From the soaring heights of skyscrapers to the historic walls of century-old landmarks, we’re going to cover the most famous buildings in New York City.
Collectively, these buildings make up NYC’s famous skyline, which stands as a testament to human ingenuity and creativity. How many famous NYC buildings can you name? Let’s make that 20.
For more on tallest buildings skyscrapers, see our guide to 10 Tallest Buildings in New York City (A Guide to the NYC Skyscrapers).
The Most Famous Buildings in New York City
(Click for Table of Contents)
Famous Buildings in NYC (Table of Contents)
- The Most Famous Buildings in New York City
- Grand Central Terminal
- 30 Rockefeller Plaza
- The New York Stock Exchange
- The Chrysler Building
- Trinity Church
- One World Trade Center
- The Empire State Building
- The New York Public Library
- Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
- The Plaza Hotel
- Manhattan Municipal Building
- New York Life Building
- General Grant’s Tomb
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET)
- Ellis Island National Immigration Museum
- The Woolworth Building
- Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
- The Flatiron Building
- List of Famous NYC Buildings
- Most Famous NYC Buildings (FAQ)
- Map of the Most Famous Buildings in NYC
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The 10 Best Neighborhoods & 3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Grand Central Terminal
Stepping into Grand Central Terminal feels like stepping into a European train station. Opened in 1913, this Beaux-Arts transportation hub spans an impressive 48 acres and houses 44 platforms, the most of any train station in the world.
The main concourse, famed for a breathtaking celestial ceiling and grand chandeliers, sees 750,000 visitors daily. There’s a few small shops in the station, along with a dinning hall in the basement, but those aren’t nearly as exciting as the Grand Central Oyster Bar and the Campbell Bar.
Website— Grand Central Terminal
Address— 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY
30 Rockefeller Plaza
Home to one of the most famous observation decks in New York City, 30 Rockefeller Plaza (affectionately known as ’30 Rock’) is an famous 70-story building that reaches a height of 850 feet. A passion project of John D. Rockefeller Jr. (one of the wealthiest men of all time), Rockefeller Plaza was built during the Great Depression.
Construction started in 1930 and lasted nearly 10 years (completed in 1939). The project was a significant source of employment during the country’s most difficult economic times. At its peak, there were more than 40,000 construction workers tied to the job, when the country’s unemployment rate neared 25%.
Today, the building is famous not only for the impressive Art Deco design, but also for the role it plays in being an entertainment hub. Housing NBC Studios, it’s the birthplace of popular television broadcasts like Saturday Night Live. This historic skyscraper is visited by millions each year, making it one of the most popular buildings in New York City.
Website— 30 Rockefeller Plaza
Address— 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY
Good to know. Rockefeller Plaza has one of the best observation decks in NYC
The New York Stock Exchange
Standing as a symbol for capitalism (the principle our country was built upon), the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is one of the most important buildings in New York City. This historic edifice, completed in 1903, houses the world’s largest stock exchange (the listed companies have a combined value of over $30 trillion!).
The trading floor influences economies around the world, but it’s no longer open to the public (after the 9/11 terrorist attacks). Regardless, even seeing the building from the outside is worth the trek. A masterpiece of neoclassical architecture, the building has a grand façade with six Corinthian columns.
A testament to New York City’s central role in global finance, the NYSE is an famous New York City building that can’t be missed. Try visiting at 9:30am or 4pm to hear the famous ringing of the bell (signifying the start and end of the day’s trading).
Website— The New York Stock Exchange
Address— 11 Wall St, New York, NY
Featured Guide— 15 Unforgettable Things to Do in the Financial District
The Chrysler Building
At the time of construction (early to mid 1900’s) everyone was vying for the honor of building the tallest building in the world, the architects behind the Chrysler Building were no exception.
I’ve been here in every season. My favorite? Fall, when the light hits just right.
Completed in 1930, this gleaming Art Deco skyscraper, with its distinctive terraced crown and sleek stainless steel cladding, reaches a height of 1,046 feet. It briefly held the title of the world’s tallest building before being surpassed by the Empire State Building two years later.
