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86th Floor Observation Deck

86th Floor Observation Deck

Scenic Lookout
Koreatown, New York
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8.6/10
1,169
ratings
  • Tips
    Luki L.
    "great view of Central Park & the Empire State Building."(9 Tips)
    MaryAnn M.
    "Although the express pass was definitely worth the money, we enjoyed..."(9 Tips)
    Alaa S.
    "totally different view of NYC at both times"(6 Tips)
    Le Nitsa
    "Get a city pass and u can visit Empire State twice .. Day &..."(6 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon182 Tips and reviews
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  • Emma Q.
    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 Oct 27
  • Alaa S.
    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!
    Upvoted 1 week ago
  • ℳ𝒶𝓎♍heart icon on user image
    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
  • Vivienne G.heart icon on user image
    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.
  • Vasilisheart icon on user image
    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!
  • Ben M.heart icon on user image
    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.
  • Filmsquare
    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.
  • Ailie C.
    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 :)
  • Daniel K.
    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
  • Edwulfheart icon on user image
    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
  • Julio E.heart icon on user image
    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.
  • Lyubov M.heart icon on user image
    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.
  • John A.heart icon on user image
    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.
  • Raphael A.
    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.
  • John B.heart icon on user image
    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.
  • NYC-ARTS
    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
  • MaryAnn M.
    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.
  • Ashley H.heart icon on user image
    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.
  • « uʍop-ıɐs-dn ».heart icon on user image
    « 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.
  • Nicolas E.heart icon on user image
    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!
  • Jason Q.heart icon on user image
    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.
  • HLheart icon on user image
    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.
  • HashtagNYU
    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.
  • Stephanie S.
    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.
  • Rick D.
    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!
  • King R.heart icon on user image
    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 H.
    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.
  • Sporty
    SportyDecember 7, 2014
    Fantastic view. Just go before sunset or during, you will have the least queue and the best view possible.
  • Jorge F.
    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.
  • Lani T.
    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!
  • HashtagNYU
    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.
  • Santi C.heart icon on user image
    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.
  • Victoria G.heart icon on user image
    Victoria GoulartJune 23, 2017
    Come to see the view at night, and on some days of the week you can enjoy a man playing sax.
  • Steve H.
    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).
  • Abdulrahman F.
    Abdulrahman FetyaniApril 15, 2019
    The view during sunset, beautiful when saw the light turn on everywhere.
  • Samantha M.
    Samantha MendarosMay 11, 2013
    The audio tour is definitely worth it! It's narrated by a veteran NY cabbie, it's informative, entertaining, and so adorable!
  • Tim
    TimAugust 18, 2013
    Go up the Rockerfeller building, that way you get a great view AND get to see the Empire State Building too!
  • Le Nitsa
    Le NitsaMay 7, 2013
    Get a city pass and u can visit Empire State twice .. Day & night views .. Both scenic and totally worth it
  • Jules S.heart icon on user image
    Jules SandozSeptember 11, 2018
    Amazing view, try to be there for the sunset
  • Elizabeth L.heart icon on user image
    Elizabeth LeeOctober 17, 2016
    Remember to bring your scarf here during fall and winter. Really excellent views of nyc up here.
  • Janay W.
    Janay WinterApril 25, 2015
    The staff have eagle eyes and will know if you take a photo of your photo.
  • Steff E.
    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.
  • Dmytro M.
    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.
  • safia r.heart icon on user image
    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.
  • Omarheart icon on user image
    OmarJuly 8, 2019
    amazing visit by 12AM you won’t regret it
  • Monica E.heart icon on user image
    Monica EscobarSeptember 26, 2017
    Best view in the city in the night. Go before closing, there will be less people
  • Monica V.
    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.
  • Michael J.heart icon on user image
    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
  • Nate F.heart icon on user image
    Nate FolkertApril 2, 2022
    outdoor heat lamps keep the observation deck toasty
  • Abi P.heart icon on user image
    Abi PanickerAugust 23, 2014
    Since this is a tip for the 86th floor, I feel compelled to let people know, it's really freaking high up!
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