NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket
Overview
Mobile ticket
Soaring 1,454 feet above Midtown Manhattan from base to antenna, the Empire State Building (ESB) is the World’s Most Famous Building. Our 86th Floor Observation Deck, open daily, offers the highest 360 degree open-air vantage point in New York City and on a clear day, you can see up to six states–New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Immerse yourself in the Empire State Building story on your way to the top. Located on the 2nd and 80th floors, exhibits are open to all ticket holders.
Choose to upgrade to the Express ticket to make your way down the red carpet and skip all the lines on your way to the Main Deck. Experience the convenience of an expedited journey to the top of the building.
For the ultimate experience, upgrade to include the observatory on the 102nd Floor. Take your New York City experience higher. Our reimagined 102nd floor offers unmatched, floor-to-ceiling views stretching up to 80 miles on a clear day.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Empire State Building
Experience the views at the center of it all. Set in the heart of Midtown Manhattan with unmatched vistas of New York City and a panorama that stretches across six states. Immerse yourself in the Empire State Building story on your way to the top. Located on the 2nd and 80th floors, exhibits are open to all ticket holders. You may proceed directly to the turnstile with your voucher.
What‘s Included
Free Wi-Fi on-site
Access to second floor immersive exhibits
Access to 86th Floor Observatory
Admission to the Empire State Building
Meeting points
Empire State Building
20 West 34th Street New York City United States
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Options
Express Pass 86 & 102 Top Deck
Skip-the Line Ticket 86 & 102: Skip-the-Line Admission down the red carpet all the way to the 86th Floor Main Deck + 102nd Floor Observation Deck
General Admission 86th Floor
Main Deck 86th Floor: General Admission to the 86th Floor Main Deck Observatory
General Admission 86th & 102nd
Top Deck 86th & 102nd: General Admission to the 86th Floor Main Deck + 102nd Floor Observation Deck
Express Pass 86th Main Deck
Skip-the Line Ticket 86th : Skip-the-Line Admission down the red carpet all the way to the 86th Floor Main Deck Observatory
Reviews
6,897 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Must Do in NYC!!!
MICHELLE T,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Visiting the Empire State Building was one of those experiences that truly lives up to its reputation. I went with my grandpa and my mom, and sharing this iconic moment together made it even more meaningful. It felt less like a tourist stop and more like being part of history. From the moment you enter, there’s a sense of significance that’s hard to describe. Knowing how much the Empire State Building represents—not just to New York, but to the world—adds a special weight to the experience. The exhibits are well done and help build anticipation as you make your way up. Reaching the observation deck was unforgettable. The views are absolutely breathtaking, stretching endlessly in every direction. Seeing New York City from above, with its skyline, rivers, and neighborhoods all coming together, was emotional in the best way. As the sunset approached, the city slowly transformed, with warm light fading into a sea of lights that felt almost unreal. Watching that transition with my mom and grandpa beside me is a memory I’ll always treasure. What made the visit especially enjoyable was how accessible and smooth the experience felt for all of us. Despite being such a famous landmark, everything was organized and easy to navigate, which made it comfortable for different generations to enjoy together. The Empire State Building isn’t just a viewpoint—it’s a moment. It captures the spirit, scale, and beauty of New York City in a way few places can. It’s easy to see why it’s considered a Traveler Favorite, and it’s an experience I would highly recommend to anyone visiting the city, whether for the first time or the tenth.
Spends a lot of time...
David D,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Spends a lot of time going through the history and the empire state building in popular media. The view was amazing, but not for people who are scared of heights.
Excellent Experience Spectacular Views
Cihan F,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brilliant experience with outstanding views of New York - loved every minute of it! Loved the gift shop too. Staff so friendly.
Iconic NYC Experience!
CathyZaba,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is it! I’ve done old world trade, One World Trade and now this. This is it. This is the one you want. What a great experience with super helpful and friendly attendants! Our experience was stellar from beginning to end. We arrived almost an hour early and were let in immediately. We were impressed with them museum experience as we entered and went through the building to the elevators. Once at the top the views were incredible and the heaters such a nice touch! We could stay as long as we wanted! The only disappointment was how much they charge for the pictures they take of you. I mean it is a digital picture not even at the top! Ridiculous! The gift shop is also very expensive but I only needed my magnet! Overall a great NYC experience!
Coming backkk
moesm2026,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sooo, I’m was pretty hesitant about coming. Sometimes I feel like you’ll get scammed and everything has hidden fees when you’re on a tour. Mr. Mustafa Ahmad made everything so easy and was very assuring every step of the way. You can tell he loves his job. He explained everything thoroughly and made it so enjoyable!!! 10000/10 experience and def recommending Empire State to all my family and friends when they visit! Wish Mr.Ahmad is a Togo tourist guide ! Thank you for an amazing experience and time !
Fine museum; great views
chairduck,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The stuff that pads out the experience is cute (photo-ops with King Kong; exhibits about building the building), though part of me wishes there was a cheaper ticket that cuts out all the junk and just lets you go to the top.
Sunset and snow
AttillaTheHoney,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Buy the express pass, it’s definitely worth the price. No waiting in lines, express elevator to the observation deck. We had a blast up there. We went up at 3:30 and caught a spectacular sunset and …it snowed 🥰🥰🥰 staff were professional, kind, patient and knowledgeable. The lady at the observation deck at the top was tremendous. I’m terrified of heights but she chatted to me and put me totally at ease. What an asset to the organization she is.
Krishna in NYC
Krishna R,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It’s very easy to book and very well explained locations start and end with maps Excellent and will go for further more
Empire state building
Lee B,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We turned up early and they were extremely good about letting us in early without any fuss. We were also inspired to watch King Kong afterwards
Empire State Building Night TOur
groovyd23,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an amazing experience! I highly recommend doing this at night and add the 102nd floor. You will not be disappointed!
From US$47.91
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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