What makes the Chrysler Building stand out is the ornate design inspired by Chrysler cars. Topped with eagle gargoyles and radiator cap sculptures adorning its facade, the building isn’t open to the public, but it’s a marvel to behold from an observation deck.
Website— The Chrysler Building
Address— 405 Lexington Ave, New York, NY
Some spots just hit different when you stumble on them yourself.
Trinity Church
Trinity Church was originally built in 1698 but was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1776. The second church was built in 1790 but was torn down after structural problems due to severe snowfall in 1838. Alas, the church you see today is actually the third building, which was completed in 1846.
When construction was completed, Trinity Church was the tallest building in the country (holding the title for 23 years, until 1869). The church played a big role in the history of New York City. The British relied on it for prayers and services during the American Revolutionary War and George Washington came here to pray after his inauguration as the first President of the United States.
Website— Trinity Church Wall Street
Address— 89 Broadway, New York, NY
Featured Guide. 12 Most Beautiful Churches in NYC
Any Hamilton fans out there? If so, Trinity Church may ring a bell. The church’s graveyard is where Alexander Hamilton and his wife, Eliza, are buried. It’s definitely worth a quick stop if you’re a fan of this Founding Father.
One World Trade Center
The One World Trade Center (also known as the “Freedom Tower”), soars to a symbolic height of 1,776 feet (the year America declared its independence). Not only is this the tallest building in the country (and 6th tallest building in the world), but it serves as a stark reminder of the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
Completed in 2014, the building has 104 floors and is topped with a 408-foot spire that adds to its famous stature of this famous New York City building. You can gawk at the building from the ground level. However to truly appreciate its size, I suggest visiting the observation deck for panoramic views of NYC.
Representing the resilience of the American people, the One World Trade Center is arguably the most important building in New York City.
Website— One World Observatory
Address— 17 West St, New York
The Empire State Building
Reaching dizzying heights of 1,454 feet, the Empire State Building was the tallest building in the world for 40 years (from 1931–1971). More impressively, the construction of this famous New York City building took a mere 20 months from start to finish.
With 102 floors, this Art Deco masterpiece was an engineering marvel of its time and remains one of the most famous landmarks in the world. The building’s observation decks, on the 86th and 102nd floors, offer awe-inspiring views of the city, drawing over 4 million visitors each year.
Website— The Empire State Building
Address— 20 W 34th St., New York, NY
Local tip. Between you and me, the seasonal menu is always better than the regular one. Ask what’s fresh today.
The New York Public Library
Guarded by two majestic lion statues, the New York Public Library is housed in one of the most famous buildings in New York City. Designed in a Beaux-Arts style, this building stands in stark contrast to the glass and iron it surrounds.
It houses over 53 million items, making it the second largest public library in the United States and one of the most significant in the world. When it opened to the public in 1911, the New York Public Library was officially the largest marble building ever built in the country.
No small task, considering it took 16 years to construct this monolithic structure, but the wait was worth it, more than 50,000 people showed up on opening day. I’m a firm believer that everyone needs to see the New York Public Library at least once in their life.
Website— The New York Public Library
Address— 476 5th Ave, New York, NY
Featured in. You can see Thomas Jefferson’s handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence for free at the New York Public Library. Read.10 FREE New York City Museums (That Don’t Suck)
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
Blending the beauty of architectural with religious significance, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in NYC. Completed in 1878, this Neo-Gothic marvel stretches skyward with spires reaching 330 feet. It feels like a slice of medieval Europe in the heart of Midtown!
With a seating capacity of 2,000+, this one of the largest cathedrals in NYC. Touring the interior is a no-brainer and completely free, so swing by if the doors are open. Boasting stunning features like stained glass windows, a grand organ, and soaring ceilings, the cathedral was recently renovated to the tune of $177 million. Any way you slice it, touring this famous building in New York City is a must for first time visitors.
Website— Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
Address— 5th Ave, New York, NY (5th Avenue & East 50th Street)
The Plaza Hotel
When most folks think of New York City, they romanticize a stroll through Central Park while the striking Plaza Hotel looms in the background. Opened in 1907, The Plaza is the epitome of luxury and prestige. Today is serves as both a hotel and condos, but as you can imagine, the price tag is steep.
