Walking up to New York’s Empire State Building (ESB) from the street is a larger-than-life moment for first-timers walking down 34th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues. Those classic photos seen online and in movies are captured from this very location, and that’s where I began my self-guided tour of the ESB.
The towering landmark and architectural icon was constructed in 1930 during The Great Depression. In just 410 days, the building was completed, thanks to careful planning and a focused crew of steelworkers, engineers, and craftsmen. On its official opening on May 1, 1931, it was crowned the tallest building in the world standing at 381 meters (1,250 feet) tall (1,454 feet including the spire) and held this title for nearly 40 years.
In case you didn’t know, the ESB was originally intended to include a mooring mast for airships, though that idea was eventually abandoned due to safety concerns and strong winds. Over the decades, the building has housed offices for businesses ranging from small startups to major corporations. It has also appeared in countless movies, television shows, and photos, most famously in the 1933 film King Kong, which helped to cement its place in pop culture.
Before catching the elevator to the 80th, 86th (or upgrade to 102nd) floors, take in the grand staircase with a two-story, built-to-scale architectural model of the building, then marvel at the ornate metalwork and beautiful Art Deco features, encompassing clean lines, geometric patterns and decorative detail popular in the 1920’s and 1930’s.
There’s also a series of immersive exhibit galleries on the second floor, where you can watch 1920’s era New York City streets come to life in full colour, as well as view photos of the building’s starring role in pop culture — you an even get a close encounter with King Kong by stepping into his hands for a photo op.
Both observation decks offer panoramic views of New York City and beyond. On a clear day, visitors can spot up to five states (on my visit, snowfall added a quiet allure to the city). While the 86th-floor deck is open-air, the 102nd-floor deck is enclosed, offering a quieter, more intimate viewing experience.
Inside the building, modern renovations have updated offices and public spaces while preserving historic details. Energy-efficient systems, high-speed elevators, and interactive exhibits now coexist with original design elements. These upgrades have allowed the ESB to remain functional and environmentally conscious into the 21st century.
Whether admired from the street, explored from the inside, or viewed from afar, the Empire State Building remains a powerful reminder of New York City’s past and of its ongoing spirit of innovation.
[The Edge at Hudson Yards]
A handy, cost-efficient way to visit one of New York’s most loved architectural marvels is with a New York CityPASS. I was provided a C3 CityPASS (adults 13+, CAD $156.84; children ages 6-12, CAD $123.75).
Just select your three attractions, and load the companion CityPASS app (iOS, Android) onto your phone for ticket access, to make reservations (most attractions require a reservation), and get attraction deals.
You can also opt for a 5-attraction CityPASS (adults 13+, CAD $221.59; children 6-12, CAD $185.62) or a 10-attraction C-All pass (adults 13+, CAD $343.90; children 6-12, CAD $257.57).
[Top of the Rock]
Visit CityPASS online for details on destinations and types of tickets offered.
I was provided a New York CityPASS C3 card for the purpose of visiting several attractions while in New York City. Opinions, as always, remain my own.
