The 103-story Empire State Building in midtown stood as the world's tallest building for nearly four decades, from its completion in 1931 until 1970, when it was surpassed by another New York skyscraper. Considered an American cultural icon, the building underwent a massive renovation in 2010 to make it more energy efficient and eco-friendly. Admire the Art Deco mosaics in the lobby, and then take an elevator to the observation deck at the top, where you'll have 360-degree views of the entire city. If you don't have time to wait in line for the top, visit the 86th-floor observatory, which at 320 m (1,050 ft) high still provides remarkable views. If you're in the city in the evening, try to catch a glimpse of the building to see its pinnacle bathed in lights. Use our New York City trip itinerary maker app to visit Empire State Building on your trip to New York City, and learn what else travelers and our writers recommend seeing nearby.
Tours to Empire State Building
Empire State Building reviews
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This building is so beautiful at night! Pictures do not do it justice. When you stand at the bottom and look up it is truly huge and beautiful!
This building is so beautiful at night! Pictures do not do it justice. When you stand at the bottom and look up it is truly huge and beautiful! more »
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No lines, friendly reception and a nice and educational tour through history. From the beginnen of construction of the building until the recent renovations and a ever changing skyline. My teens...
No lines, friendly reception and a nice and educational tour through history. From the beginnen of construction of the building until the recent renovations and a ever changing skyline. My teens... more »
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Do me a favor. Stand right in front of the Empire State, and look up. You can close that mouth now!! This place is INCREDIBLE! When we entered, absolute immediate elegance and beauty. Then ever floor and step of the way was just better. That one place where they simulate the people in the old times building? Absolutely breathtaking. Then when you go up the elevator, you see another simulation of the old time constructors. When you get to the watch area, try not to cry, try not to open your mouth, try not to squeal, try not to be darn happy. Impossible right? I agree. It was just the happiest moment of my life. Seeing NYC through the eyes of the Empire State Building was just an honor. Now, one warning. I have acrophobia. If you have acrophobia, I still recommend you to come, but stay inside when it’s time to go to the watch area and also, keep your distance from windows. I got too close and I almost passed out. But it’s alright if you make sure nothing triggers your fears. Actually, more than alright. Beautiful. This is the heart and soul of New York, let me tell you. I would recommend you to come, 110%.
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Great attraction from entrance to exist with a great journey full of learning and exciting activations. My personal favorite is the King Kong one, it will stun you with how far we've gotten in the entertainment world and art! The view from the observatory is absolutely stunning and you won't want to leave. You should go on a bright day with minor clouds to enjoy the beauty of the concrete jungle. Being on top of one of the tallest buildings in Manhattan, you will see almost everything there is to see just don't look down. There are 2 floors of the observatory, one where you can step outside and a higher indoor only glass window floor.
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