--- title: Empire State Building Observatory slug: the-empire-state-building-experience-new-york type: attraction sub_type: observation decks source_url: https://www.tripster.com/detail/the-empire-state-building-experience-new-york city: New York state: NY country: US address: 20 W 34th Street geo: lat: 40.74886 lng: -73.98594 duration: up to 2 hrs cancellation_policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. extracted_at: 2026-06-16T21:30:05.463Z price_from: amount: 46 currency: USD unit: per_adult availability: InStock rating: value: 4.5 count: 95562 scale: 5 ticket_options: - group: Other Options options: - name: 86th Floor Observation Deck price: 42.35 regular_price: 48 savings: 5.65 ticket_types: - name: Adult (13+ yrs) min_age: 13 - name: Child (6-12 yrs) min_age: 6 max_age: 12 - name: Senior (62+ yrs) min_age: 62 - name: 86th Floor Observation Deck - Skip the Line price: 78.53 regular_price: 89 savings: 10.47 ticket_types: - name: Adult (13+ yrs) min_age: 13 - name: Child (6-12 yrs) min_age: 6 max_age: 12 - name: Senior (62+ yrs) min_age: 62 - name: 86th & 102nd Floor Observation Decks price: 75.88 regular_price: 86 savings: 10.12 ticket_types: - name: Adult (13-61 yrs) min_age: 13 max_age: 61 - name: Child (6-12 yrs) min_age: 6 max_age: 12 - name: Senior (62+ yrs) min_age: 62 - name: 86th & 102nd Floor Observation Decks - Skip the Line price: 112.06 regular_price: 127 savings: 14.94 ticket_types: - name: Adult (13-61 yrs) min_age: 13 max_age: 61 - name: Child (6-12 yrs) min_age: 6 max_age: 12 - name: Senior (62+ yrs) min_age: 62 - name: Sunrise Experience price: 119.12 regular_price: 135 savings: 15.88 ticket_types: - name: Person (All Ages) (0+ yrs) min_age: 0 --- ## Overview Ideal for visitors of all ages, Empire State Building tickets offer a unique opportunity to see New York City from atop one of its most iconic landmarks. Enjoy the building’s art-deco lobby, majestic observatories, panoramic views of Manhattan and Central Park, and more. The World’s Most Famous Building is an international symbol of hope, determination, and possibility in the heart of New York City. With the city’s only 360-degree outdoor Observatory and new 102nd Floor Observatory, which offers unobstructed jaw-dropping views through floor-to-ceiling windows, the Empire State Building Observatory is a must-visit attraction. The newly re-imagined experience features a fun-filled, 10,000-square-foot immersive digital and tactile museum that celebrates the Empire State Building from the time it was conceived to its place today in pop-culture; and industry-leading indoor environmental quality and safety protocols for visitor safety and comfort. Open daily, the Empire State Building is a short walk from Times Square and just steps to Macy’s, Madison Square Garden, and Penn Station. You have not truly experienced New York City until you have visited the world-famous reimagined Empire State Building Observatory. ## What's Included - Access to the Empire State Building Observatory including the art-deco lobby and panoramic views from the main and top observation decks. - Self-guided tour with QR codes throughout for behind-the-scenes insights. - Access to the newly re-imagined 10,000-square-foot immersive digital and tactile museum. - Admission to the 102nd Floor Observatory with floor-to-ceiling windows. ## What's Not Included - Audio guide (replaced by QR codes). - Tripods (prohibited). - Parking. - Coat check or locker facilities. ## Ticket Options - **86th Floor Observation Deck** — $42.35 (regularly $48.00, save $5.65) Experience New York's top observatory! Enjoy 360-degree views and see all of NYC including the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty and so much more at the Empire State Building 86th floor observatory. Tickets are valid for date and time selected. - Adult (13+ yrs) - Child (6-12 yrs) - Senior (62+ yrs) - **86th Floor Observation Deck - Skip the Line** — $78.53 (regularly $89.00, save $10.47) Zoom to the heart of NYC with the Express Pass, the fastest route to the iconic 86th Floor Observatory at the Empire State Building. Walk the red carpet, skip all lines, and enjoy access to the Main Deck, exhibits, audio guide, priority entrance, and advance queueing. Tickets valid for selected date and time. - Adult (13+ yrs) - Child (6-12 yrs) - Senior (62+ yrs) - **86th & 102nd Floor Observation Decks** — $75.88 (regularly $86.00, save $10.12) Rise 102 floors above NYC to the Top Deck Observatory at the Empire State Building for an elevated experience. Accessible via a unique glass elevator from the 86th floor, the 102nd floor provides unparalleled 360-degree views. Marvel at Manhattan's entire length, iconic landmarks, and, on clear days, enjoy a staggering 80-mile view spanning six states. Your New York experience isn't complete until you've witnessed this once-in-a-lifetime view. - Adult (13-61 yrs) - Child (6-12 yrs) - Senior (62+ yrs) - **86th & 102nd Floor Observation Decks - Skip the Line** — $112.06 (regularly $127.00, save $14.94) Skip-the-line access to the Empire State Building’s 86th & 102nd Floor Observation Decks. Ride the glass elevator to the 102nd for 360° floor-to-ceiling views of Manhattan, Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and beyond—timed admission for faster entry. - Adult (13-61 yrs) - Child (6-12 yrs) - Senior (62+ yrs) - **Sunrise Experience** — $119.12 (regularly $135.00, save $15.88) Experience NYC like never before with Sunrise at the Empire State Building. Enjoy sunrise views, amazing coffee, and pastries every Saturday. Limited spots—reserve now for this exclusive NYC adventure and early museum access! - Person (All Ages) (0+ yrs) ## Good to Know - To avoid crowds, try to visit early in the morning or during the week. Sunset and nighttime visits offer stunning city views. - Expect to spend at least an hour