New York’s Must-See Skyscrapers

Chicago may have invented skyscrapers, but New York made them works of art.  Since the 1890s skyscrapers have sprung from the bedrock of Manhattan, creating a skyline that embodies the city’s energy, ambition and power.  NYC is home to hundreds of soaring towers, which are regularly being created…and sometimes recreated.

Here are several of New York’s must-see skyscrapers that you can’t miss while visiting this vibrant town.

Tall skyscrapers fill Manhattan’s skyline, Central Park stretches through the center, and the Hudson River borders New York City.
The view of Central Park from One Vanderbilt is breathtaking.

The Empire State Building

Once known as “the Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Empire State Building was the world’s tallest building for over forty years and still dominates the center of Manhattan’s skyline. The iconic 102-story building has been an emblem of NYC since King Kong brought it fame in the 1933 film, and a trip to its sky-high observatories is a quintessential New York experience. Every night the top floors are illuminated with colors that celebrate holidays, seasons, or local events.

To learn some of the landmark’s unusual secrets, here are 10 facts about the Empire State Building that you (probably) didn’t know.

Empire State Building
New York City’s skyline just wouldn’t be the same without the Empire State Building!

G.E. Building

This splendid 70-story tower that is the focal point of Rockefeller Center.  Sometimes called “30 Rock” for its address (30 Rockefeller Plaza), the building features marvelous Art Deco works & design including a sleek black and gold lobby, allegorical murals, reliefs over the plaza entrance, and a brilliant mosaic at the Sixth Avenue entrance.  Built for the Radio Corporation of America (aka RCA), “30 Rock” has been home to NBC studios since 1933 and hosts broadcasts of NBC Nightly News, the Tonight Show, and Saturday Night Live to name a few.  A trip to its Top of the Rock observation deck provides arguably the finest airy view in the city.

Several international flags wave on flagpoles, with tall New York City skyscrapers towering upward under a cloudy sky in Rockefeller Center.
The G.E. Building is at the heart of Rockefeller Center.

Chrysler Building

This 70-story tower is an Art Deco masterpiece. Built in 1930 by Walter Chrysler to showcase his automobile corporation, the building features a gleaming sun-burst chrome spire, steel eagle gargoyles, and winged ornaments inspired by 1929 Chrysler radiator caps. Entering the triangular marble lobby is like stepping into a bygone era with its Art Deco design, ceiling murals, lavish red marble, and inlaid elevator doors.  Unfortunately, the rest of the building is closed to the public.

The art deco Chrysler Building stands tall among Manhattan skyscrapers, with the East River and Queensboro Bridge in the distance.
The Chrysler building is definitely one of our favorite NYC skyscrapers. Photo by Misterweiss.

Flatiron Building

This celebrated triangular wedge-shaped skyscraper that still inspires awe. Rising 22 stories, it was so groundbreaking at its 1902 debut that New Yorkers feared it would topple over. Built on the triangular plot at the intersection of Broadway & Fifth Avenue, the building’s point is just 6.5 feet wide. Its exterior walls are adorned with elaborate terra cotta Greek faces, lion heads, and geometric designs.  The Flatiron has been the subject of famous paintings and photos, and it is featured in numerous films including the “Spiderman” movies.

The Flatiron Building rises on a bustling New York City corner, framed by yellow taxis and neighboring skyscrapers beneath a partly cloudy sky.
The fantastic Flatiron Building. Photo by Rob Young .

One World Trade Center

At 1,776 feet, the new One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and NYC’s newest landmark. The reflective glass 104-story structure will primarily house offices, but will also feature a grand lobby, restaurants, retail businesses, and an observation deck at the top. The building’s innovative design includes elements for maximum safety and security, as well as sustainable features making it incredibly efficient and “green.”

Several skyscrapers, including One World Trade Center in New York City, tower against a clear sky with leafy tree branches overhead.
It is an emotional sight to see One World Trade Center.

Traveler’s tip: If you want to learn more about the tragedy of 9/11 while in NYC, sign up for our 9/11 Memorial Tour. Led by an expert guide, you will explore the most important sites from the 9/11 attacks including St. Peter’s Church, the Oculus, the FDNY Memorial Wall, as well as the reflection pools and survivor tree.

Woolworth Building

Sometimes known as “The Cathedral of Commerce” the 60-story tower is ornamented with Gothic terra cotta details and crowned by a grand copper pyramid with tracery and gargoyles. Opened in 1913, it was the world’s tallest building until 1930.

Frank Woolworth (founder of the chain of five-and-ten-cent stores) is said to have paid its $13.5 million cost…in cash. (That’s a lot of nickels and dimes.) The spectacular marble lobby, featuring stunning mosaics and sculptures, has been restricted for security since 9/11. The top 30 floors are currently being converted to ultra-luxury residences.

Tall New York skyscrapers tower over a historic, ornate building, surrounded by modern high-rises and leafy green trees below.
The Gothic detail of the Woolworth building really makes this NYC skyscraper stand out. Photo by Gryffindor.

Bank of America Tower

This 55-story angular glass tower opened in 2009, and is considered a model for “green” skyscrapers.  It’s innovative eco-design includes use of recycled materials in the structure, a special glass casing that contains heat and maximizes natural light, reuse of rainwater, and state-of-the-art ventilation and cooling systems that are very efficient and clean. The tower’s lobby atrium is lovely spot to escape the elements and relax.

A brightly lit modern skyscraper with a tall spire stands in New York City, surrounded by glowing lights and distant buildings.
The innovative Bank of America Tower is beautiful at night. Photo by Eric Kilby

American Radiator Building

One of the city’s finest Art Deco towers. Built in 1924 for the American Radiator Company, its design by Raymond Hood (chief architect of Rockefeller Center) features unique black bricks with gold trim and decoration, which combine to resemble a radiator’s flame. The beauty of its design inspired Georgia O’Keefe to make it the subject one of her classic paintings. It is now home to the chic Bryant Park Hotel.

A tall Art Deco skyscraper with ornate gold accents rises above green trees in New York City, under a cloudy sky.
The stunning Radiator Building. Photo by Jean-Christophe BENOIST

If you’d like to explore these landmarks, join us on one of our New York Walking Tours. From visiting the Statue of Liberty to exploring the best culinary spots on a Greenwich Food Tour, our local guides will show you a new side of the city, while giving insight into its fascinating history.

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About the author

Fiona's an Irish travel writer who has made New York City her home for the past 10 years. While she frequently returns to Dublin, she's captivated by the vibrant food, diverse people, and rich culture of NYC. Fiona's passion for travel extends beyond NYC and her homeland—she frequently explores new destinations, documenting her adventures and sharing her lively stories.

More by Fiona F.

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