Empire State Building Tours
3,025 Reviews
The world's tallest building from 1931 to 1977, the Empire State Building is topped with a stepped Art Deco pinnacle that's floodlit at night and boasts holiday and commemorative colors throughout the year. After admiring the mosaics in the Art Deco lobby, take an elevator ride to the 86th or 102nd floor and get ready to drink in astounding 360-degree views from this iconic skyscraper observatory.
The Basics
Set in Midtown Manhattan, the 102-story skyscraper is a must for any first-time visitor to New York City. While it’s easy to catch a glimpse of the tower around the city, this attraction is best enjoyed from one of its two observation decks, where the panoramic views over the Big Apple are legendary. Tickets to one or both of the observation decks can be purchased solo, although the Empire State Building is also visited on many city sightseeing tours, which often also include stops at Times Square and the Statue of Liberty. If you plan to visit on your own during peak times, it’s a good idea to buy an Express Pass to skip the line all the way to the 86th floor.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Choose a general admission ticket for standard entrance or a VIP Express Pass to skip the lines.
- The Empire State Building is fully ADA compliant and stroller accessible. Handicapped restrooms are located on the 86th floor.
- Glass bottles, cans, and tripods are prohibited.
- Lines for the elevator can get long, particularly during peak hours. Be sure to use the restrooms on the second floor before getting in line.
- STATE Grill and Bar is the building’s street-level, signature restaurant. You’ll also find five other dining options, plus Starbucks.
How to Get to the Empire State Building
The entrance to the Empire State Building is located on 20 West 34th Street. It’s easy to arrive on foot from many other popular Midtown attractions, or by taking the subway to Penn Station/34th Street or 34th Street/Herald Square. The building is also a stop on hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tours.
When to Get There
Since the Empire State Building is one of New York’s most popular attractions, it’s best visited in the morning just after opening or late at night (the decks are open until 2am) when the lines are shortest. Expect longer lines for tickets, security, and the elevators on weekends, holidays, and just before sunset.
Which Floor Should I Visit?
The 86th-floor observatory, known as the Main Deck, is the highest open-air observatory in New York. Its wraparound deck is outfitted with high-power binoculars, making it possible to see Central Park, the Hudson River, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty from above. From the indoor Top Deck on the 102nd floor, visitors enjoy even more views (like Central Park in its entirety) and the chance to ride a manually operated Otis elevator. On the second floor, galleries house multiple hands-on exhibits.
Address: 20 West 34th Street, New York City, New York 10118, USA
Hours: Daily 8am–2pm
Admission: Varies
Admission Tickets (5)
Attraction TicketsEmpire State Building General & Skip-the-Line Tickets
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.
... More
- 2 hours
- Taking safety measures
From
$45.73
Recent Reviews from Experiences in New York City
A Must See
RICK_E
, Apr 2020
Skip the line was the best way to go. Not crowded on a Monday.
The building and history is so beautiful and interesting.
82 floors is high enough, the views spectacular. Every NYC visitor should take time to visit the Empire State building.
Good when nice weather
Steve_P
, Mar 2020
The skip the line wasnt needed as it's very quite this time of the year, there was no queuing for this attraction.
Do it all
Vonnie
, Mar 2020
Second floor was awesome! 102nd floor was stupendous!! Team member Renita was Friendly, knowledgeable, and the best part of the experience!!!
127 Tours and Activities to Experience Empire State Building
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Attraction TicketsEmpire State Building General & Skip-the-Line Tickets
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.
... More
- 2 hours
- Taking safety measures
From
$45.73
Attraction TicketsEmpire State Building Day and Night Admission Ticket
As day turns to night, it's easy to see how New York City earned its City That Never Sleeps moniker. See the Big Apple in the light and dark with a day and night admission ticket to the 86th-floor observation deck at the Empire State Building—the highest observatory in New York City. Beat the lines by arriving with your daytime ticket, valid between 8am and 8:59pm, for 360-degree views of the iconic Manhattan Skyline and the Statue of Liberty. Then, return between 9pm and 2am for spectacular views of New York by night.
