Empire State Building Ticket: Optional Skip-the-Line + 102nd Deck
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Empire State Building Ticket: Optional Skip-the-Line + 102nd Deck
By Empire State Building
About
No visit to New York is complete without experiencing bird's-eye city views. Admire the panoramas from the Empire State Building and explore its Interactive Museum and other areas with this ticket. It unlocks two attractions for the price of one—the 82nd-floor observatory and 2nd-floor museum to chart the building's story from construction.
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from per adult
$47.91
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 6-99
Duration: 45–90 minutes
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Highlights
- Marvel at 360-degree, unobstructed views from the Empire State Building
- See landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty from the heart of NYC
- Visit the 86th-floor main deck, 2nd-floor museum, and redesigned 80th floor
- Choose the Express ticket upgrade and follow the red carpet to the top
- Admission to the Empire State Building
- Access to 86th Floor Observatory
- Access to second floor immersive exhibits
- Free Wi-Fi on-site
- Optional Upgrade to Skip-the-Line Express Ticket and/or 102nd Deck
- Entry/Admission - Empire State Building
- Return details
- Returns to original departure point
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 2194EMPIRE- 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
- Most travelers can participate
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- A note from Empire State Building Ticket: Optional Skip-the-Line + 102nd Deck
- Masks are optional for all guests at the Empire State Building Observatory Experience. For guest comfort, Observatory staff is fully vaccinated and will continue to wear masks.
What you can expect during your visit- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Community- Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
- Which attractions will I visit with Empire State Building Ticket: Optional Skip-the-Line + 102nd Deck?
- During this experience, places you will visit include:Discover and book Empire State Building Ticket: Optional Skip-the-Line + 102nd Deck on Tripadvisor
- How much is Empire State Building Ticket: Optional Skip-the-Line + 102nd Deck?
- Empire State Building Ticket: Optional Skip-the-Line + 102nd Deck price starts from $47.91. Discover and book Empire State Building Ticket: Optional Skip-the-Line + 102nd Deck on Tripadvisor
- What is the Empire State Building Ticket: Optional Skip-the-Line + 102nd Deck cancellation policy?
- Empire State Building Ticket: Optional Skip-the-Line + 102nd Deck cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Empire State Building Ticket: Optional Skip-the-Line + 102nd Deck on Tripadvisor
- Which company provides Empire State Building Ticket: Optional Skip-the-Line + 102nd Deck?
- Empire State Building Ticket: Optional Skip-the-Line + 102nd Deck is hosted by Empire State Building. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Empire State Building on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Empire State Building Ticket: Optional Skip-the-Line + 102nd Deck on Tripadvisor
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 2194EMPIRE
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- AMarie52500Experence of a lifetime!Excellent and exciting experience to have been able to go to the top of the Empire State Building with my 12 yr old cousin during our vacation in The Big Apple last month. This is something I've always wanted to do and so glad the weather was nice enough to do it. We were there on a Wednesday night and the lines were not long to get in. All the employees are very helpful when asking questions about purchasing tickets and which line to get into because it can get confusing if you've never been there before. We went at night and seeing the city lit up at night was breathtaking! We were even able to see Lady Liberty from a far as well and that was just awesome! We also loved the gift shop at the end where you exit and were able to find some treasures before leaving.
- MagsCox00So high, so scary, so cool!!!We visited on our first day in New York. Quite early (9.15am) so it was fairly quiet. The information and displays on the way up were very interesting. We are scared of heights but honestly it was worth it! Spent some time on the seats at the top getting used to the height and then ventured outside. Stunning views of New York and beyond. Absolutely don't miss the chance to visit!
- 418lalatendus00Do not buy tickets from viatorI bought hop on off bus and tickets to empire through viator. They let us enter the building but the tickets did not work at their scanner. They escorted us out. No help from viator or the building staff. Completely ruined our experience.
- cheri25600Outstanding experienceWe visited the Empire State Building on our first visit to NYC. It did not disappoint!! We went to the 102nd floor and we absolutely amazed at the NYC landscape from that height!
- reneedD554LW00Empire State good buildingOohhh it was so lovely to see the view of New York! it is highly recommended! And you can take beautiful pictures.
- N5172HHingridb00Empire State visit!Amazing views of NY, well worth the ticket price. Iconic, must see experience when in New York. Good value for money. Very efficient streamlined visitor experience.
