Empire State Building Ticket in New York
- Explore the world famous Empire State Building and visit the 86th floor observatory for unforgettable 360° views of New York City with the express pass!
- Access to the secondary engagement QR codes that are installed all over the exhibits which allow you to get more information of the exhibits
- Visit the new interactive exhibits to learn about the building’s construction to its place in pop culture today
- Tour the newly renovated art-deco lobby featuring ceiling murals and one of the most famous images in New York City displayed on the wall above the front desk
What to expect
The 86th Floor Observation Deck
The 86th floor of the Empire State Building is an open-air observation deck. It has 360° views of New York City, where you can see Central Park, the Hudson River, the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, and even the Statue of Liberty.
On a clear day, the view stretches across six states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Delaware.
Other Exhibits Inside the Empire State Building
Find these popular exhibits on the second floor of the Empire State Building:
- King Kong: The legendary King Kong is back at the Empire State Building, with his massive hands breaking through the walls. Feel him growl, and see planes circling outside the windows like in the original 1933 film.
- Construction Exhibit: Experience the construction of the Empire State Building with the sights and sounds of ironworkers and masons in action. Don’t miss the bronze sculptures of the workers—great for memorable photos.
- World’s most famous building: A 72-screen theater showing the building's iconic role in pop culture. Check out a montage of 600 clips from commercials, movies, TV shows, comics, and games featuring this famous Manhattan building.
Empire State Building Tips
Here are tips to make the most out of your visit:
Should I buy Empire State Building tickets ahead of time?
Buy your Empire State Building tickets in advance to skip the long lines at the ticket booth, and secure your spot before they sell out. With your tickets ready, you can head straight to the elevators, and go straight up to the exhibits and the 86th floor.
What time should you visit the Empire State Building?
The best times to visit are weekdays during the morning or after 8 PM. During these hours, the Empire State Building observatory is less crowded.
How long should you visit the Empire State Building?
Plan on spending about one to two hours during your visit. But, if you want to visit all nine exhibits and enjoy the breathtaking views from the 86th-floor observation deck, think about extending your visit.
Good to know
Important Reminder:
**As of Feb. 18, 2022, masks are optional for all guests at the Empire State Building Observatory Experience.
Insider Tips:
- Tripods are prohibited at the Observatory, and there are no storage facilities on site
- A free multimedia tour app is included with every admission to the Empire State Building. Download the app for free from either the Apple Store or Google Play, or connect once on-site via the free WiFi
- Recommended visiting time: the least crowded hours are before 10:00am or after 9:00pm, but peak visiting times vary by season