for your visit, more if you are visiting both the main deck and top deck. - Located in Midtown Manhattan on the west side of Fifth Avenue, between 33rd and 34th Streets. The visitors' entrance is at 20 West 34th St. - Experience 360-degree views of New York, Brooklyn, Queens, and beyond. - There is no coat check or locker facilities for personal belongings; large packages, carry-on luggage, and similar parcels are not permitted. - Elevators are available for visitors with baby strollers. Strollers must be folded in the elevator and on observation decks. - Open 365 days a year, including holidays. - Be sure to use the restroom on the second floor before getting in line for the elevator or else you may be waiting a while. - Peak visiting times vary by season. The first two hours of the day and the hour directly after sunset tend to be the busiest. - There are no time limits or specified visiting windows. Allow at least one hour, more if visiting both decks. - The audio guide has been replaced by QR codes; use your camera to scan codes during your tour. - Restrooms, including handicap-accessible restrooms, are available on the 86th Floor only. - Tripods are prohibited at the observatory. - Firearms are prohibited unless you are a member of New York City Police Department or authorized federal law enforcement agencies. - Active 24/7 security includes primary screening similar to airport security. - Souvenirs are available on the 80th Floor Gift Shop. - The Empire State Building is fully ADA compliant, with accessible restrooms, lowered viewing walls, binoculars, and ramps on the 86th Floor. Service dogs and wheelchairs are permitted. ## Cancellation Policy Free Changes & Cancellations. See details upon selection. ## FAQs ### Where is the entrance? Observatory visitors should enter through the visitors' center at 20 W. 34th St. Other entrances on Fifth Avenue, 34th and 33rd Streets are reserved for tenants and their visitors. ### Is parking available? No, there is no on-site parking and it is recommended that you leave your car at home. If you can't, the closest garage is located on 33rd Street between Fifth Avenue and Broadway, just across the street from the building. ### What is the best time to visit the Empire State Building? Peak visiting times vary by season. The first two hours of the day and the hour directly after sunset tend to be the busiest. ### Can I run or climb the stairs at the Empire State Building? Only if you are participating in the annual Empire State Building Run-Up. The stairs are closed to guests at all other times. ### How long does it take to visit the Empire State Building, and is there a time limit? There are no time limits or specified visiting windows. Allow at least one hour for your visit, slightly more if you plan to visit both the main deck and the top deck. ### Is an audio guide provided? The audio guide has been replaced by secondary engagement QR codes throughout the experience so you can see behind the scenes of the observatory. Please use your camera to scan the QR codes as you see them during your tour. ### What amenities are available at the top? Is there a restroom? Restrooms, including handicap-accessible restrooms, are available on the 86th Floor only. ### Can I bring a baby stroller? Yes. Elevators are available for visitors with baby strollers. Strollers must be folded on observation decks. ### Can I bring a tripod for my camera? No. Tripods are prohibited at the observatory, and there are no storage facilities on site. ### I have a licensed firearm, can I bring it? No. Your firearm will be seized, and you will be arrested unless you are a member of a New York City Police Department or federal government law enforcement agency, including the U.S. Secret Service, FBI, or United States Department of State. ### Are there any items I cannot bring into the building? The following items listed are not permitted in the Empire State Building. Do not carry any of these items into the security screening area. Items that are confiscated may not be returned. Please note that this list is not exhaustive, so if you are unsure about an item, please do not bring it. Any questions and uncertainties should be referred to the Security Officers on duty. ### What security precautions do they take? There is active, 24/7 security at the Empire State Building. All you will notice is the primary security screening, similar to airport security procedure. Please keep in mind you will be monitored by cameras and other means throughout your entire visit. ### Where can I buy souvenirs? The Empire State Building sells a fantastic range of memorabilia on the 80th Floor Gift Shop, most of which is exclusive to their shop. ### What accommodations are made for visitors with disabilities? The Empire State Building is fully ADA compliant. They have accessible restrooms on the 86th Floor Observatory and also have lowered viewing walls and binoculars. Service dogs are allowed throughout the building. Motorized and non-motorized wheelchairs are permitted. The 86th Floor has ramps to make getting around easier and lowered viewing walls so that visitors in chairs can still take in the view. ## Reviews > "Empire State Building Observatory! Must visit!" > — Sayali Paranjape, February 2026 > "Iconic place to visit. Tip: Book both the 86th & 102nd viewing for a good view!" > — Kara Cavanaugh, October 2025 > "Easy & Convenient. Tip: The price is more around sunset time; make sure to check different timings if you're trying to spend less." > — Tripster Customer, November 2024 > "Legend.. wait for it.. dary" > — Katherine K., September 2023 > "Amazing Views in all Directions! Tip: You can pay $20 to upgrade to the 102th Floor!" > — Megan A., May 2016 > "Beautiful Views. Tip: The least crowded times are in the early morning or mid afternoon." > — Tripster Customer, May 2016