Empire State Building Discount Tickets: 2024 In-Depth Guide

From the flashing lights of Times Square to the lush rolling hills of Central Park and the glamorous shops on Fifth Avenue, there is nothing quite like a New York City getaway.

With hundreds of iconic top attractions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Ellis Island, and the Empire State Building. You could easily spend a lifetime exploring every inch of the city that never sleeps. Follow along with our ultimate guide to uncover the best coupons, discounts, and deals for the Empire State building Experience.

Of all of the city’s storied landmarks, none has captured the hearts and the minds of the world more so than the Empire State Building. Recently refurbished, you will not see King Kong climb the Empire State Building like in the movies, but this Art Deco architectural marvel shines brighter than ever. Just don’t expect a King Kong Empire State Building!

While we may not be able to magically extend your NYC vacation time, we can help you make the most of your Empire State experience. We promise, Empire State Building images don’t do what you see in person justice!

Empire State Building Experience Discount Tickets

Ready to answer the siren call of the Empire State? Before you embark on your journey 1,050 feet into the sky, you’ll need to pre-purchase your Empire State Building Experience discount tickets. Yes, these are the Empire State Building cheap tickets you’ve been looking for!

Booking your tickets ahead of time ensures maximum savings and lets you bypass any extraneous booking fees.

Awe-inducing scenic vistas are what’s on deck when you visit New York City’s fourth-tallest building. However, besides marveling at the Empire City from above, your Empire State Building Discount Ticket encompasses some incredible complimentary experiences, including:

  • All exhibits on the 2nd and 80th floors
  • The stunning Fifth Avenue lobby (also a designated historic landmark)
  • Self-guided audio tour

Boasting two-floor observatory decks, countless exhibits, and a 10,000-square-foot immersive digital museum. We suggest budgeting one to two hours for your entire Empire state visit.

The Empire State Building and city skyline with a pink sunset in Manhattan in NYC, New York, USA
photo credit: Kit Suman via Unsplash

Empire State Building Experience Coupons and Discounts

Before you get set to recreate your very own Sleepless in Seattle moment, you’ll need to purchase your tickets for the Empire State Building Experience. However, all active duty military personnel in uniform get free admission at The Empire State Building Observatory! No need for an Empire State Building coupon, just head straight to the ticket office booth.

There’s more Empire State Building military discount! Veterans with military ID can claim $2-3 off general admission. Unfortunately, military families are not part of this discount Empire State Building tickets.

Empire State Building Experience AAA Discount

We regret to inform you that there is no Empire State Building Experience AAA discount at this time. For big discounts, check out the Empire State Building discount tickets on Tripster! No membership card is required!

Close up of King Kong's hands breaking through the walls of the Empire State Building and his face on the other side of the window in NYC, New York, USA
photo credit: Empire State Building via Facebook

Good news for visitors 62 years of age or older! Empire State Building Experience has a senior rate. You’re eligible for a $2 discount on Empire State Building Experience tickets. Just present a valid ID, purchase tickets at the ticket booth, and you’re good to go!

Empire State Building Experience: New York Pass by Go City

With tons of New York City attractions, we know your New York bucket list attractions is full to the brim! Fortunately, New York Pass by Go City makes it so easy to save while still seeing the best of New York City’s attractions.

Visit the Empire State Building for less than the regular price, for one! Then head over to the Rockefeller Center and the Statue of Liberty! Skip the Empire State tickets discount and grab a New York Pass instead for bigger savings!

Empire State Building Experience Group Travel Deals

Is your journey to the Big Apple a full-on family affair? If you’re planning a visit with a group of 20 or more, you are eligible for some serious discounts! Contact the Empire State Building group sales team to customize the best Empire State Building tickets discount for your group.

sunset over new york city skyline NYC, New York, USAEmpire State Building Experience Vacation Packages

The Big Apple is just bursting with Broadway shows, bus tours, and more. Get your pick of the juiciest savings when you bundle your favorite NYC activities into one of our incredible NYC Vacation Packages.

Whether you wish to pay your respects at the 9/11 Memorial or gaze in wonder at the giant Blue Whale in the Natural History Museum, Tripster offers convenient Empire State Building Experience vacation packages for every budget and desire.

Hotels Near Empire State Building Experience

Wondering where to stay in New York City? If you’re visiting Empire State Building, save time and money when you stay near the attractions you plan to visit during your vacation!

Fortunately, the Empire State Building is surrounded by some of the best hotels in the city. Here are our top picks:

ground view of the Hilton Midtown at night with lights in NYC, New York, USA
photo credit: New York Times Square via Facebook

New York City Attractions

9/11 Memorial and Museum

9/11 is a permanent stamp in American and world history. When in town, grab the opportunity to visit the 9/11 Memorial Museum, a tribute to the past and a place of hope for the future.

Through commemoration, exhibitions, and educational programs, this treasured New York City attraction continues to remember and honor the 2,983 people killed in the horrific attack of Sepember 11, 2001.

