September Skyline Adventure: A Brightsun Girls’ Trip to the Empire State Building

Visiting New York in September felt like stepping into a film, and as a group of girls travelling from the UK to the Big Apple, the iconic Empire State Building was at the top of our list to visit for amazing views and photo ops.

What surprised us about this iconic structure the most was how much there is to see before you even reach the top. The tour through the building is thoughtfully designed and genuinely fascinating. It starts with the stunning Art Deco lobby, featuring all gold-leaf detailing and geometric patterns.

From there, you’re guided through a series of exhibits that tell the story of how the Empire State Building came to life. Built in just 410 days and completed in 1931 during the Great Depression, it was an extraordinary achievement at a time when jobs, money, and morale were in short supply. The building became a symbol of ambition and resilience almost overnight.

One of the most powerful moments we enjoyed inside was seeing the historic photographs of the build from ground upwards, displayed along the way to the top. There are also displays showing how materials were hauled up floor by floor and how safety standards (or lack of them) shaped the build.

Interspersed with the history are pop culture moments. We loved spotting photographs of celebrities who’ve visited the Empire State Building over the decades and learning how often the iconic landmark has appeared on screen. From King Kong climbing its spire, to romantic classics like An Affair to Remember and Sleepless in Seattle, it’s long been shorthand for New York itself. 

The iconic landmark has appeared in countless TV shows too, becoming part of the wider cultural language as a backdrop to scenes in Friends, Sex and the City, Mad Men and Dr Who. Walking through these exhibits felt like the building wasn’t just part of history, but part of shared memory.

The Empire State Building lifts deserve a mention of their own. After the exhibits, stepping into the elevators felt like part of the experience rather than just a means to an end. The ceilings feature immersive light displays showing the building’s construction as you ascend, giving you a sense of speed and height without being overwhelming. The ride up is impressively smooth and incredibly fast, whisking you up dozens of floors in under a minute. It adds to the anticipation in a way that stairs or slow lifts never could.

Stepping onto the open-air 86th-floor observatory was unforgettable. From the north, Central Park stretched out like a perfectly framed green rectangle, bordered by elegant pre-war apartment buildings. To the east, the Chrysler Building stood out immediately, its stainless-steel Art Deco spire catching the light, with the United Nations Headquarters lining the East River beyond it. Facing south, we could trace Manhattan all the way down to One World Trade Center, and on a clear day, even spot the Statue of Liberty. The west offered a calmer view - the Hudson River shimmering and New Jersey stretching into the distance.

The breeze instantly hit us on the open deck, which made us appreciate having layers in September. When it became a bit too windy, we headed up to the 102nd-floor observatory, which is fully enclosed. From here, the city felt almost unreal, like a living architectural model beneath our feet. It’s also the best option if the weather turns blustery, as you still get breathtaking views without battling the breeze. The 80th-floor indoor viewing areas are another great alternative, offering wide panoramic windows and a more relaxed atmosphere.

In terms of practicalities, ticket prices for the Empire State Building vary depending on what you choose. Standard tickets for the 86th floor are usually in the region of $44–$48 for adults, with an additional cost to access the 102nd floor. There’s also a fast-track (or express) option, which costs more but allows you to skip most queues. After seeing the lines build up as the day went on, we felt that the fast track was well worth it, especially if you’re visiting during peak times or only have a limited schedule.

What really sets the Empire State Building apart from other viewing platforms like Top of the Rock or Edge is its balance of history, location, and atmosphere. At Top of the Rock, the Empire State Building itself becomes the star of the view, but here, you’re standing inside the icon, right at the heart of the skyline. And while Edge offers a thrilling, ultra-modern experience with glass floors and sharp angles, the Empire State Building feels classic and timeless rather than trendy. The mix of indoor and outdoor viewing, the central Midtown location, and the deep sense of history make it feel like the most complete way to see New York.

The Empire State Building was the world’s tallest building from 1931 to 1970, holding the title for 39 years until it was surpassed in 1970 by the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York. 

For us, the Empire State Building wasn’t just a vantage point, it was a journey through visionary ambition and architecture. Seeing it made us appreciate why it remains one of the most iconic skyscrapers in the world. It's well worth a few hours of your time if you are visiting New York.