Empire State Building tour, information, and curiosities

The Empire State Building is a must-see for anyone visiting New York City.

The Empire State Building is undoubtedly one of New York City’s icons, just like Times Square or Central Park. Studies indicate that over 70 percent of people worldwide associate New York City with this very building. It’s no wonder that tourists visiting the city often make the Empire State Building their first stop. Well, we might as well follow the crowd.

Empire State Building on Fifth Avenue

The famous skyscraper is located on the equally renowned Fifth Avenue, in the Midtown area of Manhattan, situated between Uptown and (as one might easily guess) Downtown. Fifth Avenue is a symbol of the city’s wealth and the central, most iconic part of Manhattan. This is where money from almost the entire world flows, and according to one conspiracy theory, the most crucial decisions regarding the rest of the Earth are made here.

A square meter of office space on this street costs more than anywhere else in the world. Personally, even if I had the money to buy property in this area, I wouldn’t do it. The constant noise, crowds, and endless traffic jams would be too much for me. However, I can’t even afford a night in one of the many nearby hotels, so perhaps I don’t really know what I’m talking about.

The History of the Empire State Building in New York

The idea of constructing the tallest building in the city emerged in the minds of executives at Bethlehem Engineering Corp in the 1920s. They decided to create an extraordinary building that would serve as the hallmark of their thriving company. However, a problem arose when construction began on a neighbouring skyscraper belonging to General Motors, known as the Chrysler Building. The two projects became fierce rivals, competing in everything from the speed of construction to the luxuriousness of the interior finishes.

General Motors announced the completion of their project first, but just before it was ready for use, the plans were altered. A special addition was designed for the building’s roof—a stainless-steel spire that created a gleaming crown for the skyscraper. This steel spire, adorned with Egyptian motifs, has since become the signature feature of the automotive giant’s headquarters.

According to rumours, this move was prompted by stolen plans for the Empire State Building falling into the hands of the American transportation moguls. The plans revealed that the Empire State Building would surpass the Chrysler Building in height. After the changes, the Chrysler Building regained its standing—at least temporarily.

Of course, upon learning of this, the competitors also made revisions to their blueprints. The Empire State Building’s design was updated to include an additional structure on top, featuring several extra floors and a steel dome. As a result, the Empire State Building claimed the title of the world’s tallest building just months after the Chrysler Building had celebrated its completion.

The Empire State Building represents wealth and luxury

The Empire State Building is luxury in every detail. Its floors and walls are finished with colourful marble, adorned with brass and crystals. Most doors are covered with polished metal, and the lifts, for their time, were hailed as marvels of engineering. However, as often happens, not everything went as planned. For many years, this opulent building stood largely empty. There simply weren’t enough companies in New York wealthy enough to afford the expensive office spaces in such a place—especially since the Chrysler Building had already secured most potential tenants a few months earlier.

The Great Depression of the late 1920s didn’t help matters. Businesses went bankrupt or changed ownership, and the Empire State Building itself changed hands multiple times. At one point, in the early 1990s, a Japanese billionaire decided to purchase the iconic building. He didn’t need the skyscraper for business purposes; in fact, he likely wouldn’t have profited from it and might even have incurred losses. But he wanted to own an American symbol. Allegedly, he had previously expressed interest in purchasing the Statue of Liberty, though the sale was denied.

The owners of the Empire State Building discovered that the Japanese businessman, Hideki Yokoi, had a very suspicious past. It was rumoured that he set fire to buildings owned by his corporation to collect hefty insurance payouts. Several hotels he owned had reportedly burned down, sometimes with guests still inside.

After being refused the sale, the billionaire turned to his good friend Donald Trump for assistance in acquiring the building. Yes, that same blond figure with a carrot-like complexion who would later sit on the throne of America. Ultimately, Trump purchased the Empire State Building using Yokoi’s funds, and after Hideki’s death in 1998, Trump became the sole owner. The American symbol remained in Trump’s hands until the terrorist attacks in 2011.

