Landmarks

Empire State Building: Observation Decks Tickets

Name: Empire State Building: Observation Decks Tickets
Start: 2026-09-19T19:45:00
End: 2026-09-19T23:00:00
Location: Empire State Building

4.6/5(4,976)

Kashima H

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

I had not been to the Empire State Building in well over 30 years and it was a first time for my son. The staff are welcoming and particularly friendly. It was the perfect day, clear skys and mild summer temperatures. There were no crowds or lines and it was very easy to take in views from so many different angles. It was a first class experience from the entry floor to the top. Entry to exit.

José L

Couple

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

Hello, good morning. Sorry for the delay in replying, but I was really busy after getting back from my trip to New York. Everything was fast, everything was reliable — which is very important — and everything happened just as I had imagined. Thank you, and I will definitely use your services again at the next opportunity.

Fred F

Group

Verified booking

Aug 2026

I visited the Empire State Building 25 years ago on a high school field trip as a 16 year old kid from Ohio. Now as a parent myself of a 16-year-old child, I wanted to give my daughter the same breathtaking experience of seeing New York City from the world's most famous skyscraper, the Empire State Building! I was blown away by the updates. We loved walking through the second floor museum and there were many opportunities to take photos. We loved the picture opportunity with King Kong ! Also it was awesome to learn and see how the building was constructed in under 1 year back in 1930. Overall, it was well worth visiting again and we enjoyed every moment that we shared together on the observation deck of the 86th floor. Whether it's your first time or you're bringing your children for the first time it is something that you cannot miss out on experiencing. This is it, The Empire State building and there's nothing like it in the world!

Angélica C

Couple

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

Visiting the Empire State Building and going up to the 80th and 86th floors has been one of the best experiences of my life. Being up there makes you marvel at the vastness and beauty of the city. Go at sunset—it’s definitely the best time.

Astridah L

Solo

Verified booking

Jul 2026

I visited the Empire State Building on July 3, and the experience was unforgettable. The Art Deco design is stunning up close, and the exhibits—especially the King Kong gallery and construction history—made the visit feel richer and more immersive. The open‑air 86th‑floor deck delivered incredible 360° views of New York City, and even with the summer crowds, everything moved smoothly. It’s easy to see why this landmark remains one of the top attractions in the world. Highly recommended for anyone visiting NYC

Michael B

Couple

Verified booking

Jun 2026

This trip was very well planned out for us, so we made some last minute decisions and this added visit to the Empire State Building was just awesome! We had a great weather night and watched the sun set from the 86th floor! Watched the city lights come alive before us and light up the night! But the real treat was the people working in the building! They gave us great directions with some added help along the way...like, we came in the wrong door, and person working that area directed us where to go and let us sneak around the corner inside so we didn't have to walk out and around the corner. The people up on the floors were very helpful as well...with the guy on the 102nd floor taking photos of people who asked for his help. And he still kept a sharp eye on everyone! And then there was Bibi in the store downstairs. She was very friendly and answered our questions and showed us some items as well. All-in-all, it was a great visit with some wonderful friendly people that we will remember forever....thanks to everyone that made it special!

Book reserved entry to the Empire State Building, 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.

From the 86th-floor observatory, scan the horizon using high-powered binoculars to pick out bridges, parks, and landmarks across the city.

Immersive exhibits on the 2nd and 80th floors let you use free Wi-Fi and the downloadable multimedia app to deepen your visit as you wander.

Upgrade your visit with skip-the-line entry and optional access to the 102nd-floor observatory, gaining extra time and a higher vantage point.

Add a Midtown walking tour led by an expert guide, or choose a sunrise visit with Starbucks Reserve Microblend coffee and Princi pastries.

