New York City, United States1-2 hoursSunset
Empire State Building
Ideal: Ideal for views, architecture, photography, and first-time visitors.
Rising in the middle of the Great Depression, it was built in just 410 days between 1930 and 1931; some weeks saw four and a half floors added. When it finished, no tenants could be found and it sat half empty for years, mocked as the 'Empty State Building'. On a foggy morning in 1945 a B-25 bomber crashed into the 79th floor, killing fourteen people, yet the building reopened two days later. It held the title of world's tallest building for forty years. Today the crown lights change color for events and holidays.
Quick facts
- Built
- 8 May 1931
- Opened
- 1 May 1931
- Architect
- Shreve, Lamb & Harmon
- Architectural style
- Art Deco architecture
- Height
- 453 m
- Heritage status
- National Historic Landmark
Facts from Wikidata, photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Why go?
- To see one of New York's most classic skyscrapers
- For Manhattan views from high above the streets
- To experience the city's historic Art Deco architecture
Travel tip
Sunset hours are very popular; early morning visits are often calmer.
