Best Empire State Building Day Trips & Things to Do

The quintessential symbol of New York City was the tallest building in the world for almost 40 years after the 1,250-foot Art Deco skyscraper located in Midtown Manhattan was completed in 1931. The 103-story Empire State Building designed by William F. Lamb was designated one of the "Seven Wonders of the Modern World" by the American Society of Civil Engineers and came in first place of America's Favorite Architecture in a 2006-07 poll sponsored by the American Institute of Architects. It has observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors as well as the New York Skyride simulator on its second floor. The U.S. National Historic Landmark is lit up in various colors with skylights near its top for special occasions. The stunning structure has been featured in countless films and television shows.