It’s no secret that the Big Apple contains impressive architecture, and a visit to this city isn’t complete without admiring the famous buildings of New York.
During our time living on the East Coast, we had opportunities to visit Manhattan various times, and the looming towers, iconic skyscrapers, and famous constructions continued to astound us. You do not need to be a designer or architect to appreciate New York City’s historic buildings. Some of them you can see from the outside, while others are worth going inside and checking out the interior.
Additionally, many of these landmarks are included in New York’s attraction packages, so if you intend on seeing two or more of them, I suggest obtaining a pass. You can read our guide to learn more about the card selections, although I strongly recommend the New York Pass. It offers single and multi-day cards that can conserve you up to 41% on some of the most renowned places in New York.
Now, here are the top 10 iconic New York structures I recommend!
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1. St. Patrick’s Cathedral, one of the most famous buildings in New York City
Occupying a full city block along Fifth Avenue, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the most renowned places of worship in New York City. It is also the largest Neo-Gothic Catholic church in the United States, rising nearly 330 feet tall and accommodating 3,000 parishioners.
The church is dedicated to St. Patrick of Ireland and holds regular masses as well as concerts. From outside, you can see the cathedral’s large bronze doors, which weigh over 9,000 lbs. and feature beautiful relief sculptures of several patron saints.
Even if one does not have religious beliefs, I suggest exploring the inside of the church. It possesses some of the finest architectural designs in New York City, combining faith and creativity through altars, shrines, pipe organs, and a replica of Michelangelo’sPietà sculpture. The gorgeously colored stained-glass windows are certainly worth viewing, especially the rose window, which generates a breathtaking glow illuminating the interior.
If you wish to explore and learn more about St. Patrick’s Cathedral, you can embark on this excursion, which is also covered in the New York Pass.
2. Rockefeller Plaza, a famous NY building you must see
Rockefeller Plaza is a New York skyscraper you cannot miss. Not only is it huge, but it’s the site for all kinds of activities and attractions.
The imposing 850-foot structure constructed in the 1930s came to be hailed as one of the notable undertakings to emerge from the economic hardships of the Great Depression. Its underground arcade houses a variety of shops and eateries, and the popular ice skating rink located before the building remains a highlight. Those visiting NYC around the holidays can behold the famed Rockefeller Christmas Tree here.
The main entrance to Rockefeller Plaza features an monumental three-archway carving entitled Wisdom, A Voice from the Clouds, yet this is not the sole artwork found here. An 18-foot bronze model of Prometheus oversees the ice skating rink and painted murals adorn the walls of the lobby. Other works of interest incorporate the bronze Atlas statue and The Joy of Life situated above the 48th Street entrance.
Within this renowned NYC structure, you’ll find the headquarters and filming locations for NBC Studios shows likeSaturday Night Live. Not only is Rockefeller Center a National Historic Landmark, but it offers incredible perspectives, particularly from the rooftop garden and the Rainbow Room, an event space on the 65th floor.
That said, the perspectives obtainable from the Top of the Rock observation deck are highly recommended. I advise examining our guide to the Top of the Rock, but if you presently understand you wish to visit, get your ticket here or through the New York Pass.
3. Chrysler Building, New York’s famous Art Deco building
The Chrysler Building is another Art Deco-style skyscraper, and one of the most iconic structures in New York. It’s easily recognizable thanks to its 125-foot steel spire, and while it’s no longer the tallest building in NYC, it’s still impressive, at 1,050 feet tall.
This National Historic Landmark is one of the greatest places in New York City and a major element of the Manhattan skyline. Its steel structure features a black and gray-striped façade, a seven-arched crown, and ornamental eagles. The sculpturesque birds and gargoyles on the building’s exterior are an homage to Chrysler cars, which was founded in 1925.
The Chrysler Building possesses some of the most renowned architecture in New York City, visible from different vantage points. My favourite is the Tudor City Bridge at 42nd Street and 1st Avenue. If you visit during the Manhattan Solstice, the sun coordinates with the skyscrapers to create one of the most stunning places to photograph NYC.
Inside, the Chrysler Building houses corporate offices, but you can enter the lobby and see the decorative Art Deco style. It’s worthwhile viewing remnants of the past, like the patterned wood elevators and 1920s-style lamps.
