New York is one of the most iconic cities in the entire world. It is so well-known not just for its array of culture and unique nightlife but also for its distinctive buildings. There are thousands of buildings that make up the New York skyline. From the prominent Empire State Building to the Central Park Tower, tourists worldwide are attracted to see the unique physical makeup of the Big Apple. 

New York City’s skyline is not just buildings, though. The Statue of Liberty usually ranks as one of the top sites to visit on tourists’ bucket lists. So, even statues make up some of the city’s iconic architecture. 

Today’s Most Distinguished New York Skyline Buildings

New York is famous for its pizza, theatre, and pop culture influence. However, you cannot ignore the architecture standing in one of the biggest venues for modern civilization. Tourists from all over travel to catch a glimpse of New York’s magical skyline. Some of the most visited buildings include:

• The Empire State Building
• The Chrysler Building 
• The Flatiron Building
• Rockefeller Plaza
• Met Life Tower
• The Woolworth Building
• One World Trade Center

From business to entertainment, the buildings in New York house a multitude of purposes. Plus, there is a lengthy history evident in the various architectural styles of each. 

The Empire State Building 

Quite possibly the most recognizable building in the New York Skyline, the Empire State Building completed construction in 1931. For almost forty years, it reigned as the tallest skyscraper in the world. 

The building was built during the Great Depression. Despite its wildly popular status currently, it did not hold much purpose in its early days. Few businesses could afford to buy space to work. However, its height and accompanying observation deck saved the Empire State Building from economic failure. Thousands of tourists visited to see the city’s panoramic views from the top of the tallest building in the world. 

Today, the Burj Khalifa ranks as the tallest building in the world. However, there is no doubt that the Empire State Building helped build the New York skyline’s prominence. 

The Chrysler Building

The Chrysler Building’s style holds to the period in which it was built. Finishing construction in 1930, the Chrysler Building has an art deco architectural style that was in style during the 1930s. 

Interestingly, this building held the title as the world’s largest building, until being surpassed by the Empire State in 1931. When it finished construction, the Chrysler Building was not the tallest. In fact, it missed the mark by a little more than 100 feet. So, to take the title, contractors added a thin spire, just long enough to be champion. 

The Flatiron Building

The Flatiron Building is known for being one of the first skyscrapers made with a steel frame, a great feat in architecture. Audience criticism, though, did not take well to the building’s style. Originally called the Fuller Building, the public granted it the nickname of the “flat iron building.” Little did they know this would eventually become its name later on. 

Today, it is still an office building, but could potentially transition to a luxury hotel. 

Best Areas to See the New York Skyline

People talk about the New York skyline, but it can be tricky to get the perfect view of it all. Luckily, since there are so many skyscrapers, there are plenty of places to take in all of New York’s architectural greatness. Some popular spots include:

• The top of the Rockefeller Center
• The Empire State Building
• Governors Island
• The Brooklyn Bridge
• Staten Island Ferry
• Roosevelt Island

A Brief History of New York’s Evolving Skyline 

Since the beginning of the last century, the New York skyline has evidently evolved, and it continues to change today. 

At the end of the 1800s, technology allowed for buildings to grow taller. It was this time when New York started to grow taller. 

By the 1920s, architects started to draw on using steel frames, allowing for more skyscrapers to be constructed. New York City also collected a large immigrant population, causing the need to grow upwards and not outwards. 

Since then, New York has emphasized love and need for tall buildings. For this, it has one of the most iconic skylines in the world.