Iconic Empire State Building Tours & NYC Skyline Views

The vast majority of the 13 options we compare are cultural tours, with walking tours being the most common format at 85%. You will also find a significant number of sightseeing tours, and many of these focus on historical themes or architecture.

Prices vary depending on the level of access and guide service, but most options fall between $93–$168. Across the various booking platforms we check, the total price spread ranges from about $67 to $489.

While every listing is different, we found that most tours include a professional guide. Other common inclusions among the options we compare include:

• Entry tickets
• Observation deck access
• Small group settings

It is wise to book ahead, as a small number of the options we compare are flagged as likely to sell out. Booking in advance also gives you more flexibility, as roughly half of the available tours offer free cancellation.

The duration depends on whether you choose a quick visit or a deep dive, but the median time is about 2.2 hours. Most experiences range from approximately 1 hour to nearly 5 hours.

Yes, you can find more specialized experiences if you prefer. About 23% of the options we compare offer skip-the-line access, and roughly 23% are available as private tours for a more personalized experience.

The feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 4.7★ based on 27,224 pooled reviews across booking platforms. Travellers frequently describe the guides as very knowledgeable and highly recommend the experiences as being very nice.

Use the OMNY system to pay with your phone or contactless card. Download the Citymapper app for real time transit updates.

Booking ahead is best for popular shows. You can also try the TKTS booth in Times Square for discounted same day tickets.

Purchase timed entry tickets online for museums and observatories. Visit popular sites on weekdays during early morning hours.