4. Empire State Building, one of the tallest buildings in NYC
It comes as no surprise that the famous Empire State Building is among the top ranked structures worth visiting in New York City. We have even assembled a guide about the Empire State Building containing specifics regarding its scenic viewing deck. You can obtain tickets here, and entry is covered under the New York Pass.
At 102 floors, this famous New York tower is one of the tallest structures in the city, standing 1,454 feet tall. Its Art Deco architecture and 200-foot spire make it a staple of the Manhattan skyline, and at night, it’s illuminated with colorful LED lights.
As one nears the Empire State Building, its gilded metallic elements, glasswork, and sculpted motifs like starbursts and eagles come into view. The revolving bronze doors accessing the lobby are etched with artistic representations of electricity, heating, and masonry – the three construction trades used to build the structure.
In the lobby, there are marble interiors, a beautiful aluminum depiction of the Empire State Building, and terrazzo-tile floors. Be sure to look up at the ceiling to see the painted mural, which displays a celestial sky of 23-karat stars, gold-leaf sunbursts, and gears paying tribute to the Machine Age of the mid-20th century.
5. Flatiron Building, a famous New York building with impressive architecture
The Flatiron Building is one of the most fascinating structures in New York City, although you must be cautious if you experience acrophobia. This impressive formation stands 285 feet tall, yet at its narrowest point, it’s just 6.5 feet wide, creating a 25° angle.
This flattened architectural masterpiece resembling an iron resembles a clothing iron, granting it the name the Flatiron Building. Currently, it`s among the premier historic structures in New York City, and while one cannot enter inside, the exterior is worth a closer inspection.
The terracotta and stone high-rise was purposely constructed around a steel skeleton. While its style drew inspiration from French and Italian Renaissance artworks, it represents Beaux-Arts architectural traits. You can observe facets of this manner in the Flatiron Building’s paired columns, balustrades, statuesque figures, and bas-reliefs. If you look closely, you may see lion heads and Greek faces peering down at you!
6. Grand Central Terminal, one of the most famous buildings in New York
Grand Central Terminal is another landmark building in New York that has accumulated much artistic and structural prestige over time. This iconic train terminal is well over a century old and now sees nearly a million individuals pass through it daily.
This beautiful building constructed in the Beaux-Arts style has several intriguing rooms and sections to navigate, as well as many shops and restaurants. Several French architects and artists contributed to the terminal, developing unique works and pieces.
For instance, embellishing the terminal’s southern facade includes a 13-foot wide timepiece, cast iron birds of prey, and figurines of the Roman personalities Hercules, Mercury, and Minerva. Situated on the ground is an 8.5-foot bronze sculpture of Cornelius Vanderbilt, the patriarch of one of the wealthiest families in the U.S. The Vanderbilt family name is memorialized through the motifs of oak leaves and acorns seen throughout Grand Central Terminal.
An additional focal point is the celestial ceiling mural within the Main Concourse, featuring some 2,500 gold stars and constellations like Orion and Pegasus. Another ceiling mural can be found in the Graybar Passage, along with other artwork such as the Sirshasana chandelier and the bronze-and-glass mosaic named As Above, So Below.
If you opt to bring your bike from Lanzarote via ferry, remember to specify that you’re bringing a bike when purchasing your ferry ticket. You’ll also find hotels in La Graciosa that offer bicycle rental services .
7. Guggenheim Museum, another unique and famous New York building
Of all the museums in Manhattan, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is the most architecturally remarkable. Located on the Upper East Side, it’s part of the 20th-Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wright aimed to create a spiritual sanctuary housing an impressive collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and Non-Objective art. The result of his vision was an inverted structure appearing like white ribbon winding upward, forming a central area 
Inside, a continuous ramp travels from the ground level to the highest floor, with galleries branching off at each stage. The dome-shaped skylight at the top makes one feel like they’re inside a spiral seashell.
This renowned building in New York City was constructed in 1959 and is considered a monument to the Modernism movement. If you’re a fan of art or the architect Frank Lloyd Wright, this museum is a must-visit. Wright even integrated his initials into the exterior of the building, in red tile.
