Everything to know about the Empire State Building
The New York City skyline is world-famous, and one of its most recognisable buildings is the Empire State Building.
The iconic skyscraper is located at 350 Fifth Avenue, between West 33rd and 34th Streets in Manhattan, New York City. It took just a year to build and at the time of completion, it was the tallest building in New York City (for many years) and the world.
Standing at 454 feet (443.2 meters) including its antenna, the Art Deco architecture makes the Empire State Building an iconic landmark.
Its observation decks are a major NYC tourist attraction and it offers panoramic views of the Big Apple. The first deck, located on the 86th floor is an open-air deck whilst the top deck on the 102nd floor is an enclosed deck and allows for even higher views. From the decks, you can see New York City landmarks such as Central Park, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty and more. On a clear day, you can see neighbouring states.
Depending on when you’re visiting you may get to see the Empire State Building lighting display. To mark special occasions and various holidays, the tower’s lights often change to reflect themes or causes.
The building has been featured in plenty of movies, the most well-known is the King Kong movie scene. It remains prominent in American pop culture and appears in TV shows, artworks and more.
Whilst many visit the Empire State Building for its viewing decks, the building’s lobby features an impressive art deco design and informative exhibits about the building’s history and construction.
There’s also the Empire State Building Run-Up. The annual race up the stairs of the Empire State Building to the observation decks is a more unique experience for your visit. Why take the elevator to the viewing decks when you can participate in the race?
The Empire State Building offers a lot for those visiting the Big Apple – from breathtaking views, beautiful Art Deco architecture and exhibitions to experience.
Is it worth visiting the Empire State Building?
Visited the top of the Empire State Building with @thenycwalkingshow. We enjoyed the breathtaking 360° views of New York City!
@ActionKidtv
Reviews of the Empire State Building
The moving line and the scenery are well designed. Not only the scenery on the top floor is spectacular, but the layout of the middle floor is also very exciting, with celebrity walls, movie posters and animated telescopes. This is the most perfect observation deck I have ever been to!
Kenlau2046
Another visitor described the building as a ‘must visit’. User Pills said: “The Empire State Building is an iconic landmark that offers stunning views of New York City from its observation deck. A must-visit for anyone travelling to the city.”
One NYC enthusiast, John Nomo warns about strong winds, saying:
Wonderful building for visitors and shows how humans can do with a lot of hard work and dedication. The winds are very strong but it feels so good when you are on top of the world
John nomo
Should I propose on the top of the Empire State Building?
“There is no better place to celebrate love than the World’s Most Romantic Building,” Jean-Yves Ghazi, president of the Empire State Building Observatory, said in a statement. “The Empire State Building has played host to so many love stories in its history, and we are delighted to now offer an exclusive, romantic, and customizable proposal experience for couples from around the world.”
Whilst the Empire State Building is a romantic destination and has been featured in many rom-coms, one visitor wasn’t impressed and suggested an alternative proposal destination. This is what @stuart1983 had to say:
When we went a couple of years ago we didn’t like the empire state building that much. We went to top of the rock at dusk and it was magical. It’s always a better view when you can see the empire state building in the view. I also believe they have a nice restaurant in the top of the rock so may be worth a look.
stuart1983
“Priceless moments. Period. The End. Regardless of the time of year. Every moment when you come to the heart of New York City and experience the view from the most iconic building, the most famous building in the world? There’s nothing like it,” said Jean-Yves Ghazi, president of the Empire State Building observatory.
CBS fully supports proposing at the Empire State Building, saying it is NYC’s most romantic destinations
“The Empire State Building is one of the most popular proposal locations in the world. In fact, the only location in America with more proposals is Las Vegas.”
‘Best view in NYC’
Best views in NYC. Clean inside staff friendly and helpful. Views just amazing. You visit NYC you must go here.
@James H via Tripadvistor
Wow! Wow! Wow! This is an absolutely breath taking experience! We all went up to the top and we just kept it quiet the entire time it’s unbelievable!
@Silviya S via Tripadvisor
One reviewer suggests going at dusk and get some scenic photographs:
The view is incredible, ideal to go at dusk, the city looks marvelous in the change between day and night, the perfect place to take some photos on another level, a lot of people go, but you can enjoy the view that way, there is a lot of wind, so wear jacket.
@Romina V