If you’d like tour the interior (and budget isn’t a concern), make reservations for afternoon tea at the Plaza. You’ll get to experience one of the most elaborate dining halls in NYC.
Website— The Plaza Hotel
Address— 768 5th Ave, New York, NY
Featured Guide. 30 Famous Movie Locations in New York City
Manhattan Municipal Building
Completed in 1914, the David N. Dinkins Manhattan Municipal Building is one of the largest government buildings in the world. It’s impossible to visit NYC without noticing this impressive towering structure, especially if you plan to cross the Brooklyn Bridge at one point during your visit (which you absolutely must do).
Renamed in 2015 in honor of former NYC Mayor David N. Dinkins for his decades of public service, the building was originally built to accommodate an increased need for office space. Today, it stands as an architectural feat that seems to defy gravity.
The beautiful NYC building incorporates Italian Renaissance, Roman Imperial and French Renaissance styes of architecture. Also, it was the first building in NYC to incorporate subway stations at its base, which is pretty cool.
Website— Manhattan Municipal Building
Address— 1 Centre St, New York, NY
New York Life Building
One of the most common questions I get asked is, “what’s the name of the gold capped building in New York City?” That, my friends, is the New York Life Building. Built in the Gothic Revival style, it was completed in 1928 and topped with a gold pyramid roof to ensure it would become one of the most famous buildings in New York City.
The original roof was made from real gold (yes, really), but it eroded over time and was replaced with painted tiles. Reaching heights of 615 feet, the New York Life Building is a striking sight to behold, especially from afar, where it becomes clear that the epic NYC skyline wouldn’t be the same without it.
The headquarters of the New York Life Insurance Company, beyond its architectural beauty, the New York Life Building is a symbol of the city’s economic history. It reflects the growth and development of both the insurance industry and New York City as a financial powerhouse.
Website— New York Life Building
Address— 51 Madison Ave, New York, NY
General Grant’s Tomb
Ulysses S. Grant was a decorated General and the 18th President of the United States. Grant’s wish was to be buried next to his wife when he passed. The request seems simple enough, but it wasn’t. His options for a final resting place were limited because women were not allowed to be buried in military cemeteries at the time.
When Grant died from throat cancer in 1885, the mayor of New York offered to have him buried in NYC. His wife, Julia Grant, supported the offer and a large fundraising initiative took place to build what would become the largest tomb in North America.
Grant’s Tomb is undoubtedly one of the most famous buildings in New York City due to its significance, especially with history buffs. You can get free tours of the mausoleum through the National Park Service.
Website— General Grant’s Tomb
Address— W 122nd Street & Riverside Drive
Featured Guide— 25 Thought-Provoking Facts About NYC
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET)
Founded in 1870, The Met’s famous Beaux-Arts façade lays home to one of the most impressive museums in the world.
In fact, the MET is the most visited museum in New York City (receiving more than 6 million visitors per year). But the glorious facade you see today is not original to the museum, it’s an extension! Thankfully, the portions of the original building can be seen from inside the museum, head to Carroll and Milton Petrie European Sculpture Court to see the red-brick splendor.
Website— The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Address— 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY
Featured Guide— 15 Exciting Museums in New York City
Ellis Island National Immigration Museum
Opened in 1892 (and operation until 1954), Ellis Island was the country’s main immigration station. It processed more than 12 million immigrants in the span of 60 years, and the main building was recently restored after 30 years of neglect.
The Ellis Island National Immigration Museum was opened to the public in 1990 and is worth visiting for any history buff. Often considered one of the most important buildings in New York City, it’s designed in a French Renaissance style and is a beauty to behold.
Website— Ellis Island National Immigration Museum
Address— Ellis Island Bridge, Jersey City, NJ
The Woolworth Building
Soaring an impressive 792 feet, the Woolworth Building’s claim to fame is that it was the tallest building in the world from 1913 to 1930. Not only was it the tallest building in the world at that time, but it was also the second-tallest structure in the world (after the Eiffel Tower).
