The Big Apple

New York architecture

New York City is a global financial and cultural titan, home to the world's largest gold vault located deep beneath the Federal Reserve Bank. It is a city of eight million people speaking over 800 languages, making it the most linguistically diverse place on the planet.

16Landmarks
1902Oldest · The Flatiron Building
541 mTallest · One World Trade Center
18Architects

Empire State Building
Chrysler Building
One World Trade Center

Before you go

Fly intoJohn F. Kennedy (JFK)
JFK features the stunning TWA Hotel, which is a meticulously preserved 1962 flight center designed by architect Eero Saarinen, complete with a rooftop infinity pool overlooking the runways. It serves as the primary international gateway to the United States and is major hub for nearly every global airline.
CurrencyUS Dollar ($)
LanguageEnglish
New York is a 'Global Dialect' hub where you can hear hundreds of languages and hundreds of different English accents in a single subway ride. The local communication style is famously direct, fast-paced, and efficient, reflecting the 'city that never sleeps' mentality.
Getting aroundMTA Subway
The NYC Subway is the largest system in the world by number of stations and operates 24 hours a day. The Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North offer extensive commuter service to the surrounding suburbs. The NYC Ferry system provides a scenic way to travel between the five boroughs via the East River.

Recorded in the app

Fly the New York tour

Press play on the guided tour and Stamped! flies you over New York in photoreal 3D, past the Empire State Building and down to street level on Fifth Avenue, with a card and a Look Around preview at every stop.

16 landmarks in New York

Photo: Sam Valadi, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Empire State Building

350 5th Ave, New York, NY 10118, USA

The world's most famous Art Deco skyscraper was completed in just 410 days during the Great Depression. Its limestone facade and tiered 'wedding cake' setbacks are capped by a dirigible mooring mast that now serves as a broadcast tower. It remains a global symbol of American ambition and was the tallest building in the world for 40 years. The lobby is a designated historic landmark, featuring multi-colored marble and stunning aluminum leaf murals. At night, its crown is illuminated in colors that celebrate various cultural events and holidays throughout the year.

Built
1931
Architect
Shreve, Lamb & Harmon
Style
Art Deco
Height
381 m (1,250 ft)
Stories
102
Today
Office / Observation
Apple Upper East Side

940 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA

Located inside a 1922 Beaux-Arts bank building, this store meticulously retains the grandeur of the 'Gilded Age.' Apple restored the original chandeliers, marble floors, and intricate ironwork to preserve the building's historic character. The most unique feature is the VIP 'Boardroom' located inside the original lead-lined bank vault in the basement. Large windows flood the space with natural light, creating a gallery-like atmosphere for the products. It stands as a perfect example of adaptive reuse, blending modern technology with classic Manhattan architecture.

Built
2015
Architect
Bohlin Cywinski Jackson
Style
Beaux-Arts
Height
12 m (39 ft)
Stories
2
Today
Retail
Photo: w:User:Overand derivative work: Overand (talk), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Chrysler Building

405 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10174, USA

Built as a monument to the automobile, the Chrysler Building features gargoyles shaped like 1929 radiator caps. Its sunburst-patterned spire is made of 'Nirosta' stainless steel, which maintains its silver brilliance without polishing. It was the tallest building in the world for 11 months before being overtaken by the Empire State Building. The lobby is famous for its Moroccan marble walls and ceiling murals depicting transportation progress. Today, it remains a beloved icon of the New York skyline and a pinnacle of the Art Deco movement.

Built
1930
Architect
William Van Alen
Style
Art Deco
Height
319 m (1,047 ft)
Stories
77
Today
Office
Photo: Praneeth Thalla, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

One World Trade Center

285 Fulton St, New York, NY 10007, USA

Standing at a symbolic 1,776 feet, this is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. The tower's structure transitions from a square base to eight triangles, creating a perfect octagonal middle section. Its base is reinforced with blast-resistant concrete and clad in shimmering glass fins that reflect light. The observatory offers 360-degree views of New York City and the surrounding harbor. It serves as a powerful symbol of resilience and a beacon for the revitalized Lower Manhattan district.