- 795yl00Great place to explore the history of the building and see the view of NYCVery expensive to ~go up the building to see the 86th or 102nd floor (or both floor) views. Note that a premium is charged when one goes up during their 'sunset' peak time (approximately an extra $10-15 dollar surcharge). If you do go up during the sunset peak time, be prepared for the people not giving space or moving from their 'destinated' spots. There will be people who will stay in the same spot for more than 15 minutes so that they can watch the sunset from the NYC skyline. Great time to go up if you are interested in doing some photography shots. I was able to get a few good shots. Enjoy the 80th floor, which has a lot of interactive exhibits talking about the building of Empire State Building. Great place to wander, site and also let the kids run around.
- ImM_ImT00Worth a visitVery well-maintained place. Nice tour, and an excellent view from the top. Was a bit crowded on the top. No need for an express pass if going there in the morning. Queues weren't very long and were moving swiftly.
- 614suet00Great viewsLoved this - it has changed since I went 15 years ago and for the better. Interactive scenes very good and not busy. We got tickets on the day about 4 pm and no queuing
- 116jimp00you have to go to the top!very enjoyable with a great gift shop. you need to go to the top and take the best pictures of NY. Also had our picture taken, recommend the digital photos, they have great backgrounds.
- Strybl00Fantastic!We have decided to visit Empire State Building during the evening to observe NEW York at night and it was fabulous, marvelous, fantastic experience!
- benrI4924MO00Great city viewsIt's pricey, but worth it. The lines were short on Thursday afternoon, so there was only a minimal wait. The views were fantastic.
- R9071VNmartinb00Good ExperienceGood experience and worth a visit for the views of New York City skyline. We done day time which was nice im sure night time be nicer but busier.
- donatellacuria00On top of the world.I had last visited the ESB some thirty years ago. It is now fully upgraded with an interactive museum as you walk in. The journey up to the 86th floor on the lift is also an experience! A little pricey, though..
- Thomas V00Love the Nighttime IlluminationsLoved the view of this iconic historic skyscraper from our Brooklyn apartment. Well we could see the tip. But there it was, always illuminated at night and in different colors for different reasons. Great idea! It has a great history, initially not a success as it opened at the depth of the Depression. Now an icon.
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Tim
1 contribution
Jan 2020
Nice views from the top etc etc yada yada, but is it worth the price AND enduring customer service from employee who clearly have no fear whatsoever of their behavior resulting in consequences? Not for us.
We arrived in the ESB lobby this afternoon, a freezing January weekday during low season, but of course this is NYC so there are still a decent number of tourists even if there’s no line. That doesn’t seem to resonate with the lobby entrance staff though. More than a dozen of us had accumulated by the reception desk over the course of several minutes before a staff member could finally be bothered to give instructions as to where to go. Unfortunately by this point, we had already purchased the express line tickets (a $70+ premium over the base rate for two tickets) from the only ticket dispensary in sight. It turns out that regular tickets are available if you go around the lobby, but this wasn’t clearly marked. Obviously an attentive staff member could’ve stopped us from wasting money on skip the line tickets when there’s no line, but that would require them to actually work on the job instead of drinking in the janitor closet or whatever it was that made them unwilling to attend to guests in a timely manner, and that just wouldn’t be a reasonable expectation, would it?
The staff member was attentive enough to comment on what a waste it was to buy the express tickets though, so thanks for that? I then asked whether it would be possible to get a refund on just the express option on the tickets and she just laughs and mutters something about “foreigners”, even though we’re US citizens and speak accentless English. We were so shocked that we had to take a few seconds and stare at her to see if she realized what she just said, but she just looked away and pretended nothing happened.
Most staff at the observation floors weren’t much better, to the point where you’d think they might be taking bets as to how rude and unhelpful they could openly be without any repercussions whatsoever. Again, it’d be understandable to a degree if this was peak season on a summer weekend when they’re getting swarmed, but there was nowhere near enough people today to justify this kind of can’t-be-f’d attitude. A few of them literally couldn’t even be bothered to speak when we asked for directions to the next floor—they just pointed around the corner without even looking at us. Oh and it turns out that the next elevator up was actually right next to the one we came up on—they just made us go around the entire floor for their own amusement, I guess?
