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Empire State Building Observatory

Take in stunning 360-degree views of Central Park, the Hudson and East rivers, the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and much more from the vantage point of the Empire State Building's famous 86th Floor Observatory, set 1,050 feet above the bustling streets of New York City. 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 #1 Attraction in the World in Tripadvisor's Best of the Best Awards.

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.

    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.

  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.

    Check out 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 guests.

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.

Compare All New York Tickets

Advice for Visitors

Tips

The few hours before sunset are typically the least crowded. 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.

Visitors to the Observatory can access free Wi-Fi onsite.

Check current views when planning your visit. Rain checks are not available due to inclement weather once your CityPASS reservation barcode has been scanned.

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

Attraction Features

Amenities

Dining: Choose from eight in-building dining options, offering food and beverages for every appetite and occasion.

Shopping: Visit The Empire State Building Store for souvenirs, building memorabilia, and themed merchandise.

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. Visit Empire State Building’s website for more information on services for guests with specific needs.

Parking/Transportation

Get directions and information on public transportation.

Offers & Upgrades

15% Off Your Purchase

Take 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 W. 34th St.
  • New York, NY 10118
  • Mar 28-Apr 12: 9am-midnight
  • Apr 13-May 14 10am-11:30pm
  • May 15-Jul 16 9am-midnight

Last Entry: 45 minutes before 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 19061.
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Wonderful Vacation! This is the second time we purchased the CityPASS in NYC. It gives you great deals that you can book all in one convenient app. You can also modify and cancel what you booked within a timeframe which made it more convenient for us. We purchased 6 (3 adults and 3 kids) and it was definitely a great deal and the experience was seamless using the app on your phone to check-in. The variety of options to choose from was top notch. We booked the 5 attractions for the 5 days we were planning. Went to the Empire State Building, American Natural History Museum, Best of NYC cruise, Guggenheim (pass on this one), and Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island. I would do the 9/11 Memorial Museum over the Guggenheim. Thank you for providing this CityPASS!
Date published: 2026-04-15
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Amazing NYC Trip We bought CityPASS tickets for our recent trip to NYC and it was one of the best purchases we made. We were able to see some of our must-do items and a couple extras. Highly recommend if you're going to a city that has CityPASS. Well worth it!!
Date published: 2026-04-14
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Amazing options! CityPASS was super easy to use and gave great options for our trip to New York City. I would definitely recommend it!
Date published: 2026-04-12
Rated 5 out of 5 by from So helpful We bought the City Pass to build a structer for the Trip. It was the best Idea ever.
Date published: 2026-04-11
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Would recommend I’m glad my brother told me about citypass because i really would recommend to anyone and everyone. It was so easy to buy and make reservations at an affordable price for SO Many options. It was easy to find my tickets and use them when I needed to. Now that our trip is over and we are back home I am looking to use it locally because the tickets are significantly lower and I have more options to so many other places.
Date published: 2026-04-11
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All images courtesy of Empire State Realty Trust