Best time to visit
Arrive within the first hour of opening for the shortest queues and best photo light.
Empire State Building Observatory
Last reviewed June 2026 by James Morgan. AI-assisted, human-edited. Our editorial standards
About Empire State Building Observatory
Step onto an open-air deck 86 floors up for 360-degree views stretching as far as 80 miles.
Few skylines say New York like the one from the Empire State Building, a Midtown landmark with views that reach for miles.
What you'll see and do - Take in 360-degree vistas from the open-air 86th Floor Observatory - Go higher to the renovated 102nd Floor Observation Deck, with floor-to-ceiling glass and views up to 80 miles on a clear day - Walk through interactive 2nd and 80th-floor galleries on the building's history and pop-culture fame - Visit during seasonal celebrations with festive lightings and themed activities
Attraction Details
Facilities
- Toilets
- Gift Shop
- Baby Changing
- Food Options
- Parking
- Pushchair Friendly
- Wheelchair Friendly
Events at Empire State Building Observatory
ESB Celebrates Its 95th Anniversary
Throughout 2026
The Empire State Building will celebrate its 95th Anniversary with a year-long program of exciting events and pop-ups.
New Birthday Celebration Packages
To mark its 95th anniversary, the ESB is launching exclusive birthday party packages, offering private celebrations with activities and NYC views.
Ghirardelli Chocolate on 86th Floor Observatory
November 13 - end of holiday season
Ghirardelli Chocolate will offer classic and peppermint hot cocoa on the heated open-air 86th Floor Observatory.
Winter Wonderland Pop-up at Starbucks Reserve®
The Starbucks Reserve® Empire State Building store will feature a Winter Wonderland pop-up with a new Empire State Cocoa Cocktail and focus on the coffee journey.
Holiday Festivities (2024)
December 2024
The Empire State Building announces details for its fan-favorite holiday festivities with extravagant holiday décor, festive pop-ups, classic movie screenings, and special tower lightings.
Photos with Santa
November 30, December 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 20 (2024)
Santa Claus will spread holiday cheer and pose for photos with Observatory guests in his dedicated corner on the building’s 80th Floor.
Holiday Movie Screenings: Elf
December 2, 8, 10, 15, 17 (2024)
Guests can purchase tickets to view the holiday classic 'Elf' on the Observatory’s 80th Floor, including themed drinks and snacks.
Holiday Movie Screenings: Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
December 5, 11 (2024)
Guests can purchase tickets to view 'Home Alone 2: Lost in New York' on the Observatory’s 80th Floor, including themed drinks and snacks.
Holiday Movie Screenings: The Nightmare Before Christmas
December 13 (2024)
Guests can purchase tickets to view 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' on the Observatory’s 80th Floor, including themed drinks and snacks.
Tower Lightings for Thanksgiving (2024)
November 2024
The Empire State Building’s iconic tower lights will shine with dedicated lightings for Thanksgiving.
Tower Lightings for Chanukah (2024)
December 2024
The Empire State Building’s iconic tower lights will shine with dedicated lightings for Chanukah.
Tower Lightings for Christmas (2024)
December 2024
The Empire State Building’s iconic tower lights will shine with dedicated lightings for Christmas.
Plan Your Visit
Family-tested advice for a smoother day at Empire State Building Observatory.
Who it's for
All ages
Getting there
Onsite or nearby parking available at 20 W 34th St.
Pro tip
Pack snacks, refillable water bottles and a portable charger to keep the day running smoothly.
Directions
Empire State Building Observatory
20 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001
This attraction has been claimed and verified.
Last updated 6/23/2026
Empire State Building Observatory Reviews
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