I have no idea what management thinks is acceptable customer service, because as things stand they may as well be prison guards minus the physical abuse, but at least prisoners didn’t pay $200+ for the pleasure.
Strongly, strongly suggest staying far away. There are plenty of other observation decks available across the city. For example, we went up to Top of the Rock a few days earlier and their staff clearly cared about actually being employed.
We arrived in the ESB lobby this afternoon, a freezing January weekday during low season, but of course this is NYC so there are still a decent number of tourists even if there’s no line. That doesn’t seem to resonate with the lobby entrance staff though. More than a dozen of us had accumulated by the reception desk over the course of several minutes before a staff member could finally be bothered to give instructions as to where to go. Unfortunately by this point, we had already purchased the express line tickets (a $70+ premium over the base rate for two tickets) from the only ticket dispensary in sight. It turns out that regular tickets are available if you go around the lobby, but this wasn’t clearly marked. Obviously an attentive staff member could’ve stopped us from wasting money on skip the line tickets when there’s no line, but that would require them to actually work on the job instead of drinking in the janitor closet or whatever it was that made them unwilling to attend to guests in a timely manner, and that just wouldn’t be a reasonable expectation, would it?
The staff member was attentive enough to comment on what a waste it was to buy the express tickets though, so thanks for that? I then asked whether it would be possible to get a refund on just the express option on the tickets and she just laughs and mutters something about “foreigners”, even though we’re US citizens and speak accentless English. We were so shocked that we had to take a few seconds and stare at her to see if she realized what she just said, but she just looked away and pretended nothing happened.
Most staff at the observation floors weren’t much better, to the point where you’d think they might be taking bets as to how rude and unhelpful they could openly be without any repercussions whatsoever. Again, it’d be understandable to a degree if this was peak season on a summer weekend when they’re getting swarmed, but there was nowhere near enough people today to justify this kind of can’t-be-f’d attitude. A few of them literally couldn’t even be bothered to speak when we asked for directions to the next floor—they just pointed around the corner without even looking at us. Oh and it turns out that the next elevator up was actually right next to the one we came up on—they just made us go around the entire floor for their own amusement, I guess?
I have no idea what management thinks is acceptable customer service, because as things stand they may as well be prison guards minus the physical abuse, but at least prisoners didn’t pay $200+ for the pleasure.
Strongly, strongly suggest staying far away. There are plenty of other observation decks available across the city. For example, we went up to Top of the Rock a few days earlier and their staff clearly cared about actually being employed.
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SteveTarca
Hi timothy647,
Thank you again for sharing your experience. I would like to hear more about your visit. Please reach out to us at starca@esbonyc.com.
Thank you,
Steve Tarca
Written March 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kerryandrich
Swindon, England252 contributions
Mar 2020
We had planned a visit to the ESB for 6 months prior. We purchased tickets from a UK agent (GetYourGuide.com) as this worked out cheaper. We visited on March 12th - literally just days before the city closed due to Coronavirus. As a result of this, there was no queue at all, we walked straight through security and up to the observation deck. There was only about 10-15 other guests throughout the duration of our visit. The tourist element of this building is fascinating and the exhibition upon entry (past security), is well worth the time spent before rushing to get to the views.
The observation deck is exactly as seen on tv, films, etc and the views are spectacular.
This is an absolute must-do for any visitor to NYC.
The observation deck is exactly as seen on tv, films, etc and the views are spectacular.
This is an absolute must-do for any visitor to NYC.
Written March 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rafrew
Townsville, Australia93 contributions
Oct 2019
We were in New York City in October 2019 and were lucky enough to visit just after the new interactive displays on the 2nd floor were complete. These in itself are wonderful to see and shouldn't be skipped or hurried. After this we took the lift to the observation deck on the 86th floor. However, we stopped short of the 86th floor and were asked to line up behind a railing facing the windows which were covered. After listening to a short story about the building, the window coverings were raised to show an amazing view of the city that left us breathless. We then went to the 86th floor and ventured out onto the walkway. Even though the wind was blowing, it was amazing to see the city without having to be behind glass windows.
Written September 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lorna P
Edinburgh, UK142 contributions
Feb 2020
A great morning up on the 86th floor. Enjoyed the exhibitions on earlier floors.
