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Home/USA/New York/New York City/Empire State Building

Empire State Building: Iconic NYC Skyline Tours

Elevate your New York City adventure with an unforgettable visit to the legendary Empire State Building. Witness breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the iconic Manhattan skyline from one of the world's most famous skyscrapers. Whether you are looking for romantic sunset sightseeing tours, thrilling helicopter rides, or family-friendly guided walks, our curated selection of NYC attractions ensures a world-class experience. Immerse yourself in Art Deco history and discover why this architectural masterpiece remains a must-see landmark for every traveler visiting New York. Book your skyline experience today!

4.66/5 avg ratingFrom $42.25 per person80,000+ reviews56% free cancellation

At a glance

Tour Price

Tour Price

$77–$330 typical

Wide range from $42 to $1,239

Rating

Rating

4.66★ average

Based on 80,152 pooled reviews

Tour Length

Tour Length

2 hours median

Typically ranges from 30 minutes to 6 hours

Tour Type

Tour Type

Sightseeing & Culture

54% are sightseeing tours, 56% are cultural themes

Languages

Languages

8 languages available

Includes English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, and Russian

Special Features

Special Features

Eco-friendly options

20% of tours are tagged eco-friendly

60 Products

NYC: Sightseeing Helicopter Tour

NYC: Sightseeing Helicopter Tour

15 mins
4.78 (2,264 reviews)
GetYourGuide
$271$319
Book now
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NYC: Sightseeing Helicopter Tour
Summary

Get awe-inspiring views of NYC on a thrilling helicopter ride above the city's skyscrapers and iconic landmarks. See the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and other attractions from above.

NY Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights

NY Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights

15 minsFree cancellation
4.75 (1,300 reviews)
86.42%
13.58%
amazing experiencebreathtakinggreat to see
Viator
$272
Book now
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NY Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights
Summary

Experience Manhattan from a breathtaking new perspective on a 12-15 minute NYC helicopter tour with HeliNY! Your helicopter ride will lift off from downtown Manhattan and fly past iconic New York City landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Times Square, and Central Park ...

Inclusions
  • Heliport Landing & Facility Fees (No unexpected fees upon arrival for a smooth & pleasant check-in!)
  • Shared Helicopter Flight (shared experience with other travelers)
  • Fuel surcharge
  • Live commentary on board, Floor to ceiling windows, Climate controlled cabin
Exclusions
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Souvenir photos (available for purchase!)
Itinerary
  • HeliNY
  • Brooklyn Bridge
  • Brooklyn
  • Governors Island
  • New York Harbor
  • Statue of Liberty
  • Ellis Island
  • Downtown Manhattan (Downtown)
  • One World Trade Center
  • The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
  • Empire State Building
  • Chrysler Building
  • Little Island
  • Intrepid Museum
  • Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex
  • Rockefeller Center
  • The Vessel
  • Hudson Yards
  • Madison Square Garden
  • One Vanderbilt
  • Times Square
  • Central Park Tower
  • Central Park
Good to know
  • Wheelchair accessible, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Transportation options are wheelchair accessible, All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Due to comfort and weight / balance of the aircraft, passengers weighing more than 275 lbs (124 kg) may be unable to fly. If passengers require a seat belt extender they will not be able to attend., A current, valid, government-issued photo ID is required on the day of travel., All bags are subject to inspection. Complimentary lockers are available to hold belongings while flying., Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 2 must sit in an adults lap at no charge., All passengers are required to sign a waiver prior to flying.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

NY Helicopter Tour: Ultimate NYC Sightseeing

NY Helicopter Tour: Ultimate NYC Sightseeing

20 minsFree cancellation
4.75 (1,158 reviews)
88.59%
11.41%
best experience everabsolutely amazingAmazing views
Viator
$319
Book now
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NY Helicopter Tour: Ultimate NYC Sightseeing
Summary

Experience Manhattan from a breathtaking new perspective on a 17-20 minute NYC helicopter tour with HeliNY! Your helicopter ride will lift off from downtown Manhattan and fly past iconic New York City landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Times Square, and Central Park,...