Can you imagine walking by this monolithic skyscraper in those days? It dwarfs everything around it! The building was commissioned by Frank W. Woolworth, to be designed in the Beaux-Arts style with elaborate Gothic detail. When it was completed in 1913, this famous NYC building set a record for fastest build of a skyscraper.
Effectively setting the stage for future skyscrapers in New York City, like the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building. During the grand opening ceremony, President Woodrow Wilson pushed a button from the White House to light up the interior floors and exterior floodlights. To the shock and delight of the crowd, it worked!
Website— The Woolworth Building
Address— 233 Broadway, New York, NY
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
The famous architectural feat that houses the Guggenheim Museum in NYC was Frank Lloyd Wright’s most notable achievement. Unfortunately, Wright passed away six months before the museum opened to the public in 1959.
This monolithic distinctive concrete structure is considered a work of art itself and attracts more than 1 million visitors per year. Once inside, visitors slowly make their way up a 1/4 mile spiral ramp to observe world-famous modern art. Love it or hate it, there’s no denying that this epic structure is one of the most famous buildings in New York City.
Website— Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
Address— 1071 5th Ave, New York, NY
The Flatiron Building
Let’s get real. the Flatiron Building needs no introduction. The intriguing triangular shape makes this one of the most beloved and famous buildings in New York City! Built in 1902 at the bustling intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, this one of the most photographed spots in the city today.
Boasting French and Italian Renaissance influences, this famous NYC building was first met with hesitation from New Yorkers. They were convinced that between the odd triangular shape and building height, it would fall down. Heck, even the New York Times originally called it a monstrosity.
But alas, the Flatiron Building has not only withstood the test of time, but the test of adoration as well. This has become one of the most beloved buildings in NYC and most New Yorkers can’t imagine the Big Apple without it.
Address— 175 5th Ave, New York, NY
Madison Square Garden
This world-famous arena, with a seating capacity of over 20,000, is the oldest major sporting facility in the New York. Having served as host to some of the biggest icons in music, comedy and even two popes, the place where MSG truly shines is sports.
Having hosted historic sporting events such as the “Fight of the Century” between Muhammed Ali and Joe Frazier, MSG is the pinnacle of competition. It is not without reason that it’s affectionately known as the Mecca of Basketball.
A truly famous New York City building for generations to come! If interested, they offer guided tours here. If you’re lucky maybe you’ll run into Spike Lee before a New York Knicks game.
Website— Madison Square Garden
Address— 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY
List of Famous NYC Buildings
- The Empire State Building
- One World Trade Center
- Trinity Church
- The Chrysler Building
- The Flatiron Building
- The New York Public Library
- Grand Central Terminal
- Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
- Ellis Island National Immigration Museum
- The Woolworth Building
- 30 Rockefeller Plaza
- Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET)
- The American Museum of Natural History
- New York Life Building
- Manhattan Municipal Building
- The Plaza
- Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
- New York Stock Exchange
- General Grant’s Tomb
- Madison Square Garden
Most Famous NYC Buildings (FAQ)
(NYC Buildings FAQ)
It’s hard to narrow down this list of famous NYC buildings to one most important building in NYC. The reason? It’s kind of subjective. For me personally, I’d argue that the most important building in NYC is the symbolic One World Trade Center because its a living tribute to the resilience of our great country as a whole.
The most famous landmark in New York City is arguably the Statue of Liberty. Gifted by France to the United States in 1886 as a symbol of freedom and democracy, it stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor.
The award for the most famous building in NYC goes to the Empire State Building. They don’t call NYC the Empire State for nothing!
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- 20 Helpful Tips for Visiting New York City for the First Time (Local’s Guide)
- 11 (Important) National Park Sites in New York City
- 20 Things I Wish I Knew BEFORE Moving to New York City (Firsthand Account)
Map of the Most Famous Buildings in NYC
Final Thoughts
That wraps up our guide to Famous New York City Buildings (You Should Know). Have a favorite spot we missed?
Hungry while exploring? Check out our guide to the best food in Financial District for local dining picks.
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If you liked this guide, you might also enjoy exploring my other local recommendations.
The history of Rockefeller Center is interesting, had no idea.