Landmarks

Empire State Building: Observation Decks Tickets

Name: Empire State Building: Observation Decks Tickets
Start: 2026-02-13T19:30:00
End: 2026-02-13T23:59:00
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.

Two people seated between bronze worker statues at the Empire State Building.

Opens Tuesday

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

(4,710)

Colin

Dec 2025

Verified booking

Visiting the Empire State Building was a great experience. The observation deck wasn’t overly crowded, which made it easy to enjoy the views without feeling rushed. A really nice touch was the heating lamps on the outdoor deck—they made a big difference and kept it comfortable even in cooler weather. Overall, it was well organized, relaxed, and absolutely worth the trip.

Thomas

Jan 2026

Verified booking

Elevators operated perfectly. Employees were friendly and informative, especially on the top. Listening to the Empire State Building employee on the 102 floor talk about the area around us was so interesting. He knew his stuff, very good! I could have stayed and listened for hours. The building was super clean, love that. Worth every dollar, we had a wonderful time

Konstantinos

Dec 2025

Verified booking

This bus trip from Yorktown, VA was just an incredibly amazing journey!The lights ,the food, the energy of all the people in the city during the holidays is just a once in a lifetime experience!! I'd recommend it to anyone because there's no place like New York in the world! Big 🍎forever!

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.

4,710 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, Spain, France and over 10 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Misael
Feb 2026
Verified booking
It was awesome! I was lost for the entrance and the employees were so kind to help me! I don't regret going!🙏🏻
Carol
Feb 2026
Verified booking
Friendly, polite and quick service. Very clean.
Thomas
Jan 2026
Verified booking
Elevators operated perfectly. Employees were friendly and informative, especially on the top. Listening to the Empire State Building employee on the 102 floor talk about the area around us was so interesting. He knew his stuff, very good! I could have stayed and listened for hours. The building was super clean, love that. Worth every dollar, we had a wonderful time
Sonam
Jan 2026
Verified booking
It was such a great experience having to explore the one of the most important places of the New York. Had a very good time exploring within the building and the view that gives.. thank you . Sonam
Johana
Jan 2026
Verified booking
January 1st we had our first visit to the Empire Dtate Building. It was a one in a life time experience that you need to do with your family! We enjoyed the warmness of the workers. The beautiful experience! We can't wait to go back.

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 9:15pm
Tuesday	10:00am - 10:00pm	last entry 9:15pm
Wednesday	10:00am - 10:00pm	last entry 9:15pm
Thursday	10:00am - 10:00pm	last entry 9:15pm
Friday	10:00am - 10:00pm	last entry 9:15pm
Saturday	10:00am - 10:00pm	last entry 9:15pm
Sunday	10:00am - 10:00pm	last entry 9:15pm

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.