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Empire State Building Observation Deck Tickets

Guests taking a selfie at the Empire State Building observation deck, New York City.
Guest using a viewing scope at Empire State Building exhibit.
Family viewing New York City skyline from Empire State Building observatory.
Empire State Building with Easter Bunny in New York City.

Open today

9:00am - 11:59pm

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

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

4.6/5

(4,775)

Timothy K

Couple
Verified booking
2 days ago
The whole event was a smooth operation from booking to doing it Unfortunately the cloud base was so low that it was suggested we reschedule our time slot which we did. The changeover of tickets was painless and the staff were very helpful Thanks for a great lifetime experience

Cristina S

Group
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
Everything was well organized, clear expectations and purchasing the tickets was so easy! There wasn't as much people at 7:30 when we went, so it also made the experience so much better!! Also, the 86th floor elevator supervisor / manager was so well spoken in Spanish and knew so much about Costa Rica and Venezuela which made our WHOLE night that much more amazing!

Prof. Dr. R

Group
Verified booking
Mar 2026
For me, the Empire State Building is one of the most iconic buildings and places in New York. I visited it 30 years ago and always return whenever I'm in New York. I find the entertainment area on the ground floor and information about the ESB, including the recreated "King Kong scene," simply fantastic. The ESB is a must.

Jorge M

Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
I bought my tickets to the Empire State Building through Headout, and the experience was flawless from start to finish. Since I was traveling with my partner and our schedule in New York was very tight, I needed a reliable platform that would guarantee me tickets without any hitches, and Headout delivered 100%.

Louis B

Solo
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
Very smooth entry to the building. Wonderful museum part before getting up to the elevators. Absolutely amazing following of the staff directing through. 86th Floor was the best part with the mind Blowing view. Then reaching to the 102nd floor was the highest reward for the visitor.

Daryl S

Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
This was something I wanted to do since I was a little boy. I finally got to do this at the age of 48! From the very professional and friendly staff to the breathtaking view from the 102nd floor, it was tremendous! Thank you for making this a great experience for my wife and I.
    • 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.

    • All tickets purchased for April 1-5 include the opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny (1pm to 3pm)

    • Timed entry to the Empire State Building

    • Access to 86th-floor observatory

    • Access to high-powered binoculars

    • Access to 2nd 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.

  • 4,775 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.

    3.5K
    829
    158
    66
    156
    United Kingdom
    Spain
    Canada
    France
    Italy
    Germany
    Colombia
    Brazil
    Australia
    Mexico
    United Kingdom
    Spain
    Canada
    France
    Italy
    Germany
    Colombia
    Brazil
    Australia
    Mexico
    Guests from United Kingdom, Spain, Canada and over 52 countries have loved this experience

    What our guests say

    Rebekah C

    Couple
    Verified booking
    Yesterday
    The visit was easy without a wait at all since the weather wasn't that great. We were told ahead of time that there wouldn't be a view due to the cloud cover but we still enjoyed being up in the clouds. It was beautiful without a view so I imagine on a clear day it would be amazing.

    Timothy K

    Couple
    Verified booking
    2 days ago
    The whole event was a smooth operation from booking to doing it Unfortunately the cloud base was so low that it was suggested we reschedule our time slot which we did. The changeover of tickets was painless and the staff were very helpful Thanks for a great lifetime experience

    Juliana M

    Solo
    Verified booking
    3 days ago
    The wonderfull experience, good price and super trustly.

    Elvis M

    Couple
    Verified booking
    2 days ago
    Reliability throughout the process—thank you for everything

    Jorge M

    Couple
    Verified booking
    3 weeks ago
    I bought my tickets to the Empire State Building through Headout, and the experience was flawless from start to finish. Since I was traveling with my partner and our schedule in New York was very tight, I needed a reliable platform that would guarantee me tickets without any hitches, and Headout delivered 100%.
  • 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

    Monday9:00am - 11:59pmlast entry 11:15pm
    Tuesday9:00am - 11:59pmlast entry 11:15pm
    Wednesday9:00am - 11:59pmlast entry 11:15pm
    Thursday9:00am - 11:59pmlast entry 11:15pm
    Friday9:00am - 11:59pmlast entry 11:15pm
    Saturday9:00am - 11:59pmlast entry 11:15pm
    Sunday9:00am - 11:59pmlast entry 11:15pm
  • 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

    • 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 shortly.
    • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.
    • Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.

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