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86th Floor Observation Deck

Scenic Lookout

Koreatown, New York

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8.5^/10

1,172

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Ranked #9 for scenic lookouts in New York
"great view of Central Park & the Empire State Building."(9 Tips)
"Although the express pass was definitely worth the money, we enjoyed..."(9 Tips)
"totally different view of NYC at both times"(6 Tips)
"Get a city pass and u can visit Empire State twice .. Day &..."(6 Tips)

182 Tips and reviews

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Emma QueryApril 15, 2015
If you have the New York Pass, definitely take the time to visit. It's an experience like no other and the staff are very friendly and helpful. Don't go on the sky ride though, it's not worth it!
Upvoted Mar 7
Alaa ShakerAugust 26, 2014
With a CityPass, don't miss out on the same-day visit (you can check out the observatory in the morning and at night). You get a totally different view of NYC at both times, and both are amazing!
ℳ𝒶𝓎♍July 18, 2016
Been here 10+ times
This is exactly what you'll be expecting! Tremendously stunning views of NYC. Staff are very friendly and enthusiastic. My only advice is to get there early so you're not waiting in a long queue
Ben MackeyNovember 25, 2014
Don't come here during the day - go to Top of the Rock instead. But DO come here around midnight. No line and you get to see all of the lights of the city.
Vivienne GucwaAugust 29, 2014
It's totally worth the wait. Get there an hour before sunset and make sure you wait for the city's lights to come into view shortly after sunset. Super magical. NYC at its best.
VasilisApril 21, 2013
great view! you should visit right before the sunset.. see the colors in the sky an the city lights turning on! keep in mind that it is extremely cold and windy up there, but the view is magical!
Daniel KarranFebruary 3, 2015
Whether a NYC native or a tourist, this is a must see. You will snag views of this gorgeous city that will leave you breathless! Be sure to grab the express line tickets, as the lines get heavy
EdwulfJune 25, 2015
Classic spot on city, purchase your tickets in advance, also coming weekdays will save you from crowds, for additional 20usd you can climb to spire, but the difference are some ft no more
Raphael AffonsoDecember 29, 2013
Buy the xpress ticket (which cost you double but you really skip all lines. Be sure the staff always know you have the xpress. Get there before sunset and stay till gets dark for amazing pictures.
Lyubov MelnikovaNovember 26, 2017
360° view including the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn bridge, the flatiron building, Chrysler building and just a tiny piece of Central Park. Worthy visiting but mind long lines.
FilmsquareAugust 2, 2013
Jack Harper has flashbacks to a previous life event on the observation deck of the Empire State Building in Oblivion (2013) at the very start of the film and throughout.
Julio EscobozaMay 31, 2018
The place it’s beautiful and have a wonderful view of the view at night. There might be a line to go through but it was short.
MaryAnn McClungJanuary 5, 2014
Although the express pass was definitely worth the money, we enjoyed the Top of the Rock more since you spend less time in line and still see wonderful views of the city.
John AJune 25, 2016
86th fl the best view and experience. 102nd fl is enclosed by glass. Not worth extra money. Try out New York Pass or CityPass which includes this as an attraction.
Ashley HoweJuly 7, 2015
View is breathtaking and worth the money. Skip the lines for the elevator from 80th floor to 86th by going up the stairs.
John BoothJuly 7, 2016
Go up Top of the Rock, it's less busy, there is more space at the top, it's better value for money and most importantly you get a better view.
Ailie ChangDecember 14, 2014
Go to the top of the empire at least once in your life time. Purchase the Express Tickets! Was well worth it for me since we skipped an hour + wait. And of course get there right before the sunset :)
Stephanie S.November 15, 2011
All i can (initially) think of was Sleepless in Seattle!!! Then enjoyed the great views, looking for landmarks (e.g. Chrysler building, Times Square, Statue of Liberty), and just taking it all in.
Jorge FimbresNovember 17, 2016
Don't think twice, even with the 34 USD cost, it's worth your money. Best view of the city. At night and day, both are great.
NYC-ARTSJuly 17, 2012
The 86th floor observatory, 1,050 feet (320 meters) off the ground, has both a glass-enclosed area which is heated in winter and cooled in summer. Read more
