The Empire State Building

Completed after two years of construction in 1931, the Empire State Building is not just one of the most iconic buildings in New York City, but in the world. At 1,250 feet tall, its contribution the the Manhattan skyline is undeniable. You may recognize it from movies and TV shows like Sleepless in Seattle, Independence Day, Elf, Gossip Girl, and many more.

Today, the Empire State Building functions as an office building owned by the Empire State Realty Trust. Companies such as LinkedIn, Bank of America and Qatar Airways have office space inside the art-deco tower.

Visitors can take paid tours to the 86th and 102nd floors of the building. While the draw to visit the top of this famous landmark is understandable, it is a visit that may ultimately leave you unfulfilled. Depending on the weather, the air can be smoggy and gray and you may find yourself overwhelmed with the swarms of tourists on the observation decks. An alternative option for a great view of the city from an iconic building is the observatory on the top of the Rockefeller Building, which you can read more about in the Rockefeller Center post.

If you still want to visit the Empire State Building, consider going in the early evening to watch the sun set over the city and staying until the sun is down to also get a spectacular view of the city lights. Also, make sure to take your time walking through the exhibits on the way to the top to get the fullest experience.