Landmarks

Empire State Building: Observation Decks Tickets

Name: Empire State Building: Observation Decks Tickets
Start: 2025-11-26T13:30:00
End: 2025-11-26T23:59:00
Location: Empire State Building

Visitors enjoying the view from the Empire State Building observation deck in New York City.

Guests taking a selfie on the Empire State Building's observation deck with a viewfinder nearby.

Family viewing New York City skyline from Empire State Building observatory.

Visitors inside the Empire State Building exhibit in NYC.

Explore at your pace

Choose your entry time, stay as long as you like

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

4.6/5

(4,581)

Carla

Nov 2025

Verified booking

5/5

The tickets were easy to redeem. The experience was great! We enjoyed learning about the history of the ESB before getting to enjoy the views. The views are incredible! We appreciated the arrows pointing in the direction of many major city attractions to look out for. The outside viewing deck was also good - it was very windy and cold the day we were there, so we didn't enjoy it as much as the indoor views.

Venkatesh

Oct 2025

Verified booking

5/5

On time, professional service. It was the first time in USA for dad and I took him to NYC. I am so glad we did with this tour company to Statue of Liberty. Everything was done on time in a professional manner. My 73 years old dad just loved the entire experience. I strongly recommended this company.

Teresa

Oct 2025

Verified booking

4/5

It was fun except for the picture session at the beginning, I take horrible pictures and would prefer not to waste my time for something I don't want, will never buy, (did I mention I take horrible pictures), nd am frustrated that I am forced to do it when I paid for the tour only

Book reserved entry to Manhattan's only open-air observation deck offering 360° city views.

Enjoy the flexibility to pick a time slot of your choice to enter the building; access immersive exhibits on the 2nd and 80th floors.

Ride the elevator to the 86th floor for unobstructed views, now enhanced with free high-powered binoculars.

Connect to the free high-speed Wi-Fi to download the complimentary multimedia tour app to discover landmarks at your pace.

Upgrade to include a 90-minute guided walking tour of Midtown Manhattan, or climb higher to the 102nd floor deck for panoramic floor-to-ceiling glass views.

Timed entry to the Empire State Building

Access to 86th floor observatory

Access to high-powered binoculars

Access to second floor and 80th floor immersive exhibits

Free Wi-Fi

Downloadable multimedia app

Access to 102nd floor observatory (as per option selected)

Midtown Manhattan walking tour (as per option selected)

Skip-the-line entry

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

4.6
4,581 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from United Kingdom, Canada, Spain and over 10 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Kaarel
Nov 2025
Verified booking
5/5
I was positively surprised that the ticekt I bought was not only about taking the elevator to the observation deck, but there was also a museum with the history of the building location and street views from that era and nicely made very realistic interactive exhibition of the construction of the Empire State Building. So it was interesting to get to know more about the history and background of ESB before actually going up. As first the visitors are taken to the closed (inside) panorama view floor, I was Ok with that and I even thought that ok, this is the observation deck . But I was even more happy then I realised that the tour take us also to the outside open-air observation deck. The thing is - I did`nt notice in the beginning when buing the ticket in a hurry that there are actually two decks. As the weather was clear and good, I loved the view over the city very much and made a good set of nice pictures. The clouds made the view over the city even more beautiful with their shadows. So, in my opinion the ticekt to the ESB Observation Decks was absolutely worth it!
Carla
Nov 2025
Verified booking
5/5
The tickets were easy to redeem. The experience was great! We enjoyed learning about the history of the ESB before getting to enjoy the views. The views are incredible! We appreciated the arrows pointing in the direction of many major city attractions to look out for. The outside viewing deck was also good - it was very windy and cold the day we were there, so we didn't enjoy it as much as the indoor views.
Rie
Nov 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Wonderful, amazing scenery from the 86th floor! We also could know and feel the history about one of most famous architecture in New York. My sons were excited about everything there. Best memory!!
Kimberly
Nov 2025
Verified booking
5/5
We went on a Sunday night and there was no crowds, staff was amazing and helped with pictures. It was spectacular and worth the money to go to floor 102!
Elizabeth
Nov 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Well run. Lots of staff. Spotless bathrooms. Great views. Easy to exchange our tickets from the previous night due to fog.

Take in sweeping 360° views of New York City and beyond from the Empire State Building’s iconic 86th floor open-air observatory.

Getting started

Begin your visit at the main entrance, where you’ll pass through security and have your ticket validated for your reserved date and time. Follow signs or staff directions to the elevators that whisk you up to the 86th floor main deck.

What to expect

Empire State Building 86th floor main deck

The Empire State Building’s open-air observation deck on the 86th floor is 1,050 feet above ground and the only one of its kind. Enjoy 360° sweeping views of New York City, including landmarks like Central Park, Times Square, and the Statue of Liberty.

Features

Open-air observation deck: Feel the breeze from 1,050 feet above street level as you take in sweeping 360° views of New York City from the most popular (by vote) outdoor observatory in the world.

High-powered binoculars: Zoom in on iconic landmarks across the city and beyond using the free binoculars placed along the deck’s perimeter.

Plenty photo opportunities: Capture memorable moments with the dramatic skyline as your backdrop—ideal for day or nighttime visits.

Art Deco details: Admire the beautifully preserved original architecture and design elements that reflect the building’s 1930s heritage.

Historic pop culture venue: Stand where scenes from classic films like King Kong and Sleepless in Seattle were filmed; discover why this spot remains a symbol of New York romance and ambition.

Empire State Building

Monday	10:00am - 10:00pm	last entry 09:15pm
Tuesday	10:00am - 10:00pm	last entry 09:15pm
Wednesday	10:00am - 10:00pm	last entry 09:15pm
Thursday	10:00am - 10:00pm	last entry 09:15pm
Friday	10:00am - 10:00pm	last entry 09:15pm
Saturday	10:00am - 10:00pm	last entry 09:15pm
Sunday	10:00am - 10:00pm	last entry 09:15pm

What to bring

Bring a valid photo ID that matches the name on your booking, as it may be checked at the entrance.

What’s not allowed

Weapons of any kind, including firearms and explosives, are strictly prohibited.

Glass bottles, containers, and marbles are not permitted anywhere on-site.

Large bags, suitcases, and carry-on luggage cannot be brought into the building.

Outside food is not allowed, and eating is prohibited inside the Observatory and on the outdoor deck.

Professional photography gear, tripods, and large equipment are not permitted.

Pets are not allowed; only trained service animals may enter.

Accessibility

The building is fully ADA compliant, offering ramps, lowered viewing areas, and accessible binoculars.

Accessible restrooms are available on the 86th floor.

Service dogs are welcome throughout all public areas.

Both motorized and non-motorized wheelchairs may be used inside the landmark.

Additional information

For all guests booking for Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 27th, 2025), please note that special entry instructions will be included in your confirmation email.

Reservations are required, and tickets are valid only for the date and time you select at purchase.

Children under six may enter for free when accompanied by a paying adult.

The attraction does not issue refunds due to weather, crowds, or wait times.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the redemption point.

Ticket redemption point

Please check your final voucher for the redemption point details and specific instructions.