Empire State Building Observation Deck Tickets at Empire State
- 4.6
- 4,768 reviews
- Empire State
- New York
- 1h
- Duration
- Empire State Building
Take in the views from one of the city's most famous landmarks.
Customer reviews
Summarised reviews
Visitors rate the Empire State Building about 4.8 / 5 for its sweeping 360-degree skyline views that stretch from Central Park to the Statue of Liberty, smooth Skip-the-Line and Sunrise entry options, friendly staff, fast elevators, and engaging exhibits like King Kong and the Art-Deco history rooms. Arriving at sunrise or sunset gives the best light and smaller crowds, while skip-the-line tickets help avoid midday queues.
About this event
Empire State Building Tickets
The Empire State Building observation deck delivers sweeping 360-degree views of New York City from 1,454 feet above street level. Your ticket includes access to the open-air 86th floor observatory, two floors of interactive exhibits, and the restored Art Deco lobby. Standing at 20 West 34th Street in Midtown Manhattan, this landmark welcomes over 4 million visitors annually to its main observation deck.
The experience begins with immersive exhibits covering the building's remarkable 410-day construction in 1931 and its starring roles in films like King Kong and Sleepless in Seattle. High-speed elevators with dynamic light shows transport you to the wraparound outdoor terrace, where on clear days visibility extends up to 80 miles across six states. You'll spot Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, and the Hudson River from this open-air vantage point.
The 80th floor "Dare to Dream" exhibit displays original architectural sketches and construction photographs, while the restored ground floor lobby showcases stunning ceiling murals depicting 1930s mechanical marvels. Free high-powered binoculars on the observation deck help you identify specific landmarks across Manhattan's skyline.
Highlights
- 360-degree panoramic views from the open-air 86th floor observatory
- Interactive exhibits covering the building's 1931 construction and Hollywood history
- High-speed elevator ride with construction-themed light show
- Original architectural sketches and photographs in the "Dare to Dream" exhibit
- Restored Art Deco lobby with hand-painted ceiling murals
- Free high-powered binoculars for spotting landmarks across six states
Plan Your Visit to Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is open 365 days a year from 8:00 AM to 2:00 AM, with last elevator up at 1:15 AM. Sunrise tickets offer the quietest experience with golden morning light over Manhattan, while sunset visits capture the transition from daylight to the glittering night skyline. Midday visits between 11 AM and 3 PM typically see the longest wait times.
Most visitors spend 1 to 2 hours exploring the exhibits and observation deck. Enter at the visitors' centre at 20 West 34th Street between Fifth Avenue and Broadway. Take the subway (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W trains to 34th Street-Herald Square) or bus (M2, M3, M4, M5, M34, Q32 to 34th Street). All bags pass through airport-style security screening, and large luggage is not permitted.
For a complete New York skyline experience, consider pairing your visit with Top of the Rock tickets, which offers stunning views that include the Empire State Building itself. If you're exploring Lower Manhattan, One World Observatory tickets provide the tallest observation point in the city from the Freedom Tower.
Bring layers or a jacket for the open-air deck, which can be windy. The outdoor terrace may close temporarily during severe weather, though indoor viewing areas remain open. Children under 6 enter free, and the entire building is fully accessible for wheelchair users.
Good to know
- Age suitability
- Children under 4 years old are free, but they must be accompanied by an adult.
- Know before you go
Empire State Building Entrance Location
Use the visitors’ center entrance at 20 West 34th Street between Fifth Avenue and Broadway. The Fifth Avenue, 33rd Street, and 34th Street building entrances are reserved for office tenants and residents only.
What to Bring
Mobile ticket on your phone (screenshot works if service is limited)
Valid photo ID
Small bag or purse (backpacks permitted but subject to search)
Layers or a jacket for the open-air deck, which can be windy
What’s Not Allowed
Large bags, luggage, or oversized backpacks
Professional camera equipment (tripods, monopods, professional lenses)
Glass bottles or outside food and beverages
Weapons of any kind
Alcohol
Important Notes
No bag storage is available on-site. Plan accordingly if traveling with luggage.
Strollers are permitted but must be folded on the observation decks.
All bags pass through airport-style security screening.
The outdoor deck may close temporarily during severe weather, though indoor viewing areas remain open.