... More
- 2 hours
- Taking safety measures
From
$66.41
Attraction TicketsEmpire State Observatory, 9/11 Memorial & Museum, & Hop-on Sightseeing Ferry
Experience three classic Big Apple attractions—the Empire State Building’s 86th-floor observatory, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and a sightseeing cruise around New York Harbor—with this great-value combo package. Get unlimited access to the sightseeing cruise for the day, hopping on or off at your choice of two Manhattan locations, and visit the Empire State Building and 9/11 Memorial & Museum at times of your choosing.
... More
- 1 to 30 days
- Free Cancellation
From
$79.00
Attraction TicketsSkip the Line: Empire State Building Sunrise Experience Ticket
Wake up with the City that Never Sleeps on a trip to the Observation Deck of the Empire State Building at sunrise, before the building is open to the public. Jumpstart your day with 360-degree panoramic views of the sunrise illuminating New York City below on an experience limited to 100 people.
... More
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- Taking safety measures
From
$125.00
Attraction TicketsSkip the Line: Empire State Building Premium VIP Tour Ticket
Avoid the long lines at the Empire State Building with a small-group tour that gets you priority, skip-the-line access to the iconic skyscraper. You’ll join an ‘Observatory Ambassador’, hear behind-the-scenes stories, and get spectacular views across the New York City skyline, all without spending a New York minute waiting in line.
... More
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- Taking safety measures
From
$175.00
Attraction TicketsNew York CityPASS
Get the New York CityPASS and enjoy great discounts at some of the Big Apple’s top attractions. Your CityPASS mobile tickets are valid for 30 days from the date of first use of first use for NYC favorites like the Empire State Building, American Museum of Natural History, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Statue of Liberty, Guggenheim Museum, 9/11 Memorial and Museum and much more.
... More
- 30 days
- Free Cancellation
From
$136.00
Day CruisesNew York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour
Make the most of your time in the city that never sleeps on a guided tour of NYC’s top attractions. Travel by both boat (seasonal) and bus as you swing by the 9/11 Memorial, Central Park, Rockefeller Center and more. Then hop aboard a luxury boat for a sightseeing cruise past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, complete with stunning views of the world-famous skyline and Brooklyn Bridge.
... More
- 6 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$89.00
Bus ToursNew York City All Around Town Hop-on Hop-off Tour
A hop-on hop-off New York bus tour allows you to see the city at your own pace and provides easy transportation to top sights. Entertaining tour guides keep you informed when you’re on board, and you can hop off and on the distinctive double-decker tour buses when you wish to check out attractions like the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center. There are several options and combos to choose from with access to the Uptown Loop, Downtown Loop, Brooklyn Loop and Night Tour, or upgrade to add attractions to your tour!
... More
- 2 to 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
From
$29.00
Bus ToursBig Bus New York Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
See the highlights of New York City without the hassle of navigating traffic or public transportation by booking a Big Bus tour. The hop-on hop-off tour enables busy travelers to relax and enjoy the sights from the double-decker bus. Along the way, you can choose the attractions that interest you most rather than being caught up on a group tour. Plus, an onboard guide points out sights you might otherwise miss.
... More
- 1 to 2 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$49.00
Audio GuidesManhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight
Catch a bird's eye view of the Big Apple during this helicopter ride over Manhattan. Look out over the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, the financial district and more. You’ll also spot top sights like Ellis Island and the Empire State Building during this unique sightseeing flight over one of the world's most iconic cities.
... More
- 15 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$215.00
Half-day ToursNew York City at Night Bus Tour
Experience New York, the ‘city that never sleeps,’ magically lit up after dark during this guided evening tour of the city by bus. Begin with a short nighttime stroll along the city’s famous High Line Park, then hop on a bus for a ride past illuminated landmarks like Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and the neighborhoods of SoHo and Chinatown, and take a short walk through Grand Central Terminal.
