Landmarks

Empire State Building Observation Deck Tickets

Name: Empire State Building Observation Deck Tickets
Start: 2026-07-23T10:00:00
End: 2026-07-23T23:59:00
Location: Empire State Building

Open today

9:00am - 1:00am

Explore at your pace

Choose your entry time, stay as long as you like

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

4.6/5(4,847)

Astridah L

Solo

Verified booking

2 weeks ago

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!

Nancy W

Couple

Verified booking

Jun 2026

SO fun, whole ticketing process was very smooth and there were so many things to read about RE history of the building. The 50th floor which was also an observation deck with windows, and had more Information about how the empire state building was built - it was very interesting and cool and when we reached the 52nd floor it had amazing night views - definitely recommend for anyone coming to New York. Some people say it's a tourist trap but I think it was very Worth it. Also tickets on this app were cheaper than the official site!

Book reserved entry to 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.

Ride the elevator to the 86th floor for unobstructed views, now enhanced with free high-powered binoculars.

Connect to the free high-speed Wi-Fi to download the complimentary multimedia tour app to discover landmarks at your pace.

Upgrade to include a 90-minute guided walking tour of Midtown Manhattan, or climb higher to the 102nd floor deck for panoramic floor-to-ceiling glass views.

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)

Midtown Manhattan walking tour (as per option selected)

Skip-the-line entry

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

4,847 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 51 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Astridah L
Solo
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
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
Brian T
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
Took my son on a trip. We love the Empire State Buiding. Very easy to get tickets and went right up. Didn't get photos when we went up.
Ruth M
Couple
Verified booking
Jun 2026
I had been previously but it was the first time for my granddaughter. She loved it. The employees were fantastic and made the experience even better.
Mr Christopher T
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
Whole Empire State Building visit was superb really informative and interesting
Shirley P
Group
Verified booking
6 days ago
The view is incredible, and the history of the place

Take in sweeping 360° views of New York City and beyond from the Empire State Building’s iconic 86th floor open-air observatory.

Getting started

Begin your visit at the main entrance, where you’ll pass through security and have your ticket validated for your reserved date and time. Follow signs or staff directions to the elevators that whisk you up to the 86th floor main deck.

What to expect

Empire State Building 86th floor main deck

The Empire State Building’s open-air observation deck on the 86th floor is 1,050 feet above ground and the only one of its kind. Enjoy 360° sweeping views of New York City, including landmarks like Central Park, Times Square, and the Statue of Liberty.

Features

Open-air observation deck: Feel the breeze from 1,050 feet above street level as you take in sweeping 360° views of New York City from the most popular (by vote) outdoor observatory in the world.

High-powered binoculars: Zoom in on iconic landmarks across the city and beyond using the free binoculars placed along the deck’s perimeter.

Plenty photo opportunities: Capture memorable moments with the dramatic skyline as your backdrop—ideal for day or nighttime visits.

Art Deco details: Admire the beautifully preserved original architecture and design elements that reflect the building’s 1930s heritage.

Historic pop culture venue: Stand where scenes from classic films like King Kong and Sleepless in Seattle were filmed; discover why this spot remains a symbol of New York romance and ambition.

What to bring

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

What’s not allowed

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

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

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

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

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

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

Accessibility

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

Accessible restrooms are available on the 86th floor.

Service dogs are welcome throughout all public areas.

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

Additional information

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

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

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.