Inclusions
  • Heliport Landing & Facility Fees (No unexpected fees upon arrival for a smooth & pleasant check-in!)
  • Shared Helicopter Flight (shared experience with other travelers)
  • Fuel surcharge
  • Live commentary on board, Floor to ceiling windows, Climate controlled cabin
Exclusions
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase!)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Itinerary
  • Brooklyn Bridge
  • Brooklyn
  • Governors Island
  • New York Harbor
  • Statue of Liberty
  • Ellis Island
  • Downtown Manhattan (Downtown)
  • One World Trade Center
  • The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
  • Empire State Building
  • Chrysler Building
  • Little Island
  • Intrepid Museum
  • Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex
  • Rockefeller Center
  • Hudson Yards
  • The Vessel
  • Madison Square Garden
  • One Vanderbilt
  • Times Square / Theater District
  • Central Park Tower
  • Central Park
  • Columbia University
  • George Washington Bridge
  • Yankee Stadium
  • Palisades
Good to know
  • Wheelchair accessible, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Transportation options are wheelchair accessible, All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Due to comfort and weight / balance of the aircraft, passengers weighing over 275 lbs may be unable to fly. If passengers require a seat belt extender they will not be able to attend., A current valid government issued photo ID is required on the day of travel., All bags are subject to inspection. Complimentary lockers are available to hold belongings while flying., Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 2 must sit in an adults lap at no charge., All passengers are required to sign a waiver prior to flying.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

NYC Empire State Building - Iconic Observation Deck & Museum

NYC Empire State Building - Iconic Observation Deck & Museum

4.72 (28,501 reviews)
GetYourGuide
$48
Book now
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NYC Empire State Building - Iconic Observation Deck & Museum
Summary

Visit the iconic Empire State Building, voted NYC’s #1 attraction. Explore the immersive museum and enjoy breathtaking 360° views & photo opportunities from the legendary 86th Floor Observation deck.

New York Pass®: 100+ Attractions including Edge NYC

New York Pass®: 100+ Attractions including Edge NYC

4.6 (2,594 reviews)
GetYourGuide
$169
Book now
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New York Pass®: 100+ Attractions including Edge NYC
Summary

Save up to 50%* on entry to 100+ attractions over 1-10 days - the best New York pass for flexibility and savings. Options include Empire State Building, Edge, Top of the Rock, 9/11 Museum and more!

New York City: Top of the Rock Observation Deck Ticket

New York City: Top of the Rock Observation Deck Ticket

2 hrs
4.58 (21,690 reviews)
GetYourGuide
$46
Book now
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New York City: Top of the Rock Observation Deck Ticket
Summary

Take in 360-degree panoramic views of the Big Apple from Top of the Rock’s iconic observation deck. From Central Park to the Empire State Building, see it all from the best viewpoint in New York City.

NY Helicopter Tour: New York City Skyline from New Jersey

NY Helicopter Tour: New York City Skyline from New Jersey

30 minsFree cancellationLikely to sell out
4.68 (652 reviews)
83.98%
16.02%
ExcellentGreat experiencehighly recommend
Viator
$334
Book now
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NY Helicopter Tour: New York City Skyline from New Jersey
Summary

Enjoy an unforgettable 25–30 minute flight from Linden Airport, New Jersey, offering breathtaking aerial views of New York City’s world-famous skyline from BOTH sides of the helicopter as it goes up and down the Hudson River. Choose from a daytime, sunset, or nighttime tour and capture breathtaking...