Built
2014
Architect
David Childs (SOM)
Style
Contemporary / Post-Modern
Height
541 m (1,775 ft)
Stories
104
Today
Office / Observation
Photo: Imelenchon (original work), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Flatiron Building

175 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010, USA

Originally called the Fuller Building, its unique triangular shape was a response to the intersection of Broadway and Fifth Avenue. Built with a pioneering steel frame, it was one of the first buildings to use a terracotta facade over metal. The 'prow' of the building is only 2 meters wide, creating high-pressure winds at the corner. Its Renaissance Revival details make it one of the most photographed structures in the world. Recent renovations have focused on converting the historic office spaces into luxury residential units.

Built
1902
Architect
Daniel Burnham
Style
Beaux-Arts
Height
87 m (285 ft)
Stories
22
Today
Residential (Conversion)
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Woolworth Building

233 Broadway, New York, NY 10007, USA

Once the tallest building in the world, it is known as the 'Cathedral of Commerce' due to its Gothic details. The terracotta facade features intricate carvings that mask the modern steel frame beneath. Its lobby is one of the most spectacular in the city, with vaulted ceilings and mosaics. Hidden gargoyles in the lobby actually include caricatures of the architect and the owner. The upper floors have recently been converted into some of the city's most exclusive luxury penthouses.

Built
1913
Architect
Cass Gilbert
Style
Neo-Gothic
Height
241 m (791 ft)
Stories
58
Today
Office / Residential
Photo: David Shankbone, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Rockefeller Center (30 Rock)

30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112, USA

The centerpiece of a 19-building complex, 30 Rockefeller Plaza is a masterpiece of vertical Art Deco design. It is famous for the 'Top of the Rock' observation deck which offers views of the Empire State Building. As the home of NBC Studios, it is a hub for American television and media history. The limestone exterior is accented by the famous 'Wisdom' relief sculpture above the main entrance. The complex was designed as a 'city within a city' to provide jobs during the Great Depression.

Built
1933
Architect
Raymond Hood
Style
Art Deco
Height
260 m (853 ft)
Stories
66
Today
Office / Television Studios
The Guggenheim Museum

1071 5th Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA

The Guggenheim is a continuous white concrete spiral that serves as a radical departure from traditional museum design. Visitors take an elevator to the top and walk down a gentle ramp to view the art collection. Its organic, shell-like form was intended to contrast with the rigid grid of Manhattan's streets. The building itself is considered as much a work of art as the pieces housed within its walls. It remains one of Frank Lloyd Wright's most significant and controversial architectural achievements.

Built
1959
Architect
Frank Lloyd Wright
Style
Modern / Organic
Height
28 m (92 ft)
Stories
7
Today
Art Museum
Photo: Ken OHYAMA from FUNABASHI, Japan, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Seagram Building

375 Park Ave, New York, NY 10152, USA

This tower set the standard for the modern glass-and-steel skyscraper through the philosophy of 'less is more.' It features a facade made of functional bronze I-beams and dark tinted glass to create a uniform look. By setting the building back from the street, the architect created a public plaza that revolutionized urban planning. The materials used, including travertine and marble, reflect a commitment to high-quality craftsmanship in corporate design. It remains an essential pilgrimage site for students of the International Style and modern architecture.

Built
1958
Architect
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Style
International Style
Height
157 m (515 ft)
Stories
38
Today
Office
Photo: Epicgenius, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Vessel (Hudson Yards)

20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001, USA

A honeycomb-like structure located in Hudson Yards, consisting of 154 interconnecting flights of stairs. Clad in copper-colored steel, it was designed as a vertical public space to provide new city perspectives. It stands as a contemporary sculptural landmark in Manhattan’s newest and most expensive neighborhood development. The structure contains nearly 2,500 individual steps and 80 separate landings for visitors to explore. Its interactive design encourages physical engagement with the urban environment in a unique way.

