It is fitting that the eponymous building is New York’s most memorable icon, providing the most sweeping views of Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs.

At 1,250 feet tall, it is the third tallest skyscraper in the US. And more importantly, in 2007, it was ranked on the List of America’s Favorite Architecture.  Looking up at the building from the street level, the squared tiers evoke the confidence of the city around. The floodlights change colors seasonally, as the Empire State Building marks the mood of the city.

Up top, there are two levels of observation - at two different prices, of course.  The “basic” ticket gets you to the large 86th floor observatory, along with all of the commoners. An “express” pass for $20 more allows you to jump the line, and for a whopping $35 per person more you get the line-jump and a visit to the 102nd floor observatory. If you just want to do both observatories, the cost is $36 per person. 
Yikes. It’s not cheap to get the best views in the Big Apple!