Is Empire State Building worth it?
Worth it if…Overhyped · −261931 Art Deco tower with exhibits, an open-air 86th-floor deck and an enclosed 102nd
Worth it, with conditions. 4.7 across 130k+ Google reviews; the open-air 86th floor consistently impresses, though one guide ranks it last of NYC's five decks.
Hype84How famous and hyped it is
Reality58Evidence-based, votes take over as they come in
4.7 ★ Google · 130,581 reviews— hypegap votes · be one of the first
Been to Empire State Building? Was it worth it?
One tap. No account. Your vote moves the Reality score.Is it worth it for you?
Worth itEditorial verdict until 5 first-timers vote
The original NYC observatory; reviewers call it a bucket-list classic with history newer decks can't replicate.
Why Reality is 58
Lives up to its fame4/54.7 across 130k+ Google reviews; the open-air 86th floor consistently impresses, though one guide ranks it last of NYC's five decks.
Value for money2/5From $46 for the 86th floor and $81 to add the 102nd; guides call it the priciest of the classic decks, especially with Express.
Can’t get it elsewhere4/5The only deck that is itself the icon, with genuine Art Deco history; the view itself is matched or beaten by newer decks.
Easy to do3/5Central, open late daily, timed tickets; but security plus exhibit lines can be long at peak and Express costs extra.
What people loved
The classic, history-soaked NYC view: open-air 86th-floor wraparound deck with heaters in winterWell-done interactive exhibits on the building's construction and Art Deco design on the way upBest close-up view of the Chrysler Building and a central Midtown locationOpen late every day of the year, so night visits are easyWhat wore them down
You can't see the Empire State Building itself — the defining skyline element other decks frameThe most expensive of the classic decks once you add the 102nd floor ($81+) or ExpressPeak-time queues through security and exhibits can run past 2 hours without ExpressExit through an overpriced gift shopKnow before you go
See something out of date? Fix it right here.Reservation required. Pick a date and entry time online (or buy same-day at 12 W 34th St); Flex tickets allow any time on the chosen day.
Entry86th Floor Main Deck from $46; Flex ticket (any time on your date) from $66; 86th + 102nd floors from $81 (online starting prices)Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Child / seniorListed by Free Tours by Foot at $48 adult, $46 senior (62+), $41 child (6–12) for the 86th floor; under 6 free (Jan 2025 prices)Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
ReservationTimed date-and-time reservation required for standard tickets; same-day tickets sold at 12 W 34th St, but online booking is strongly recommendedSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
ExpressExpress Pass skips the second-floor exhibit queue; Eternal Arrival reports waits can exceed 2 hours at peak without itSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
HoursOpen 365 days a year; Google lists 9 a.m.–11 p.m. daily, hours vary seasonallySource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Time neededAbout 1.5–2 hours including the exhibit floors; longer with peak-time queuesSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Getting thereSubway B/D/F/M/N/Q/R/W to 34 St–Herald Sq, ~3 min walk; about 15 min (1 subway stop or a 20 min walk) from Times SquareSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Opening hours (Google)
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
In their words
“The views from the top are absolutely incredible, offering a breathtaking panorama of the entire city.”
“Yes, there are newer observation decks nowadays, but the Empire State Building has something they can’t replicate — the history and iconic New York feeling.”
“On the way down, you exit through the gift shop. The souvenirs were definitely overpriced, but I still had fun browsing.”
“The Empire State Building feels more classic, historic, and iconic.”
Tips from people who went
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Questions people ask
How much are Empire State Building tickets?
Online starting prices are $46 for the 86th Floor Main Deck, $66 for a Flex ticket and $81 for the 86th + 102nd floors.
Do you need a reservation for the Empire State Building?
Standard tickets require choosing a date and time; Flex tickets let you arrive any time on your chosen day. Same-day tickets are also sold at 12 W 34th St.
Is the 102nd floor worth it?
It is a smaller, fully enclosed deck higher up; it nearly doubles the ticket price, so most visitors are well served by the open-air 86th floor.
Is the Empire State Building observatory open every day?
Yes, it is open 365 days a year; Google lists 9 a.m.–11 p.m., and hours vary by season.
Empire State Building or Top of the Rock?
Top of the Rock is usually cheaper and shows the Empire State Building and Central Park; the Empire State offers the history and the open-air 86th floor.
Better fits, according to people who went
Sources
- Empire State Building — official site
- Eternal Arrival — The 5 Best Observation Decks in NYC, Ranked (updated Feb 2024)
- Free Tours by Foot — Best NYC Observation Decks (updated Jan 2025)
- Google Maps — Empire State Building