Tours, sightseeing tours, activities & things to do | Viator.comEmpire State Building Observatory
based on 142 reviews
Duration: 2 hours (approx.)
Location: New York City, New York
Product code: 2194EMPIRE
Until you see New York City from the top of the Empire State Building, you haven't really seen it! You'll remember your first visit to the Empire State Building and the amazing 360-degree panoramic views of Manhattan forever.
Your booking takes you to the 86th-floor observatory, at 1,050 feet (320 meters). The glass-enclosed area is reached by high-speed automatic elevators, and is heated in winter and cooled in summer. You'll see spectacular views from the spacious outdoor promenades on all four sides of the building. High-powered binoculars are available for a minimal cost on the promenades.
You'll find souvenir counters at the 80th-floor observatory, which is also handicap accessible. While you gaze from horizon to horizon, you can listen to your tour guide, Tony, as he beguiles you with fascinating facts and stories on the audio tour (if option is selected).
There are three lines at the observatory: the security line (required for all visitors), the ticket line and the elevator line. You will be required to join the ticket line to exchange vouchers on arrival.
102nd-floor observatory
Admission tickets to the 102nd-floor observatory are sold at the observatory ticket office, on the 2nd floor of the building. Admission costs $15 in addition to regular admission tickets.
Insider Tip
When you see an Empire State Building Observatory employee, tell them you want to purchase the Express Ticket option for $26 per person. They will walk you to the front of each line, therefore making your wait no more than 20 minutes. This pass cannot be sold in advance and is only available on the day of your visit.
Empire State Building Observatory
- 8:00am to 2:00am
Last elevators to the top are at 1:15am
Holiday Operating Hours:
- January 1: 11:00am - 2:00am
- December 24: 8:00am - 8:00pm
- December 25: 11:00am - 2:00am
- December 31: 8:00am - 8:00pm
- Prices are listed as a guide only. For an exact price quote, select a date
- Infants aged 5 years and under are free of charge.
- Child prices are applicable for children aged 6 - 12 years.
- Senior prices are applicable for seniors aged 62 years and over.
- Prices are per person.
- Currency is set to USD. Change currency
- Our pricing is updated constantly to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible.
- Learn more about our low-price guarantee.
- Admission to the Empire State Building Observation Deck
- Audio Tour (only if option selected at time of booking)
- Gratuities (optional)
- Admission to the 102nd Observatory Deck
- Meals and beverages
- Confirmation for this attraction will be received at time of booking
- Audio tour available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Chinese and Korean languages
- No refunds due to weather conditions, length of lines or wait times at the building
- Everyone must go through the security check when entering the building
- No glass or bottles are permitted to be taken to the Observatory
- Cameras and camcorders are allowed, but no tripods
- You can ONLY bring carry-on-size bags and backpacks.
- There are no rooms to check coats, packages, baggage or suitcases, so please don't bring them to the Observatory
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.
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Since 1999, over 2 million travelers have experienced more with Viator!
We visited the Empire Building on our first night. My family was in awe of the skyline lit up. Although ... Read more ›
David C, Ireland, July 2008