Although we skipped lines on the first couple of floors we still had to queue for the lifts up to 80th and 86th floors and on way down.
Although we skipped lines on the first couple of floors we still had to queue for the lifts up to 80th and 86th floors and on way down.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wanderer1603
England, UK284 contributions
Dec 2021
Book tickets in advance - takes 10-15 minutes to get from security up to the 86th floor. Views from 86th floor are fantastic, not sure if it is worth purchasing the more expensive ticket to go up to the 102nd floor. Plenty of areas to take photos outside. Check weather forecast before going - if it's overcast/cloudy, visibility is not great and you won't be able to see views of Manhattan.
Written January 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Operations T
We’re so happy to hear that you had a wonderful visit to the Empire State Building. Thank you for the review. Hope to be a part of your next visit to New York.
Written January 23, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
chiusi
Poole, UK48 contributions
Nov 2019
Booked tickets on-line in uk. In wheelchair-billed as having disabled access, restaurant and facilities. Arrived, no signing, no loos just uniform guys directing you to lifts. Yes the whole site was flat and the views were absolutely stunning. Used to desciptions to advise whereabouts of previous so you can organise your day. Didn't happen,. Continual shunting of visitors form ticket scanner to lifts to different floors. Never found restaurant. Was shunted through huge shop. Worried cos only " came a cross" 2 loos [ not block of loos!] When complained at shunting was told they were only trying to help!!!!! Had to forcefully shout that we wanted to leave was told you have to go this way because we paid to go to a higher floor.! More emphatic pleading and were shown way out beyond some cordons Joined other people feeling similar. The "museum" consisted of celebrity photos with views behind. Even the lifts had blaring music with videos - nightmare. Most people under 40 and were unaware of any freedom infringement.
Written February 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi chiusi,
We read your review about your recent visit to the Empire State Building Observatory.
While we aim to do our best at all times, we recognize that sometimes we fail, and from our failures we learn. We are very sorry to hear that your experience was a disappointment, and we very much would like to improve. Would you please be kind enough to reach out to us at roomtoimprove@esbonyc.com with the date, time, location, and any other specifics from your visit. It will help us and future visitors.
Once again, we are sorry, and many thanks in advance for your help!
- Empire State Building
Written February 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ben M
Lincoln, UK12 contributions
If you’re in New York be sure to include this on your to do list! We went up to the 86th floor at Sunset and the views do not disappoint. We were expecting a queue and whilst we did have to wait for about 15 mins we were promptly allowed in and got through security quickly before heading up to the viewing platform.
You go to a small museum at the bottom of the building first and then take a lift to the 80th floor, then you go up to the 86th floor. You can upgrade your ticket to the 102nd floor if you wish once you are up there but we decided to stay put at the 86th floor. When you come back down you arrive at a gift shop where you can purchase ESB related souvenirs and there is lots to choose from! Fairly reasonable prices too.
Definitely book tickets online ahead of time as it is much more straightforward on the day.
You go to a small museum at the bottom of the building first and then take a lift to the 80th floor, then you go up to the 86th floor. You can upgrade your ticket to the 102nd floor if you wish once you are up there but we decided to stay put at the 86th floor. When you come back down you arrive at a gift shop where you can purchase ESB related souvenirs and there is lots to choose from! Fairly reasonable prices too.
Definitely book tickets online ahead of time as it is much more straightforward on the day.
Written June 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Operations T
Thank you for your review. We are happy to hear that you enjoyed our museum and gallery just as much as the view.
Written January 21, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BigDaddyO_12
Kissimmee, FL90 contributions
The Empire State building was AMAZING! I highly recommend visiting this landmark. My 11 and 12 year old kids absolutely loved it. They have a little museum showcase on the 80th floor i believe before going to the 86th floor for the outside experience. Its very well layed out and entertaining. The views are amazing! I recommend you purchase the additional 102nd floor view. Don't be cheap, its a ounce in a lifetime experience. Also, i recommend you visit one of the other observation decks, so that you can see the empire state building from that point of view. Just a heads up- DON'T reserve the sunset view on the empire building, reserve it on one of the other buildings, like the Edge observation deck. WHY, because you will be able to see the Empire state building LIGHT UP from the other building! Enjoy your trip!
