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‘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 and Pickup

Meeting points

Empire State Building

20 West 34th Street New York City United States

End points

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

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

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 & 102nd

Top Deck 86th & 102nd: General Admission 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

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

4.41

6,779 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

4692

1108

409

230

340

2nd time around.
Christy M,
Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Loved the whole experience. I have been before, but this time felt a little more special with Christmas.
Spectacular…On top of the world.
Tracy R,
Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Give yourself plenty of time to experience all of the views. The employees are very helpful and informative.
VIP Premium Experience Tour. Seeing it all with new eyes: includes 86th, 102nd and many historical insights
cindytF1992NP,
Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We visited the Empire State Building the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, and we did the VIP Premium Experience Tour. From entering the lobby, to the warm welcome on every floor and hallway, we had such a wonderful time, and it was made special by our tour guide, Gerard. He had such a passion for the history of the building -- the marble details on the walls, the rivets in the support beams, up to the ceiling artwork. I could go on, but I think if you're considering the guided tour, you should try it. My sister, aunt and I had all visited the Empire State Building decades ago when only the 86th floor was open. And this trip was really special for us, because it wasn't just a trip up and a trip down, it was a getting to know the when and why of the building. My 4 year old son enjoyed King Kong and really got on well with Gerard, who had so much patience with the different energies in the group. Thank you for an amazing time! We hope to make it back again. -Cindy
A must-see!
Elizabeth L,
Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
An epic experience. A must at night! Fantastic exhibits inside! Just amazing! Loved the additional exhibits for the 100th anniversary of the Rockettes!
A must see in nyc, although this is self guided
richard b,
Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
Self guided tour- I think probably you can buy the same ticket at the empire state itself without coming through an agent- the only thing I’d advise is going early, it got very busy as we were leaving ( around 10.30am)- took about an hour an a half- we went to the 102nd floor which gave us breathtaking views- we did have a lovely clear day though.
Don’t visit on Thanksgiving Day!
Journey62681390125,
Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
My family had a great visit. The timing of going Thanksgiving Day was not a good idea as it was packed. Our original tickets were a couple of days prior to that but had to be changed due to the weather.
The experience was good;...
Lisandra R,
Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The experience was good; I loved seeing the city at night. Learning about the history of the building, the construction, and the history of its builders was fascinating.
A must do when in NYC 🙌🏽🤩
Enrique G,
Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Was a great self-guided experience to go up the Empire State Building with my Dad. The walk thru the museum was really cool & the incredible views. It’s a must do when in NYC 🙌🏽
New York Holiday
davidsE6056ZC,
Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Friendly staff vans breathtaking views well worth the visit. Blue skies helped with the experience. Really got to see all the panoramic sites
Highly Recommended
724mariellam,
Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This building is amazing. If you love movies related to it, especially King Kong, you will really enjoy this experience. They have added new features and continue to update and add more. I love it!