Ticket prices for the Empire State Building in New York City are cheaper if you book via a third party rather than on the official site. And this is why…
Reduced entrance fee for the Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is arguably the most recognisable of New York City skyscrapers, and going up it is a must do for many visitors. There are observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors.
However, before you book tickets for the Empire State Building, you should be aware that there’s a way of reducing the entrance fee.
How much do Empire State Building tickets cost?
Book via the Empire State Building’s official site, and the ticketing page initially says that tickets to visit both observation decks cost from $79. Underneath, in much smaller writing, is a $5 booking fee.
Looking for tickets at 1pm the next day, I was quoted a ticket price of $81.
Later in the booking process, the $5 was added. Then, at the checkout page, $7.63 in tax was added.
This meant that the ticket price for the Empire State Building, visiting both observation decks, was $93.63.
Getting cheaper tickets for the Empire State Building
The Empire State Building, however, is one of many attractions in North America where it’s a little bit cheaper to book through a third party.
I checked Empire State Building ticket prices with two popular tours and attractions sellers – Viator and GetYourGuide.
With both, for the same time and date, the ticket cost $88.19.
Tickets without the booking fee
That’s not massively cheaper, but it is cheaper. You might as well pay less if you can.
Usually, I’d suggest booking through the official site, but given the same thing is being sold for less on a third party site, you may as well go for the cheaper deal.
Basically, the dubious booking fee has disappeared.
How to save money on Empire State Building tickets
Cards on the table: If you book through these Viator or GetYourGuide links, I will earn a small commission. Of course, I’d prefer you to do that.
You could, of course, search for the third party ticketing companies. It’ll be the same price for you, it’s just that the kindly travel journalist who saved you money on the tickets doesn’t get anything for his caring, thoughtful advice…
Either way, you’ll be paying less for your Empire State Building tickets than you would do going through the official site.
Discounted prices on North American attractions
It’s worth remembering this advice when booking other attractions in North America. Many add booking or processing fees and taxes to the advertised price later in the booking process, even though they really shouldn’t.
This isn’t the case for all attractions, but I’ve discovered going via Viator or GetYourGuide to be cheaper on several occasions.
In New York, this applies to Summit One Vanderbilt. In Toronto, it applies to Casa Loma, the Hockey Hall of Fame and the Art Gallery of Ontario.
More New York City travel
Other New York City travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Stories of Nolita on the Catacombs by Candlelight tour.
- Seeing Manhattan a different way on a Central Park scavenger hunt.
- New York City city slavery and underground tour review.
- A first time visitor’s guide to Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
- 5 niche New York City museums worth visiting.
