Summary
- The One World Trade Center is the tallest tower in NYC, surpassing the Empire State Building and was completed in 2014.
- Central Park Tower, completed in 2021, is now the second-tallest tower in the city and has the highest roof height outside of Asia.
- The Empire State Building, completed in 1931, is arguably the most iconic skyscraper in NYC and had the tallest building record until 1970.
Today, most of the very tallest skyscrapers being built are located in Asia and the Middle East, but New York City pioneered the development of massive skyscrapers 100 years ago. Some of these massive towers are universally iconic (such as the Empire State Building in Manhattan), and NYC broke the world record for the world's tallest buildings multiple times.
Not all of the iconic NYC towers have survived the test of time - such as the Singer Building, which was unfortunately demolished. But there are many still standing and are highlights of the NYC skyline. Here are ten of the most iconic skyscrapers in New York City that everyone should see.
10 One World Trade Center
The One World Trade Center was built after the destruction of the old World Trade Center in 2001 (today, visitors should pay their respects at the 9/11 Memorial at the site of the towers).
The One World Trade Center is the tallest tower in NYC and was built between 2006 and 2012, surpassing the Empire State Building as the tallest tower in the city.
- Height: 1,776 feet or 541 meters
- Completed: 2014
9 Central Park Tower
Central Park Tower is one of the newest and tallest towers in NYC. It was completed in 2021 and is now the second-tallest tower in the city (and has the highest roof height of any building outside of Asia).
Nine of the ten tallest buildings in NYC have been built since the turn of the Millennium.
- Height: 1,550 feet or 472 meters
- Completed: 2021
8 111 West 57th Street Tower (The Steinway Tower)
The 111 West 57th Street Tower is currently the third-tallest building in NYC and is notable for being the world's most slender skyscraper (as well as one of the newest towers in NYC).
It is also known as the Steinway Tower and is a residential skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan with 60 luxury condominiums. The tower preserved the old Steinway Tower at its base.
- Height: 1,428 feet or 435 meters
- Completed: 2022
7 One Vanderbilt
One Vanderbilt (as of 2023) is the fourth-tallest building in NYC and the second-tallest office building in the city. It is located in Midtown Manhattan and was only completed in 2020.
The building has a high ceiling (between 14 and 20 feet), and so has comparatively few stories compared to other towers of similar height. Also, people can visit SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, an immersive viewpoint and art experience across the top three floors of the building.
- Height: 1,401 feet or 427 meters
- Completed: 2020
6 Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is arguably the most iconic skyscraper in NYC. It was completed in 1931 and promptly starred in the 1933 King Kong movie with the giant ape knocking bi-planes out of the sky.
It was the tallest building in the world until 1970, and today, its observation decks are some of the most popular in NYC.
- Height: 1,250 feet or 381 meters
- Completed: 1931
5 The Brooklyn Tower
The Brooklyn Tower is the first supertall building in Brooklyn and is now the tallest building in Brooklyn - and the tallest building in NYC outside of Manhattan Island.
It is a mixed-use structure but is primarily a residential skyscraper and preserves the Dime Savings Bank Building at its base.
- Height: 1,073 feet or 327 meters
- Completed: 2022
4 Chrysler Building
The Chrysler Building is another of the most historic and famous towers in NYC. It was the first building in history to break 1,000 feet and was the world's tallest building briefly until the Empire State Building the following year, but it is still the 12th tallest tower in NYC.
The previous tallest structure was the Eiffel Tower of Paris.
- Height: 1,046 feet or 319 meters
- Completed: 1930
3 40 Wall Street Building
The 40 Wall Street building also claimed the title of the world's tallest skyscraper (the Eiffel Tower - which has a strange history - is taller but not a skyscraper) in 1930, although it held that title for less than two months.
It was originally called the Bank of Manhattan Trust Building and has been called the Trump Building (reflecting its landlord).
- Height: 927 feet or 283 meters
- Completed: 1930
2 Woolworth Building
The historic Woolworth Building is one of the most uniquely-shaped buildings in New York City.
The Woolworth Building is now 110 years old and was the tallest building in the world for 17 years (before the 40 Wall Street building shot above it). It is located at 233 Broadway.
- Height: 792 feet or 241 meters
- Completed: 1913
1 Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Tower
The Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Tower may have a forgettable name. Still, the heritage building was the tallest building in the world between 1909 and 1913, and today it is among the notable buildings on Madison Avenue.
One of the most notable characteristics of the building is the four clock faces on the tower (along with its four bells).
- Height: 700 feet or 213 meters
- Completed: 1909