Empire State Building attractions today it is worth spending almost 40 bucks for a ticket

So, is it worth squeezing into a building full of fellow tourists, pressing against the railing on the observation deck to admire New York City from above? In our opinion, absolutely! If you plan wisely, you can even save some money by purchasing the New York CityPASS. This pass allows you to visit several, or even dozens, of New York attractions at a great price.

Besides, the crowds are usually seasonal and depend on the time of day. Apparently, the observation deck is much less crowded in the early morning, and the sunrise over New York is said to be unmatched. According to the official ESB website, the recommended visiting hours are between 8 AM and 11 AM.

Sunset viewed from the Empire State Building observation deck

We’re more night owls ourselves, turning over in bed when the sun rises. So, we decided to witness the famous natural spectacle performed by the sun in the opposite direction—at sunset. It’s true there were plenty of people, and we had to fight a bit for a good spot on the terrace. If you’re not a fan of crowds and prefer a bit of solitude, you can head up to the VIP observation deck on the 102nd floor. Of course, the price for this privilege is as exclusive as the experience itself.

Despite the slight squeeze, we thoroughly enjoyed it. When the setting sun slips between Manhattan’s skyscrapers, painting the buildings in pastel hues, you can’t help but stand there, gazing in awe. Apparently, one New York resident has been coming to watch the sunset from the Empire State Building every week for 58 years. He claims he’ll never stop.

Recently, a friend pointed out that Manhattan’s skyscrapers, when viewed from above, resemble a computer motherboard. When I took another look at the city, I had to agree. The island looks like a vast, intricate creation of an alien civilization, with people and cars acting as data streams flowing to the city’s farthest reaches.

How to get to the Empire State Building observation deck

Of course, you’ll take the lift to the top of the building—unless you prefer the stairs like Paul Crake, an Australian who remains the undefeated champion of the annual race to the top of the Empire State Building. Participants must climb nearly 2,000 steps, with the record set at just over 9.5 minutes.

Regardless of how fast you climb, you won’t beat the ultra-fast lifts—there are over 70 of them in the building. They cover the journey from the ground floor to the 80th floor in just over 40 seconds. After exiting the first lift, you can take another one to the main deck on the 86th floor. However, instead of waiting in the next line, you can choose to walk up the stairs. This way, you get a closer look at the iconic building’s interior.

If you’re planning your visit on a Saturday evening, there’s a good chance your time at the top of New York will be accompanied by a well-known saxophonist. Watching the sunset to the sounds of classic jazz standards is said to be unforgettable. As mentioned earlier, tickets for the observation deck cost $38 for adults and $32 for children. There are other options available, which you can explore on the building’s official website to find the best fit for your plans.

What does the Empire State Building offer, apart from a beautiful view of New York City?

When entering the building, take a moment to appreciate its beautiful interiors. In 2009, the entire ground floor was meticulously restored to match the original plans. The entire interior reflects the popular Art Deco style of the era. The main lobby is, of course, located on Fifth Avenue, and that’s where I recommend starting your visit.

The large reception desk, manned by those responsible for managing the flow of people and information in the building, is covered in 24-karat gold and polished aluminium. The walls, ceilings, and floors are clad in marble so shiny that it resembles mirrors.

On the back wall, you’ll find the famous Empire State Building relief. It features a map with the Empire at the centre, surrounded by plaques representing the Seven Wonders of the World, where this skyscraper is presented as the eighth wonder. Additionally, the walls and ceilings are adorned with symbols of stars, planets, and moons, creating a phenomenal effect. If you look closely, you’ll notice people entering lifts reserved for the building’s residents. Yes, part of the skyscraper has been sold to private owners—undoubtedly, members of New York’s financial elite.

It’s also easy to spot areas that have served as backdrops for numerous iconic movies. The entire building has been featured in countless productions, from the classic King Kong of the 1930s—where the giant ape climbs the facade to the top—to the latest Marvel blockbusters.

A room in the second-floor museum is dedicated to the famous ape. Here, you can sit on a giant King Kong hand protruding from the wall. Other rooms feature posters and memorabilia from films in which the skyscraper appears, along with photographs of New York streets during the tower’s construction. You’ll also find old construction site photos and items that once belonged to the building’s workers. It’s a fascinating spot, and I recommend spending some extra time here instead of rushing straight to the lifts.

