New York, in general, and Manhattan, in particular, are packed full of must-see destinations. And yes, some of the better-known locations in NYC may well be tourist traps. But if you don’t visit the Statue of Liberty or Central Park, can you really say you’ve been to New York at all?

The Empire State Building falls into this category too. Built in 1930 and holding the position of the tallest building in the world until 1970, when the World Trade Center eclipsed it, this Art Deco skyscraper has been a symbol of the city for almost 100 years. And thanks to its unique architecture and fascinating history, it remains a wonderful place to visit today.

You’ll have a far easier time visiting this unique structure if you leave your bags behind. Find a convenient luggage storage near the Empire State Building before you go, and you can really make the most of your trip.

Join The European Business Briefing

New subscribers this quarter are entered into a draw to win a Rolex Submariner. Join 40,000+ founders, investors and executives who read EBM every day.

Subscribe

Still not convinced? Here are the top reasons for adding this famous building to your New York itinerary.

The View

The first reason to visit the Empire State Building on our list is also the most obvious, but it does need to be stated. After all, there are few better ways to experience the NYC skyline than from the 102nd floor of this iconic building.

Whether you visit during the day or in the evening, you’ll be able to look out over the city and take some breathtaking photographs. This is a unique way to get an aerial overview of Manhattan, which is sure to remain with you long after your trip has ended.

Of course, the one downside of taking in the New York skyline from the Empire State Building is that you won’t have the building itself in your photos. Still, as one of the tallest buildings in the city to this day, it’s a great place to get that iconic shot of New York, one of the most famous city skylines in the world.

The Architecture

The Empire State Building is a great example of Art Deco architecture, and its design has been a major influence in other similarly styled skyscrapers all over the world. The building is made from steel, brick, and limestone, giving it a unique look that can be appreciated even from the ground.

But if you want to really appreciate the beauty of the Empire State Building’s construction, then you need to see it up close. Taking some time to wander around the area will give you a better understanding of just how impressive this structure really is.

You’ll also find plenty of interesting facts about the history of this iconic building as you explore, adding an extra layer of interest to your visit.

Kids Love It

The Empire State Building may be a great place for adults to appreciate the city skyline, but it’s also a fantastic destination for children. The building has been featured in many films and TV shows over the years, so kids will enjoy being able to explore the same locations they know from their favorite movies and TV shows.

Plus, there are plenty of interesting things to keep kids engaged throughout their visit. From interactive exhibits about the history of the building to educational events held throughout the year, there’s something to captivate any young visitor, regardless of age.

The Valentine’s Day Contest

If you’re in New York at the right time of year, you can enjoy and potentially even take part in the famous Valentine’s Day contest held at the tower every year. With couples from all over the world competing for a chance to get married at the top of the building, it’s always an exciting event that you won’t want to miss.

For those visiting with friends and family, there are also special viewing areas where you can take in all the action without actually taking part in the competition itself. Who knows, you might even be lucky enough to witness a beautiful proposal or wedding ceremony during your visit!

 

The Light Show

Another reason to visit the Empire State Building is that you won’t want to miss out on the building’s famous light show. The building is lit up in a different color every night, so you can enjoy some beautiful displays throughout your stay in NYC.

These lights are also often used to commemorate special occasions like holidays and important anniversaries, making it a great way to experience the city in all its festive glory. Of course, these events aren’t always announced ahead of time so make sure to ask at the ticket office if there are any planned during your visit.

You Can Pose with King Kong

King Kong climbing up the Empire State building has to be one of the most iconic images in film history. But did you know that you can actually pose with a lifesize version of the giant ape?

That’s right; there’s an iconic statue of King Kong situated just outside the building itself. It’s a great way to get some unique photographs and make your visit to the Empire State Building even more memorable.

There’s an Interesting Museum

The story of the construction of the building mirrors in many ways the rise of New York to become one of the world’s great cities. This history is explored in depth in the museum located inside the building, which has several fascinating exhibits about the development of New York City as well as its culture and people.

It’s a great way to gain insight into why this building is so important to the city, and it provides an interesting introduction for first-time visitors who may not have known about the Empire State Building before their visit.

Conclusion

The Empire State Building is one of the most iconic structures in the world, and it’s well worth a visit if you’re ever in New York City. It provides a unique chance to see the city skyline from high up above, as well as learn plenty of interesting facts about its history. Plus, with its light shows and King Kong statue, there are tons of fun photo opportunities for everyone.  So don’t miss out on this amazing experience – get your tickets today!