Billets Empire State 2026: Observatoires, Skip the Line, Meilleur Moment

Last updated: April 25, 2026. Written by NYC Sightseeing Editor Team.

Is the Empire State Building worth it

For first time visitors to NYC the answer is yes. The Empire State Building is part of the city DNA. The 86th floor open-air observation deck is genuinely beautiful, and the wind on your face at 1,050 feet above 5th Avenue is something a fully glassed deck cannot replicate. The art-deco lobby, the historic elevators and the King Kong references add cultural depth that newer decks lack.

For repeat visitors, Top of the Rock or Edge often deliver better photos because they show the Empire State Building in the frame. But for one-time visitors who want the classic NYC moment, the Empire State remains the iconic choice.

Types of tickets

The Empire State Building sells tickets in four main categories.

• Main deck (86th floor) $44: The classic open-air deck. Standard ticket.
• Main + 102nd floor $79: Adds the enclosed top deck 16 floors higher.
• Express main deck $79: Skip every queue. Best at peak hours.
• Express main + 102nd $129: Premium pass with both decks and queue skip.

Some passes (CityPASS, Sightseeing Pass) include the main deck at no extra cost. The 102nd floor is always a paid upgrade.

Best time to visit

The Empire State opens at 10am and closes at 2am. The sweet spots are first thing in the morning (10am to 11am, almost empty) and after 10pm (city lights, no queue). Sunset is the most photogenic but also the busiest hour, with timed-entry slots selling out 1 to 2 weeks ahead.

For photographers, arrive 1 hour before sunset to catch the day-to-night transition. Bring a phone strap or compact camera. Tripods are not allowed.

How to get there

The entrance is on 5th Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets. The closest subway is 34th Street Herald Square (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W). 34th Street Penn Station (1, 2, 3) is also a 5 minute walk. From Times Square it is a 10 minute walk straight down 5th Avenue, or one stop on the N or R train.

Combo passes that include the Empire State Building

New York CityPASS, Sightseeing Pass, and Go City Explorer all bundle Empire State Building main deck access. CityPASS is the best value if you also visit the Statue of Liberty, the American Museum of Natural History, and the 9/11 Museum. Sightseeing Pass is more flexible for shorter trips.

Top Empire State Building tours on Viator

Beyond the standard ticket, several operators sell guided Midtown walking tours that include skip-the-line Empire State entry. Prices $79 to $145 per person and include 90 minutes of guided context on Art Deco architecture, Manhattan history, and the building itself.

Nearby attractions

The Empire State Building sits in the heart of Midtown, a walkable distance from several other top NYC experiences.

• Top of the Rock: 12 minutes walk north on 5th Avenue. The deck with the best Empire State photo.
• Edge at Hudson Yards: 15 minutes by subway west. The newest deck with the outdoor glass floor.
• Times Square: 8 minutes walk north. Combine for a Midtown evening.

Questions frequentes