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Empire State Building Observatory

See stunning 360-degree interior and exterior views from the famous 86th Floor Observatory. Upgrade your visit with a trip to the 102nd Floor Observatory, or skip the lines with the Express Ticket for an additional fee. See why travelers voted this icon the Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Award: #1 Attraction in the World.

Travelers Choice 2022-2024

New York CityPASS includes:

AM/PM Experience – Entry includes the 86th Floor Observatory and 2nd Floor Museum, plus bonus same-night general admission.

New York C3 includes:

86th Floor Observatory Admission During Non-Sunset Hours – Entry includes the 2nd Floor Museum.

New York C-All includes:

86th Floor Observatory Admission During Non-Sunset Hours – Entry includes the 2nd Floor Museum.

Highlights

  1. 01.

    Walk through the entrance and take in the grand staircase featuring a two-story, built-to-scale architectural model of the building, and get a glimpse of the high-tech LED exhibit that celebrates lighting ceremonies performed by famous celebrity guests.

  2. 02.

    Don't miss the immersive exhibit galleries on the second floor. Watch the New York City streets of the late 1920s come to life in full color; see highlights of ESB’s starring role in pop culture through the decades; experience a close encounter with King Kong (you can even step into his hands!), and more.

  3. 03.

    Take in panoramic views of up to six states from the 86th floor’s 360-degree open-air promenade (heated for comfort) or from climate-controlled viewing galleries; high-powered binoculars are available free of charge.

Visit Empire State Building Observatory with CityPASS®

CityPASS® tickets offer multiple great ways to see Empire State Building Observatory. No matter which you choose, you'll save.

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Advice for Visitors

Tips

Best Time to Visit

The least busy time is usually the few hours before sunset.

During busy times, you may encounter a line outside the front door. For comfort and security, there’s a limit on the number of people waiting inside at one time. Once inside, you may skip the regular Empire State Building ticket lines and proceed directly to the high speed elevator line.

Visitors to the observatory can enjoy free wifi onsite.

Please note that rainchecks are not available due to inclement weather once your CityPASS reservation barcode has been scanned. To check current views before visiting, click here.

Learn more on the CityPASS Blog about what you'll experience at the Empire State Building Observatory.

Attraction Features

Accessibility

The Empire State Building is fully ADA compliant, with handicapped restrooms on the 86th Floor Observatory and lowered viewing walls and binoculars. Service dogs are allowed throughout the building. Motorized and non-motorized wheelchairs are permitted. The 86th floor has ramps to make getting around easier and lowered viewing walls so that visitors in chairs can still take in the view.

Parking/Transportation

Get information on public transportation and directions.

Offers & Upgrades

15% off Your Purchase

15% off at Showtime Pictures and The Official Empire State Building Store.

102nd Floor Observatory

Venture up the Empire State Building’s mast in a glass elevator as you approach the newly-renovated 102nd Floor Observation Deck, featuring 360-degree views through floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Purchase onsite from 86th floor kiosks. Cost: $35-$38 depending on date and time of visit.

Express Pass

Get to the top faster with an Express Pass! Purchase from an official Empire State Building employee at the onsite ticket office on the day of arrival to move to the front of each line. Cost for CityPASS guests: $41. Please note: Street sales agents outside of the building are not employed by the Empire State Building Observatory and are not authorized to sell Express upgrades.

Sunset Upgrade

Add sunset peak hours to your Empire State Building experience! Upgrade on-site at a kiosk. Does not apply to New York CityPASS tickets, which include sunset hours.

Contact Information & Hours

  • Empire State Building Observation Deck
  • 20 West 34th Street
  • New York, NY 10118
  • Empire State Building Observatory 20 West 34th Street New York
  • Dec 19-22: 9am-1am
  • Dec 23-28: 8am-1am
  • Dec 29-30: 9am-1am
  • Dec 31: 9am-11pm
  • Jan 1-3: 8am-1am
  • Jan 4-5: 9am-11pm
  • Jan 6-Feb 12: 10am-9pm
  • Feb 13-Mar 5: 10am-10pm
  • Mar 6-27: 9am-10pm
  • Mar 28-31: 9am-midnight

New York CityPASS tickets include a same-night bonus visit during the final three hours of operation.

Last entry is 45 minutes prior to closing.

Hours vary; check the schedule when planning your visit.

Read reviews from CityPASS® travelers.

New York CityPASS
Lovin' the Big Apple
This was our first time using a CityPASS. We were planning our trip when we saw several activity passes for New York. This was the best option for us since we were only staying for 5 days. When we got to the various attractions, we compared prices. We saved a lot! I've now recommended this pass to friends who plan a trip to the Big Apple. We would definitely buy one again when we visit another big city.
New York CityPASS
A great way to view the wonderful city of New York on a budget! My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed all of our days out on this pass and were impressed with the amount we saved, leaving me more money to shop with!!
5 Star Experience!
My family just returned from our wonderful trip in New York City and this pass made it able to see all of the famous attractions in little time and for a wonderful price. I would DEFINITELY recommend this pass to anyone who wants to see more... For less!
New York CityPASS
Totally worth it! Saved us a lot of time and energy! In the city that never sleeps, every minute counts!!!
Great buy!
We loved the city pass! It allowed for flexibility in our days as well as allowed us to feel like we got our money's worth, without the pressure of feeling like we needed to stay in each museum or landmark all day. I will definitely continue to use CityPASS for the cities where available.
New York CityPASS is rated 4.5 out of 5 by 19042.
Rated 5 out of 5 by from So easy to use the city pass I bought 3 city passes for 2 adults and 1 child. I am so happy that I did. Easy to see and book time schedules, all tickets in 1 place. I highly recommend it.
Date published: 2026-02-23
Rated 4 out of 5 by from I love NY With CityPASS it’s easy to buy/reserve tickets voor the attractions you like for an affordable price
Date published: 2026-02-23
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great experience Purchased a CityPASS for our recent trip to New York, I have to say this was one of the easiest things to use from start to finish. We saw all the big sites for a fraction of the price if we had purchased direct. Top of the Rock in the evening was a highlight for us and Liberty Island also.
Date published: 2026-02-20
Rated 5 out of 5 by from The best Absolutely the best to have everything that you want for the best attraction at good price
Date published: 2026-02-19
Rated 4 out of 5 by from Very good service We bought city pass for a trip in May. The service is fast and intuitive, we've been able to book all the attractions easily. Very good experience!
Date published: 2026-02-14
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All images courtesy of Empire State Realty Trust