New York: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Empire State Entry & Cruise

KTLY668273

New York: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Empire State Entry & Cruise, photo 3

New York: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Empire State Entry & Cruise, photo 4

New York, USA

Non-refundable

This ticket cannot be cancelled and is non-refundable

About this tour

This combination ticket pairs three of New York's best ways to see the city. Head up to the Empire State Building's observation deck for open-air views over Manhattan, then ride a double-decker hop-on hop-off bus with 48-hour access, stepping off at Times Square, Central Park, SoHo and the Brooklyn Bridge whenever you like. A sightseeing cruise rounds it out with harbor views, and audio commentary fills in the stories along the way.

Highlights

Open-air 360-degree views of New York City from a world-famous observation deck
The Empire State Building's Art Deco design and its spot in the Manhattan skyline
Interactive exhibits on the building's construction, history and cultural impact
The landmark 86th- and 102nd-floor observatories for sweeping city views
The tower's lighting system that shifts the skyline's colors through the year
A skyscraper built in just over a year during the Great Depression, tallest in the world for nearly 40 years
On a clear day, sightlines stretch across the Hudson and East rivers into neighboring states

Places You Will Visit

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Empire State Building New York, USA 3 tours & tickets

Included / Excluded

Admission to the Empire State Building
48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour
Sightseeing cruise
Audio commentary
Butterbeer ice cream from the Harry Potter Store
Butterbeer Ice Cream from Harry Potter Store

Empire State Building: What You'll See and How to Get There

The Empire State Building is more than a view from the top. The visit starts in the restored Art Deco lobby, with its marble walls, geometric detailing and the well-known ceiling mural of the tower itself. On the way up, interactive exhibits cover how the skyscraper was built, its place in New York history and its many appearances on screen, using historical photos, scale models and multimedia displays.

The main 86th-floor observatory sits about 1,050 feet (320 meters) up and gives sweeping open-air views over Manhattan, Central Park and the Hudson River. Higher still, the 102nd-floor observatory is an enclosed space with floor-to-ceiling glass and a quieter, more intimate feel. The building sits in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. The simplest way to arrive is by subway: take the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R or W train to 34th Street - Herald Square, a short walk from the entrance, and several bus lines stop nearby too. It's typically open daily, roughly 09:00 to 00:00, though hours can change, so it's worth checking before you go.

Weather in New York

Today 68°F20°C 46°F8°C Rain 0%

Today 60°F16°C 43°F6°C Rain 0%

Tomorrow 62°F17°C 36°F2°C Rain 0%

Sun, Oct 25 66°F19°C 50°F10°C Rain 0%

Mon, Oct 26 70°F21°C 51°F11°C Rain 0%

Tue, Oct 27 62°F16°C 53°F12°C Rain 0%

Wed, Oct 28 56°F13°C 51°F11°C Rain 2%

Local time 10:39 PM, UTC-04:00

Available Days / Times

Monday : All day
Tuesday : All day
Wednesday : All day
Thursday : All day
Friday : All day
Saturday : All day
Sunday : All day

Last updated: Oct 23, 2026

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Important Information

The Empire State Building is one of NYC's busiest attractions; a timed-entry online ticket helps you avoid long lines
Standard tickets cover the open-air 86th-floor deck; the higher 102nd-floor observatory requires an upgrade
86th floor has classic open-air views and photo spots; the 102nd floor is smaller with floor-to-ceiling glass from a higher point
All visitors pass through airport-style security before the elevators
Sunset is the most crowded slot; early morning or late evening is quieter, and an express pass helps skip the lines
Some ticket types add extras like sunrise visits with breakfast, skip-the-line entry or combos with other NYC attractions
No outside food or drink allowed
All bags are subject to search
Smoking is prohibited throughout the building
Follow all posted signs and instructions from security staff
No disruptive behavior is permitted

FAQs

What does this combination ticket include?

It covers admission to the Empire State Building, a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour, a sightseeing cruise, audio commentary and a Butterbeer ice cream from the Harry Potter Store.

How long can I use the hop-on hop-off bus?

The bus portion is valid for 48 hours, so you can get on and off as many times as you like within that window.

Which stops can I reach with the bus tour?

The route takes in major sights including Times Square, Central Park, SoHo and the Brooklyn Bridge, and you can hop off at any of them.

What time should I go up the Empire State Building?

Early morning or later in the evening is usually quietest. Sunset brings the best light but also the biggest crowds.

How long should I plan for the Empire State Building?

Allow roughly 2 to 3 hours to take in the lobby, the exhibits and the observation deck without rushing.

Is there a security check?

Yes. Everyone passes through airport-style security before the elevators, and all bags are subject to search.

Can I bring a camera?

Yes, cameras are welcome and the open-air 86th-floor deck has plenty of spots for photos of the skyline.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The meeting point is 5th Avenue and West 32nd Street in New York, a short walk from the Empire State Building.

What's the difference between the 86th and 102nd floor?

The 86th floor is an open-air deck with classic skyline views, while the 102nd floor is an enclosed, higher space behind floor-to-ceiling glass that needs a ticket upgrade.

Can I choose my cruise route?

Yes. The Liberty Midtown Cruise focuses on the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, while the Landmarks Cruise adds the Brooklyn Bridge and One World Trade Center for a fuller harbor loop.

How tall is the Empire State Building and when was it built?

It opened in 1931 after being built in just over a year during the Great Depression, and it held the title of world's tallest building for nearly 40 years.

Where exactly is the Empire State Building?

It stands in Midtown Manhattan at the corner of Fifth Avenue and West 34th Street, within walking distance of Times Square, Bryant Park and the Fifth Avenue shops.

Why does the top of the building change color?

From

€153