More about: Empire State Building Ticket Prices
If you're planning a trip to New York, you've probably thought about visiting the Empire State Building, one of the city's most famous tourist attractions. But how much do tickets cost? Are there any discounts for visitors? Do children pay admission?
In the following post, we'll answer all these questions and more, so you can get a better idea of how much you'll need to budget to see New York in all its glory from above.
How much does it cost to visit the Empire State Building, the iconic landmark?
From £46, you can buy tickets for the Empire State Building, which allow you to choose the time you want to go, with access to the second floor where you can visit the museum and learn about the history of the construction of the legendary Empire State Building and, of course, enjoy the best 360º views.
Going up to the observation deck on the 86th floor of the Empire State Building is an essential part of your trip. You'll recognise it from countless films and TV shows, but seeing this Art Deco gem in person is something else entirely.
From this open-air observation deck, you'll have spectacular panoramic views of the New York skyline (Flatiron Building, Bryant Park, Chrysler Building, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty...) and on clear days you can even see other states such as Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Connecticut.
How much does it cost to visit the Top Deck of the Empire State Building, the exclusive experience?
You will have to pay an additional fee of more than £35 to go up to the glass observation deck (Top Deck) when booking your tickets for the Empire State Building with access to the 102nd floor. You will have to pay up to £82 to access the viewing platform with floor-to-ceiling windows at all points.
It also includes access to the 86th floor observation deck, which you will reach in an impressive glass lift, and the immersive exhibitions on the 2nd floor to discover some of the building's best-kept secrets. In my opinion, it is not really worth it, as you can enjoy the magnificent views from the Main Deck, which are quite similar.
What is the difference between the Main Deck and the Top Deck of the Empire State Building?
The main difference between the two is the height of each viewing platform within the skyscraper (320 m vs. 373 m) and the fact that booking tickets for the Empire State Building with access to the 102nd floor makes for a more exclusive visit, as you take a transparent glass lift that offers unique views during the ascent.
If you like to see the Big Apple from above, I recommend investing your money in another of the city's skyscrapers with viewing platforms, such as:
When is the cheapest time to visit the Empire State Building?
When buying tickets for the Empire State Building, keep in mind that prices go up during the city's high season, i.e. in summer and on special dates such as Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. In addition, there will be more visitors sharing the experience with you.
So, if you're not a fan of crowds when sightseeing and prefer to keep your travel budget in check, a good time to visit New York and go up the Empire State Building is in spring or autumn, when you can find good prices and fewer crowds compared to the high season.
Do children pay admission to the Empire State Building?
Do children pay admission to the Empire State Building?
Children under 6 years old enter the Empire State Building for free, while older children need a ticket to enter. However, there are reduced rates for children aged 6 to 12 to access the Main Deck, starting at £33.
This way, you'll save a little on your budget for visiting the Empire State Building with your family. It never hurts!
How can I save on my visit to the Empire State Building?
With the Empire State's reduced rates, you can save a little money. For example, certain age groups, such as seniors over 62 and children aged 6 to 12, can benefit from reduced rates with tickets starting at £33, compared to the general adult ticket price (from £39).
Keep an eye out for reduced rates when booking your tickets to the Empire State Building, as they will help you save money that you can spend on other activities during your stay.
How much does it cost to go up the Empire State Building with a tourist card?
From £116, you can get the New York CityPASS to visit the Empire State Building in the morning and at sunset, allowing you to experience the city at two very different times of day.
However, as the Empire State Building is one of New York's most iconic tourist attractions, most tourist cards include it, although with the exception of the New York CityPASS, the others only allow you one visit.
If you want to know more about tourist passes in New York, I recommend reading the post The best tourist card in New York.
New York tourist passes
In any case, this table compares all the tourist cards that allow you to enter the Empire State Building at a glance.
- New York CityPASS® Tourist Card - Visit 5 attractions in 9 days
- From £114
- You can go up the Empire State Building twice: during the day and at night
- Access to 6 tourist attractions
- To be used within a maximum of 9 days
- Book
- New York Pass
- From £120
- You can go up the Empire State Building once
- Access to over 100 attractions
- Book by the day
- Book
- Go City: New York City Explorer Pass - Choose 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 10 attractions
- From £67
- You can go up the Empire State Building once
- Access to more than 80 attractions
- Book by number of attractions
- Book
How much does it cost to eat at the Empire State Building?
Inside the skyscraper there are several restaurants where you can eat after visiting the Empire State observation deck if you're feeling peckish: Tacombi, State Grill & Bar or Chipotle.
However, if after enjoying the views of the New York skyline you want to take a walk around the skyscraper and discover other places to try American cuisine, in the post Where to eat around the Empire State Building I give you some ideas.