
NYC Private Midtown Tour Plus Empire State Building Observatory
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 26 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is NYC Private Midtown Tour Plus Empire State Building Observatory worth booking?
NYC Private Midtown Tour Plus Empire State Building Observatory is a 1.5-hour experience in New York, United States, from $270 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 26 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (26)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $270 per person
Experience the magic of Midtown Manhattan on this walking tour blending history, architecture, and NYC’s vibrant spirit. Marvel at icons like the Chrysler Building, American Radiator Building, Macy’s, and One Vanderbilt as your guide shares stories of the changing NYC skyline. Midtown NYC is a surprising mix of architectural styles, ranging from Beaux-Arts to Art Deco. Your guide will point out the details of each and even share some of the symbolism and what's hidden inside (like underground tunnels and Winnie the Pooh, as in the case of one turn-of-the-century National Historic Landmark). Relax in Bryant Park, and stroll Fifth Avenue, as you hear how the "race to the sky" transformed America. The tour ends at the Empire State Building, where your included ticket takes you to the 86th-floor observatory for breathtaking views, a perfect finale to your Midtown NYC adventure.
What you get
About this experience
Experience the magic of Midtown Manhattan on this walking tour blending history, architecture, and NYC’s vibrant spirit. Marvel at icons like the Chrysler Building, American Radiator Building, Macy’s, and One Vanderbilt as your guide shares stories of the changing NYC skyline. Midtown NYC is a surprising mix of architectural styles, ranging from Beaux-Arts to Art Deco. Your guide will point out the details of each and even share some of the symbolism and what's hidden inside (like underground tunnels and Winnie the Pooh, as in the case of one turn-of-the-century National Historic Landmark). Relax in Bryant Park, and stroll Fifth Avenue, as you hear how the "race to the sky" transformed America. The tour ends at the Empire State Building, where your included ticket takes you to the 86th-floor observatory for breathtaking views, a perfect finale to your Midtown NYC adventure.
What's included
Included
- 90-minute walking tour
- Experienced local tour guide
- Ticket to Empire State Building’s 86th-floor observatory
Not included
- Gratuities
- Guided tour inside the Empire State Building
What you'll see and do
One Vanderbilt
Learn about the feud that changed Manhattan’s skyline forever. From here, you can also admire the magnificent Chrysler Building as your guide points out its finer details.
20 minutes here · Admission not included
New York Public Library - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building
Hear about the history of the Beaux-Arts style and its role in shaping NYC as you admire one of the city’s most beautiful examples. Your guide will also share secrets of the library that might surprise you. (25 minutes)
25 minutes here
Bryant Park
Enjoy the bustle and beauty of this 9.6-acre greenspace, affectionately known as the town square of Midtown Manhattan, as you learn about unique architecture nearby, including the American Radiator Building, and its influence on artists.
15 minutes here
Macy's Herald Square
Learn about the cultural significance of Macy’s department store and its impact not just on New York but America as a whole.
15 minutes here
Empire State Building
Capture the perfect photo of the iconic building as you hear stories of its creation and unique challenges. Afterward, your guide will direct you to the entrance for the observatory
15 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
New York
Meet your guide outside the Épicerie Boulud bakery at 1 Vanderbilt Avenue. Your guide will be wearing an orange ExperienceFirst hat and standing on the forecourt. The address is 1 Vanderbilt Ave, New York, NY 10017.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
This tour ends outside Macy’s, a half block from the Empire State Building.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- ExperienceFirst
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
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 26 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
26 verified traveler reviews for NYC Private Midtown Tour Plus Empire State Building Observatory. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Again great time
Hi its me again the kid who answered your questions and i forgot to tell you my name is Jayson []u[]
via Tripadvisor
Do it! Best money spent!
Perfect tour!! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and made our trip enjoyable!
via Tripadvisor
Incredible Guided Experience
Anthony did an incredible job engaging with our family and blending history with entertainment! I would highly recommend this trip with friends and family.
via Tripadvisor
Liam was Awesome!
Liam was an exceptional tour guide. He was very knowledgeable. He made this tour fun and interesting.
via Tripadvisor
Very interesting
Very good and awesome work will definitely recommend the tour to friends.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $270 to $440
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by ExperienceFirst, who run 35 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 70.9 and 5 in the 90+ Club.
See everything ExperienceFirst runsWhy this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
NYC Private Midtown Tour Plus Empire State Building Observatory: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for New York.
How much does NYC Private Midtown Tour Plus Empire State Building Observatory cost?
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Prices start at $270 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 Private Midtown Tour Plus Empire State Building Observatory take?
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Plan for about 1.5 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 Private Midtown Tour Plus Empire State Building Observatory worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 26 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in New York, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule NYC Private Midtown Tour Plus Empire State Building Observatory?
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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 Private Midtown Tour Plus Empire State Building Observatory suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book NYC Private Midtown Tour Plus Empire State Building Observatory?
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Around 9 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 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does NYC Private Midtown Tour Plus Empire State Building Observatory 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 Private Midtown Tour Plus Empire State Building Observatory?
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Included: 90-minute walking tour; Experienced local tour guide; and Ticket to Empire State Building’s 86th-floor observatory. Not included: Gratuities; and Guided tour inside the Empire State Building. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for NYC Private Midtown Tour Plus Empire State Building Observatory?
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Meet your guide outside the Épicerie Boulud bakery at 1 Vanderbilt Avenue. Your guide will be wearing an orange ExperienceFirst hat and standing on the forecourt. The address is 1 Vanderbilt Ave, New York, NY 10017. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is NYC Private Midtown Tour Plus Empire State Building Observatory offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for NYC Private Midtown Tour Plus Empire State Building Observatory?
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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 Private Midtown Tour Plus Empire State Building Observatory 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 Private Midtown Tour Plus Empire State Building Observatory 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 Private Midtown Tour Plus Empire State Building Observatory?
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Across 26 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, good for families. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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