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86th Floor Observation Deck

Scenic Lookout

Koreatown, New York

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8.5^/10

1,171

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"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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Derek ReillyMay 4, 2013
Don't go the first sunny morning after a cloudy day, it will be very busy. As told by one of the staff. We went early afternoon during the week in early April and the queue wasn't so bad.
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!
Paul RohlfingMay 30, 2011
Express pass was so worth it tonight. ~10 min to observation deck to see sunset. others already in regular line when we arrived were going up 1st elevator when we were going down an hour later.
Nate FolkertApril 2, 2022
outdoor heat lamps keep the observation deck toasty
Milli ParkusJuly 18, 2016
The view of course plus the scene of very popular movie💕
clive kornitzerJanuary 7, 2019
Great views pick a clear day and try to avoid the qs
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!
Carola WüstAugust 14, 2014
The Guided Tour is worth paying for it! Great view.
flyflyaway ...January 30, 2016
Evening visit is awesome. Short queue. Spectacular view. I love New York ...
FerasAugust 12, 2014
Be ready to spend over an hour to get to the top of the building & half an hour on your way out.
Lani TeshimaOctober 11, 2011
This second, higher observatory requires an additional fee. Glass-enclosed all around and protected from the elements. Watch your step and head; lots of beams to bang your head on.
David GarciaMay 24, 2013
For out of towners with family that doesn't speak English make sure to pay the 10 bucks for an audio tour available in many languages.
Leona HenryApril 3, 2011
Buy the tickets online and skip the lines. If you are in NYC for a whe, get the Ny city pass online
EttractionsNovember 17, 2010
Since the Observatory opened to the public in 1931, almost 110 million visitors have thrilled to the awe-inspiring vision of the city beneath them. Read more
Loukas KoufodontesNovember 17, 2018
Been here 5+ times
Probably one of the best views of the city
Oleg PryimakMay 8, 2014
Citypass = no lines. However, this place is worse in comparison to 30 rock. No sitting places, restrooms, on top. All views are obstructed by fence. In 30 rock this is reinforced glass.
Chip GrahamApril 5, 2014
Buy the express pass! Get to bypass all lines. People next to us waited 2 hrs...took us 15 mins
Janay WinterApril 25, 2015
The staff have eagle eyes and will know if you take a photo of your photo.
NYUMay 1, 2013
Take the trip to the top! The view is spectacular - see it for yourself!
Shane CaudillApril 20, 2018
30 years later it’s still worth the price.
John E. LaChingasJune 4, 2011
Pro Tip: Bring Quarters for the binocular viewing machines they seem cheesy but are way cool for 50 cents, there is no change on the 86th floor.
Chris KSeptember 24, 2015
Phenomenal view of the city.
Mike RichichiNovember 7, 2010
Went on a rainy day. Generally not considered good, but you can really enjoy the clouds swirling by beneath you, and the way the tower lights up the clouds around you.
Peter KirnDecember 1, 2014
The 86th floor is the main attraction as the pricey higher observation deck is tiny. If you want to save your money, skip the latter.
Stephanie TanNovember 5, 2013
View was OK, maybe cuz of the gloomy weather. Bring thicker clothes cuz the strong wind makes it real chilly.
Iván EspinozaNovember 24, 2015
One of the best feelings reminds you that NYC is unique
JüriOctober 18, 2012
Open until 2 AM and there are no queues late evening, so grab some beers at the brewery downstairs first.
Kataka GaraJanuary 29, 2014
Don't bother spending your money for the 102nd floor. It's not much different than the 86th. The 86th is outside and great!
dickwynJuly 21, 2016
The free wi-fi is a little sketchy if you walk around
Kimmie OhhAugust 17, 2020
The city views are absolutely breathtaking!
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.
Hemant KumarJuly 6, 2014
Go foe express pass on weekend, worth it
RamiAugust 12, 2014
Beautiful scenery all over manhattan.
ChrisMay 25, 2013
The 80th Floor is a MUST See!
ChrisAugust 28, 2012
Best at night.. Less queues and the view is amazing!
Movie MayorOctober 15, 2010
Here on the observation deck of the Empire State building, Meg Ryan meets Tom Hanks for the first time after being setup by his son on a call-in radio show in 1993's "Sleepless in Seattle." Read more
Luki LykeJanuary 21, 2011
Top of the Rock offers a great view of Central Park & the Empire State Building. Cheaper too!
Steve HovingtonMay 18, 2014
Did you know? There is approximately 17 million feet of telephone wire servicing the building.
The New York Daily NewsApril 29, 2011
PHOTO: Opened on May 1st, 1931, the Empire State Building turns 80 this year! Visit our iconic photo gallery, at the link, for amazing images of the building's history! Read more
Vinícius RibeiroFebruary 23, 2015
Great view, 86th floor is pretty windy.
Vincent LimJanuary 10, 2013
Great place for the great view on NYC. Where here recall the King Kong scene.
eatsmylifeDecember 27, 2014
If you go at winder night be prepare for the wind !!!
Paulo PuglisiJanuary 27, 2016
They need to update the experience quick. One World is taking all the customers by merit
Alexander KostSeptember 29, 2017
A must see if you're the first time in New York
Ramy AshourJune 10, 2014
... Great place...NEWyork from the top
Ilkan AktenJuly 5, 2013
this is the most beautiful experience i had in nyc. other than this nyc is bunch of crowd stuck in a tiny island
Capital SpiceApril 9, 2012
If you get a City Pass, go to another site first! You lose any City Pass benefits of skipping the line if you don't already have your booklet.
Emilio JimenezDecember 7, 2011
Buying the New York City Pass or any other Pass skips you to the front of the line and it is completely worth it!
Stephen KoontzOctober 21, 2014
Give yourself several hours to see these views
AllyDecember 30, 2011
Get the express ticket: totally worth it. Don't let the guys outside scam you!

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86th Floor Observation Deck

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