Book online or call: (888) 651-9785(888) 651-9785
Empire State Building General & Skip-the-Line Tickets
Book online or call: (888) 651-9785(888) 651-9785
2 hours (Approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English and 9 more
Overview
Marvel at the 360-degree, unobstructed views from the Empire State Building and explore its Interactive Museum and more with this combo ticket. See NYC's landmarks from the 86th-floor observatory, enjoy the exhibitions and augmented reality viewfinders on the 80th floor; and explore the 2nd-floor museum’s immersive displays on the building's history. Upgrade for skip-the-line access, and once on site, choose to upgrade to add a visit to the 102nd-floor observatory.
- Experience the views from the Empire State Building in the heart of NYC
- Two key attractions for price of one: 86th-floor deck and 2nd-floor museum
- Absorb the panoramas and chart the tower's history via immersive exhibits
- Upgrade to skip the lines, plus upgrade on site to add 102nd-floor deck
Why Travelers Choose This Tour
Make your own way to the Empire State Library in central NYC, bearing in mind the opening hours of 8am to 2am, every day of the year. The last elevator to the top runs at 1:15am.
On arrival, head inside via the Observatory Entrance at 20 West 34th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues. Pause here to take in the stunning Lobby, which boasts restored art deco ceiling murals and one of the most famous images of the building above the front desk. If you wish, choose to upgrade to visit the 102nd-floor observatory, known as the Top Deck. Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the building to add to your experience.
At the entrance to the 2nd floor, pass through a security checkpoint, and explore the interactive exhibits that tell the story of the ESB's construction to its place in today's pop culture. Watch short film clips through telescopes, use the touch screens, and step into a simulation of an original elevator for a virtual ride to the building's 102nd floor. Then, head to the surround-sound theater to see film and TV clips that feature this iconic tower.
Next, ride the elevator to the redesigned 80th floor, where you'll find exhibitions on the ESB's lights and light shows; together with stunning augmented reality experiences delivered by classic binocular viewfinders.
The final elevator ride whisks you up to the 86th-floor Main Deck: home to the highest open-air observatory in New York, and located right in the heart of Manhattan. Enjoy the 360-degree views of New York and beyond—Central Park, the Hudson River, the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and so much more.
Upgrade to the VIP Express Experience and skip the security, ticket, and elevator lines. This is the quickest way to the top of the Empire State Building, saving you valuable time for the rest of your New York experiences. The VIP pass is especially helpful during holidays and peak season. An audio tour is included, and all audio, signage and exhibits are available in 9 languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, and Mandarin.
On arrival, head inside via the Observatory Entrance at 20 West 34th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues. Pause here to take in the stunning Lobby, which boasts restored art deco ceiling murals and one of the most famous images of the building above the front desk. If you wish, choose to upgrade to visit the 102nd-floor observatory, known as the Top Deck. Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the building to add to your experience.
At the entrance to the 2nd floor, pass through a security checkpoint, and explore the interactive exhibits that tell the story of the ESB's construction to its place in today's pop culture. Watch short film clips through telescopes, use the touch screens, and step into a simulation of an original elevator for a virtual ride to the building's 102nd floor. Then, head to the surround-sound theater to see film and TV clips that feature this iconic tower.
Next, ride the elevator to the redesigned 80th floor, where you'll find exhibitions on the ESB's lights and light shows; together with stunning augmented reality experiences delivered by classic binocular viewfinders.
The final elevator ride whisks you up to the 86th-floor Main Deck: home to the highest open-air observatory in New York, and located right in the heart of Manhattan. Enjoy the 360-degree views of New York and beyond—Central Park, the Hudson River, the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and so much more.
Upgrade to the VIP Express Experience and skip the security, ticket, and elevator lines. This is the quickest way to the top of the Empire State Building, saving you valuable time for the rest of your New York experiences. The VIP pass is especially helpful during holidays and peak season. An audio tour is included, and all audio, signage and exhibits are available in 9 languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, and Mandarin.
Itinerary
The Empire State Building is waiting for you day or night. Come watch the sunset as New York is bathed in warm orange, red and yellow tones, then stick around as the lights come on all over town. Or come later and listen to the live music (weekends only) as the stars and lights twinkle romantically. Whenever you come, enjoy the magic without the wait.
There are 3 lines at the Empire State Building Observatory: the security line (required for all visitors), the ticket line and the elevator line. You may proceed directly to the turnstile with your voucher.
VIP Express Experience Upgrade
Speed past the lines on your way to the tallest point in Manhattan! Your VIP Express Experience voucher will enable you to proceed directly to the front of every line, saving valuable time to do all the other things New York is famous for. Don't spend your valuable holiday time waiting in line -- there's no faster way to the top of the Empire State Building!
You'll be greeted on the second floor to redeem your pass pre-security, eliminating the need to redeem vouchers at the ticket office. You'll also receive a special wristband to identify you as a VIP Express Experience pass holder.
VIP Express Experience passes are especially valuable from Memorial Day through Labor Day, from Thanksgiving until New Year's any time of day and all holiday weekends. Other times of year the pass is recommended for planned visits between 11am and 2pm, and one hour before and after sunset. Limited numbers of passes are sold, so typical wait time is under 5-minutes. Specific wait times cannot be guaranteed, only front of line privileges.
Voucher can be redeemed within a year of date purchased - plan your visit around the weather!
Admission Ticket Included
Traveler Photos
Traveler Tips
- "Make sure you have good night time photographic camera which can work on low light rather than zapping its harsh flash, if visiting at night time." See review
- "If seeing in the winter, dress very warmly because it is freezing but the views of the city are the best." See review
- "Dusk offers most magnificent views of Manhattan, so try to time your visit accordingly." See review
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Product code: 2194EMPIRE
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