Get ready to crane your neck and look up! Skyscraper day is September 3, and these are our favorite historic sites to see New York City from above.
Empire State Building
Perhaps the most well-known skyscraper in New York, this site is the highlight of any tourist visiting New York! It stands at 1,454 feet high and was the tallest building in the world until 1970. Choose to see an amazing view of New York day or night. The Empire State Building is open 365 days a year from 8am-2am. Visit the main deck on the 86th floor starting at $34 for adults or add a visit to the 102nd floor for $54. esbnyc.com
One World Trade Center
Completed in 2014, One World Trade Center takes the title of NYC’s tallest building standing at 1,776 feet tall. See dynamic 360 degree views of Manhattan’s skyline, stand on a 14-foot glass disk at the sky portal and visit the gallery for souvenirs and keepsakes. Go a step further and elevate your experience with three dining options at the top of the World Trade Center. They are open seven days a week 9am-8pm and summer hours extend until 10pm. Tickets start at $34 for adults. oneworldobservatory.com
Chrysler Building
The Chrysler Building only held the title of tallest building in New York for 11 months, but this National Historic Landmark is a magnificent site to see! Its architecture features the French Art Deco-style and seven terraced arches grace the top of the building. You can tour the lobby, which has a painted mural on the ceiling and elevators with custom designed doors. It is open Monday-Friday from 8am-6pm. tishmanspeyer.com
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Woolworth Building
Also known as the “Cathedral of Commerce,” the Woolworth Building was the tallest building in the world for 17 years. The neo-Gothic style building designed by Cass Gilbert stands at 792 feet tall. Bring the family to see the vintage architecture featuring beautiful marble stairwells, ornate murals, and Byzantine mosaics. Tours of the lobby are available starting at $20 for 30-minute tours. woolworthtours.com
Flatiron Building
This triangular landmark resembles a cast-iron clothes iron with its wedge-shaped architecture. The 22-story building lies between 5th Avenue and Broadway. Sprint occupies the first floor, but they’ve converted the space into the Flatiron Prow Art Space, which features rotating art exhibitions. Join professional guides for a free 90-minute walking tour of the Flatiron District every Sunday at 11am. Tours begin at the corner of 23rd Street and Broadway. flatirondistrict.ny
Rockefeller Center
Located in Midtown Manhattan, this historic landmark offers shopping, dining, fine art, and unforgettable views from the Top of the Rock observation deck. Ascend 70 floors up to the observation deck for a 360 degree view of New York and its surrounding areas. While you’re there, stop at the Museum of Modern Art and see exhibits of contemporary art and new media. The Top of the Rock observation deck is open daily from 8am-midnight and tickets start at $34 for adults. rockefellercenter.com
The Skyscraper Museum
Finally, if you want to see all the heights in one place, take a visit to the Skyscraper Museum! See the history of New York’s skyscrapers through murals, sculptures, 3-D models, and more. The museum is open Wednesday-Sunday from 12-6pm. General admission is $5 and $2.50 for students and seniors. skyscraper.org
