New York City Skyline: Empire State Building View

The Empire State Building, one of the world's great icons of human achievement, stands tall even over the tallest rooftop — which is where you'll find it as dusk sets over New York City. Practically a permanent feature of the skyline, this structure has been in every movie, song, and romantic dream — and yet, viewing it in person always prompts a subtle awe: The first time is hardly ever the last. A short video from an unspecified source showcases the skyline at dusk — making obvious that the best seats are at awe-inspiring heights.

Perch on the Empire State Building high seat

The Empire State Building is iconic, and no tourist skyline could omit it. Take a closer look — silver base gives way to a narrow crown. The Empire State Building has the built-in advantage of being among the only New York City landmarks visible from 20 miles away. The simple thin spire, was at once — the tallest building in the world. The focal point of this video, perched right between the Empire State Building and the sky, is a person. The person stands in a polo — their face out of the frame — but their baseball jersey is on full display. Atop a rooftop, the Empire State Building is more than an attraction — it is the setting that makes the city and its people the magnet.

Age-defying renown

The Empire State Building's top floor has been a sightseeing staple in New York City for decades. Built in 1931 — and named for its location, rather than for any specific statehood. Technically a landmark since 1986, the Empire State Building has been a cultural touchstone long before that. The Empire State Building watches the world the way a jeweller would a diamond, and the site itself can amplify the romance of interacting with the skyline — and more than that. From the viewing deck, New York City is that rare human construction, vast enough to be its own world.

The dream of verticality

The Empire State Building has 86 floors, the 86th housing the first observation deck. This viewing deck is the only one at this altitude, offering a vista of Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, including government landmarks. The main observation deck is on floor 236. Visitors from the roof deck will see up to 70 miles into New Jersey, Virginia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. There is no such thing as a bad picture of this skyline. The tower's 86 stories balance the Empire state's blueprint — a building thrust up toward the sky, but still humbly dwarfed by it. The Empire State Building is the tallest building in the city. Beyond the structure itself, the Empire State Building is an invitation to a unique viewing deck like no other.

The silver spire

There is no mistaking the Empire State Building crown from anywhere nearby. The crown sits atop the Empire State Building skyscraper, and at close range, it's a testament to its own architecture. The crown is the only part of the building that is illuminated year-round. Each facade has its own tone: the building is shaped like an arrow. The crown is another way to see the city from above — a concept technically called "ascent for enjoyment". It was originally public and closed for security reasons. The Empire State Building has been popularly renamed now as a viewing deck. The Empire State Building has also been used in films, such as King Kong.

Reaching for the high seat of a Big Apple in the skies

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Getting to the top without the base

The Empire State Building has a distinct advantage over other landmarks. In addition, the thin spire piercing above the skyline is recorded so often that visitors can experience it for free by watching movies and television shows. But to experience such a spot from your own eyes - instead of just seeing a view — you have to earn it.

• Best time to go: The observation deck opens daily, 365 days a year, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. The best time to visit is mid-to-late afternoon or midnight.
• Costs: For a weekday visit including the top deck, tickets range from $46 to $70 per person, depending on the tier.
• Tipping point: The main deck is free to visit if you have an Empire State Building membership. Though this membership only affords certain views — some of the most iconic, including Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, are viewable for an additional ticket.