That’s about all we remember from our visit to one of New York’s most stunning skyscrapers. However, I’ve heard that each time you return to the Empire State Building, you notice something new and interesting. Is it true? I’ll let you know after our next visit!

Practical information to help you prepare for your trip to the Empire State Building in New York

Here are some practical tips to help you plan your visit to this iconic landmark:

Address of the Empire State Building:
350 Fifth Avenue, 33rd/34th Streets, New York, NY 10001.

How to get to the Empire State Building?
The easiest way to get around Manhattan is by subway. Several subway stations near the Empire State Building connect to lines from almost every part of the city. You can easily check which subway line is right for you using the official city map. For subway ticket prices and other transportation information in New York City, visit the official transportation website.

Tips to save money:
Attractions in New York can be pricey, so I recommend purchasing combo tickets for multiple attractions. They’ll save you both time and a significant amount of money.

Empire State Building – some technical details and other interesting facts

Today, we have more fun facts than usual! A place as popular and with such a rich history has gathered many fascinating stories. Of course, all this information is official and can be found on various platforms, including the Empire State Building’s official website. But you don’t have to search for it yourself—we’ve gathered it for you below.

Let’s dive into some of the incredible details that make this landmark truly unique!

• The building weighs 365 thousand tons. 60 tons of steel and 10 million bricks were used to build it. The skyscraper is 381 meters high without the tower, when you add it up it will be 449 meters. The building has 6.5 thousand windows, 73 lifts, and you can get there through 5 official entrances. The building is lit by almost 3 million light bulbs, and water and sewage are carried away by 96 kilometres of pipes. It seems big, but it is nothing compared to 5.5 thousand kilometres of electric cables.
• Almost 3.5 thousand workers participated in the construction. They worked together almost 7 million hours. The work lasted day and night for 410 days.
• Indians from the Mohawk tribe were employed in the construction, they have a rare feature, namely they did not have a fear of heights.
• 15 thousand people work in our skyscraper every day. They generate almost 100 thousand tons of garbage per month.
• There are two viewing terraces at the top of the building. The one on the 86th floor is accessible to everyone. There is a separate one on the 102nd floor, but you have to pay extra for it. In good weather, visibility is over 100 kilometres.
• The terrorist attack of September 11 was not the first time a plane hit a skyscraper in Manhattan. In 1945, an American bomber flying to New Jersey hit the Empire State Building at the height of the 78th floor. The force of the impact was so great that some parts of the plane broke through the walls. The cause of the disaster was dense fog over the city and an inexperienced pilot.
• From the beginning of its existence, the skyscraper served as the city’s lightning rod. Over 100 lightning bolts strike the building’s spire every year.
• The building was the tallest structure created by human hands until 1974, when it was surpassed by a radio and television mast built in Poland. The radio mast in Konstantynów was 646 meters high. In 1991, it collapsed, but remained the tallest artificially created object on Earth until the end. It was only beaten by the Burj Khalifa skyscraper in Dubai, built by Samsung in 2008.
• Originally, the mast at the top of the Empire State was supposed to serve as a sky mooring point for giant airships. However, the idea did not work out, and the approaches of large aircraft proved too dangerous. Today, almost all public television and radio stations in New York use the mast.
• The observation deck at the top of the skyscraper is very popular with suicides. Over 30 people have jumped from its top, including one who survived. In 1979, a woman jumped from the terrace, cursing her unfaithful lover. However, she did not check first and fell to a small terrace below. The adventure ended with broken ribs and a promise that she would never do it again.
• In the 1950s, when the communist bloc felt an unattainable desire to get closer to the hated West in terms of technology, the Russians copied the Empire State Building and built similar ones. Examples include the Seven Sisters in Moscow and, of course, the Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw.
• The Empire State Building is often visited by film and television stars. An entire gallery is dedicated to them in one of the museum rooms on the second floor of the building.

Polish version