The 23 most popular skyscrapers in New York City
Skyscrapers in NYC are iconic symbols of the city's architectural prowess and economic might. These towering structures, such as the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center, define the city's skyline and offer breathtaking views of the metropolis. Skyscrapers in NYC are a testament to human ingenuity and innovation, and they continue to shape the city's identity and culture.
- 1. The Brooklyn Tower
- 2. 56 Leonard
- 3. One World Trade Center
- 4. One Vanderbilt
- 5. Empire State Building
- 6. Chrysler Building
- 7. World Wide Plaza Residence
- 8. One Five One
- 9. Flatiron Building
- 10. 8 Spruce
- 11. One Manhattan Square
- 12. Sky - Luxury Apartments
- 13. One57
- 14. The Spiral NYC
- 15. The Woolworth Building
- 16. 50 West
- 17. Trump World Tower
- 18. New York Times Building
- 19. This May Sting
- 20. Twenty Exchange
- 21. Bush Tower
- 22. Solar Carve Tower
- 23. The Salmon Tower Building
1. The Brooklyn Tower

2. 56 Leonard

56 Leonard Street, also known as the Jenga Building or Jenga Tower, is a striking skyscraper located in the Tribeca neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. The building stands at 821 feet tall (250 meters) and consists of 57 stories, making it a prominent feature in the city's skyline.
The building is named for its unique and unconventional design, which features a series of protruding boxes that create a 3-dimensional, stacked appearance, reminiscent of the popular game Jenga. This design, by architects Herzog & de Meuron, sets it apart from other buildings in the area and has earned it recognition as a significant contribution to contemporary architectural design.
3. One World Trade Center
Tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and a symbol of resilience and rebirth.

One World Trade Center, located in New York City, is known for being the most expensive skyscraper in history, but it is also one of the safest and most sustainable structures. The building is made of concrete and has numerous safety features, making it a symbol of resilience and innovation. Visitors to One World Trade Center can enjoy breathtaking views of the city and learn about its rich historical context.
One World Trade Center offers a range of experiences for visitors, including observation decks, restaurants, and museums. The building's design and construction prioritize sustainability, with features such as rainwater collection and reuse, energy-efficient systems, and use of sustainable building materials. Overall, One World Trade Center is a remarkable achievement in engineering, architecture, and sustainability, and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in modern skyscrapers.
4. One Vanderbilt
One of the tallest office buildings in NYC, designed to achieve LEED certification for environmental sustainability

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is a must-visit destination in Manhattan, located on the top three floors of one of the city's tallest skyscrapers. This is not just an observation deck; it offers a one-of-a-kind, multi-sensory experience. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, marvel at floor-to-ceiling mirrors, and interact with unique art installations.
At SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, there are three levels of immersive experiences. Apart from the stunning views, you can lose yourself in mirrored rooms and engaging art installations. This skyscraper experience is designed to stimulate all your senses and create memories that will last a lifetime. It's more than just looking at the city from above; it's about feeling truly connected to the city's heartbeat.
5. Empire State Building
Over 100 years of history and a popular filming location

The Empire State Building is an iconic landmark in New York City, known throughout the world for its distinctive Art Deco style and towering height. Its silhouette is a symbol of progress and ambition, making it a popular location for romantic scenes in movies and television shows. However, beyond its famous exterior, the building holds many surprises and offers a fascinating look into its history.
A visit to the Empire State Building reveals its rich past, with exhibits showcasing the building's construction, its role in popular culture, and its impact on the city of New York. Visitors can learn about the building's architecture, engineering, and design, as well as the many challenges faced during its construction. From its storied past to its present-day status as a top tourist destination, the Empire State Building offers a unique and captivating glimpse into the history and culture of New York City.
6. Chrysler Building
Recognized as a National Historic Landmark since 1976

The Chrysler Building stands out as one of the most well-maintained structures in Manhattan, in stark contrast to the Empire State Building. Its opulent marble interior is particularly striking and adds to its grandeur.
In my estimation, the Chrysler Building is the most iconic and awe-inspiring edifice in Manhattan. Its impeccable condition and stunning interior made of marble make it a truly remarkable landmark.
7. World Wide Plaza Residence
A historic building with a modern touch, offering residents a luxurious lifestyle in the heart of Manhattan

Residences at Worldwide Plaza is a contemporary high-rise condo building located in Clinton/Midtown West, featuring a doorman elevator, gym, and garage. The main building of the complex, 350 West 50th, stands as a prominent high-rise structure. Worldwide Plaza is one of the most distinguished luxury developments in the area, occupying an entire city block from 49th to 50th Streets between 8th and 9th Avenues.
This prestigious development is most easily recognized by its 50-story commercial office tower, topped with a distinctive copper pyramid known as 'David’s Diamond,' named after architect David Childs. As a resident or visitor, you can't miss this iconic structure, which stands out in the city skyline and serves as a testament to the high-quality design and construction that went into creating Worldwide Plaza.
8. One Five One
Friendly staff and excellent service

One Five One, also known as 4 Times Square, is a skyscraper located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It is widely regarded as the first green skyscraper in the United States, setting standards for energy efficiency, indoor air quality, tenant comfort, sustainable materials, and responsible construction.
The 48-story building stands out in Times Square and is home to various tenants, including major media companies. One Five One was designed with environmental sustainability in mind, utilizing energy-efficient systems, recycled materials, and eco-friendly construction practices. The building's green features have resulted in cost savings, improved occupant health and well-being, and a reduced environmental impact.
9. Flatiron Building
Built in 1902, served as a symbol of the modernization of New York City

