NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket

Overview

Mobile ticket

At the Empire State Building Observation Deck, voted the #1 Top Attraction in the U.S. in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things to Do, the skyline is not just what you see—it’s what you feel.

Start with immersive galleries that bring the building’s story to life, from innovative construction and Art Deco design to pop culture.

Then head to the 86th Floor Observation Deck, an open-air experience in the heart of Manhattan with sweeping 360° views. From Central Park to the Brooklyn Bridge, see New York’s most famous landmarks from a one-of-a-kind perspective.

Upgrade to 102nd Floor Observation Deck, reimagined with floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning views with visibility up to 80 miles on a clear day.

Short on time? Choose an Express Ticket for priority access the fastest way to the top.

Whether it is your first visit or your tenth, the Empire State Building connects you to the energy, history, and ambition that make New York City unforgettable.

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.

Admission Included

What‘s Included

Free Wi-Fi on-site

Admission to the Empire State Building

Access to second floor immersive exhibits

Access to 86th Floor Observation Deck

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

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

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

Reviews

4.43

7,151 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

5015

1138

415

233

350

Ricardo
Sightsee35097768121,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
ricardo made my visit way more fun and he was so helpful and funny and made me smile
Lovely Experience
Karla V,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I went with my partner in the evening. Surprisingly there wasn’t any long queue. I had a great time and it was such an unforgettable experience especially when I got to the top. The view in the evening was so lovely. It was very windy and chilly though so be prepared.
Enjoyable experience....
Lorraine T,May 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
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 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Fabulous experience. Best views of the city by far. A definite must to visit while in New York, the shops pretty good too.
Great visit and view
hockeygoon96,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We took advantage of the double visit going during the day then again at night and very cool to see. Day was busy but did not take too long. The night visit we were in and up very quickly. Definitely a must do when in NY.
Amazing!!
willowa994,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing views staff are very friendly and helpful
Empire states building site seeing
Getaway61702624731,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent time and definitely worth experiencing.
Worth the views
L D,May 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
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 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
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 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
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!