Author: 
New York City’s skyline is graced with various world-renowned architecture. From Neoclassical to Art Deco to contemporary skyscrapers, explore the iconic structures that form the Concrete Jungle.
Blueprint of the Big Apple
The Big Apple’s skyline is a blueprint of our progression from the Industrial Revolution to the Information Age. New York architecture is so impressive, in fact, that various places around the world have tried to incorporate a bit of NYC in their own cityscapes. As a result, every modern metropolis contains traces of “the city that never sleeps.”
Since 1890, 10 structures in New York have been named the tallest building in the world. But have you ever wondered how they erect such tall skyscrapers? Well, it’s because the bedrock of Manhattan is composed of schist, a robust and durable stone that can support colossal structures.
Each landmark in this guide reveals a distinct piece of the city’s heritage and personality. And though the best way to explore New York is from the ground level, we’ll help you brave the heights of its amazing architecture!
10 Must-See New York Architecture
From the sleek modernity of glass and steel to the timeless beauty of Art Deco, New York City’s iconic buildings form a time capsule of architecture. Among the many structures that define NYC’s skyline, here are the top ten:
1. THE GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM
1071 5th Avenue
Designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the Guggenheim Museum has a unique spiral structure that evokes the spirit of contemporary art. It was initially met with mixed reactions, but it is now an iconic symbol of modern art.
Fun fact: the architecture of this New York cultural institution required 700 tons of steel and 7,000 cubic feet of poured concrete. Its facade was also originally supposed to be red, as proposed by Wright!
2. ONE WORLD TRADE CENTER
285 Fulton Street
Formerly known as the Freedom Tower, the One World Trade Center is a structure that heavily honors the past while also being very modern. Within its walls are the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and the Survivor Tree, which was recovered from the attack site of 9/11 and replanted as a symbol of rebirth and survival.
The One World Trade Center is also very sustainable. It was built from recycled construction debris and designed to collect rainwater for watering the building’s greenery, cooling the structure, and powering the memorial fountain. Oh, and did we mention it also generates its own power?
3. THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
20 W 34th Street
The Empire State Building, at 1,454 feet, held the record for the world’s tallest skyscraper for over four decades. It was thrust into the limelight after being featured prominently in the movie King Kong. However, long after the hype, it remains to be the pinnacle of the Art Deco movement.
President Herbert Hoover turned on the lights of the Empire State Building in 1931 by pressing a button from the White House. Of course, the gesture was symbolic — building staff actually turned on the lights!
4. GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL
89 E 42nd Street
In 1891, Grand Central Terminal made its debut and has since become a popular piece of the Beaux Arts movement. Across its 49-acre structure, you will discover a whispering gallery and the iconic four-faced clock. In its main concourse, you’ll also get to marvel at the ceiling, which depicts the celestial skies with over 2,500 stars.
5. THE FLATIRON BUILDING
175 5th Avenue
The Flatiron Building is a famous landmark in NYC mainly because of its unique wedge shape. Many people think this was done purely for aesthetics, but it was actually Daniel Burnham’s workaround for an awkward, triangle-shaped property in Manhattan.
Fun fact: The Flatiron’s style is uniform from bottom to top, in contrast to many other buildings of the era, which had bases that were more massive and fortified than the rest of the structure.
6. ANSONIA HOTEL
2109 Broadway #101
The Ansonia Hotel is a Beaux Arts-style structure with a colorful past. When it was completed in 1904, it was one of the largest apartment hotels in the world. Today, it is symbolic of the era of opulence and gives Manhattan an air of elegance.
Originally intended to function as a self-sufficient hotel, the building had a rooftop farm with chickens, ducks, and goats (although the animals didn’t stay there for very long). Babe Ruth also made The Ansonia his first residence in the city.
7. THE VESSEL
20 Hudson Yards
The Vessel, a Thomas Heatherwick creation, serves as the focal point of Hudson Yards, the newest neighborhood in The Big Apple. This New York building has garnered a lot of interest due to its well-known designer, exorbitant price tag, and perplexing architecture. It is an interactive sculpture that people can climb (or take an elevator) to reach the top of. Though it temporarily closes from time to time, it is still a sight to behold from the ground level.
