Empire State Building NYC Tour, Pre-booked Tickets, Transfer Day Tours

Must Do Experiences

• Stand on the 86th-floor open-air main deck and take in sweeping views of Central Park, the Hudson River, and the sprawling Manhattan grid

• Book the 3 or 4.5-hour option to experience the rare 102nd-floor observatory — the highest public viewing deck in the Western Hemisphere

• Skip the ticket queues and breeze through with pre-booked entry, saving valuable time in the heart of midtown

• Enjoy a personalized private tour with a 5-star licensed guide fluent in your language, covering Empire State Building history and Madison Avenue landmarks

Hidden Gems

• The 102nd-floor deck is enclosed and glass-protected, offering a completely different perspective — ideal for photography in any weather

• Look for the original Art Deco details and the famous eagle sculptures that adorn the lobby, a nod to the building's 1931 origins

• The guided Madison Avenue portion often includes stops at lesser-known boutiques and historic sites most tourists never see

What Makes it Special

• Only tour option that includes access to the exclusive 102nd-floor top deck, a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience

• Private 5-star licensed guide ensures a personalized, multilingual experience tailored to your pace and interests

• Round-trip hotel transfers eliminate the hassle of navigating New York's subway and taxi system with full luggage

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

Visit during sunset or early evening for the most dramatic views as the city transitions from golden hour to glittering nighttime lights. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for the open-air 86th-floor deck, while winter evenings provide a magical backdrop of snow-dusted landmarks.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• The 86th-floor open deck offers the best photo opportunities — position yourself near the railing for iconic skyline shots with the Freedom Tower and Central Park in frame

• For the 102nd-floor enclosed deck, use a slightly longer exposure to capture the city lights without flash, which is often prohibited

• Golden hour (30 minutes before sunset) delivers the most colorful and dramatic photographs of the Manhattan horizon

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

New Yorkers consider the Empire State Building a symbol of resilience and ambition — treat it with the reverence due an iconic landmark. Tipping your private guide 15-20% is customary and appreciated, especially for the personalized service you'll receive throughout the tour.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• The building lights up in special colors for holidays like Pride Month (rainbow), Halloween (orange and purple), and the holidays (festive greens and reds)

• New Year's Eve features a spectacular midnight light show visible from the observatory, often requiring separate ticketing

• Special architectural lighting events celebrate milestones and causes throughout the year

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Secure your belongings in crowded observatory areas, especially near the railings where pickpockets may operate

• Keep phones and cameras secured with wrist straps on the open 86th-floor deck to prevent accidental drops

• Follow all posted safety instructions and stay behind barriers at all times during the tour