This Midtown Walking Tour with Empire State Building Tickets takes you through iconic architectural sites in Midtown Manhattan. Your 90-minute guided tour includes an ascent to the Empire State Building’s 86th-floor observatory.

Getting started

Gather outside Épicerie Boulud at One Vanderbilt, located on Vanderbilt Avenue near Bryant Park, where your guide will be wearing a distinctive orange ExperienceFirst hat. Following introductions, you’ll begin the tour, walking approximately three-quarters of a mile through historic Midtown streets.

What to expect

The tour highlights the evolution of New York’s skyline and features stories about visionaries who shaped its landmarks. Your guide will share insights into each site's history, from Art Deco masterpieces to modern skyscrapers.

• One Vanderbilt: Discover how this contemporary skyscraper frames views of the Chrysler Building, known as the world’s first supertall skyscraper.
• New York Public Library: Explore a Beaux-Arts landmark with marble lions and hidden narratives, including underground tunnels.
• Bryant Park: Take in this 9.6-acre green space often called Midtown’s “town square,” surrounded by Art Deco architecture.
• Fifth Avenue & Herald Square: Learn about the cultural significance of Macy’s and these avenues’ roles in shaping New York City's identity.

The Empire State Building experience

Your tour concludes at the iconic Empire State Building. Discover how this Art Deco masterpiece was constructed during the Great Depression amid a fierce skyscraper rivalry, along with its enduring pop culture presence.

• Art Deco design: Explore architectural elements that contribute to its timeless allure.
• Historical insight: Learn about the 1930s “race to the skies” and why the Empire State Building became a symbol of resilience and ambition.
• 86th-floor Observatory access: Enjoy admission to the observatory deck, offering panoramic views across New York City. On clear days, you might even see as far as Massachusetts.