Empire State Building
The Observatories

In addition to being the World's Most Famous building, Empire State Building is also home to two observation decks.

86th Floor Observatory:

The 86th Floor Observatory, 1,050 feet (320 meters), reached by high speed, automatic elevators, has both a glass-enclosed area, which is heated in winter and cooled in summer, and spacious outdoor promenades on all four sides of the Building. Free high-powered binoculars are available on the promenades for the convenience of visitors. Our souvenir shop, operated by Hudson Group, is located on the 80th floor. The 86th Floor Observatory is handicap accessible.

102nd Floor Observatory:

The 102nd Floor Observatory is a glass-enclosed viewing room - and the highest point of the Building available to visitors.

Observatory Hours:

Open daily 365 days a year, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., 7 days a week. Last elevators go up at 1:15 a.m.

Special Tenant Admission Prices:

  • Tenant tickets are sold at the Observatory Ticket Office located on the second floor Visitors Center. Tenants may access this area by using the escalator on the north side of the Fifth Avenue Lobby. Present your Tenant ID badge to any Observatory employee to be guided to the ticket office.
  • Tenants are offered a discounted ticket price starting at $27.22 for a regular 86th Floor Observatory retail ticket instead of the regular adult rate starting at $42.00.
  • For tenants' convenience, we recommend tenants pre-purchase their tickets at least 72 hours prior to the anticipated visit.
  • Tenants may purchase up to (20) tickets per month. If a tenant requires more than 20 tickets within a month, the tenant must contact the ESB Observatory Sales Office at sales@esbonyc.com.

Notes:

During peak periods, the Empire State Building reserves the right to restrict access to the Observatory. During lightning storms, icy or other severe weather conditions, the outside deck may be closed. Tickets are non-refundable and expire 14 days from the date of purchase. Tickets are for one-time use only.