
NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 7,793 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket worth booking?
NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket is a 0.8-hour experience in New York, United States, from $50 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 7,793 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (7,793)
- Duration
- 0.8 hours
- From
- $50 per person
At the Empire State Building Observation Deck, voted the #1 Top Attraction in the U.S. in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things to Do, the skyline is not just what you see—it’s what you feel. Start with immersive galleries that bring the building’s story to life, from innovative construction and Art Deco design to pop culture. Then head to the 86th Floor Observation Deck, an open-air experience in the heart of Manhattan with sweeping 360° views. From Central Park to the Brooklyn Bridge, see New York’s most famous landmarks from a one-of-a-kind perspective. Upgrade to 102nd Floor Observation Deck, reimagined with floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning views with visibility up to 80 miles on a clear day. Short on time? Choose an Express Ticket for priority access the fastest way to the top. Whether it is your first visit or your tenth, the Empire State Building connects you to the energy, history, and ambition that make New York City unforgettable.
What you get
About this experience
At the Empire State Building Observation Deck, voted the #1 Top Attraction in the U.S. in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things to Do, the skyline is not just what you see—it’s what you feel. Start with immersive galleries that bring the building’s story to life, from innovative construction and Art Deco design to pop culture. Then head to the 86th Floor Observation Deck, an open-air experience in the heart of Manhattan with sweeping 360° views. From Central Park to the Brooklyn Bridge, see New York’s most famous landmarks from a one-of-a-kind perspective. Upgrade to 102nd Floor Observation Deck, reimagined with floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning views with visibility up to 80 miles on a clear day. Short on time? Choose an Express Ticket for priority access the fastest way to the top. Whether it is your first visit or your tenth, the Empire State Building connects you to the energy, history, and ambition that make New York City unforgettable.
What's included
Included
- Free Wi-Fi on-site
- Admission to the Empire State Building
- Access to second floor immersive exhibits
- Access to 86th Floor Observation Deck
What you'll see and do
Empire State Building
Experience the views at the center of it all. Set in the heart of Midtown Manhattan with unmatched views of New York City stretch across six states. Immerse yourself in the Empire State Building story on your way to the top. Located on the 2nd and 80th floors, exhibits are open to all ticket holders.
Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Empire State Building
20 West 34th Street, New York City, New York, 10001, United States
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Empire State Building · 20 West 34th Street, New York City, New York, 10001, United States
Options you can book
General Admission 86th Floor
Main Deck 86th Floor: General Admission to the 86th Floor Main Deck Observatory
Express Pass 86 & 102 Top Deck
Skip-the Line Ticket 86 & 102: Skip-the-Line Admission down the red carpet all the way to the 86th Floor Main Deck + 102nd Floor Observation Deck
General Admission 86th & 102nd
Top Deck 86th & 102nd: General Admission to the 86th Floor Main Deck + 102nd Floor Observation Deck
Express Pass 86th Main Deck
Skip-the Line Ticket 86th : Skip-the-Line Admission down the red carpet all the way to the 86th Floor Main Deck Observatory
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Empire State Building
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- No refunds due to weather conditions, length of lines or wait times at the building
- Infant tickets for children 0-5 years are free and can be picked up at the ticket office upon arrival
- For the best experience, we recommend visiting two hours after opening time
- Running a little late? Please arrive as close as possible to your scheduled time, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7,780 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
6 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
7,780 verified traveler reviews for NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
The perfect 70th Birthday Gift
One of the greatest experiences in your life. If you are in New York, you must do this. Best view of New York. Pay the extra and go up to level 126.
via Viator
A must visit in NYC
Last time I visited the Empire was in 2018. I absolutely love the remodelation. The story behind the building presented in a fascinating way. It was a gorgeous day so the view was spectacular. Emoyees were very kind and attentive. Good price for the experience.
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful views
Fun to do. The line wasn’t too long and the elevator ride was pretty cool (look up) The sights were great - we had a clear day. Had a drink and a snack. It’s a must if you are in NYC
via Tripadvisor
Great experience
I had a wonderful experience and the front desk staff Ms. Sharon B was very helpful with my reservation. This is a must see for anyone visiting NYC
via Tripadvisor
Must do!
Definitely a must-do. The history of this iconic building is a great learning lesson. Go early and middle of the week (if possible) to avoid crowds and have the ability to take in the entire experience on your timeline.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 0.8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $50 to $152
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2,728
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 74
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for New York.
How much does NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket cost?
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Prices start at $50 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in New York usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket take?
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Plan for about 0.8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in New York is not rushed.
Is NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 7,793 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in New York, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 0.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket?
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Around 2,728 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in New York can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in New York and add a light layer if any part of the 0.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central New York within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in New York?
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New York has more bookable experiences than any other city on Outty, and the quality spread is brutal. Observation decks are commoditised, so we score them on timed-entry reliability and sunset slots. Food tours and borough walks are where the ranking really separates operators, and the top scores in the city all come from small-group guides. On Outty we rank every New York experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include NYC Bus Tour of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens: Art, Food & Sports, Half-Day Bus Tour of NYC Top Highlights, SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Walking Tour in New York. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit New York?
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September to early November, and late April through June. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in New York?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket?
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Included: Free Wi-Fi on-site; Admission to the Empire State Building; Access to second floor immersive exhibits; and Access to 86th Floor Observation Deck. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket?
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The experience starts at Empire State Building, 20 West 34th Street, New York City, New York, 10001, United States. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in New York. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket?
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Across 7,793 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities, value for money. The views and photo stops come up again and again.
What booking options are available for NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including General Admission 86th Floor, Express Pass 86 & 102 Top Deck, General Admission 86th & 102nd, Express Pass 86th Main Deck. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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