New York’s Most Iconic Buildings: How to Visit Them

“Towering skyscrapers and Art Deco style, chic, contemporary and very cool. New York wears very well its crown as the city that never sleeps. From afar, New York’s best-known buildings were built to impress. Up close, these stars of film, art, culture and architecture take on a whole new perspective. Before you visit New York, check out our guide to the city’s iconic buildings.

Empire State Building
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The elegant Empire State Building is the father of all skyscrapers, one of the most distinct buildings in the world. It’s almost impossible not to see it and think of King Kong, Sleepless in Seattle, even Elf. Step on to the 86th[LC1] -floor open-air observation deck or go higher to the renovated 102nd-floor platform: on a clear day, views from both are breathtaking.

Address: 20 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001

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Statue of Liberty
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Take the ferry to Liberty Island to visit Lady Liberty – just plan well in advance because she is extremely popular. Standing 305ft and one inch (92m) from the ground to the tip of her flaming torch, the Statue of Liberty was, for countless immigrants, the first glimpse of a brave new world. It’s vital to reserve your tickets well in advance if you want to climb inside the pedestal and up to her crown.

Address: New York, NY 10004

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The Dakota
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Its mix of European architectural styles in the heart of Upper West Side Manhattan is delightful, but what makes The Dakota special are its people. Home to stars of stage and screen since it was built in 1884, The Dakota was where Lauren Bacall, Judy Garland and Rudolf Nureyev lived and, tragically, its entrance is where John Lennon was shot dead in 1980.

Address: 1 W 72nd St, New York, NY 10023

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One World Trade Center
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The site of New York’s Twin Towers in Lower Manhatten has been revived with exciting new buildings, including the One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the United States. Whizz up 102 floors in one of the world’s fastest elevators, dine at the top of the world and step on to the Sky Portal – a 14ft (4m) glass disc which gives you the impression you’re standing on air.

Exciting technology features in displays of the city, but the views are the real star.

Address: 1 Albany St, New York, NY 10006

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Flatiron Building
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The distinctive triangular shape gives the Flatiron Building its name and made it one of the most popular and photographed of New York landmarks. Grab a selfie with this familiar face from countless films or frame your shot from nearby Madison Square Park. Peek inside to see its lobby, but be aware that the rest of the building is out of bounds.

Address: 175 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010

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Chrysler Building
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A gleaming ‘sunburst’ steel spire, smooth curves and eagle head gargoyles: the Chrysler Building makes a very bold statement. The lobby’s dark wood and marble lobby with massive ceiling mural are an interesting contrast to the sleek interior. The observation deck closed decades ago, but the best views are from the ground, admiring this special Art Deco work of art.

Address: 405 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10174

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Rockefeller Center
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Back in the 1930s, construction workers were snapped enjoying lunch while sitting on a steel beam, 69 storeys up as they built the Rockefeller Center. Visitors have enjoyed its views ever since, but the Top of the Rock Observation Deck is a much better option than a girder. Dine at the famous Rainbow Room on the 65th floor, a favourite of celebrities since the golden age of Hollywood.

Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111

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### Plan a Break in New York

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