Inclusions
  • Heliport Landing & Facility Fees (No unexpected fees upon arrival for a smooth & pleasant check-in!)
  • Shared Helicopter Flight (shared experience with other travelers)
  • Fuel surcharge
  • Live pilot narration, Floor to ceiling windows, Climate controlled cabin
  • Free Shuttle From Linden, NJ Train Station By Request Only
Exclusions
  • Souvenir Photos (Available for purchase!)
Itinerary
  • Staten Island
  • Coney Island
  • New York Harbor
  • Statue of Liberty
  • Ellis Island
  • Governors Island
  • Manhattan Skyline
  • One World Trade Center
  • The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
  • Empire State Building
  • Chrysler Building
  • Little Island
  • Intrepid Museum
  • Chelsea Piers Sports & Entertainment Complex
  • Rockefeller Center
  • Hudson Yards
  • The Vessel
  • Madison Square Garden
  • One Vanderbilt
  • Times Square / Theater District
  • Central Park Tower
  • Central Park
  • Columbia University
  • George Washington Bridge
  • Yankee Stadium
  • Palisades
Good to know
  • Wheelchair accessible, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Transportation options are wheelchair accessible, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, Due to comfort and weight / balance of the aircraft, passengers weighing over 275 lbs may be unable to fly. If passengers require a seat belt extender they will not be able to attend., A current valid government issued photo ID is required on the day of travel., All bags are subject to inspection. Only camera, cell phone and sunglasses can be brought aboard. Complimentary lockers are available to hold belongings while flying., Please note: is a 10 minute drive to Linden Airport from the Linden train station, passengers can order either Uber, Lyft or use the local taxi service., Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 2 must sit in an adults lap at no charge., All passengers are required to sign a waiver prior to flying.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket

NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket

1.5 hrsFree cancellation
4.43 (7,186 reviews)
84.82%
15.18%
Fantastic viewfantasticgreat experience
Viator
$48
Book now
View Details
NYC Empire State Building Observation Deck Ticket
Summary

At the Empire State Building Observation Deck, voted the #1 Top Attraction in the U.S. in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things to Do, the skyline is not just what you see—it’s what you feel. Start with immersive galleries that bring the building’s story to life, from...

Inclusions
  • Free Wi-Fi on-site
  • From June 9 through July 19 - Limited time Classic Football Jersey Exhibit
  • Admission to the Empire State Building
  • Access to second floor immersive exhibits
  • Access to 86th Floor Observation Deck
Itinerary
  • Empire State Building
Good to know
  • Wheelchair accessible, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Transportation options are wheelchair accessible, All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, Suitable for all physical fitness levels, 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, For the best experience, we recommend visiting two hours after opening time
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

NYC: Empire State Building Express Tickets – Skip the Line

NYC: Empire State Building Express Tickets – Skip the Line

45 minsSkip the line
4.61 (715 reviews)
GetYourGuide
$93
Book now
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NYC: Empire State Building Express Tickets – Skip the Line
Summary

Skip the lines at NYC’s #1 attraction! Enjoy red carpet entry to the Empire State Building, capture 360° views of NYC from the 86th Floor, and upgrade to the 102nd with floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

One-Day Best of New York Private Tour

One-Day Best of New York Private Tour

6 hrsPrivate tourFree cancellation
4.95 (100 reviews)
98.28%
1.72%
greatexperiencedbest tour
Viator
$799
Book now
View Details
One-Day Best of New York Private Tour
Summary

Explore New York City your way on a private tour designed around your interests. Available in half-day or full-day options, this experience offers a comfortable and personalized way to see NYC’s most famous landmarks and hidden highlights. Your tour begins with convenient hotel pickup, where you’ll...

Inclusions
  • Luxury Vehicles for all group sizes
  • Professional Licensed Tour Guide (separate from driver)
  • 4-Hour or 6-Hour Guided Tour of NYC
  • Multiple Photo and Iconic Food Stops
  • Pickup and Drop-off to any NYC Hotel
Exclusions
  • Food Cost at Food Stops (if any)
  • Gratuities
Itinerary
  • Times Square
  • Hell's Kitchen
  • Hudson Yards
  • Chelsea
  • Meatpacking District
  • Brooklyn Bridge
  • Dumbo Manhattan Bridge View
  • Statue of Liberty
  • Chinatown
  • Little Italy
  • SoHo
  • Greenwich Village
  • Empire State Building
  • Grand Central Terminal
  • Central Park
  • Rockefeller Center
Good to know
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Service animals allowed, Public transportation options are available nearby, Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Pairs well with

Landmarks travelers visit on the same route as Empire State Building.

