Empire State Building

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Top 1% of attractions in New York City
9 / 10

16 expert reviews

“Remains one of the city's most beautiful—and popular—attractions, with thousands of people visiting every day.”

– Condé Nast Traveler

Fodor's Fodor's
"The Empire State Building is an art deco monument to progress, a symbol for New York City, and a star in some great romantic scenes, on- and off-screen." Full review
Concierge Concierge
"With the tragic demise of the World Trade Center, this symbol of New York is again the city's most recognizable skyscraper and, at 1,050 feet, its tallest."
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"The Empire State Building – actually a very glorified office building – is the most famous member of the New York skyline." Full review
i
Getting here very early or very late will help you avoid delays.
Frommer's Frommer's
"There’s no better introduction to New York than a visit to the Empire State Building... the apex of the New York skyline." Full review
Not For Tourists Not For Tourists
"View unlike any other (except maybe Top of the Rock)."
Michelin Guide Michelin Guide
3 Stars
"Strength and grace combine to make the Empire State Building the most famous sky­scraper in the world and the quintessential New York landmark." Full review
i
Views from the 86th-floor observatory (try to go early in the day to avoid long lines) extend 80 miles on a clear day,
Where Where
"Magnificent 360-degree views of New York from the 86th- and 102nd-floor observatories." Full review
Atlas Obscura Atlas Obscura
"A little known disaster that tested the Empire State Building's structural integrity. "
The Telegraph The Telegraph
"Get your bearings, and an idea of the sheer size of the city, from the 86th- or 102nd-floor observatory decks of the most recognisable building in the United States." Full review
Afar Magazine Afar Magazine
"If walking through New York’s streets seems chaotic, try getting above it all—with a panoramic view from the top of the city’s most famous skyscraper." Full review
i
There are actually two observation decks to choose from: one on the 86th floor, which is grand enough for most; and another more vertiginous option, on the 102nd floor.
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