Best Empire State Building Tours & Tickets NYC
Elevate your New York City adventure with an unforgettable Empire State Building tour. Compare top-rated options to experience panoramic skyline views from the iconic 86th and 102nd floor observatories. Whether you choose a guided historical walk or a self-paced visit, these tours offer skip-the-line access and expert insights into Art Deco architecture. Book trusted operators for seamless entry and breathtaking sunsets over Manhattan. Discover why this landmark remains a must-see attraction for travelers seeking iconic photos, cultural history, and the best vantage points in NYC.
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Visit the Empire State Building - the "World's Most Famous Building" - voted the #1 top attraction in New York City. Begin with the museum exhibits on the 2nd and 80th floors, tracing the building’s record-breaking construction, cultural legacy, and Hollywood fame, from "King Kong" to "Sleepless...
- Entry to the Empire State Building
- Access to the 86th-floor observation deck
- Access to the 2nd floor immersive exhibits
- Downloadable audio guide app
- Free high-speed WiFi on-site
- Access to the 102nd-floor Observation Deck (available on-site for an additional fee)
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time.”
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.
Beat the crowds and feel like a VIP on an exclusive guided tour of the Empire State with an Express Pass that lets you skip all lines to America's favorite building! Extended option: private transfers from your accommodation. 2-hour: Empire State Building Express Pass (No Transport) Book a guided ...
- Private Tour of the Empire State Building with Express Pass (itinerary depends on selected option)
- Express Pass tickets to the Empire State’s main and top decks
- Private transfers with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation (3,5-hour option only)
- Interesting facts about New York City
- 5-Star Licensed Guide who is fluent in the language of your choice
- Private transfers with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation (in 2-hour option)
- Empire State Building
- New York City
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Take in sweeping 360° views of New York City and beyond from the Empire State Building’s iconic 86th floor open-air observatory. Getting started Begin your visit at the main entrance, where you’ll pass through security and have your ticket validated for your reserved date and time. Follow signs or s...
- - Timed entry to the Empire State Building
- - Access to 86th-floor observatory
- - Access to high-powered binoculars
- - Access to 2nd and 80th floor immersive exhibits
- - Free Wi-Fi
- - Downloadable multimedia app
- - Access to 102nd-floor observatory (as per option selected)
- - Midtown Manhattan walking tour (as per option selected)
- - Skip-the-line entry
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Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions travelers ask before visiting.When comparing the 47 tour options we track across booking platforms, most fall between $64 and $152, with a median price of around $120. You will find some budget-friendly choices starting near $48 and premium experiences going up to $489. For travellers looking for value, landmark-focused tours average $88 while maintaining a strong rating of 4.55 stars.
A standard observation deck ticket gets you to the top, but the majority of tours we compare offer more context. Roughly 81% of the options include entry tickets, and about 60% provide a guide to explain the history and architecture. While only a small fraction (around 11%) explicitly list skip-the-line access as a feature, many of the guided sightseeing tours naturally streamline your arrival. Common extras also include Wi-Fi and cultural commentary on New York's architectural heritage.
Skip-the-line access is not the norm for this attraction; only 4 of the 47 options we compare (about 9%) explicitly advertise it. If you prefer a more personalised experience, private tours are quite popular, making up 9 of the listings (19%). These private formats often allow for customised pacing and deeper historical insights, which aligns well with the cultural themes that dominate this category.
Duration varies significantly depending on whether you are doing a quick visit or a comprehensive city exploration. Most tours run between 42 minutes and 6.2 hours, with a median duration of roughly 2.5 hours. The most common format is a sightseeing tour, which often combines the building visit with walking or bus travel through other parts of Manhattan.
You have solid multilingual support when booking ahead. We compare options available in 8 languages: English, Spanish, Italian, French, German, Portuguese, Korean, and Japanese. This wide selection ensures that non-English speakers can easily find a guided experience that matches their preference, particularly given the high volume of international visitors.
The consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 4.52 stars across 65,017 pooled reviews. Travelers frequently describe the views as fantastic and the overall experience as highly recommended. The dominant themes in feedback highlight knowledgeable guides and the impressive scale of the landmark itself. A small number of reviews mention crowds, but this is typical for such a major tourist destination.
If you want the most representative experience, look for a Sightseeing Tour (the type found in 81% of our comparisons) with a Cultural theme (present in 85% of options). These tend to focus on the history and significance of the building rather than just the view. Walking is the primary mode of transport for many of these tours (38%), allowing you to explore the surrounding area before or after ascending the tower.
Use the subway for most trips. Buy a MetroCard or use OMNY contactless payment at turnstiles.
Main tourist areas are generally safe. Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid poorly lit streets.
Visit TKTS booths in Times Square or Lincoln Center for same-day discounted seats on select shows.