8. TRINITY CHURCH
89 Broadway
Trinity is situated at the crossroads of Broadway and Wall Street, two of the most well-known thoroughfares in the city. At the time of its completion in 1846, this Gothic Revival structure was considered New York’s tallest building.
If you’re visiting with family or small children, you can break out this fun fact to get them wondering: although other surrounding structures were destroyed, the Trinity Church survived the September 11, 2001 attacks.
9. NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY (STEPHEN A. SCHWARZMAN BUILDING)
476 5th Avenue
The hallowed halls of the New York Public Library, a Beaux-Arts masterpiece, exudes grandeur and intellectual prowess. You’ll get to admire the building’s iconic lion statues and even enter the magnificent Rose Main Reading Room, which will make you feel like you’ve been transported to Hogwarts! Just be sure to contain your excitement when you geek out as this is, after all, still a library.
10. BETHESDA TERRACE
Central Park
The Bethesda Terrace has been a visitor hotspot – even before it was featured in films like The Avengers, Enchanted, and John Wick 2. Its open-air architecture blends seamlessly with New York’s green space, and it’s one of many picturesque stops within Central Park.
The terrace was designed to celebrate the opening of the Croton Aqueduct, in 1842 which first brought fresh water to New York City. This was a big deal, given that so many New Yorkers had endured disease and outbreaks as a result of contaminated drinking water.
Where to Stay Near New York’s Architectural Landmarks
As you plan an exploration of New York City’s iconic architecture, choosing the right place to stay is key to making the most of your experience. Here are five districts that provide a perfect blend of convenience, charm, and culture:
- MIDTOWN MANHATTAN: In Midtown, you’ll be surrounded by iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building and Grand Central Terminal. Fuel up for your adventure at restaurants and cafes like The Smith, find your next read at the New York Public Library or Strand Bookstore, then take a breather at Byrant Park.
- UPPER EAST SIDE: The Upper East Side is renowned for its elegant, upscale residential areas and top-notch museums. If you stay here, you’ll be close to the Guggenheim Museum, Central Park, the Madison Avenue shopping district, and restaurants like Serendipity 3 and Daniel.
- CHELSEA: Staying in Chelsea puts you close to the High Line, the Joyce Theater, renowned art galleries, and trendy stores. Indulge in a variety of culinary experiences, from casual eateries like Chelsea Market to upscale restaurants like Del Posto. Visit the iconic Chelsea Piers, where you can enjoy sports activities and waterfront views.
- FINANCIAL DISTRICT: The Financial District places you close to the Brooklyn Bridge, the New York Stock Exchange, the Charging Bull Sculpture, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, and Trinity Church. Enjoy dining options like Bobby Van’s Steakhouse and Fraunces Tavern, a historic pub dating back to the 18th century.
- BROOKLYN HEIGHTS: If you want to escape the bustle of Manhattan, Brooklyn Heights is the ideal spot. Explore picturesque streets lined with brownstone buildings or the Brooklyn Promenade, which offers a great view of the Manhattan skyline. Discover local shops, cafes, and restaurants along Montague Street, and don’t miss the opportunity to dive into the borough’s rich history at the Brooklyn Historical Society.
Make Memories by the Monument With Rent By Owner
New York City’s architectural landmarks are a testament to the city’s rich history and creative spirit. From the towering Empire State Building to the artistic wonder of the Guggenheim Museum, each destination offers a unique experience that will leave a lasting impression.
As you plan your visit, let Rent By Owner be your trusted companion. Find the best vacation rental for you based on your style, needs, and travel goals. We list vacation rentals across all five boroughs of NYC, so you’ll never be short of options!
TLDR
This New York guide lists the must-visit destinations for appreciating the city’s diverse and storied architecture. It recommends The Empire State Building, Guggenheim Museum, One World Trade Center, Grand Central Terminal, The Flatiron Building, The Vessel, Trinity Church, The New York Public Library, and The Bethesda Terrace. It also recommends finding a vacation rental in any of these five locations to be close to the landmarks mentioned as well as other attractions: Brooklyn Heights, Financial District, Chelsea, Upper East Side, and Midtown Manhattan.
