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Empire State Building General & Skip-the-Line Tickets

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New York City, United States
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Empire State Building General & Skip-the-Line Tickets
Newly renovated 80th floor
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227

From $45.73

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Free Cancellation
up to 24 hours in advance
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icon45 minutes  (Approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English and 9 more
Keeping you safe during COVID-19
What you can expect during your visit
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival
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Safety precautions are provided by the tour operator and are not checked by Viator for accuracy
More questions?
(888) 651-9785

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.
  • 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
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From $45.73

Lowest Price Guarantee
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In the heart of NYC
Unobstructed 360 degree view Observation Deck
Access to new second floor immersive exhibits
Revamped 80th floor featuring exciting, artistic exhibits
Free admission for children 5 and under

Departure Point

Empire State Building, 20 West 34th Street, New York City, NY 10001
Make your own way to the Empire State Library in central NYC, bearing in mind the opening hours of 11:00am-10:00pm, every day of the year. The last elevator to the top runs at 9:15pm.

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. 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
Stop At:  
Empire State Building
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!
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Admission Ticket Included
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • No refunds due to weather conditions, length of lines or wait times at the building
  • Infant tickets for children 0-5 years are free and can be picked up at the ticket office upon arrival
  • Skip-the-line privileges are only available with the VIP Express Experience Admission Ticket option
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
  • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Most travelers can participate
  • OPERATED BY Empire State Building

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during Empire State Building General & Skip-the-Line Tickets?
A:
The policies on face masks and attendee health are:

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
  • Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival
See all safety measures taken by Empire State Building General & Skip-the-Line Tickets.
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Empire State Building General & Skip-the-Line Tickets?
A:
The policies on sanitization are:

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
See all safety measures taken by Empire State Building General & Skip-the-Line Tickets.
Q:
What is the social distancing policy during Empire State Building General & Skip-the-Line Tickets?
A:
The policy on social distancing is:

  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
See all safety measures taken by Empire State Building General & Skip-the-Line Tickets.

Traveler Photos

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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
  • "Dusk offers most magnificent views of Manhattan, so try to time your visit accordingly." See review
  • "If you want to visit the Empire State Building buying this pass is a MUST." See review

