A visit to the Empire State Building – voted the number one attraction in the United States in Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things to Do – is best when planned.
Beyond the skyline views, the experience today combines architecture, history, museum-style exhibits, and panoramic observation decks that offer different perspectives of the city throughout the day.
A landmark built during New York’s defining era
Constructed during the Great Depression and designed by architect William F. Lamb, the Empire State Building was completed in 1931 and briefly held the title of the world’s tallest building. Its Art Deco design, along with the limestone-and-granite façade, still reflects the architectural style of early twentieth-century New York.
Over the decades, the building has evolved into more than just a skyscraper. Its appearance in films, television, and popular culture has made it one of the most recognisable structures in the world, while its Observatory continues to welcome public figures, athletes, artists, and visitors from around the globe.
Timing your visit makes a difference
The experience of visiting the Empire State Building changes noticeably depending on the time of day. Early mornings often feel calmer and quieter, while evenings bring views of Manhattan lit up after sunset.
Seasonal visits also offer a different atmosphere. During winter, the outdoor 86th Floor Observation Deck remains open with wraparound heaters to keep visitors comfortable, while the enclosed 102nd Floor Observation Deck is temperature controlled throughout the year.
How long should you spend there?
Most visitors typically spend between one and two hours exploring the building, although many stay longer to take in the skyline views and explore the museum galleries in detail.
The observation decks provide sweeping 360-degree views of New York City, especially with the 102nd Floor Observatory offering visibility that can extend across six states on clear days. For many visitors, part of the experience is identifying famous landmarks from above and seeing the city from a completely different perspective.
Beyond the observation decks
What surprises many first-time visitors is how much of the experience happens before reaching the top floors. The building’s immersive exhibits combine interactive displays, historical storytelling, and tactile installations that trace the history of the skyscraper and its cultural significance.
One of the most popular sections is the ‘Kong’ exhibit, inspired by the building’s famous connection to King Kong, where visitors can pose inside the giant ape’s hand. Another notable gallery focuses on sustainability and explores the building’s large-scale energy retrofit and eco-conscious modernisation efforts.
Throughout the Observatory experience, visitors can also access additional historical details and behind-the-scenes information through QR-enabled digital content placed across the exhibits.
Today, the Empire State Building continues to balance its historic identity with a more modern visitor experience – offering not only skyline views, but also a deeper look into the story of one of New York City’s most enduring landmarks.
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