Empire State Building (New York)

Designated as one of the seven wonders of the modern world, the Empire State Building is a truly remarkable feat of engineering that dominates the New York City skyline, at a towering 102 storeys high. Built in 1931, it is arguably the finest example of art deco construction in the city and only the spectacular Chrysler Building comes anywhere close. It is an incredibly popular New York City break attraction for both the unforgettable city views and the grand art deco lobby at ground level. Despite its popularity as a tourist attraction, The Empire State Building is still a functioning office block, with 72 elevators transporting around 20,000 workers to their offices each day.

 

For all its importance as an architectural icon, The Empire State Building observation tower is the goal for most visitors during a New York short break, and it takes just a minute to whizz up by elevator to the open air viewing platform on the 86th floor. It offers panoramic 360 degree views of the city and harbour and has welcomed over 100 million visitors so far. It has been featured in numerous Hollywood films such as ‘Sleepless in Seattle’, however it will always be synonymous with the original 1933 King Kong movie. There is a further observation tower at the very summit on the 102nd floor, which due to weather conditions is enclosed in floor to ceiling glass.

 

There is an interesting attraction just for kids situated on the second floor called the NY Skyride. A motion simulator ride, it whirls through New York's most iconic urban scenery at breakneck speed. It makes for a fun distraction, and provides the fastest possible city tour without even having left the building. The Empire State Building is located away from the main cluster of skyscrapers in Manhattan, so views are unrestricted in every direction. After dark, the city skyline creates an image so striking, it will be impossible to forget.