The Empire State Building makes more money from observation deck ticket sales than from renting office space!
With such a huge number, it’s slightly less surprising that the empire state building actually gets more money from selling tickets to the observation desk than it gets for rent of its offices.
The Empire State Building has two outside observation desks: one on the 86th floor and one on the 102nd floor. The deck on the 86th floor is the main one, is fairly large, and boasts a 360-degree view of the surrounding city. It is the observation deck included in the general admission.
For an additionally price, visitors can also continue up to the 102nd floor as well. The deck is smaller, but much higher up. Because the Empire State Building is such a popular attraction to visit, it gets horrendous lines. Visitors can expect long lines out on the sidewalk, in the lobby, in the ticket selling line, at the elevator, and waiting to get out of the elevator onto the deck.
