Express Pass: Empire State Building Observatory

Tour Highlights

• Skip the ticket queue and head straight to the security check.
• Take in panoramic views of NYC from the tallest open-air observatory and enjoy the surreal sights from the 86th Floor of the ESB.
• See the famous sights of NY all around you from this 360-degree viewpoint including the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, Statue of Liberty and more.
• Peer through the high-powered binoculars for a closer look at the street level.
• With your flexible tickets, visit the ESB Observatory anytime within one year from the date of purchase.

Why Visit the Empire State Building Observatory

Your New York experience isn’t complete until you’ve witnessed the beauty of the city from the heights of the Empire State Building. Climb 1,050-ft into the sky for amazing views of the busy streets, the water bodies, and the New York skyline. You can witness the sunrise over Lady Liberty or witness a stunning sunset over Times Square.
The Empire State Observatory is an iconic spot and has played host to many cinematic moments from movies such as King Kong, Sleepless in Seattle, etc. Relive these and bask in the stunning 360-degree views from the top.

What is an Empire State Building Express Pass?

There are 3 lines to get in to the Empire State Building:

• Security line, mandatory for all
• Ticket line
• Elevators to the observatory.

Express Pass holders do not need to stand in the ticketing line and gets priority at the other two lines.

Your Experience

Upon entering the building, you’re greeted by the sight of the impressive chandelier in the lobby of the ground floor. You’re then led to the uber-fast elevators that propel you to the glass-enclosed Pavilion on the 86th-floor. The 86th floor has the Empire State Observation Deck.

The Empire State Building ticket not only gives you access to the legendary New York landmark but it also allows you to soar 1,049 Ft (320 m) high and enjoy a magnificent 360-degree open-air view of New York City. It also gives you access to the new second-floor galleries immersing guests in a series of exhibits, taking you on an experiential journey from the building’s construction to its current place in pop culture. Explore their new Site in the 1920s, Construction, Opening Day, Modern Marvel, Otis Elevators, World’s Most Famous Building, King Kong and Celebrity Exhibits!

Your total experience of the Empire State Building is inclusive of an Audio Guide available in 8 languages through the ‘Empire State Building Experience’ App. Enjoy the recently restored Art Deco lobby and murals, and the 4 educational areas.

Must-See Exhibits

The Building Lobby: This recently restored Art Deco Historic Landmark Lobby features ceiling murals which pay homage to the mechanical age, planets and stars, all rendered as an assembly line of gears in 24-karat gold and aluminum leaf. On the wall in the Fifth Avenue lobby is one of the most famous images in New York City, a depiction of the building itself with beams of light radiating from the mast.