Nowhere does big quite like New York. Expect big personalities. Big plates of food. Big billboards. And, most importantly, big buildings!
If you’re a huge building nerd like us, you’ve probably got an NYC building bucket list to tick off. But do you know which building is the Big Apple’s biggest? Read on for our (correct at the time of writing!) countdown of the eight tallest buildings in New York.
Seriously impressive skyscapers in New York City
8. Bank of America Tower
First up is a true American symbol: the 365-metre Bank of America tower. You won’t be able to miss these humongous headquarters. The colossal bank has an incredible 55 floors and 52 lifts (or, as New Yorkers would say, elevators).
This giant is the first of the “supertall” skyscrapers on our list. Buildings that measure between 300 and 600 metres qualify as supertall. Once a building reaches the dizzying heights of 600 metres, it is called “megatall”. And only four of these behemoths exist today, all in Asia.
But we digress… back to North America. The Bank of America’s shiny silver exterior belies a green interior. The building won prizes for its environmentally friendly construction. Made of 87% recycled materials, it incorporates floor-to-ceiling windows to optimise natural light.
And where can you find it? You won’t have to stray off the beaten path to admire this beauty. It’s situated right next to Times Square, New York’s number 1 tourist hub. So, hop on our bus for unobstructed views and to be dropped off right outside.
7. Empire State Building
Also on our bus route is the incredible Empire State Building. Upon completion in 1931, it was the tallest in the world. The tip of its celebrated antenna reaches an astounding 443 metres. Even more incredibly, this enormous edifice was built in just 20 months.
The much-loved building is a wonderful example of 1930s Art Deco architecture. Its instantly recognisable silhouette makes it an indelible part of the city’s skyline.
The Empire State’s popularity has led to its appearance in countless films. Remember the 1933 classic King Kong? Who among us can picture the protagonist primate doing anything but hanging off the apex?
6. 30 Hudson Yards
From an established icon to a relative newbie: next on our list is 30 Hudson Yards. This shiny 395-metre superstructure opened in March 2020.
It boasts a triangular observation deck, The Edge. This platform holds the accolade of being the highest outdoor deck in the Western Hemisphere! Its glass floor juts out from the building, suspended in mid-air.
Thrill seekers among you can look down between your feet 100 floors to the ground. And the views from this unique viewing platform simply couldn’t be NYCer! (sorry)
5. 432 Park Avenue
Want one of the best panoramas in the city from your very own living room? Got a spare 169 million dollars lying around under your mattress? Join the queue to bag yourself a luxury condominium at 432 Park Avenue.
You’ll find yourself living the high life alongside New York’s elite. Imagine having A-list celebs, such as Jennifer Lopez, as your neighbours!
However, scratch the surface a little and you’ll see that life in this apparent utopia is not without its troubles. Residents have recently been complaining of construction issues. Imagine hearing the walls creak in high winds on the 85th floor!
Also, its controversial boxy design is maligned by many. Rumour has it that the tower’s design was inspired by an overpriced bin.
Eyesore or cutting-edge design? You decide.
4. One Vanderbilt
Standing tall at 427 metres and 93 storeys, One Vanderbilt is number 4 on our list of the tallest buildings in New York.
This sleek glass and metal edifice has an inspiring spire at the top, 30 metres tall! It has been favourably described as the modern Empire State Building.
Although mostly used for office space, One Vanderbilt also offers NY tourists a treat. Why not take a ride in the world’s largest glass-bottomed lift? Or try out a multi-sensory art experience? You won’t be short on entertainment in this tall tower.
3. Steinway Tower
Another of New York’s elegant buildings is the statuesque Steinway Tower. You can find it at 111 West 57th Street in the ritzy district of midtown Manhattan. This skinny minny is the thinnest skyscraper in the world. Its 84 storeys and 435 metres make it the third-tallest building in New York.
The modern, mirrored masterpiece is known for being one of New York’s most attractive buildings. Inside, you’ll find luxury flats and office space.
The building’s history is as interesting as its design. It originated as the Steinway & Sons piano factory in 1925.
The factory was then transformed into the storied Steinway Hall, which saw performances from the likes of Rachmaninoff during its heyday. The iconic theatre has been impressively incorporated at the foot of the new skyscraper development. And there it stands today, perfectly preserved and frozen in time.
2. Central Park Tower
Number 2 on our list of the tallest buildings in New York is another singular construction. Nothing about Central Park Tower is commonplace. This is the tallest residential apartment block in the world, at a gargantuan 432 metres.
This supertall structure takes the concept of a room with a view to an extreme. You’d have to have a head for heights to live in the 131st-floor penthouse suite, the highest residence in the world.
It is said that you can see the curvature of the earth from the penthouse’s terrace. On top of this, you’ll get cracking views of Central Park, the urban lung in the middle of this concrete jungle.
This, the most luxurious of luxury pads, can be yours for a cool $250,000,000.
1. One World Trade Center
So, we’ve reached the end, and this is it. The one and only One World Trade Center, the tallest building in New York City!
Known colloquially as Freedom Tower, this titan towers above the Capital of the World. Its tip reaches a staggering 546.2 metres (or 1776 feet) – its height a knowing nod to the year the U.S. Declaration of Independence was signed.
This incredible building was built to commemorate and replace the twin towers of the original World Trade Center. The soaring skyscraper is made up of 104 floors and, at the time of writing, is the 7th tallest building in the world. The final cost of building was over $ 3.9 billion.
If there’s one place where you’ll truly feel king of the hill, top of the heap, it’s at the top of One World Trade Center.
Welcome to New York
Of course, the list of extraordinary buildings in New York doesn’t really end there. Other honourable mentions are the beautiful Chrysler building and the famous Rockefeller. And don’t forget the impossibly thin Flatiron Building.
But NYC’s famous skyline is ever-changing. As is the order of the tallest buildings in New York. Exciting new skyscrapers are being planned all the time.
So, if your vagabond shoes are longing to stray, there’s nothing for it! The city that never sleeps is waiting for you. Get in a New York state of mind. Plan how you’re going to get around this bustling metropolis. And start getting ready to see the biggest and best buildings in New York, the best city in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, New York has many tall buildings and once had the tallest but now it only has one in the top ten. All the other buildings on that list are in Asia.
New York has an amazing total of nearly 300 skyscrapers. Eleven of them held the honour of being the tallest building in the world when they were constructed!
Now, that’s a matter of opinion, but if you ask us (and King Kong), we’d say it has to be the Empire State Building. It’s as emblematic of New York as the Eiffel Tower is of Paris.