Empire State Building Tickets & Tours 2025
Ascend the legendary Empire State Building—New York’s Art Deco masterpiece and one of the most visited observation decks in the world. Enjoy sweeping skyline views from the 86th and 102nd floors, explore the interactive museum exhibits, and relive classic Hollywood moments from this global icon of architecture.
- Access to 86th-floor observation deck
- Optional upgrade for 102nd-floor summit views
- Skip-the-line & express entry ticket choices
- Immersive Art Deco exhibits and history displays
- Mobile QR tickets & free cancellation options
- Open late—perfect for sunset and night photos
Top Empire State Building — Tickets & Tours 2025
Book Empire State Building tickets and tours. Compare standard and express entry, museum access, mobile e-tickets, and flexible cancellations.
NYC: Empire State Building — Observatory & Museum
BestsellerClassic admission to the 86th-floor open-air deck plus immersive Art Deco exhibits and history displays.
NYC: Empire State Building — Express Skip-the-Line
ExpressPriority security and elevator access—ideal for peak times or tight itineraries. Upgrade on speed and comfort.
NYC Bundle: Empire State + Big Bus + Cruise
ValueHit the classics with a money-saving combo: ESB entry, hop-on hop-off sightseeing, and a Circle Line cruise.
Empire State Building Tickets & Tours 2025 – Best Options & How to Visit
Make your NYC skyline moment at the Empire State Building. Choose classic admission to the 86th-floor Observatory with museum exhibits, upgrade to Express entry to skip lines, or bundle with city sightseeing for more value. Book timed tickets in advance for sunset and weekend slots.
NYC: Empire State Building — Observatory & Museum
Timed admission to the 86th-floor open-air deck plus immersive Art Deco exhibits and historic displays.
From €41.45 per person · ★ 4.67 (24k+)
Check availability
NYC: Empire State Building — Express Skip-the-Line
Priority security and elevators—ideal for peak hours, tight itineraries, or rainy-day crowds.
From €80.05 per person · ★ 4.61
Check availability
NYC Bundle: Empire State + Big Bus + Cruise
See more for less: ESB entry + hop-on hop-off sightseeing + Circle Line harbor cruise.
From €85.64 per person · ★ 4.64
Check availability
New York Pass® — Includes ESB
Access 100+ sights over 1–10 days. Visit ESB plus museums and tours at your own pace.
From €146.20 per person · ★ 4.49
See optionsEmpire State Building Ticket Types & Prices (2025)
Pick standard timed entry, go Express to save time, or use a city pass if you’re visiting multiple sights.
- Standard Admission: 86th-floor Observatory + museum exhibits (from ~€41.45).
- Express: Priority security/elevators for peak times (from ~€80.05).
- Bundles/Passes: Combine ESB with bus tours or cruises to save overall.
- Cancellation: Many options include free cancellation up to 24h—confirm on product page.
What’s Included & How Entry Works
Most tickets include museum exhibits and the 86th-floor deck; some upgrades add priority lines.
- Inclusions: Observatory access (86th floor), ESB history exhibits, mobile ticket scanning.
- Entry Flow: Security screening → elevators → museum → observatory.
- Timing: Plan 60–90 minutes; longer for sunset peak or bad-weather crowds.
- Upgrades: Express entry reduces waiting at security/elevators.
Security, Weather & Practical Logistics
Airport-style checks apply. Decks are outdoors—dress for wind and temperature swings.
- Screening: Avoid large bags and restricted items; allow extra time at peak hours.
- Weather: Open-air deck operates year-round; visibility varies with conditions.
- Accessibility: Elevators and accessible routes available—ask staff if needed.
- Tickets: Keep your QR handy; screenshots help if signal is weak.
Empire State Building — Best Times to Visit
Weekday mornings are calm; sunset offers epic light but sells out—book early.
- Least Crowded: Early mornings, non-holiday weekdays.
- Golden Hour: Sunset tickets for warm light and night-skyline transition.
- Rain Plan: Reschedule if your ticket allows; check forecast before booking.
- Photography: Bring a lens cloth—wind and mist can hit the deck.
Families, Strollers & Accessibility
Indoor exhibits plus an outdoor deck make it easy for families; elevators serve the observatory.
- Strollers: Allowed—use elevators; mind crowd flow at railings.
- Facilities: Restrooms and seating areas inside museum levels.