... More
- 4 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$59.00
Sightseeing Passes New York City Hop-on Hop-Off Tour including Empire State Building
Skip the rigid itineraries of typical sightseeing tours and explore New York City at your own pace. This hop-on hop-off bus tour lets you disembark only at sites of interest, and spend as long as you wish there. You ticket also includes entrance to the Empire State Building.
... More
- 1 to 3 days
- Free Cancellation
From
$98.00
Day CruisesSpirit of New York Dinner Cruise with Buffet
Get a totally different and exciting perspective on New York: from a fun dinner cruise that floats around New York Harbor and Manhattan offering stunning views of the city and some of the world's most famous landmarks, from the Statue of Liberty to the Brooklyn Bridge to the Empire State Building. Indulge in a delicious buffet dinner and then groove to the onboard DJ'ed music being spun. Add this dinner cruise to your New York itinerary today!
... More
- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$163.46
Half-day ToursNYC Tour with Statue of Liberty Pedestal Access
Maximize your sightseeing time in high-energy New York City on this tour offering skip-the-line access to the city’s most iconic landmarks. This guided excursion helps you avoid long lines at popular sights including the Statue of Liberty, meaning you have more time for an included bus tour as well as visits to Big Apple attractions like the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and lunch in Little Italy (at your own expense).
... More
- 5 hours 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$99.00
Day CruisesBateaux New York Dinner Cruise
Forget trying to snag a hard-to-get reservation at New York's hottest restaurants du jour. Instead, indulge in a delicious 3-course dinner during the cruise on an all-glass boat around New York City that offers you an up-close look at the Statue of Liberty and other famed sites. As a live pianist plays relaxing music for you, take in the immense view of one of the world's great cities and enjoy a delicious pre-set dinner by the on-board executive chef. Upgrade to enjoy a romantic or first class VIP experience including a private table and French sparkling wine.
... More
- 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$206.02
Audio GuidesNew York Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour
New York's iconic landmarks, mighty rivers, and islands are even more impressive from the air. On this tour, soar over Manhattan’s most famous sights in a helicopter and enjoy spectacular aerial views of the Big Apple. There's plenty of time time to see Liberty Island, the Empire State Building, and Governor’s Island.
... More
- 20 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$289.00
Day CruisesNew York City Skyline Cruise
Swap New York City’s streets for the water on this sightseeing cruise. Enjoy unobstructed panoramas of Manhattan’s skyline, including One World Trade Center; and get up-close to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as a guide shares stories about the sights. By prebooking, you’ll avoid the risk of missing out and the hassle of last-minute ticket-buying. If you wish, upgrade to add visits to various attractions.
... More
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
From
$15.00
Bus ToursNew York Double-Decker Bus Night Tour
See New York City shine in all its glory on this illuminating night tour. From aboard an open-top double-decker bus, see the lights and evening activity of Times Square, Greenwich Village, SoHo, the Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, and more. Savor incredible panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline at night.
... More
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
From
$29.00
Day CruisesManhattan Architecture Yacht Cruise
Avoid the mobs of people sightseeing on land, and opt for this Manhattan architecture yacht cruise instead. From the teak deck of the boat, learn about New York City's architectural landmarks as you circumnavigate the island and listen to the 'Around Manhattan' narration provided by members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). One beer or glass of wine is provided, as well as snacks and soda.
... More
- 2 hours 45 minutes
- Taking safety measures
From
$86.00
Private and LuxuryNew York Helicopter Tour: Ultimate Manhattan Sightseeing
See New York City’s breathtaking skyline and the many iconic sights of the city on this helicopter flight. Soar over the Big Apple with an exclusive sightseeing tour of the Manhattan skyline and beyond, including the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center and Central Park, to name just a few, plus Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty and much more. Then continue up the Hudson River to see even more of Manhattan. A variety of departure times are available throughout the day to fit into almost any schedule.
