Frequently Asked Questions about the Empire State Building

The 86th Floor Observation Deck is our world-famous open-air experience, with breathtaking 360-degree views of New York City. Feel the breeze, hear the energy of the streets below, and take in the Manhattan skyline from the heart of it all. Featured in countless films and TV shows, a visit to the 86th Floor is the iconic, can’t-miss New York City experience.

The 102nd Floor is our premier indoor observation deck, located 1,250 feet above street level and reached via a stunning glass elevator ride. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and a fully climate-controlled environment, it offers the highest and most expansive views in the building. This more intimate experience lets you take in New York City and beyond — up to 80 miles across six states on a clear day.

Yes, all tickets include access to the Empire State Building’s immersive museum experience. Explore galleries on the second and 80th floors which feature interactive exhibits, historic artifacts, and pop culture moments — all included on your journey to the top.

The Express Pass skips the second floor exhibits for faster entry, but guests may still choose to visit them during their experience.

Reservations are required for entry. Though tickets are available for purchase on-site at our ticket office located at 12 W 34th Street (between Fifth and Sixth Avenues), it is strongly recommended to book online in advance. Advance bookings are the most reliable way to secure your preferred date and time and to avoid long wait times and potential sellouts. Please note that you must select a specific date and time for your reservation. For added flexibility, consider the Flex Ticket, which allows you to choose the date of your visit and arrive at any time during operating hours on that day. 

Yes, the Empire State Building offers several ways to save:

• Groups (20+): Reduced rates are available for corporate outings, tour groups, and large families. Submit a group ticket request here.
• Schools: We offer special pricing for educational trips and NYC Title 1 schools.
• Children: Discounted tickets are available for children aged 6–12. Kids under 6 enter free. 
• Seniors: Discounted tickets are available for seniors aged 62+.
• Military: Active military in uniform receive free admission.

The Empire State Building is open 365 days a year, rain, shine, or snow. Our hours vary seasonally to ensure the best possible visitor experience. During the winter season, we install heaters on our outdoor 86th Floor Observation Deck for our guests' comfort. 

For the most up-to-date hours on the day of your visit, please check the opening hours listed at the top of our homepage or on the Hours of Operations page. All visits require a timed reservation to help create a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Yes, you can modify your reservation through the Manage My Booking portal with the details from your confirmation email. You can update your visit date, time, ticket type, or add extras, though some changes (such as a sunset ticket upgrade) may result in an additional charge. Tickets are non-refundable and only valid for your selected date and time. 

All tickets are non-refundable, but changes can be made to reservations through the Manage My Booking portal. For more information, see our ticket policy. 

Tickets may be purchased online and all major credit cards are accepted. The Empire State Building also accepts Apple Pay, PayPal, and Alipay. 

Yes, you can skip the lines with an Express Ticket to the 86th Floor, or an Express Pass to the 86th and 102nd Floor Observation Decks. These options allow you to bypass the exhibits and elevator lines for a faster, more streamlined visit to see the best view of New York City. 

Yes, the Empire State Building is included in select combo sightseeing passes that let you visit multiple New York City attractions at a discounted rate. 

Options include:

• CityPASS Ticket – Lets you choose five top NYC attractions, including the Empire State Building, at a reduced bundled price.
• New York Pass by GoCity – Provides access to NYC attractions, including the Empire State Building, for a set number of days.

You can change the date or time of your reservation through the Manage My Booking portal. Enter your email address or booking reference number, select your reservation, and choose a new available date or time. Please note that changes are subject to availability, and price differences may apply.

Yes. You can upgrade your ticket after booking through the Manage My Booking portal with your email address or booking reference number. From there, you can change your ticket type or add upgrades, such as Express Pass or access to the 102nd Floor Observation Deck.

If you cannot find your confirmation email, you can access your booking with your purchase email address in the Manage My Booking portal.

To add additional guests, access your reservation through the Manage My Booking portal with your email address or booking reference number. From there, you can update your booking to include more guests, subject to availability.

Yes. You can enter your guests’ details during the checkout process to purchase tickets on their behalf. For added flexibility, consider the Flex Ticket, which allows them to visit the Empire State Building at any time on their selected day.