Jason QuarisaNovember 4, 2017
For the best view go at night to see the city lights. You can feel the amazing energy from Time square.
HashtagNYUJuly 7, 2016
Take a trip up here for a great view of the city. If you're feeling ambitious, propose to someone. You could make someone's day.
King ReyesApril 21, 2015
I would never pay for the 102nd floor. If viewing's still not good enough here, just go to Top of the Rock's observation deck. There you'll even get Empire State included on the scene.
Steve HovingtonMay 18, 2014
Did you know? The static electricity is so strong on the top of the building that people on the observatory floor can see sparks when they kiss.
safia rSeptember 3, 2016
I reached early, around 8:00am, and the queue was quite quick. So if you go early enough, you won't need the VIP pass.
Santi CaamañoJune 2, 2015
Iconic building, really worth the visit for the history it represents. Floor 102nd requires an extra line, not really a good idea if you're short on time.
HLApril 20, 2014
I spent more than 1.5 hrs in a queue in a poorly ventilated area with a regular ticket. Pick any suitable ticket (even more expensive) that'll let you pass the line. It's the top of the world.
HashtagNYUDecember 5, 2012
Essential NYU: Take a trip up here for a great view of the city. If you're feeling ambitious, propose to someone. You could make someone's day.
SportyDecember 7, 2014
Fantastic view. Just go before sunset or during, you will have the least queue and the best view possible.
Nicolas EvensMay 23, 2015
Went to 86th around 6pm for a while, then waited sunset on 102nd and came back here for night shots. No wait tickets are great, up and down!
« uʍop-ıɐs-dn »January 7, 2015
As with most places in NYC - no tripods. I couldn't even take a super clamp and magic arm up, they scan your bags. You can leave them at security and pick up after your visit.
TimAugust 18, 2013
Go up the Rockerfeller building, that way you get a great view AND get to see the Empire State Building too!
Michael JonesJanuary 3, 2014
Unless you love queues, buy the express pass online. It may be more expensive but the are lines to get into the building, to buy tickets, the elevator to 80th, to 86th floor and then finally then down
Le NitsaMay 7, 2013
Get a city pass and u can visit Empire State twice .. Day & night views .. Both scenic and totally worth it
Rick DionneMay 19, 2013
Definitely a sight to see! On a clear day nothing compares! It helps speed up the "Falling In Love With NY" part of your trip! Take lots of pictures!
Dmytro MishchenkoJuly 2, 2013
The best time to visit is 8AM - much less people. Express pass will save you from queue, but not from crowded observatory.
Steve HovingtonMay 18, 2014
Did you know? The Empire State Building Run-Up is an annual race up the stairs to the 86th floor (1,576 steps).
Cezar LenciOctober 20, 2014
Really nice view, bring a jacket, it is chilly up there.
Monica VargasNovember 16, 2012
Express pass was not useful when I came at 1 pm pm on Veteran's Day. Never went to floor 102. I wish I knew I could before I bought tickets to 86. I'll be back, but at night.
Lani TeshimaOctober 11, 2011
Don't fall for the ticket offers outside! Also, avoid the waits by going at night. Go around dinnertime, or around 9pm before people get out of the theaters. Added bonus: Lights are spectacular!
OmarJuly 8, 2019
amazing visit by 12AM you won’t regret it
Abdulrahman FetyaniApril 15, 2019
The view during sunset, beautiful when saw the light turn on everywhere.
Beth DeanSeptember 11, 2014
I know it's touristy but the true magnificence of this building isn't imaginable until you're here. Imagining the men building this though is a terrifying feat
Jonathan WegnerOctober 16, 2011
The 102nd floor is waaaay better than the first observation deck - fully enclosed, quiet and intimate -- great for a date!
Elizabeth LeeOctober 17, 2016
Remember to bring your scarf here during fall and winter. Really excellent views of nyc up here.
Monica EscobarSeptember 26, 2017
Best view in the city in the night. Go before closing, there will be less people
AllyAugust 2, 2012
The express pass is a MUST. Well worth the extra money.
Wil JeudyMay 25, 2014
Get the express tickets. It is WORTH the extra dough!!! It gets you past the LONG lines
Jules SandozSeptember 11, 2018
Amazing view, try to be there for the sunset
Steff E.August 10, 2014
One hour to buy tix, one hour to get to the elevator. Go to the Top of the Rock instead - cheaper, shorter lines, and a better view that includes the Empire State Building.

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