New York City Koreatown
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New York City Koreatown

200 m away • from $59

Morgan Library & Museum
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Morgan Library & Museum

350 m away • from $40

Macy's® Herald Square
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Macy's® Herald Square

400 m away • from $15

Museum of Sex
Learn more

Museum of Sex

500 m away • from $32

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions travelers ask before visiting.

Across the booking platforms we compare, most options cost $77–$330, with prices ranging as low as $42 and as high as $1,239 depending on the experience. The median sits at $147. Budget-conscious visitors can find basic observation deck tickets at the lower end, while private tours, helicopter experiences, and multi-hour guided packages command the higher prices. About 56% of the options we compare offer free cancellation, which gives you flexibility if plans change.

The options we compare are dominated by cultural and sightseeing experiences. Sightseeing tours make up the largest share (54%), followed by walking tours (42%). Beyond those, you'll find a smaller number of helicopter tours (12%), boat-based cruises (8%), and hop-on hop-off bus tours (6%). Most tours emphasize the building's cultural and historical significance (56% and 42% of options respectively), though some lean into architecture and adventure themes. Whether you prefer to explore on foot, by bus, or by air, there's a format suited to your style.

Yes, but they're uncommon. Only 2 of the 50 options we compare include skip-the-line access, so if cutting queues is a priority, you'll want to search specifically for those listings. Most visitors book standard timed-entry tickets and plan to arrive early or during quieter hours to minimize wait times.

A guide is included in 38% of the options we compare, making it the most common add-on. About 30% include entry to the observation deck itself, so read the listing carefully to confirm whether you're paying separately for admission. A smaller share (10%) offer hotel pickup and drop-off, which is useful if you're staying elsewhere in the city. Most tours are self-contained experiences that don't require additional bookings, though some specialized options (like helicopter tours) may have separate heliport or fuel fees.

Most tours run between 30 minutes and 6 hours, with a median duration of around 2 hours. Quick observation deck visits might take 30 minutes to an hour, while guided cultural or historical tours often stretch to 2–3 hours. If you're booking a helicopter tour or a multi-stop sightseeing package, expect the longer end of that range. Check the listing for exact duration so you can plan the rest of your day.

Tours across the platforms we compare are available in 8 languages: English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, and Russian. English-language options are the most widely available, but if you're traveling with a group that speaks another language, you'll find guided tours to match.

Visitors are overwhelmingly enthusiastic. Across more than 80,000 combined reviews on the options we compare, the average rating is 4.66 stars, and roughly 87% of reviews are positive. Reviewers repeatedly highlight "great experience," "excellent," "fantastic views," and "amazing" moments. The Empire State Building clearly delivers on the iconic New York experience most travelers hope for.

Booking ahead is worth considering. About 56% of the options we compare offer instant confirmation, so you can often secure your spot immediately online. Additionally, 18% of the options are flagged as likely to sell out, particularly during peak season (spring and summer) and weekends. If you're visiting during busy times, advance booking ensures you don't miss out on your preferred time slot.

Yes. 22% of the options we compare are private tours, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace with a dedicated guide or in a smaller group. Private tours typically sit at the higher end of the price range but offer the advantage of a customized itinerary and no large crowds. They're particularly popular for families, groups with specific interests, or travelers who want to linger on details.

A notable share of the options we compare are tagged as eco-friendly (20%). These may emphasize sustainable transportation, minimal environmental impact, or educational content about the building's sustainability features. If reducing your carbon footprint is important, filtering for these options gives you a meaningful choice among the tours available.

Buy a MetroCard with unlimited 7-day or 30-day passes. Single rides cost $2.90, but unlimited passes offer better value for frequent travel across subways and buses.

Book tickets online in advance and visit early morning on weekdays. Consider purchasing CityPASS for bundled attractions with skip-the-line access at multiple sites.

Visit Brooklyn (Williamsburg, DUMBO), Greenwich Village, Chinatown, and the Lower East Side. These areas offer local restaurants, galleries, and culture that reflect real New York life.

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