Empire State Building Best Value Ticket

The Empire State Building Best Value Ticket includes access to the building’s most iconic experiences at the best available price. You will enjoy entry to the 86th Floor Observation Deck, where you can take in panoramic views of New York City, along with access to the immersive exhibits on the second floor, which highlight the building’s construction, history, and cultural significance. This ticket is available for select time slots and is designed to offer the best value for visitors who wish to experience the Empire State Building’s main highlights.

Best Value Tickets are available during non-peak hours throughout the day, including select times in the afternoon and nighttime.

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.

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.

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.

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.