The Empire State Building

Want to skip the crowds? Aim for early mornings or late evenings on weekdays. The golden hour right after sunrise and the sparkling spectacle of the city at night are both unbeatable. Sunset slots are understandably popular, so book in advance if you're eyeing that magic hour.

Did you know the Empire State Building was constructed in just 13 months—a feat nearly unimaginable today? At its peak, 3,000 workers labored on-site, including bricklayers, carpenters, and ironworkers. But it was the daredevil steelworkers—nicknamed "sky boys"—who truly captured the city's imagination. These men strolled across narrow beams without harnesses, hundreds of feet in the air, often waving to crowds below who watched with bated breath.

A sixteen-year-old water boy once recalled walking the steel beams as a “thrill”—but the real enemy wasn’t height, it was weather. Rain made surfaces slick, and cold temperatures turned hands numb, making the job even riskier.

Photographer Lewis Hine braved the same dangers as he captured unforgettable moments during construction. Often suspended in custom baskets high above the streets, he created an enduring visual legacy that’s still on display today.

The workers are forever honored in the building’s grand lobby with medallions and plaques, a tribute to the hands and hearts behind the monument.

To visit the Empire State Building is more than just checking off a tourist stop—it’s witnessing the pulse of New York history from a perch that once held the title of the world’s tallest building for over four decades. Whether you're marveling at the skyline from the top of the Empire State Building or soaking in the legacy from the exhibits below, you're part of a story that continues to inspire.

So grab your Empire State Building tickets, step into the elevator, and prepare to rise—literally and metaphorically—above it all.