Observatory Hours:
Open daily 365 days a year.
8:00AM to 2:00AM 7 days a week. Last elevators go up at 1:15AM.
Holiday Hours:
Thanksgiving Weekend (11/27-11/30)
8:00AM to 2:00AM
Christmas Eve (12/24)
8:00AM to 10:00PM
Christmas Day (12/25)
10:00AM to 2:00AM
Dec. 26th through Dec. 30th
7:00AM to 1:00AM
New Year's Eve (12/31)
7:00AM to 10:00AM
New Year's Day (1/1)
9:00AM to 2:00AM
NOTE: The 102nd floor Observatory is closed for renovations effective September 29th until further notice.
Please feel free to call 212.736.3100 for any questions regarding hours of operation.
There is nothing else like the 86th floor observatory!
At, 1,050 feet (320 meters), reached by high speed, automatic elevators, it 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.
High powered binoculars are available on the promenades for the convenience of visitors at a minimal cost. The 86th floor observatory is handicap accessible.
Visitors with tickets purchased online will go directly to the elevator waiting area, bypassing the ticket line after passing through the security check.
*102nd Floor Observatory tickets are available for purchase at the Observatory ticket office located on the 2nd floor of the building and also on the 86th Floor.
The lines at the Empire State Building Observatory are as legendary as the building itself. The line actually consists of 3 different lines. The first one is the security line that everyone must go through. Next comes the ticket line. Visitors with pre-purchased tickets can skip this line which can save a considerable amount of time during our busiest times. The 3rd and last line is for the elevators that take you to the Observatory.
While we have been told that anything this good is worth the wait, we have also heard laments that some people missed out on being able to visit the Empire State Building Observatory because they just didn’t have enough time to see and do everything while in NYC. Now you can. By purchasing an Express Pass you will automatically be moved to the front of each and every line.
Need more time for shopping or seeing a show? Perhaps there’s a restaurant that you just have to experience? Express Pass is the answer for you. It gives you enough time to do it all in the city that never sleeps.
Combine two great attractions at one convenient location! The New York SKYRIDE is an independently owned and operated virtual tour simulator located on the 2nd floor of the Empire State Building. The NY SKYRIDE takes you on a simulated aerial NYC tour unlike any other. Join actor Kevin Bacon for a fun adventure where you can feel the sights of New York in special HD theaters equipped with state of the art motion seats and platforms and an 18 ft/6 meter high IMAX® style screen.
After "feeling the sights" on the NY SKYRIDE, go right upstairs and experience the breath-taking views of the Empire State Building Observatory!
IMPORTANT:Security And Visitor Information Tickets are non-refundable. No refunds due to weather conditions, length of lines,
or wait times at the building. Only the ESB Audio Tour is subject to refund in the event
of inclement weather or a special event which necessitates the closing of the Audio Tour.
The Empire State Building reserves the right to close the Observatory early on very busy days.
There may also be long wait lines to get into the building during busy tourist times. Please feel
free to call the building ahead of time at 212.736.3100 (Toll Free 1.877.NYC.VIEW) to check on
current wait times and hours.
We are not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged property. By accepting admission with this ticket,
you agree to release The Empire State Building for any loss, injury or damage to you or your property
that might occur in the building, even if the loss, injury or damage is caused by neglect or fault of The
Empire State Building. We may refuse admission or expel any person whose conduct is objectionable.
The Empire State Building is located at 350 Fifth Avenue, between 33rd and 34th Streets, in midtown Manhattan. New York, NY 10118
® Empire State Building Company L.L.C. All Rights Reserved.
The words Empire State Building and the Empire State Building design are registered trademarks of Empire State Building Company L.L.C.