No. Standard tickets are valid for a single entry only. Multiple same-day visits are only available with select tickets, such as the AM/PM Experience or CityPASS. The AM/PM Experience allows one guest to visit twice in the same day — once during the day and once at night — to enjoy both daytime and nighttime views of New York City.

Please arrive as close as possible to your scheduled time, and we will do our best to accommodate you. If needed, you may be required to change your reservation to the next available time slot, either at the ticketing office or through the Manage My Booking portal.

Peak times vary by season, but the Empire State Building is typically busiest during the first two hours after opening and the hour immediately after sunset.

For fewer crowds, consider a visit between 12 PM and 2 PM EST, after the morning rush has passed. If you wish to skip lines altogether, you can add an Express Pass at checkout for a faster entry experience.

For both daytime and nighttime views, the AM/PM Experience allows guests to visit during the day and return again that same night.

On a clear day, you can see up to six states from the Empire State Building Observation Decks — New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Delaware. You will enjoy sweeping views of iconic landmarks like Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, and the Hudson and East Rivers, along with a full 360-degree panorama of the Manhattan skyline.

The Empire State Building stands apart for its blend of historic significance, immersive exhibits, and iconic observation decks, which include the open-air 86th Floor Observation Deck and the enclosed 102nd Floor Observation Deck. Unlike newer attractions, the Empire State Building Observation Deck offers a full museum experience that showcases its construction, cultural impact, and role in American history. Its observation decks deliver a classic Manhattan skyline experience, while its global recognition and Art Deco design make it one of the most authentic and memorable ways to see New York City.  

The Empire State Building is fully ADA-compliant.

• The main entrance at 20 W 34th Street is wheelchair-accessible.
• Motorized and non-motorized wheelchairs are permitted, with ramps throughout the building.
• Accessible restrooms, lowered viewing walls, and binoculars are available on the 86th Floor.
• Service dogs are welcome throughout the building.
• Strollers are allowed but must be able to fold up in observatory areas.

Most visits to the 86th Floor Observation Deck take at least one hour. The experience also includes access to the exhibits on the second and 80th floors on the journey to the observation deck. There is no time limit once you arrive, so you are free to enjoy the experience at your own pace. To save time, consider an Express Pass to the 86th Floor Observation Deck, which bypasses the exhibits and the elevator lines.

Yes, the 86th Floor Observation Deck has outdoor heaters to help keep visitors comfortable, even on colder days. The 102nd Floor Observation Deck is fully enclosed and temperature-controlled.

Yes. Elevators are available for visitors with baby strollers. Strollers must be folded on observation decks.

You can see and buy your photos at showtimepictures.com.

The Empire State Building selects its tower light colors to celebrate holidays, events, partnerships, and special occasions throughout the year. For the full lighting schedule and the meaning behind each display, please visit the Tower Lights page. To get live lighting alerts, text CONNECT to 274-16 or sign up for our e-mails here. 

The tower lights shine from sunset to 2 A.M. EST daily.

You can submit a lighting request through our Tower Lighting Request page. However, please note that the Empire State Building does not grant lightings for personal events (such as birthdays, anniversaries, or weddings), commercial events, political campaigns, or religious figures or events.

Fill out our partnerships or licensing form on our website, or reach out directly at partnerships@esbnyc.com. We will be in touch within 2-4 business days.

Our team reviews all partnership inquiries within 2-4 business days.

To get started, please share a brief description of your activation concept, your target dates, a general budget range, and your contact information.

Licensing allows brands to use ESB's name, image, and likeness on their own assets. Partnerships are activations where the Empire State Building serves as the platform and our global audience becomes yours. This includes in-building experiences, sponsored content, stunts, and more.

We offer brand partnerships and licensing opportunities for companies to collaborate on campaigns or use the Empire State Building’s name and image for approved promotional purposes.

Any brand is welcome to submit a partnership or licensing inquiry. If you have a concept in mind, we would love to hear from you!

We partner with brands that are passionate about unique, engaging activations and whose values align with ours. If you are ready to do something memorable at the "World's Most Famous Building," we'd love to connect!

Travel agents do not receive discounts, but entry is granted as part of the CityPASS Trade Pass agreement.

The binoculars are made by Tower Optical Company.