Headout logo. Link to home.
Help
Observation Decks

Empire State Building: Skip-the-Line Tickets

Empire State Building interior with Christmas decorations and festive lights.
Empire State Building interior with festive Christmas decorations
Empire State Building interior with Christmas decorations and festive lights.
Empire State Building with Christmas-themed tower lights in New York City skyline.

Make your way to the Empire State Building Observatory and catch 360-degree views of New York City from the 86th-floor of this iconic building.

Highlights

  • Skip all lines with this ticket, rolling out the red carpet for you to the Empire State Building's 86th-floor. It's the fastest way to witness the NYC skyline.

  • Gaze out from the iconic observatory with high-power binoculars in hand, witness skyscrapers touch the sky and the streets hum below.

  • Dive deep into history with an audio guide in your ear, available in multiple languages, and get access to enjoy Wi-Fi throughout your visit.

  • Learn about the Empire State Building's Art Deco design, construction marvels, and its storied past as you explore.

  • Upgrade for VIP sunrise on the 86th Floor with Starbucks Reserve or add the 102nd floor for unbeatable views of the Empire State Building.

Inclusions

  • Skip-the-line ticket to the 86th-floor observatory deck

  • Red carpet lane access

  • High-power binoculars

  • Art Deco lobby access

  • Audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean and Mandarin

  • Free Wi-Fi

  • Skip-the-line ticket to the 102nd-floor observatory deck (as per option selected)

  • VIP sunrise experience: 86th-Floor with Starbucks Reserve (as per option selected)

cancellation policy

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Reviews

How do we collect reviews?

4.2
46 ratings
5/5
25
4/5
10
3/5
8
2/5
1
1/5
2
  • Australia
  • United Kingdom
  • Canada
  • Finland
  • Netherlands
  • Germany
  • Argentina
  • Latvia
  • Ireland
  • Switzerland
Guests from Australia, United Kingdom, Canada and over 12 countries have loved this experience
Donald Anthony Spany

Donald

5/5

Jan, 2025

Lines were long and we paid to bypass them. App was easy to use. Staff at the Empire State Building was great. $ well spent!
Adrienne van Alphen

Adrienne

5/5

Jan, 2025

It all went very smoothly and everyone was super friendly. The last line to the topdeck was 15 min wich is acceptable with that amount of people but the option to use the stairs was very good.
Mary Chulak-Ogly

Mary

5/5

Dec, 2024

Skip the line was amazing as we were able to get to different places in the building quickly. The observation deck was beautiful. Thank you!
Sam Graciano

Sam

5/5

Dec, 2024

Loved the literal red carpet treatment where we didn't have to wait in the longer lines. Most of the attendants at the Empire State Building were also very kind and that was really nice
Leena Wulff

Leena

3/5

Oct, 2024

We did not always find the red carpet that we had paid for, and therefore ended up qeueing with the crowd at some occasions and felt like the money was waisted.

A red carpet entrance to New York's Skyline

The VIP treatment starts immediately with the Empire State Building's 86th skip-the-line tickets. A dedicated priority lane ushers you in, marked by a welcoming red carpet that hints at the exclusive experience ahead. This skip-the-line entry lets you skip the regular lines and fast-tracks your ascent to the 86th-floor. As the elevator climbs, the excitement builds, culminating when you step onto the observatory deck. There, the panoramic 360-degree views of New York City unfold before you. High-power binoculars are ready for you to zoom in on distant landmarks, and an interactive audio guide, available in several languages, offers a deeper understanding of the Empire State Building's historical and cultural significance.

Elevate your experience with optional upgrades

For those looking to enhance their visit further, upgrading to include access to the 102nd-floor is worth considering. This additional feature allows you to experience the city from the Empire State Building's pinnacle, offering even more spectacular views. Every ticket grants entry to the Art Deco lobby and the 2nd-floor exhibits, which explore the legacy and construction of this iconic structure. Plus, with free Wi-Fi available throughout your visit, you can share your experiences in real time or dive deeper into the building's fascinating stories, ensuring a modern exploration of a historic landmark.

Empire State Building

Monday10:00 AM - 10:00 PMlast entry 09:15 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM - 10:00 PMlast entry 09:15 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM - 10:00 PMlast entry 09:15 PM
Thursday10:00 AM - 10:00 PMlast entry 09:15 PM
Friday10:00 AM - 10:00 PMlast entry 09:15 PM
Saturday10:00 AM - 10:00 PMlast entry 09:15 PM
Sunday10:00 AM - 10:00 PMlast entry 09:15 PM

What's not allowed

  • Keep in mind tripods, large packages, suitcases, outside food, glass items, and professional cameras are not allowed on this experience. Pack wisely!

Accessibility

  • This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

  • Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.

  • Accessible toilets are available at the venue.

  • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

  • Please arrive at the redemption point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.

  • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the redemption point.

Ticket redemption point

  • Show your ticket at the Empire State Building.

  • Address: 20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001, United States.

Get directions to the redemption point

Similar experiences you'd love

Statue of Liberty viewed from a cruise, New York City tour, Empire State Building access included.
Landmarks
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tickets with Ferry Transfers
Instant confirmation
4.1
Rated 4.1 out of 5.0 from 3103 ratings.
from
$31.80
Exterior view of the American Museum of Natural History
Museums
American Museum of Natural History Tickets
Instant confirmation
4.3
Rated 4.3 out of 5.0 from 1365 ratings.
from
$30
Empire State Building Observatory view with skip-the-line entry ticket option.
Landmarks
Empire State Building: General Admission Tickets
Instant confirmation
4.4
Rated 4.4 out of 5.0 from 4349 ratings.
from
$47.91
The Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh in The Museum of Modern Art
Museums
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Tickets
Instant confirmation
4.3
Rated 4.3 out of 5.0 from 4075 ratings.
$30
$28
Save up to 7%
Free cancellation
9/11 Memorial waterfall during evening
Museums
9/11 Memorial & Museum Tickets
Instant confirmation
4.6
Rated 4.6 out of 5.0 from 3568 ratings.
from
$33

World at your tap.

Get the Headout app to get tickets on your phone and access app-only deals. Talk about win-win.
Download iPhone appDownload Android app
iphone

We've served 34 million+ guests and we are here for you

34 million+

Happy customers across 10,000+ experiences

In the media

Featured and recommended by the best brands

24 x 7 help center

Have a question? Live chat with local experts anywhere, anytime