The city's tallest building is an architectural wonder as the first building to have more than 100 floors. Going up to its observation decks is definitely one of the most iconic New York moments for any traveler. The 86th floor deck has 360-degree views of New York City and takes visitors that much closer to the Art Deco spire that was initially intended to be a depot for dirigibles.

 

Not surprisingly, the Empire State Building was not a big hit when it was constructed during the Great Depression. Few could afford the rent and its location, believe it or not, was not considered ideal since it was far from the city's main transportation hubs of the time. 

It was not a promising future for what was at the time the world's tallest skyscraper. But the growing reputation of its observatories became its savior, drawing more than 120 million visitors. At one point the income from the observation deck tickets was bigger than the amount from the rents.

Today the Empire State Building is a different story. The building's lobby is decorated with many bronze medallions and a huge image of the skyscraper adorns the Fifth Avenue entrance. Its mid-Manhattan location is considered prime real estate and its Art Deco design with its distinctive spire is integral to any depiction of the New York skyline.

 

 

How to get there

By subway: B, D, F, N, Q, & R at 34th St

Opening days

Open daily

Opening hours

All year round - Daily 08:00-02:00

 

Not surprisingly, the Empire State Building was not a big hit when it was constructed during the Great Depression. Few could afford the rent and its location, believe it or not, was not considered ideal since it was far from the city's main transportation hubs of the time. 

It was not a promising future for what was at the time the world's tallest skyscraper. But the growing reputation of its observatories became its savior, drawing more than 120 million visitors. At one point the income from the observation deck tickets was bigger than the amount from the rents.

Today the Empire State Building is a different story. The building's lobby is decorated with many bronze medallions and a huge image of the skyscraper adorns the Fifth Avenue entrance. Its mid-Manhattan location is considered prime real estate and its Art Deco design with its distinctive spire is integral to any depiction of the New York skyline.

 

 

How to get there

By subway: B, D, F, N, Q, & R at 34th St

Opening days

Open daily

Opening hours

All year round - Daily 08:00-02:00