The Flatiron Building is a well-known skyscraper in New York City, recognized for its iconic design and historical significance. Its unique wedge shape, resembling that of an old-fashioned flat iron, is a result of a narrow triangle-shaped plot of land where Fifth Avenue and Broadway intersect. The building's distinct architecture combines elements of Gothic and Renaissance styles, making it a beloved and recognizable landmark. Critics initially doubted its ability to withstand windy conditions at its location, but it ultimately proved them wrong.
As one of the earliest steel-structured buildings, the Flatiron Building's success played a pivotal role in the further development of New York City. The construction of this 3,680-ton steel structure catalyzed city expansion and motivated the rise of more skyscrapers. This building stands as a symbol of resilience, innovation, and progress, symbolizing the spirit of New York City's growth and determination.
10. 8 Spruce
Newly constructed building with luxury amenities and a convenient location

The initial reviews of 8 Spruce Street were positive, with critics praising its design and features. In particular, Nicolai Ouroussoff of The New York Times lauded the building as the finest skyscraper to be built in New York since Eero Saarinen's CBS Building was completed 46 years prior. The building's status as the tallest apartment building in the Western hemisphere is just one reason for its acclaim. Its finishes and features are also noteworthy, demonstrating the high level of quality and attention to detail that went into its construction.
Standing out among downtown Manhattan's architectural landscape, 8 Spruce Street is a true marvel. Its distinction as the tallest apartment building in the Western hemisphere is a testament to its impressive scale and grandeur. But it is not just its height that makes it noteworthy. The building boasts an incredible array of finishes and features that set it apart from its peers. From its striking exterior design to its luxurious interior spaces, 8 Spruce Street is truly a building worthy of admiration.
11. One Manhattan Square
Located in the heart of the Lower East Side, near countless restaurants, shops, and attractions

One Manhattan Square, located at 252 South St/225 Cherry St in New York, is an 80-story condo building completed in 2019. Standing at 800 feet tall, it is a modern glass tower with 787 units. The building boasts an prime location along the Lower East Side Waterfront, offering stunning views of the New York Harbor and the city skyline.
This luxury condominium tower, overlooking the New York Harbor, features beautiful homes with floor-to-ceiling windows that highlight the breathtaking river and skyline views. One Manhattan Square is surrounded by expansive private gardens and provides residents with more than 100,000 square feet of combined indoor and outdoor amenities.
12. Sky - Luxury Apartments
Sky-high luxury living with panoramic views of the Hudson River

Sky is a premier 71-story tower offering luxury rental residences and unparalleled amenities. The tower features not one, but three swimming pools, including two outdoor and one indoor pool. Sky's rental residences include studio, one, and two-bedroom units, all designed with exquisite detail. The tower's location in Midtown West, one of Manhattan's most vibrant neighborhoods, offers residents easy access to world-class theaters, restaurants, and art galleries, as well as the High Line and Hudson River Park.
In addition to its exceptional residences, Sky also boasts unprecedented amenities and services. From the moment residents step into the tower's lobby, they are greeted with a sense of grandeur and sophistication. The building's amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, a yoga and Pilates studio, a basketball court, and a golf simulator. Sky also offers a range of services to make daily life easier for residents, including a 24-hour attended lobby, a package room, and on-site parking.
13. One57

One57 is a supertall luxury residential skyscraper located on Billionaires' Row in Manhattan, New York. The building stands out with its unique design, featuring rippled canopies, numerous setbacks, mottled fenestration patterns, curved tops, and distinct "scoops" facing Central Park that resemble an ocean liner's ventilation piping. One of the most desirable units in the building is the condo on the 87th floor, which boasts a spacious 57-foot-long great room offering stunning views of Central Park.
The tower's design is both impressive and distinctive, featuring a series of setbacks along 57th Street that create a dynamic and visually interesting façade. The building's windows are arranged in a pattern that adds to its unique appearance, while the curved tops of the tower give it a distinctive silhouette. The "scoops" on the park-facing side of the building are a particularly striking feature, providing a visual reference to the ventilation piping on an ocean liner. Overall, One57 is a stunning example of modern skyscraper design, offering both luxury and sophistication to its residents.
14. The Spiral NYC

15. The Woolworth Building
Completed in 1913, it was the tallest building in the world for 17 years

The Woolworth Building offers a remarkable experience, particularly for architecture enthusiasts. The tour guide's knowledge of the building's history and architectural aspects was extensive and informative, enhancing the visit. This skyscraper, an iconic part of New York City's skyline, was designed in the Gothic style by renowned architect Cass Gilbert for the millionaire Frank W. Woolworth, owner of a five-and-dime store chain.
As a celebrated landmark, the Woolworth Building stands as one of the most well-known skyscrapers in the United States. Its Gothic design is awe-inspiring, making it a must-see destination for anyone interested in architecture and history. The building's designer, Cass Gilbert, is highly regarded for his work, and Frank Woolworth's patronage resulted in a true masterpiece that transformed the city's skyline and continues to captivate visitors and locals alike.
16. 50 West

17. Trump World Tower

18. New York Times Building
Home to one of the world's most respected news organizations

The New York Times Building is a notable skyscraper located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It is specifically situated at 242 West 41st Street and 620 Eighth Avenue, straddling the block between 40th and 41st Streets near Times Square. This 52-story structure is a significant architectural landmark, having been rated among the top 150 buildings in the United States.
Designed with a modern and innovative aesthetic, the New York Times Building is a testament to contemporary architecture. It stands tall on the west side of Midtown Manhattan, serving as a visual anchor near Times Square. The building's proximity to this iconic location further enhances its cultural significance and visibility. Its stature and location make it a notable addition to the city's skyline and a symbol of the media industry's importance in New York City.
19. This May Sting

20. Twenty Exchange

21. Bush Tower

22. Solar Carve Tower

23. The Salmon Tower Building