Written September 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Operations T
Happy to hear that your party had a great time with us. Hope to see you soon. Thank you for the review.
Written January 25, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Simply Sublime
Seattle, WA179 contributions
Sep 2021
Lots of interesting history and exhibits so plan some extra time. You can buy skip the line tickets or get a tour, but I wanted the full experience at my own pace. The 86th floor is amazing with open air views and free binoculars mounted to the floor. The 80th floor has some great views as well, but it's through glass. I went at sunset and the pictures of the skyline at dusk are incredible. If you show up a little before sunset, you can get daytime pictures and then stay a little later to get nighttime pictures as well. Don't pay for the 102nd floor; it's a rip off and only through glass. Make sure you have your vaccination card because the museum counts as an indoor location.
Written September 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharad R
Austin, TX135 contributions
Jun 2021
There are 4 "observation decks" in New York City and we only had time to do one of those and we picked Empire State Building for it's history.
We got the 86th floor express tickets (point to note: the 86th floor is the place to be if you want 360 degree views of New York City without a glass facade obstructing your view as that is what paying the extra price for the 102nd floor gets you) and went around 8pm.
Having express tickets definitely got us to the 86th floor quicker. You just follow the red carpet (yes, they rollout the red carpet for you which can be a bit dingy but I digress!). But realize that there are stops along the red carpet where you need to scan your ticket at a turnstile to be allowed access. There wasn't always an attendant at the turnstile but one was available nearby. Also, be sure to take in the history of this building as you make your way up. The route upstairs is well designed to make this happen.
On the 86th floor, you get walk around and take in all the sights and take all the pictures. Ensure you have a good camera! Overall, the experience was great, the staff were very courteous and I am glad we did this.
We got the 86th floor express tickets (point to note: the 86th floor is the place to be if you want 360 degree views of New York City without a glass facade obstructing your view as that is what paying the extra price for the 102nd floor gets you) and went around 8pm.
Having express tickets definitely got us to the 86th floor quicker. You just follow the red carpet (yes, they rollout the red carpet for you which can be a bit dingy but I digress!). But realize that there are stops along the red carpet where you need to scan your ticket at a turnstile to be allowed access. There wasn't always an attendant at the turnstile but one was available nearby. Also, be sure to take in the history of this building as you make your way up. The route upstairs is well designed to make this happen.
On the 86th floor, you get walk around and take in all the sights and take all the pictures. Ensure you have a good camera! Overall, the experience was great, the staff were very courteous and I am glad we did this.
Written July 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Damien P
Lyon, France335 contributions
Bonjour,
Nous allons en famille à New York prochainement et nous souhaitons faire la visite de l'Empire State Building (au 86è étage) au moment du coucher de soleil.
Savez-vous si le temps passé au 86è est limité ou si nous pouvons rester aussi longtemps que nous le voulons (pour voir le coucher de soleil + NY by night ensuite) ?
Nous pensons prendre les billet "coupe-file" VIP Express. Combien de temps faut-il pour accéder au bâtiment puis jusqu'au 86è étage ?
Merci d'avance pour votre retour.
Cordialement
Heidi D
7 contributions
My question was about the ticket and if we can upgrade to the red carpet at this site?
Heidi D
7 contributions
Can we get the red carpet entrance ticket with the 86th & 102nd and museum, film, immersion exhibit and all. How much would that ticket be for 6 people 4 adults 1 -14 and 1 12 yr old?
derrygerry
Dungiven, UK302 contributions
Do children 12 and under need to be fully vaccinated to do this tour?
hours of operation
Anne K
Milwaukee, WI44 contributions
I’m not sure of current hours, but I know they were open early and late.
Karen H
2 contributions
Hello. I have purchased two tickets for 21 feb but my confirmation email says I need the reservation ticket and the original admission ticket. Can you please advise where I get the admission ticket from. Thank you
ScottishGal
Glasgow, UK907 contributions
There’s machines as soon as you enter the Empire State Building to process the second ticket.
I booked this event for December 5 and couldn't attend can I use the same ticket in January?
poppy371
Bristol, UK17 contributions
My 14 year old had covid last month. She hasn't had a jab as she had covid when they were doing the jabs. Does she really need a jab to enter the building or is recovery enough?!!!
Erum M
50 contributions
Please check with the Empire State Building website …it is updated regularly.
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