- Accessibility: Staff support available; step-free access to exhibits and deck.
- Snacks: Cafés nearby; light bites inside the building at times.
Photo Tips: Get the Iconic Shots
Use the corner viewpoints for widest frames; steady your phone on railings and avoid glass glare.
- Angles: Corners of the 86th offer sweeping lines of Midtown and Downtown.
- Night Shots: Boost exposure, brace against rail, and fire multiple frames.
- No Tripods: Typically restricted—keep setups handheld and compact.
- Wind: Use a strap; shield your lens from gusts to reduce shake.
Booking Strategy & Smart Savings
Choose Express for busy periods, or save via bundles/passes if you plan multiple attractions.
- Reserve Early: Sunset/weekends sell out—lock times in advance.
- Flex Tickets: Favor options with free 24h cancellation if weather looks iffy.
- Bundle: Add Big Bus or a cruise for better value per attraction.
- Timing: 60–90 minutes is typical; add buffer for photos and crowds.
Empire State Building Highlights at a Glance
Classic Art Deco museum, open-air 86th-floor views, and easy Midtown access—your New York must-do.
86th-Floor Observatory
Open-air deck with sweeping Midtown-to-Downtown panoramas.
Art Deco History
Immersive exhibits on construction, culture, and the ESB legend.
Express Access
Priority lines cut wait times during peak periods.
Bundles & Passes
Combine ESB with bus tours or cruises for better overall value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers for Empire State Building Tickets & Tours 2025—ticket types and prices, what’s included, Express entry, best times, weather/visibility, photo tips, accessibility, and family planning.
Standard timed entry for the 86th-floor Observatory + museum typically starts around €41–€42. Express skip-the-line options start around €80. Bundles and city passes vary based on what’s included.
- Standard: Entry to the 86th-floor open-air deck plus immersive museum exhibits.
- Express: Same access, with priority security & elevators to reduce wait times.
- Upgrades: Some products add extras (e.g., additional viewpoints) when available—check your ticket page.
Most visits take 60–90 minutes (longer at sunset or on busy days). Tickets are typically single entry unless your product states otherwise—plan your photos before exiting.
- Calmest: Weekday mornings are usually the quietest.
- Golden hour: Sunset offers dramatic light and city-lights transition—book early.
- Peak periods: Weekends, holidays, and rainy days—consider Express entry.
The 86th-floor deck is open-air. Views depend on weather (fog, rain, haze). Operations continue in most conditions, but expect wind/temperature changes. If your ticket includes free 24h cancellation/reschedule, use it when the forecast looks poor—check your product policy.
- Yes: Airport-style screening applies; arrive a bit early.
- Bags: Small daypacks are fine; large luggage and certain items are not allowed.
- Tip: Keep your mobile QR ready; screenshots help if signal is weak.
If you’re visiting on a weekend/holiday, during sunset, or on a rainy day (crowds move indoors), Express can significantly reduce wait times at security and elevators.
- Accessibility: Elevators and accessible routes are available; staff can assist as needed.
- Strollers: Allowed—be mindful of deck railings and crowd flow.
- Facilities: Restrooms and seating areas within exhibit levels.
- Angles: Corner viewpoints on the 86th give the widest city panoramas.
- Night shots: Brace on railings, shoot bursts, and clean your lens frequently.
- Gear: Tripods/selfie sticks are generally restricted—keep it handheld and compact.
Yes—look for NYC bundles (e.g., ESB + Big Bus + cruise) or multi-attraction passes (e.g., New York Pass®). These can lower the per-attraction cost if you’re seeing more sights.
- Yes: The museum exhibits are engaging and the deck is a hit with kids.
- Plan: Choose calmer time slots, set a meeting point, and pack light layers for wind.
- Photos: Take turns at railings to keep little ones close and safe.
Yes, mobile QR tickets are standard. No printing required. Screenshot your QR in case of weak signal—keep your screen brightness high at scanners.
Many tickets include free cancellation up to 24h and flexible rescheduling when available. Always confirm the exact policy on your chosen product page before purchase.
The ESB is in Midtown Manhattan (Fifth Ave). Multiple subway lines stop within a short walk. Check your ticket or the ESB site for the current entrance location and any wayfinding notes.
Combine ESB with Bryant Park, Grand Central, Times Square, or a harbor cruise for skyline views. Bundles/passes can make the day better value.