Photography for personal use is encouraged. Professional shoots require advance approval.
Accessibility The Empire State Building is fully ADA accessible. Elevators serve all exhibit floors and both observation decks. Wheelchairs can navigate the entire experience, including the outdoor 86th floor terrace.
Getting There
Subway: B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W trains to 34th Street-Herald Square
Bus: M2, M3, M4, M5, M34, Q32 to 34th Street
Parking: Multiple garages within 2 blocks; no on-site parking
- Visitor guidelines
Security Procedures
All visitors must pass through a security screening similar to airport procedures. Large bags and luggage are not permitted.
Prohibited Items
For safety reasons, items such as weapons, glass bottles, alcohol, and professional camera equipment are not allowed.
Photography
Personal photography is encouraged. Tripods and professional camera setups require prior approval.
Weather Considerations
The observation deck is open in most weather conditions. However, during severe weather, parts of the deck may be closed for safety.
Conduct
Visitors are expected to conduct themselves respectfully. Running, pushing, and other disruptive behaviors are not allowed.
- Cancellation policy
These tickets cannot be cancelled or rescheduled.
Frequently asked
How much do Empire State Building tickets cost?
General admission tickets to the 86th floor observatory start at $48 for adults. Tickets including the 102nd floor observatory start at $86. Children under 6 enter free. Skip-the-line express tickets and VIP sunrise experiences are available at premium prices.
Can I book last-minute Empire State Building tickets?
Yes. tickadoo offers same-day Empire State Building tickets with instant confirmation. Once you complete your purchase, your mobile ticket is delivered immediately via email and WhatsApp and can be scanned directly from your phone at the entrance.
Do I need to book Empire State Building tickets in advance?
Advance booking is strongly recommended, especially for sunset time slots and weekend visits. Same-day tickets can be purchased at the building, but online booking with tickadoo guarantees your preferred entry time and often includes shorter wait times.
How long does an Empire State Building visit take?
Most visitors spend 1 to 2 hours exploring the exhibits and observation deck. Allow extra time during peak hours (11 AM to 3 PM) when lines are longest. Visitors can stay on the observation deck as long as they wish during operating hours.
What’s the difference between the 86th and 102nd floor observatories?
The 86th floor features an open-air wraparound outdoor terrace with 360-degree views and high-powered binoculars. The 102nd floor is an enclosed, climate-controlled glass observation area offering views from 16 floors higher. General admission includes only the 86th floor; 102nd floor access requires an upgraded ticket.
Is the Empire State Building better than Top of the Rock or One World Observatory?
Each NYC observation deck offers a different experience. The Empire State Building provides open-air outdoor views from a historic landmark with the city’s most recognizable silhouette. Top of the Rock offers views that include the Empire State Building itself. One World Observatory is the tallest, with enclosed views from the Freedom Tower. Many visitors choose to experience more than one.
What can you see from the Empire State Building?
From the 86th floor, you can see Central Park, Times Square, the Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center, Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, the Hudson and East Rivers, and on clear days, parts of six states. Free high-powered binoculars on the deck help you spot specific landmarks.
Is the Empire State Building open at night?
Yes. The Empire State Building is open until 2:00 AM every night, with last elevator up at 1:15 AM. Nighttime visits offer spectacular views of the illuminated Manhattan skyline. The building’s own exterior lights change colors for holidays and special events.
Is there food at the Empire State Building?
Yes. STATE Grill and Bar is located on the ground floor, offering American cuisine with views of the Art Deco lobby. Additional cafes and grab-and-go options are available on the second floor near the exhibit entrance.
Are Empire State Building tickets refundable?
Standard tickets are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled. Check your specific ticket type at purchase, as some premium experiences may have different policies.
Is the Empire State Building good for kids?
Yes. Children enjoy the interactive exhibits, the King Kong photo opportunity, the glass elevator light show, and spotting landmarks from the observation deck. Strollers are allowed but must fold on the decks. Children under 6 enter free.
When is the best time to visit the Empire State Building?
For the smallest crowds: weekday mornings right at 8:00 AM opening, or late evenings after 10 PM. For the best lighting: sunrise (VIP ticket required) or sunset. For the clearest views: crisp fall and winter days with low humidity.
Where you'll be
Empire State, Empire State Building, 20 W 34th St.
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