Three people looking at the interactive Signing Steel exhibit at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in NYC, New York, USA
photo credit: National September 11 Memorial & Museum via Facebook

The Museum of Modern Art – MoMA

New York City is a work of art, created by decades of intercultural communities that work together to make the Big Apple what it is today.

If have limited time but wnat to visit the best of the best museums, a trip to The Museum of Modern Art is worth your while. Here, you will discover an evolving collection that represents the modern era that New York City thrives in today.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

For Potterheads, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a must-not-miss. The wizarding world and fantastic stories of friendship and bravery doesn’t end with Harry Potter’s time in Hogwarts.

This time, the journey of Harry Potter’s headstrong son Albus will prove that adventure runs in the family.

Harry Potter Play NYC BroadwayInsider Empire State Building Experience Tips

About the Empire State Building

The Empire State Building consists of two observatories, the 86th, and the 102nd:

  • The Empire State Building 86th floor – (also known as the main deck) is an open-air viewing platform that wraps around the building’s spire and provides 360-degree views of New York, Brooklyn, and Queens. Situated 1,050 feet above the ground, on a clear day, you can spot New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Delaware.
  • The 102nd Floor Observatory – recently redone, this second enclosed viewing platform is 16 stories above the 86th floor and offers gasp-inducing panoramic views of the Big Apple. Large floor-to-ceiling windows and a glass elevator ensure you can revel in the scenery unencumbered by chilly weather or rain. On a clear day, you can see up to 80 miles in the distance!

Fun Fact: Did you know the Empire State Building has a 103rd floor reserved for VIPs, celebrities, and the like?

Close up of a person with a hat on looking out the large framed windows of the 102nd Observatory in the Empire State Building at sunset in NCY, New York, USA
photo credit: Empire State Building via Facebook

What to Bring

Level up your NYC savings with a pinch of planning and a sprinkle of forethought. Make sure to bring along your own:

  • Water Bottle
  • Stroller
  • Camera/phone
  • Your own binoculars

Please note professional camera equipment such as mono-pods, bi-pods, and tripods are not allowed in the Empire State Building.

Can I Bring Food into Empire State Building Experience?

A day spent absorbing the Empire State Experience is a marathon, not a sprint. Although we (thankfully) aren’t climbing 100 stories. We might still need to pause our Big Apple exploration for a quick snack, drink, or meal.

Outside food and beverage are not allowed inside the Empire State Building, but that shouldn’t be a problem! Check out any of the multiple options for fine dining or casual restaurants at the Empire State Building:

  • State Grill & Bar – indulge in NY favorites such as buffalo bites, or a locally raised beef burger in an ambiance of modern-day elegance
  • Tacombi – dial in the warm, beachy flavors of the Yucatan when you chow down on the authentic tacos, and ice-cold margaritas served here
  • Fast casual options like Starbucks, Juice Press, and Chipotle.

If none of the restaurants at the Empire State Building satisfy your cravings, no worries! There are even more restaurants near Empire State Building.

Close up of the gold Art Deco wall with a clock on in the 5th Avenue Lobby of the Empire State Building in NYC, New York, USA
photo credit: Empire State Building via Facebook

Empire State Building Experience Parking and Transportation

Parking in a city that never sleeps is no picnic! We suggest arriving via Uber or public transit to reduce unnecessary stress, frustration, and parking fees. The Empire State Building address is 20 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001. The Empire State Building hours are from 10 AM to 9 PM.

Towering over the public on 34th Street and Fifth Avenue, the Empire State Building is just a short walk from many popular hotels and is easily accessible by public transit.

The closest subway stops and directions are as follows:

  • The 123 or ACE lines – exit the subway at the 34th Street – Penn Station stop and walk five minutes to the building’s entrance
  • The NQR or BDFM lines -exit the subway at the 34th Street – Herald Square Station stop and walk five minutes to the building’s entrance.
  • The 456 or 7 lines – exit the subway at the Grand Central Terminal stop and walk 10 minutes to the building’s entrance

sunset behind nyc skyline with empire state building lit upEmpire State Building Experience Reviews

Want to find out what other readers think of Empire State Building Experience? Check out the most recent Empire State Building Experience reviews and Empire State Building photos.

Ayn Rand stated, “I would give the greatest sunset in the world for one sight of New York’s skyline.” Indeed there is nothing more magical or more awe-inspiring than glimpsing at the Manhattan metropolis from above.

Wonder how tall is the Empire State Building? Are you also wondering about the Empire State Building colors tonight? See it for yourself, and for less than the admission fee even without an Empire State building promo code! Over four million visitors every year step foot into the ‘Heart of NYC’ to witness its spellbinding views.

Meanwhile, delving into the fascinating history, and architectural prowess. Celebrate 90 years of inspiration, hope, and artistry when you visit the Empire State Building and book Empire State Building tours today!

Have You Conquered the Empire State Building?

Leave us a comment below about your experience!


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Written by Nicole King

There are only two things that make Nicole really happy–books and travel! When her head’s not buried in a book, she’s most likely...


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