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4.4(15.3k Ratings)Rated 4.4 out of 5.0 from 15272 Ratings.

Empire State Building

No trip to New York is complete without a visit to the iconic Empire State Building. Head to the Observatory on the 86th & 102nd floor for a remarkable view of the city's celebrated skyline and famous landmarks. Book Empire State Building tickets to enjoy priority entry, an audio guide, and combo visits to other top attractions in the city.

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9:00 AM - 11:59 PM

Empire State Building

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Empire State Building: 86th Floor Skip-the-Line Tickets

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Skip-the-line/Express ticket to the 86th-floor observatory deck (as per option selected)

High-power binoculars

Art Deco lobby access

Free wifi

Skip-the-line/Express ticket to 102nd-floor observatory deck (optional)

Express ticket to the 86th-floor observatory deck

Red carpet lane access

High-power binoculars

Art Deco lobby access

Audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean and Mandarin

Free wifi

Express ticket to 102nd-floor observatory deck (optional)

Skip the ticket line to the 86th and 102nd-floor observatory deck

High-power binoculars

Art Deco lobby access

Audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean and Mandarin

Free wifi

Express ticket to 86th and 102nd-floor observatory deck (optional)

Cancellation policy
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Millions love heading out with us

Joanne Grace Hermans
NZ

Joanne

5/5
New Zealand
Empire State is a stunning, gracious 'old lady'. The exhibitions and film clips are interesting and give a great insight to her construction. I especially loved the King Kong corner and the movie clips from movies based around the building. The employees also deserve a mention - they are great!
Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket to Empire State Building Observatory
Kristina Ulanskas
US

Kristina

5/5
United States
It was very well organized and you could get some amazing informations about the surroundings and its history. We really enjoyed it and it's worth visiting.
Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket to Empire State Building Observatory
Kim Gardner

Kim

5/5
We went on the 9/11 Tribute tour right after lunch and then caught the last ferry to the Ellis Island. And then ended the day at the Empire State Observatory Deck to watch the sun set on the greatest city on the planet.
Empire State Building + 9/11 Memorial Museum Tickets
Chelsea Snyder

Chelsea

5/5
Loved the trip. Booking for this was super easy and we just had to show the tickets on our phone at all the venues. Very convenient.
Empire State Building + 9/11 Memorial Museum Tickets
Boyd Willis

Boyd

5/5
You know when you grow up you see New York all over the place, media, TV and movies, with long skyline shots of the city. And you hope that one day you get to experience that. The Empire state building gave me that experience I had been looking for! I clubbed both the experiences and went in a while before sunset so saw the sunset and then the entire city light up. Just wow!
The Empire State Building Observatory: AM/PM Experience
Jeannette Romero

Jeannette

5/5
The tickets are worth the experience, and I decided to visit the place twice. The second time we visited late after midnight, it was surreal. It truly is a city that never sleeps!
The Empire State Building Observatory: AM/PM Experience
Lisa Foster

Lisa

5/5
I was confused between this and Top of the Rock but eventually Empire State won! We loved exploring the Art Deco lobby before going in.
Empire State Building: 86th Floor Express Tickets
Douglas Jones

Douglas

5/5
It's New York baby! I had been waiting to get on to the Empire State Building since I was a kid. It came true with this visit. What an amazing building.
Empire State Building: 86th Floor Express Tickets

Empire State Building Guide

There is no building more recognizable in New York than the towering Empire State Building. This iconic landmark features on the list of every globetrotter’s bucket list and is a top destination for tourists visiting New York, with its promising 360-degree views of the city. The 102-story building was completed in a record-breaking span of a year and 45 days and has featured in countless movies and pop culture moments. Here is all the information about the best Empire State Building tickets, timings, getting there, safety measures, and more. 
Choose from a range of ticket options to have an unforgettable experience at the Empire State Building. You can head to the 86th floor with entry tickets, for a remarkable view of the city and learn about the building’s history through the interactive museum, or speed up your entry with direct access through handy skip-the-line tickets. Combo tickets are a great way to see more of New York with less hassle, and you can always opt for the NYC Pass for a vibrant visit filled with the city’s best attractions.
Entry tickets take you to the top of the Empire State Building and let you view the entire city of New York from all angles. If you’re interested in the story behind this iconic landmark, your experience includes a visit to the interactive museum. 

Recommended experiences

Get entry into the Empire State Building and head up directly to the top for spectacular views of the city. Enjoy access to the observatory, interactive museum, and an audio guide with a 10% cashback on these tickets. 
Don’t delay your visit to this legendary Art Deco skyscraper by waiting in long queues. If you’re looking to save time and bypass the lines, opt for these skip-the-line tickets. With these, get priority entry into this historic landmark.

Recommended experiences 

These tickets will enable you to zoom past the waiting crowds at the entrance and head straight up to the famed observation deck of this legendary landmark.  Access the audioguide, high-power binoculars on the 86th floor, the interactive Art Deco Lobby with a 10 % cashback on these tickets.
These tickets are your go-to solution if you just can’t get enough of New York and want to see all that this city is famous for. Club your visit to the iconic Empire State Building with some of the other famous landmarks that define this city, such as Top Of The Rock, Statue of Liberty cruise, and more.

