just wait for me there. Unfortunately the workers told her she had to go up and that she wouldn't see anything when she came off the elevator. To a point they were correct you come out into a room but there are windows every where. She found a little nook with a bench she could sit in and wait for me.

    Do not purchase this trip, this is a waste of money and it’s false advertisement to go up to the Empire State

    Ukti_P, Jul 2026
    I feel this was false advertisement. We were told that we would be allowed to go up to the reeling tower for the Fourth of July fireworks however, we were not allowed upon time. There were no wristbands available on time. The lines were delayed and we did not get up to the top and the fireworks were completed by the time we reached. Very mismanaged I would never recommend this trip to anybody.

    Fantastic

    Rebecca_D, Jul 2026
    This was amazing we’ve done this before but it was Xmas time so we had do it again and we wasnt disappointed it was great

    We enjoyed the...

    connie_j, Jul 2026
    We enjoyed the independence of not having to be with a group tour We were able to go at our own pace

    Beautiful experience!

    Ashlei_P, Jul 2026
    If you can, book this for before sunset. By the time you get to the very top (floor 102), you will have the most gorgeous view. We went at 8pm before the sun was setting, and by the time we left the sky was bright orange and all of the city lights were on. Gorgeous views. There is a gelato and cannoli stand on floor 86, very tasty. My mom is afraid of heights, and still enjoyed it for the most part. The 86th floor is enclosed by diamond fences and the 102nd floor is completely enclosed. The elevators are completely enclosed and get you up to the proper floor quickly.

    Trip ruined by people climbing the building

    Mozella_J, Jul 2026
    It was going to be a nice experience from the little I got too see, then the tours stopped for a good portion of time, and know one knew what was going on, til we were finally able to get out. Turns out 2- people were climbing the Empire State Building. One person said we could get a refund, then after going to the ticket office. Another person told me, they don’t give out refunds and since my tickets were brought through a 3rd party. They couldn’t do nothing for me. A lot of money wasted there. I didn’t even get the opportunity to pick up my pictures from them taken.

    Lady Liberty

    Gwenda_P, Jul 2026
    Be prepared for a lot of walking and stair climbing if you don’t wish to brave the long line for the elevator.

    Wonderful Experience!

    Janet_M, Jun 2026
    What a wonderful experience seeing the views of New York from the top of the Empire State Building. We went around 5pm and there were no lines, so we were able to go right in. The exhibits were great, my favorite was the King Kong Giant Hands. It was fun taking pictures with it. The staff were very friendly and organized. Would highly recommend!

    Empire

    Cheri_D, Jun 2026
    It is very organized. You can stay as long as you like on the 80th or 86th floor. There is lots to see. Only wish it had been a sunny day.

    Empire Visit

    Lorrie_M, Jun 2026
    Takes about an hour, fast and kind staff Super clean and nice exhibit content, the history was very interesting in how it was built

    Empire state building

    Vanessa_M, Jun 2026
    We all enjoyed the experience and learned new material. They should get the express pass and view all floors available.

    Sunset is a must! Amazing experience

    Mary_M, Jun 2026
    Have been twice during the day, but sunset is at another level. Amazing views watching the sun go down.

    NYC chi

    Andrea_A, Jun 2026
    What a sight, inside this iconic building with the breathtaking 360-degree views of New York City from observation decks, especially at sunset and night. Truly engaging to view highlights and informative museum exhibits about the history and construction. All of the staff were extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful in making the experience organized.

    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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