The Empire State Building, situated at 350 Fifth Avenue, is the tallest of all the New York skyscrapers. It has been one of the top city attractions since its erection in 1931 when the Empire State Building was ranked number one as the tallest of all the buildings in the world. Its design, with typical art deco style characteristics, dates back as far as the 1920s, the prosperity era. The final stages of its construction coincided with the Great Crisis, hence, it had been nicknamed the Empty State Building. In total, it took only 410 days to build the 102-story skyscraper, with a record span of 10 days during which a team of 3,500 workmen built as many as 10 stories.

Since then the Empire State Building has become the most famous of all the skyscrapers in New York City.

The Empire State Building is topped with a spire which is lit during American national and religious festivals. The colors depend on the celebration. Hence, during patriotic holidays the red, white and blue, the colours of the Stars and Stripes, dominate.

Weather permitting, one can enjoy an unforgettable view of the city and its environs within the distance of 130 kilometres from the glazed observation deck situated on the 86th story. It is such a breath-taking experience that over 3.5 million people visit the site each year. It used to be possible to get to the top floor of this 443-metre-tall building and admire the panoramic view over New York City, however, the observation deck on the 102nd floor has been closed to the public since 1999.

The best idea is to reach the observation deck as the dusk gathers and the lights start to twinkle all over New York City.

The Empire State Building offers more attractions to tourists. Major ones include:
- New York Skyride, a virtual helicopter tour of top sights of New York,
- the Fifth Avenue Gallery, a regular exhibition of the New York art,
and the Wonders of the World exhibition.

If planning to get married while staying in New York, select the 14th day of February and the Sky Lobby on the 80th floor of the Empire State Building. In this way, you will join the Empire State Wedding Club and become entitled to free admission to the New York\'s tallest skyscraper on each Valentine\'s Day.

The Empire State Building has also something to offer to sports freaks. Namely, each February joggers attend the Empire State Race in an attempt to break the record. They have to run up the 1576 steps leading from the hall to the 86th floor of the skyscraper. The latest record is 9 minutes 37 seconds. If you feel you can do it faster, come and face the challenge!