Tickets Empire State Building New York: Observatory

Tickets for the Empire State Building start at 55 dollars for adults and 50 dollars for children aged 6 to 12, and include access to the 86th floor, the famous open-air observation deck with a 360-degree view of Manhattan. Those who want to go even higher can add access to the 102nd floor, the glass-enclosed observatory at the top of the building. The attraction is open every day from 8:00 AM to 2:00 AM, and tickets include free cancellation up to 48 hours in advance. The sunset time slot, the most in demand, sells out days in advance.

Below you’ll find everything you need to know before going up: what the tickets include, the difference between the 86th and 102nd floors, the opening hours, and booking tips.

What Do Empire State Building Tickets Include

With your ticket, you get access to the 86th floor, the open-air Main Deck with 360-degree views over all of Manhattan, from the Flatiron Building to Central Park. Those who want to go even higher can choose the option with access to the 102nd floor, the fully renovated Top Deck, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows that remove any barrier. To put the visit in the context of everything the building offers, read our dedicated guide to a visit to the Empire State Building.

Why It’s Worth Booking Online

Buying tickets online for attractions like the Empire State Building is the most convenient option: availability for the most popular time slots, especially sunset, sells out days in advance, particularly during peak season. By booking ahead, you avoid the ticket office line and secure the time slot you prefer. You can find all options in the New York attractions tickets section.

• The city’s most iconic observation deck
• Breathtaking 360-degree views
• No ticket office line.
• Sunset option available
• Customer support in Italian

What to See with Empire State Building Observatory Tickets

The visit already begins on the second floor, where an immersive museum tells the story of the building’s construction: historical photographs, archival footage, and interactive displays take you from the laying of the first stone in 1930. Among the many stories connected to the skyscraper, there is one that continues to fascinate visitors: the story told in the article about the ghost that is said to roam the Empire State Building.

The heart of the visit awaits you on the 86th floor. As soon as you step onto the open-air terrace, the Midtown air hits you and the skyline opens up in front of you in a sequence of silhouettes you recognize one by one: the Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center, and the greenery of Central Park.

Those who go up to the 102nd floor will find a more intimate and sheltered experience, with glass windows that remove any visual barriers and a quieter atmosphere compared to the terrace below.

To build a complete itinerary around your visit, take a look at our guide on what to see in New York.

If you prefer to explore the city with guidance, choose one of the Italian-language tours of New York with a guide.

86th or 102nd Floor: Which One to Choose

The main difference is between openness and protection: the 86th floor offers the thrill of the open-air terrace, with the wind and the sounds of the city, while the 102nd floor offers a higher and quieter view behind glass windows. We have compared the two levels in the article explaining whether it is worth going up to the 102nd floor or if the 86th is enough.

If you are instead comparing the Empire State Building with other viewpoints in the city, our comparison of New York observation decks can help, with prices, heights, and experiences side by side.

Want to see all ascent options at a glance? You can find them in the New York observation deck tickets category.

What to Know Before Booking

If you want to go up during sunset hours, you need to select the corresponding option, which has an additional cost. Sunset times change from month to month, so check the time slot shown at the time of booking.

• March: 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
• April: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• May: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
• June: 7:00 PM – 8:45 PM
• July: 6:45 PM - 8:45 PM
• August: 6:45 PM - 8:30 PM
• September: 6:00 PM - 7:45 PM
• October: 5:00 PM - 6:45 PM
• November: 3:15 PM - 5:00 PM
• December: 3:00 PM - 4:45 PM

Important

After booking, you will receive a confirmation and, later, your digital ticket.

If you don’t see it within a few minutes, also check your spam folder, or contact support by writing to info@ilmioviaggioanewyork.com.