Recommended experiences

This combo ticket gets you admission to the Top of the Rock in addition to the iconic Empire State Building. You also get access to the interactive multimedia to the Top of the Rock Observatory. This ticket is valid for up to a year allowing you the flexibility to visit whenever you find time once purchased. 
Get skip-the-line access to the Empire State Building and cruise past the Statue of Liberty with this purchase along with access to the interactive media on the top of the Empire State Building. 
The NYC City Pass is every traveler’s dream come true, with a host of citywide attractions in the palm of your hand. If you’re someone who loves touring cities in-depth, you’ll be grateful to be exempted from the stress of multiple bookings and payments. This is an especially smart choice if you prefer to explore attractions at your own pace and keep your itinerary flexible. Your pass will offer skip-the-line entry to multiple attractions and experiences in the city, allowing you to save time and money.

Recommended Experiences 

This pass is valid for 30 days of your stay in New York and comes with the option of choosing 3 visits out of a list of 82 of the city’s attractions - including the Empire State Building, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Central Park. You also get skip-the-line access to the attractions and a 5% cashback on your purchase. 
Enjoy one-time access to a range of 100 New York’s best attractions for one day. You also get skip-the-line access to make the most of your time for all attractions and a 5% cashback on your purchase. The savings you can garner with this pass are a dream come true for enthusiastic city explorers.  
What are Empire State Building’s hours?
The Empire State Building has been following updated operating hours since January 2022, as follows:
  • 10 January to 11 February: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM 
  • 12 February: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • 13 February to 11 March: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
  • 12 March: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM 
  • 13 March: 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM 
  • 14 March to 31 March: 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM 
  • 14 March to 31 March (Saturdays only): 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
The last elevators will be accessible 15 minutes before closing. 
When is the Empire State Building closed?
The Empire State Building is open 365 days a year and closes at 10:00 PM every day.
What is the best time to visit the Empire State Building?
The best time to visit the Empire State Building is during the early morning hours, or right before sunset for the best possible views. The winter months (December, January, February) may not offer the best views as the sky is less clear and the top floor could experience extreme winds; ideally, the best months would be September to November and March to May.
How long is an Empire State Building tour?
You should carve out around an hour for your visit to the Empire State Building. In case you’re planning on visiting the main deck and the top deck, it may take a bit longer than an hour if you take things at a relaxed pace.
Where is the Empire State Building located?
The Empire State Building is located in Midtown Manhattan.  The visitors’ entrance can be accessed at 20 W. 34th St.
Google Map Directions
Can I take the subway/train to the Empire State Building?
You can get to the Empire State Building by subway. Deboard at the 34 St-Herald Square station since it is the closest to the Empire State Building.
Can I take the bus to the Empire State Building?
Yes, you can use transit lines BXM1, BXM4, M2, M34-SBS, M34A-SBS, Q32, QM10, QM18, QM20, or X37, to get to the Empire State Building by bus.
Is parking available at the Empire State Building?
Parking isn’t available at the Empire State Building. But in case you’re commuting by car, you can use the garage located between Fifth Avenue and Broadway, on 33rd Street.
Is the Empire State Building wheelchair accessible?
Yes, this famous landmark is indeed accessible to wheelchair users, completely equipped with lifts and ramps. The 86th Floor Observatory houses handicapped restrooms as well as lowered viewing walls and binoculars for ease of access for all visitors.
Is a storage facility available at the Empire State Building?
There are no storage facilities available at the Empire State Building. So we recommend traveling light or carrying a backpack for your belongings.
Is photography permitted at the Empire State Building? 
The Empire State Building doesn’t permit tripods and professional photography equipment. So, like most visitors, you too can make use of your mobile phone to record special moments from your visit.
Before planning your trip to the Empire State Building that has come to define the essence of New York's architecture, acquaint yourself with its primary exhibits to make sure you don’t miss out on anything important.

Top Deck - 102nd Floor

Venture up the mast of the Empire State Building in a Glass Elevator and head to the Observation Deck on the 102nd floor for a breath-taking view of New York through special floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Keep your camera handy to capture the unparalleled panoramic sight of the city.

Main Deck - 86th Floor

The shining star of this attraction is the famed observation deck on the 86th floor of the building, which wraps around the spire to offer a splendid 360-degree  view of the entire city. You’ll be able to explore this space that has been the iconic setting for many monumental pop culture moments in television history. Catch the sunset from this unbeatable vantage point for a breathtaking memory of your trip to New York.

Dare to Dream Exhibit

Located on the 80th floor of the building, this exhibit immortalizes the vision shared by the architects and engineers who dared to envision this prolific building when it was still merely blueprints on a page. Watch the journey of this world-renowned landmark fascinatingly unfold through enlarged photographs, architectural renderings, blueprints, journals, and construction notes - all preserved from the days of its inception.