Built
2019
Architect
Thomas Heatherwick
Style
Contemporary / Deconstructivist
Height
46 m (151 ft)
Stories
16
Today
Public Landmark / Installation
Photo: Fcb981 ; Eric Baetscher (attribution required), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Grand Central Terminal

89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, USA

More than just a train station, this building is a grand temple to the golden age of American rail. It features a stunning celestial ceiling mural in the Main Concourse that is painted backwards according to tradition. The facade is adorned with massive sculptures of Roman gods representing speed, commerce, and mental power. It was famously saved from demolition by a landmark Supreme Court case supported by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Visitors still flock to the 'Whispering Gallery' to experience its unique and mysterious acoustic properties.

Built
1913
Architect
Reed and Stem / Warren and Wetmore
Style
Beaux-Arts
Height
38 m (125 ft)
Stories
2
Today
Rail Terminal / Retail
Photo: Jorge Láscar from Australia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Apple Fifth Avenue

767 5th Ave, New York, NY 10153, USA

The 2019 expansion doubled the store's footprint, making it a massive 7,150 square meter subterranean space. Nine mirrored 'Skylenses' surround the iconic glass cube to flood the lower levels with natural light. Inside, a backlit 'cloud-like' ceiling changes tones to match the actual sky above Manhattan. A stainless steel spiral staircase creates a kaleidoscopic effect for visitors as they descend into the store. It is the only Apple Store in the world designed to remain open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Built
2006
Architect
Foster + Partners
Style
Minimalist Glass
Height
10 m (33 ft)
Stories
2
Today
24/7 Retail Flagship
Photo: Roland Arhelger, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

TWA Flight Center

One JFK Access Road, Idlewild (JFK) Airport, NY 11430, USA

This mid-century masterpiece captures the optimistic spirit of the Jet Age with its bird-like concrete form. The interior is a seamless flow of curved surfaces and red carpets designed to evoke the feeling of flight. After decades of closure, it was meticulously restored and converted into the lobby of the TWA Hotel. Massive windows overlook the runway, allowing guests to watch planes take off from the historical lounge. It stands as a National Historic Landmark and a testament to Eero Saarinen’s expressive architectural style.

Built
1962
Architect
Eero Saarinen
Style
Neo-Futurism / Expressionism
Height
15 m (49 ft)
Stories
3
Today
Hotel Lobby / Cultural Landmark
Photo: Anthony Quintano, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Oculus

185 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007, USA

This transportation hub was designed to resemble a dove being released from a child's hand into the sky. The structure is composed of white steel ribs that interlock to form a massive, sun-drenched elliptical hall. Every September 11th, the retractable skylight opens to allow the sun to shine directly through the center of the floor. It serves as a major connection point for the PATH trains and the New York City subway system. The interior houses a luxury retail mall that has become a destination for locals and tourists alike.

Built
2016
Architect
Santiago Calatrava
Style
Biomorphic / High-Tech
Height
49 m (161 ft)
Stories
2
Today
Transport Hub / Retail Mall
Apple SoHo

103 Prince St, New York, NY 10012, USA

The first flagship Apple Store in New York is located within a beautifully renovated 1920s Neo-Classical post office. It features a massive central skylight and the first-ever signature glass staircase installed in a retail location. The building underwent a significant expansion in 2011 to include a state-of-the-art theater for community events. Its design blends the industrial history of the neighborhood with the sleek, modern aesthetic of the brand. It remains a key cultural hub for the SoHo community and a destination for tech enthusiasts.

Built
2002
Architect
Bohlin Cywinski Jackson
Style
Neo-Classical Restoration
Height
14 m (46 ft)
Stories
2
Today
Retail / Community Theater
Photo: Kidfly182, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

United Nations Headquarters

405 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, USA

The United Nations Headquarters serves as a global symbol of diplomacy and international cooperation on the East River. The Secretariat building was the first major skyscraper in NYC to utilize a full glass curtain wall. This architectural landmark was a collaboration between legends including Le Corbusier and Oscar Niemeyer. It sits on international territory, meaning it is not strictly subject to all local NYC laws. The site features an extensive collection of art and artifacts gifted by member nations from all over the world.

Built
1952
Architect
Wallace Harrison / Le Corbusier / Oscar Niemeyer
Style
International Style
Height
154 m (505 ft)
Stories
39
Today
Intergovernmental Organization HQ