The world-famous 86th and 102nd floor Observatories offer unmatched views of New York City and on a clear day one can see to New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Delaware. 1,050 feet above the city’s bustling streets, the 86th floor Observatory offers panoramic views from within a glass-enclosed pavilion and from the surrounding open-air promenade. 200 feet higher, our 102nd floor Observatory is a private and serene perch in the middle of the greatest city in the world.
The Observatories have been a “must visit” for millions each year since it opened to the public in 1931. Each year approximately four million people are whisked to our 86th and 102nd floors, consistently one of New York City’s top tourist attractions. Visit the Observatories 365 days per year, day and night, rain or shine, for magnificent views of Manhattan and beyond.
The Empire State Building embodies the feeling and spirit of New York City. It is recognized not only as an iconic landmark offering some of the most spectacular views on earth, but also as an international symbol of shared hopes, dreams, and accomplishment.
Accessibility: The Empire State Building is fully ADA compliant. We have handicapped restrooms on the 86th Floor Observatory and also have lowered viewing walls and binoculars. Service dogs are allowed throughout the building. Motorized and non-motorized wheelchairs are permitted. The 86th Floor has ramps to make getting around easier and lowered viewing walls so that visitors in chairs can still take in the view.
Additional Options:
102nd Floor Observatory: Upgrade available at Observatory ticket office (2nd floor) or 86th floor kiosk for an additional $20.00.
Express Pass: Purchase exclusively from the official Empire State Building onsite ticket office on the day of arrival to move to the front the line.
Dining: State Grill and Bar offers a prix fixe dinner package to observatory guests with fresh locally sourced foods prepared in our glass enclosed kitchen and unique, local craft beers and cocktails. There are also two Starbucks, a café, Chipotle, Sushi-teria, and the budget minded Heartland Brewery.
Building Information
1,050 feet to the 86th floor Observatory
1,250 feet to the 102nd floor Observatory
1,453 feet, 8 9/16 inches to the tip of the broadcast tower
Broadcast tower adds 203 feet 8 9/16 inches
103 floors
1,872 steps to the 103rd floor
Gray Line Eat and Play Card
New York is world renowned for its dining options - from exclusive 5-star restaurants to trendy diners and fast food favorites, NYC has it all. And you can expect it all with The Gray Line NY Eat and Play Card...
- Steak lovers rejoice and savor the juicy and perfectly cooked tenderloin at Shula's Steakhouse or Delmonico's, a NY institution since 1837
- If seafood is your thing, then don't miss the centrally located McCormick and Schmick's or Harbor Lights on the water at Pier 17
- Craving some legendary pizza or Californian cuisine, visit none other than California Pizza Kitchen
- If you love burgers and shakes, step back into the 1950’s at the world famous Johnny Rockets
- Heartland Brewery is a local favorite and NYC's most popular brew pub
- Looking for a cool and trendy sports bar, then Legends Bar or The Hill will surely fit the bill
- To experience the dining scene in famed Hell's Kitchen, look no further than Chelsea Grill or Gossip Bar
AND MANY MORE...
Play in the city all day long at these popular attractions and activities:
- Visit the famous 30 Rockefeller Plaza and explore the world of television on the NBC Studio Tour
- Get up close and personal with wildlife at the famous Central Park Zoo, smack dab in the middle of America's most famous city park
- Explore the Guggenheim Museum, an internationally acclaimed art museum and an architectural icon
- Enjoy NYC's only virtual tour with NY Skyride or get the combo ticket and tack on a visit to the Empire State Building Observatory
- Get up close with fighter jets on the flight deck of a real US aircraft carrier, at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum
AND MANY MORE...
New York City is a shopper's paradise and we'll save you big dollars at some of the most popular retailers:
- Visit Macy's, America's most famous department store.
- Shoe-crazy? More shoes than you can count await at Famous Footwear and Naturalizer
- Sports Fan? Modell's Sporting Goods and the NHL Store Powered by Reebok have everything you could think of
- Shop for fine jewellery, watches, and gifts at DeNatale Jewelers, trusted since 1908
- Get your chocolate fix at Hershey's Times Square, the Great American Chocolate Company located at the crossroads of the world!
- Keep your kids entertained at the LEGO Store located at the famous Rockefeller Centre.
AND MANY MORE...
When the sun goes down, the city really heats up, and The Gray Line NY Eat and Play Card is your ticket to great savings at some of the finest clubs and Broadway shows in town:
- Laugh ‘til it hurts at Caroline's on Broadway, America's premier comedy club in the heart of Midtown
- Go see CHICAGO The Musical - honored with 6 Tony Awards®, 2 Olivier Awards®, and a Grammy®
- Re-live the days when arena-rock was king and see Rock of Ages, a love story told through 80s hits from the likes of Journey, Whitesnake, Styx and REO Speedwagon.
See all of our currently participating partners