Sustainability Exhibit

The Empire State building unveiled this novel exhibit in 2010 to showcase the implementation of the building-wide energy retrofit project, through a combination of artifacts and multimedia displays. This display seeks to educate visitors on the positive global impact of the building’s energy-efficient and sustainable practices, making  use of impressive technology to integrate digital and sculptural elements in a state-of-the-art display.
The city that never sleeps is brimming with rich cultural experiences. Here are the top landmarks in New York City.

One World Observatory

Located on the 100th to 102nd floors of the One World Trade Centre, this dedicated Observatory offers a gleaming view of the surrounding cityscape along with a complete dining experience. Also known as the Freedom Tower, this towering skyscraper is the main segment of the rebuilt World Trade Center. As a distinct figure in the Lower Manhattan skyline, this is a must-visit for its magical view and indulgent dining options. Book One World Observatory tickets

Top of the Rock

This ocean-liner-styled observation deck is perched atop the legendary Rockefeller Center and holds three levels of decks, both indoor and outdoor. Head here for a spectacular, unobstructed view of New York’s trademark skyline. Take to the deck’s east, west, south, and north-facing terraces to test your knowledge of the city’s neighborhoods by trying to spot the Upper East and West Sides - or do your best to pinpoint Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. Book Top Of The Rock tickets.

Intrepid Museum

Home to the USS Intrepid, the cruise missile submarine called USS Growler, a vast collection of museum ships - and many more fascinating exhibits, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is a must-visit for any military history enthusiasts.The museum was founded in 1982 and is located on the West Side of Manhattan at Pier 86 on 46th Street. Head to the lower deck to view a skillful reproduction of a biplane from the first World War. Book Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum tickets

9/11 Museum

In 2001, the world was shaken by the attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York. The 9/11 Museum is a tribute to the lives of those who perished in the attacks through a curation of personal stories from family members who lost loved ones, as well as survivors, and rescue and recovery workers from that fateful day. This is an important center to learn about the history of that day and to forever keep in our memory those who breathed their last. Book 9/11 Museum tickets

Museum of Modern Art

Located in Midtown Manhattan, the Museum of Modern Art (often referred to as MoMA) is one of the largest and most influential modern art museums in the world. Over the years, this Museum has gained recognition for being home to some of the world’s greatest sculptures, avant-garde paintings, films, and diverse multi-media art.  MoMA was established as a representative space for the dynamism of contemporary art, while also seeking to educate the public. Book Museum of Modern Art MOMA tickets

Statue Of Liberty Cruises

When we say “The Statue of Liberty” -- you inevitably think “New York”. Such is the significance of this landmark monument, universally symbolic of the freedom and democracy of the modern world. Historically a gift of goodwill from France to the United States, this massive copper statue was designated a national monument in 1924. You certainly can’t visit New York without taking a cruise to sail past this prolific landmark. Book Statue of Liberty Cruises

Are Empire State Building tickets available online now?

Yes, you can book tickets online to visit the Empire State Building. Guests are recommended to prebook their tickets online to get their preferred date and time of visit.

What are the different types of Empire State Building tickets?

You can choose from among 4 different types of tickets while visiting the Empire State Building. Opt for entry tickets to head to the 86-floor observation deck and the interactive museum with a single pass, or choose to bypass the long lines with skip-the-line tickets, heading directly into the landmark. You can also opt for combo tickets or the NYC Pass if you’d like to experience more of the city.

Do Empire State Building tickets include skip-the-line entry?

Yes, skip-the-line tickets offer priority entry into the Empire State Building, allowing you to bypass the queues and save time.

What are Empire State Building’s hours?

The Empire State Building has been following updated operating hours since January 2022, as follows:
  • 10 January to 11 February: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM 
  • 12 February: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • 13 February to 11 March: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
  • 12 March: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM 
  • 13 March: 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM 
  • 14 March to 31 March: 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM 
  • 14 March to 31 March (Saturdays only): 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
The last elevators will be accessible 15 minutes before closing. 

How do I get to the Empire State Building in NYC?

You can take public transport to commute to the Empire State Building, using the subway or the bus transit lines. Deboard subway at the 34 St-Herald Square station since it is the closest to the Empire State Building. You can use transit lines BXM1, BXM4, M2, M34-SBS, M34A-SBS, Q32, QM10, QM18, QM20, or X37, to get to the Empire State Building by bus or voice command “Empire State Building” to the GPS and follow directions if you are traveling by car. 

What is the best time to visit the Empire State Building?

The best time to visit the Empire State Building is during the early morning hours, or right before sunset for the best possible views. The winter months (December, January, February) may not offer the best views as the sky is less clear and the top floor could experience extreme winds; ideally, the best months would be September to November and March to May. 

Is the Empire State Building wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Empire State Building has facilities to make the visit accessible to wheelchair users.

Is photography allowed at the Empire State Building?

The Empire State Building does not permit carrying tripods or any professional camera or videography equipment.

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