You are able to obtain skip-the-line tickets here, or enjoy complimentary admission with your New York Pass.
8. New York Public Library, a famous building in NYC to visit with kids
The New York Public Library, specifically the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, is a bibliophile’s dream. Situated next to Bryant Park, this research library and National Historic Landmark boasts over two million books and incredible Beaux-Arts-style architecture.
This is one of the most renowned structures in Manhattan, and while open to the public, only NYC residents can check out books. Still, you can explore four floors of the library and admire its ornate and intricate architecture.
The library`s exterior marble is embellished with two stone lions. Dubbed “Patience” and “Fortitude,” the lions are a favorite among visitors, especially children. If you look up, you can see the encircling balcony and a series of sculpted figures above the entrance.
Inside, a series of columns and archways welcome visitors to explore the children’s library area. The first-floor lobby boasts 34-foot ceilings and bronze sculptures of Carrère and Hastings, the architects responsible for designing this important New York building.
Going up the elegant marble staircase leads to seeing the spacious Rose Main Reading Room. This notable area accommodates over 600 individuals and is regularly filled with studious scholars and avid readers. Don’t forget to gaze up and admire the huge ceiling design, which portrays a cloud-specked sky with angels and cherubs floating.
It’s also worth seeing the McGraw Rotunda on the third floor. Its domed ceiling, red marble accents, and Corinthian columns are exquisite. There is also a series of Edward Laning murals here, including a ceiling fresco of Prometheus.
9. The Plaza Hotel, a famous building in New York you can stay in
It`s likely you`ve seen the Plaza Hotel in films. This lavish Manhattan hotel has featured in multiple movies, among them Funny Girl,The Way We Were, andHome Alone 2: Lost in New York. Of course, walking through this chateau-style landmark building in New York is a greater experience than seeing it on screen.
Considered among the top luxury hotels in NYC, The Plaza Hotel features condominium apartments and a prime location overlooking Central Park South. Visible from the outside is its green-tiled sloping roof, copper trim, and marble façade. It was modeled after the architectural style of French Renaissance mansions, with its white brick columns and balustrade rising 21 floors high.
The accommodation is even more beautiful inside. The main entry hall has an overhanging mezzanine with Italian marble surfaces, gold trim, and a crystal chandelier. Lovely marble mosaic floors lead the way to the rooms, the ballroom, and several dining establishments.
If seeking nourishment at this establishment, inspect the Oak Room, a German Renaissance-style dining hall built in 1907. It features oak floors, French furnishings, walnut woodcrafts, and frescoes depicting Bavarian castles. Another splendid dining room is The Palm Court, a high-ceilinged tearoom abundant with lush greenery.
10. One World Trade Center, another famous building in NYC you must see
Last yet not least, One World Trade Center, likewise known as the Freedom Tower, is one of the best structures in NYC. It’s inconceivable to miss, as it’s the tallest structure in New York City and the 7th tallest on the planet.
One World Trade Center stands 1,776 feet tall, purposely corresponding to 1776, the year of independence. It’s crafted of glass and steel, and its 43,600 windows reflect light differently through the day. At night, LED lighting illuminates the base of the structure, while the spire atop the tower beams a light 1,000 feet into the sky.
One of the most fascinating elements of One WTC is the One World Observatory. It is regarded as one of Manhattan`s premier observation points, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows providing 360° perspectives overlooking the city. Visitors wanting to experience the striking vista from 1,268 feet above New York can purchase tickets here or make use of their New York Pass.
This magnificent skyscraper ranks amongst the finest architectural designs adorning New York`s horizon. Conveniently positioned next to the 9/11 Museum, tickets can be obtained for the somber memorial site via this link. Alternatively, a combined pass allows entry to the observatory overlooking Manhattan`s famed skyline in addition to the museum exhibits; it constitutes one of the premier activities available in New York City.
After gaining information about the most famous structures in New York, which one are you most eager to go to? Let me know what you think in the comments below, and do not forget to download this map of all the buildings in NYC I mentioned so you can plan your visit!
If you have any questions, feel free to leave them below; I’d be happy to help you out! Until then, have a wonderful time exploring the Big Apple!
