NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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
Reviews(7,239)
Fabulous trip, every member of staff went above and beyond to be helpful and all were so kind. They made the experience even more memorable.
Takes about an hour, fast and kind staff Super clean and nice exhibit content, the history was very interesting in how it was built
We all enjoyed the experience and learned new material. They should get the express pass and view all floors available.
Have been twice during the day, but sunset is at another level. Amazing views watching the sun go down.
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.
A good tour guide makes all the difference! It was so informative and interesting. All the knowledge and history was fascinating.
It was a beautiful view!! Enjoyed everything about the day especially the soccer jersey display. Grandchildren were thrilled with our visit to the empire State Bldg
Here’s a polished version that highlights Sharon’s impact in a way management is likely to appreciate: Sharon is the reason we had a truly exceptional experience at the Empire State Building. The moment you enter the ticket lobby, you’re likely to meet Sharon—and if you’re like most visitors, you’ll quickly realize how invaluable she is. While many guests begin by attempting to use the kiosks on their own, nearly everyone eventually turns to Sharon for assistance. During the 15 minutes we spent in the lobby, I watched patron after patron seek her help, and she assisted each one with remarkable patience, professionalism, and genuine enthusiasm. What stood out most was that Sharon didn’t just answer questions—she elevated the entire experience. Her extensive knowledge, engaging personality, and willingness to go above and beyond transformed what could have been a routine stop into an enjoyable and memorable part of our visit. In fact, we found ourselves staying longer than expected, taking photos and enjoying our conversations with her. Employees like Sharon are rare. She is an outstanding ambassador for the Empire State Building and exemplifies the level of customer service that leaves a lasting impression on visitors. Management should know that Sharon’s dedication, expertise, and positive attitude directly contribute to the exceptional reputation of this iconic destination.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a wonderful and thoughtful review regarding Sharon! She is a true testament to what executional customer service is and we are glad you were able to see that firsthand. We hope to welcome you back again in the future!
My favorite tour of the trip. Building was awesome! Staff could've been a bit more helpful when my friend and I got separated.
We had a great experience visiting the Empire State Building and would definitely recommend adding the 102nd-floor upgrade. We booked the Express Pass for a Saturday morning around 9:00 a.m., and honestly, the crowds were light enough that we didn’t really need it. However, I can see the value for visitors who like to linger longer at each exhibit or are visiting during busier times. The views from both the 86th and 102nd floors were incredible and gave us a unique perspective of New York City. Everything was well organized, the staff were friendly, and the experience felt smooth from start to finish. Overall, it was a memorable visit and one of the highlights of our trip.
