Empire State Building 86th Floor Observation Deck

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 Observation Decl is our premier indoor observation deck, located 1,250 feet above street level and reached via a stunning glass elevator ride. This deck features 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.

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.

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 evening to catch the Empire State Building sunset view from the deck.

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, you can skip the lines at the Empire State Building 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 86th Floor Observation Deck is fully open-air, wrapping around the entire Empire State Building more than 1,000 feet above the street. Step outside, feel the breeze, and take in the Manhattan skyline from the sweeping Empire State Building rooftop view. A climate-controlled indoor gallery sits just inside if you would rather stay warm or step out of the weather.

Light rain, snow, or haze can soften the view, but the Empire State viewing deck on the world-famous 86th floor stays open 365 days a year, with heaters running on the outdoor deck through the winter. On colder or wetter days, the indoor gallery gives you a comfortable place to take in the city. The clearest skyline views usually come on a dry day just after rain, when visibility can stretch across all six surrounding states.

The Empire State Building 86th Floor gives you a 360-degree vantage point over New York City, taking in landmarks in every direction. To the north you look out over Central Park. Meanwhile, the Statue of Liberty and the financial district fill the southern view. On a clear day, the Empire State Building views stretch out to six states. Sitting at the center of Midtown Manhattan, the Empire State Building observation deck view delivers an experience you cannot get anywhere else in the city.

The Empire State Building 86th Floor pairs the open-air observation deck with interactive exhibits to enjoy on the way up. Before you reach the deck, the 2nd floor exhibits tell the Empire State Building story, from the 1931 construction of the world’s most famous building to its place in film and pop culture. Every Empire State Building ticket includes these galleries, so the history comes with the view. While most guests spend about an hour here, the Empire State Building observation deck rewards a slow visit as much as a quick one.