... More
- 17 to 20 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$244.24
$39.76 savings
Helicopter ToursNYC's Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building Tour From NJ
See New York City from the sky during a scenic helicopter flight that lasts up to 15 minutes. Enjoy incredible photo ops of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Staten Island, and listen to live commentary from your pilot as you fly past landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, and the Brooklyn Bridge. Select the optional upgrade to include transfers by private SUV from a central location in Midtown Manhattan.
... More
- 15 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$169.00
Day CruisesSpirit of New York City Buffet Lunch Cruise
Relax on a comfortable boat as it cruises around New York Harbor and Manhattan on this relaxing 2-hour afternoon cruise that includes an all-you-can-eat buffet and DJ'ed music. Get great views and a different perspective on the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center and the Empire State Building. And indulge in the delicious buffet lunch wile doing it. Upgrade the afternoon to receive a welcome glass of champagne in a souvenir glass, a table for your party size, and access to a platinum open bar.
... More
- 2 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$92.97
Audio GuidesNew York Helicopter Flight: Grand Island
Get an aerial view of New York City on this comprehensive helicopter ride. The sightseeing flight reveals all the top landmarks—from Central Park and Times Square to the Empire State Building and Brooklyn Bridge. This enables you to see more in minutes than you could in a day of exploring on foot, making the tour ideal for first-time visitors who want to get acquainted with the city.
... More
- 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$363.00
Private and LuxuryNew York Helicopter Tour: City Lights Skyline Experience
See the sights of New York City from up in the air on this nighttime helicopter tour of the city. Take off, and soar over the NYC as you take in aerial views of some of the most famous sights. See the Statue of Liberty, the Rockefeller Center, and Times Square all lit up, and then pass by the Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Williamsburg Bridges. This adventure is a shared experience with other travelers.
... More
- 25 to 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$204.96
$39.04 savings
Bus ToursNYC Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, Ferry, or Night Tour
Explore New York City at your own pace—without getting footsore or navigating public transportation—by choosing a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Ideal for first-time visitors who want to see as much of the city as possible, this flexible tour lets you choose between 1-, 2-, or 3-day tickets, all of which take you to the top NYC attractions and landmarks.
... More
- 2 to 3 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$35.00
Day CruisesStatue of Liberty Bateaux Lunch Cruise
Forget trying to snag a reservation at New York's hot restaurant du jour. Don't wait in line at a popular eatery, either. Instead, indulge in a delicious lunch during this 2-hour cruise on an all-glass boat around New York City that offers you an up-close look at the Statue of Liberty. As a live pianist plays relaxing music for you, take in the immense view of one of the world's great cities and enjoy a delicious pre-set lunch by the on-board executive chef.
... More
- 2 hours
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$92.97
Private and LuxuryNew York Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights
See New York City’s breathtaking skyline and the many iconic sights of the city on this helicopter flight. Soar over the Big Apple with an exclusive sightseeing tour of the Manhattan skyline and beyond, including the Empire State Building and Central Park, plus the Statue of Liberty. A variety of departure times are available throughout the day to fit into almost any schedule.
... More
- 12 to 15 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$194.22
$39.78 savings
Private and LuxuryNew York Helicopter Tour: Manhattan, Brooklyn and Staten Island
See New York City’s breathtaking skyline and the many iconic sights of the city on this helicopter flight. Soar over the Big Apple with an exclusive sightseeing tour of the Manhattan skyline and beyond, including the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center, and Central Park, to name just a few, plus Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty and much more. Then continue to see Brooklyn, Staten Island and more. A variety of departure times are available throughout the day to fit into almost any schedule.
... More
- 25 to 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$336.60
$37.40 savings
Bus ToursBig Bus New York Night Tour
Seeing New York City at night on your own can be hard if you don’t know the city well, and getting from place to place could mean waiting on taxi after taxi. This Big Bus New York night tour takes care of the transport for you, so you can sightsee at night without the stress. Ride on a double-decker bus, and listen to commentary while you take in NYC sights.
... More
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- Free Cancellation
- Taking safety measures
From
$49.00
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