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

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10:00am - 11:00pm

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

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4.6/5

(4,746)

Carol Prince

Carol

Feb 2026
Verified booking
We took our kids and grandkids to New York and the Empire State Building this past weekend. It was our grandkids first time to NYC. One of their favorite experiences was touring the Empire State Building and seeing the city from the 102 floor. The view is spectacular and we got some amazing pictures. The displays and photo ops on the way to the top were well done! Thank you for making it so special.
Cristina Salazar

Cristina

Mar 2026
Verified booking
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. Andreas Rohde

Prof.

Mar 2026
Verified booking
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 Luis Leon Mendoza

Jorge

Mar 2026
Verified booking
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 Brousseaud

Louis

Mar 2026
Verified booking
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.
Susan Shoval

Susan

Feb 2026
Verified booking
I had my 11 year old grandson with me and he was so excited to see the famous buildings around us from different vantage points. He had learned a lot about the Empire State Building at school and was thrilled to so it in person. He also loved climbing from the 80th to 86th floor!!
    • 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 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.

  • 4,746 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
    157
    66
    156
    Guests from United Kingdom, Spain, France and over 54 countries have loved this experience

    What our guests say

    Cristina Salazar

    Cristina

    Mar 2026
    Verified booking
    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. Andreas Rohde

    Prof.

    Mar 2026
    Verified booking
    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 Luis Leon Mendoza

    Jorge

    Mar 2026
    Verified booking
    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%.
    Jenna Angst

    Jenna

    Mar 2026
    Verified booking
    We were surprised by the lack of line to the top of the ESB! We got right up and right out. However... the view was very foggy and we could see nothing. The day was very dreary and we were quite literally in the fog. No view whatsoever. The people were friendly, but we did not get an audio guide.
    Louis Brousseaud

    Louis

    Mar 2026
    Verified booking
    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.
  • 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

    Monday10:00am - 11:00pmlast entry 10:15pm
    Tuesday10:00am - 11:00pmlast entry 10:15pm
    Wednesday10:00am - 11:00pmlast entry 10:15pm
    Thursday10:00am - 11:00pmlast entry 10:15pm
    Friday10:00am - 11:00pmlast entry 10:15pm
    Saturday10:00am - 11:00pmlast entry 10:15pm
    Sunday10:00am - 11:00pmlast entry 10:15pm
  • 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 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.

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