Reviews

4.5
star-4.5
3,046 Reviews
5 stars
1,885
4 stars
678
3 stars
214
2 stars
138
1 star
131
Reviews by Viator travelers
Showing 1-10 of 3,046 reviews
star-5
Sky View of NYC
Bashier_A
, Jan 2021
It was a thrilling experience , the employees were very polite and Curtis , and the view from the sky was fascinating , would love to do that at night or sunset , thanks for a lifetime experience
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star-1
You fooled us by not telling that we will not be able to go up till the 102 floor our ticket was only till the 86 floor
Menachem_F
, Jan 2021
I paid expensive tickets and I wasn't able to go up till the 102 floor I think you have let us know.
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icon Response from Host , Jan 2021
Thank you for your review. Please note we are priced similarly to other observatories. Our 102nd floor requires an extra ticket that is available for purchase on the Empire State Building Observatory website or while visiting the building. Thank you for visiting. -Steve
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HelpfulHelpful1 traveler found this review helpful
star-1
Inflexible during pandemic
Marcia_M
, Jan 2021
The tour operator was not willing to offer a refund although there were Covid 19 travel restrictions.
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icon Response from Host , Jan 2021
Thank you for your review. I'd like to help resolve your issue. Could you please email me at starca@esbonyc.com? Thank you. -Steve
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star-5
Empire State Building
Bashier_A
, Dec 2020
The view was great and the experience was a life time memory , the employees were very polite , helpful and Curtis , we experienced a very nice toor
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icon Response from Host , Jan 2021
Thank you very much for your review and for your kind words about our staff. I will be sure to pass them along! Thank you for visiting. -Steve
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star-1
Covid 19 Hit
Janice_W
, Dec 2020
Sadly, we were never able to use our tickets 🙁. When we went in 2019 for our scheduled time it was so foggy the exhibit was closed but they told us the tickets were good for a year. So we thought no problem! Well, then along came Covid 19! Since the four of us live in different states traveling was really not an option to get there, so this is why they were never used. We would really like to see it, so perhaps next year will be different and we can again do our yearly visit to NYC.
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icon Response from Host , Dec 2020
Hello, Thank you for your review. We take customer service seriously here, and I would like to resolve your ticketing issue. Can you please reach out to me at starca@esbonyc.com? Thank you. -Steve
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star-3
No need to “skip the line” - there IS no line
Janelle_A
, Oct 2020
I I absolutely loved the tour And will go back again for sure!! I want to encourage everybody to not use the “skip the line” because there is no line! Since Covid they said there are no more lines so you can go at the regular price. So save your money here or enjoy it Twice!
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icon Response from Host , Oct 2020
Thank you for your review. I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit! Please note we are always happy to provide up-to-date information regarding wait times and visibility through our information line. Thank you again for visiting! -Steve
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star-1
Horrible
Moni
, Oct 2020
Terrible experience. This experience was way oveeeeerpriced. Observatory, only thing worth it there, wasn’t ideal because of the bad weather. The money spent on this attraction was too much considering what you actually receive from it.
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icon Response from Host , Oct 2020
Thank you for your review. Please note we are priced similarly to other observatories and work hard to provide a memorable experience for everyone, including our galleries on the second and eightieth floors and our 360 degree views on the 86th and 102nd floor observatory. Guests are also always welcomed to call the Observatory for up-to-date information, including current visibility. Thank you for visiting. -Steve
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star-1
Total disappointment
Gio
, Oct 2020
Total disappointment. This experience was waaaayyyyy overpriced considering what you get from it. The only thing worth it was the observatory, but it’s 360 degree views just don’t justify the high cost. Come on people, this is not Disney World!!!
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icon Response from Host , Oct 2020
Thank you for your review. Please note we are priced similarly to other observatories and work hard to provide a memorable experience for everyone, including our galleries on the second and eightieth floors and our 360 degree views on the 86th and 102nd floor observatory. Thank you for visiting. -Steve
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star-5
Fun Experience
Dandrea_C
, Oct 2020
BEST TIME EVER!!! This is a must see when visiting New York. Great staff and breathtaking views makes this experience wonderful!
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icon Response from Host , Oct 2020
Thank you for your review! I am so glad to hear you enjoyed your visit. Thank you for visiting. -Steve
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star-5
A majestic evening @ Empire State
Dharam_M
, Oct 2020
The Empire State Building Observatory was one hell of an experience. We went there on Oct 2nd, which due to being a Friday and in the middle of a pandemic, was almost empty. We reached a couple minutes late for our entry but no one complained. There was no other tourist on the entire 2nd floor, and we breezed through the security check and through all the exhibits kept there to entertain people waiting in line on a normal day. We kept moving towards the lifts which to my surprise we entirely empty as well. Me and my wife got a private elevator to the 80th floor, where we were asked to walk a bit towards the next set of elevators to go up to the 86th floor. On the 80th floor you had views of the city but through glass windows. I didn't have enough patience to look through those since I knew I had better views waiting for me on the 86th floor. Again we got an empty elevator which seemed really safe during these times. When we stepped out on the 86th floor, the view was just majestic. It was one of our best touristy thing we did in New York and would recommend to anyone visiting the city, to do at least once. I would also recommend getting there right before sunset, which we did, to get the best of both views, day time and night time. You could see the sunset, the sky turning pink and the city coming to life at night underneath. Loved the experience!
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icon Response from Host , Oct 2020
Thank you very much for your review. We agree that our views are very majestic, especially during sunset! I am so glad to hear you had a great time. Thank you for visiting. -Steve
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Product code: 2194EMPIRE

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