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

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.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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

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

General Admission 86th & 102nd

Top Deck 86th & 102nd: General Admission to the 86th Floor Main Deck + 102nd Floor Observation Deck

Reviews

4.43

7,166 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

5026

1141

415

233

351

Fantastic-Worth Doing
shellyc653,May 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The views were fantastic and it wasn’t as crowded as expected. This is a must do in NY.
Great Views Of NYC
maddyhudson,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a great time visiting the Empire State Building. The whole experience was really well organised and the views from the top were amazing. It was fantastic being able to see across New York City and take in all the famous landmarks from above. Definitely one of the highlights of our trip and something we would recommend to anyone visiting. I’d also recommend booking on the day if it’s not peak holiday season, as on the first day we planned to go it was extremely foggy so we wouldn’t have seen anything. We ended up reassessing and going the next day instead, which worked out perfectly.
Foggy
kimwunderlich,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00
I didn’t receive a confirmation for the tickets so I wasn’t sure if we had reservations until I showed up. No visibility on a rainy day so it was a bust.
Be aware on overcast or cloudy days.
Escape44217281787,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00
There was no tour operator and it was cloudy and we were unable to see anything. I tried to cancel or reschedule with no luck on finding anyone to support me.
Go when clear skies
Kari M,May 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00
Cloudy so we couldn't see anything at all. There were no lines but clear why that was the case. It was our last day so no other option
Top tour We took the 3 days we were there.
Jason R,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Super amazing tour. To say that it's obvious they ha e been doing this for a long time is an understatement. Them have it figured out. The most interactive. And from the start to the very finish, every person that worked there was absolutely on point.. Just go. You won't regret it.
Highly recommend!
Tracy Y,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
This tour of the Empire State Building was great! I loved that I could go at my own pace and take my time reading and watching all the exhibits. I found the staff to be very friendly and felt very safe. The views from the 86th floor and the 102nd floor were amazing.
Amazing Should
349sareenk,May 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Sharon B and Henry and Joseph have been such an incredible help to assault and made our experience a five star experience and they were incredibly friendly thank you for making our New York trip. Amazing. we will definitely come back and tell friends and family.
Visit at off peak times
Companion44397260263,May 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I recall drawing the empire state building as a child. I wanted to see the building and it was a bucket list item to attend. Seeing no line on Friday at 5pm I took the opportunity to visit the observation deck and loved being able to see one of the most iconic sights in the world. Thank you
Empire State of mind
Louis S,May 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
A lot of history told in a creative way. Love the time lapse construction video and beautiful views from the top. So different than 30 years ago.