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)

Skip-the-line entry to 86th-floor observatory (as per option selected)

Skip-the-line entry to the 102nd-floor observatory (as per option selected)

Sunrise visit to 86th-floor observatory (as per option selected)

Midtown Manhattan walking tour (as per option selected)

English-speaking guide (as per option selected)

Starbucks Reserve® Microblend coffee and Princi® pastries (as per option selected)

Skip-the-line entry (available as an upgrade)

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

4,976 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, Italy and over 49 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Fred F
Group
Verified booking
Aug 2026
I visited the Empire State Building 25 years ago on a high school field trip as a 16 year old kid from Ohio. Now as a parent myself of a 16-year-old child, I wanted to give my daughter the same breathtaking experience of seeing New York City from the world's most famous skyscraper, the Empire State Building! I was blown away by the updates. We loved walking through the second floor museum and there were many opportunities to take photos. We loved the picture opportunity with King Kong ! Also it was awesome to learn and see how the building was constructed in under 1 year back in 1930. Overall, it was well worth visiting again and we enjoyed every moment that we shared together on the observation deck of the 86th floor. Whether it's your first time or you're bringing your children for the first time it is something that you cannot miss out on experiencing. This is it, The Empire State building and there's nothing like it in the world!
Kashima H
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
I had not been to the Empire State Building in well over 30 years and it was a first time for my son. The staff are welcoming and particularly friendly. It was the perfect day, clear skys and mild summer temperatures. There were no crowds or lines and it was very easy to take in views from so many different angles. It was a first class experience from the entry floor to the top. Entry to exit.
José L
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
Hello, good morning. Sorry for the delay in replying, but I was really busy after getting back from my trip to New York. Everything was fast, everything was reliable — which is very important — and everything happened just as I had imagined. Thank you, and I will definitely use your services again at the next opportunity.
Angélica C
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
Visiting the Empire State Building and going up to the 80th and 86th floors has been one of the best experiences of my life. Being up there makes you marvel at the vastness and beauty of the city. Go at sunset—it’s definitely the best time.
Marcus J
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
The building is incredibly well maintained. Was very impressed with all the old photos and the recreations showing how the building was built.

Visit the Empire State Building with timed entry, immersive exhibits, and access to one or both observatories as per the ticket you choose.

Getting started

Use your timed entry ticket to enter the Empire State Building at the selected time and pass through security. Once inside, connect to the free Wi-Fi and, if you wish, download the multimedia app to guide your visit. You can then move at your own pace toward the immersive exhibits on the 2nd and 80th floors and on to the observatories included with your ticket.

What to expect

Empire State Building

Explore one of New York City's most famous landmarks, combining historic exhibits with elevated city views.

Features

Start with the immersive exhibits on the 2nd and 80th floors, where you can learn more about the Empire State Building's history and construction before heading up to the observatories.

Enjoy access to the 86th-floor observatory, using the high-powered binoculars to pick out Midtown Manhattan icons such as Times Square, the Chrysler Building, and Bryant Park.

If your ticket includes access to the 102nd-floor observatory, continue your visit higher for a different vantage point over New York City's skyline.

Stay connected with free Wi-Fi throughout your visit and use the downloadable multimedia app to add context to what you see from each viewing area.

On selected tickets, extend your experience with a Midtown Manhattan walking tour led by an English-speaking guide before or after your visit, or join a sunrise visit to the 86th-floor observatory with Starbucks Reserve® Microblend coffee and Princi® pastries if you select this option.

If you choose a skip-the-line option, you will use dedicated lines for faster access to the 86th-floor observatory and, where included, the 102nd-floor observatory.

You can tailor your visit by selecting from several ticket types: Midtown Manhattan walking tour plus 86th-floor access, general admission to the 86th and 102nd floors, skip-the-line access for one or both observatories, or a VIP sunrise experience on the 86th floor with Starbucks Reserve® Microblend coffee and Princi® pastries, all subject to the option you choose at booking.

What to bring

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

Accessibility

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

Accessible restrooms: Accessible restrooms are available on the 86th floor.

Service dogs: Service dogs are welcome throughout all public areas.

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

What’s not allowed

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional information

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

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

Refunds: 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.