New York City is filled with places people add to their travel lists, but one famous landmark keeps coming back to the top. According to Tripadvisor’s 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards, the Empire State Building was named the No. 1 attraction in the United States for the fifth year in a row, based on traveler reviews collected between February 2025 and January 2026.
People continue returning to it for reasons that go beyond just the views.
The ranking came from real traveler experiences
Tripadvisor’s annual list is based on reviews and opinions shared by travelers over a twelve-month period. It highlights places that consistently receive strong feedback and positive experiences from visitors.
That matters because it is not decided by judges or travel editors alone. The rankings reflect what people actually enjoyed after visiting. When a place stays at the top for five years, it usually means visitors continue leaving happy.
The views are still a major reason people visit
There are many observation spots in New York City, but the Empire State Building continues to stand out. Visitors can head to the 86th-floor and 102nd-floor observation decks to see Manhattan from above.
New York. USA. September 21.2022. Beautiful view of Empire State Building in New York on background of city street and evening skyline.
(Alexander Shapovalov via Getty Images)
The experience changes depending on the time of day. Morning visits can feel calmer, sunset gives the city a warm glow, and nighttime creates a completely different look with the lights stretching across the skyline.
People often talk about the feeling of seeing the city from that height. Photos are part of it, but many visitors say the moment itself stays with them.
It carries a long history with it
The Empire State Building first opened in 1931 and has become one of the most recognized buildings in the world. Standing at 1,454 feet tall, it has remained one of New York City’s defining landmarks for decades.
New York’s Hudson Yards skyline as seen from New Jersey
(Yukinori Hasumi via Getty Images)
Its history also connects with popular culture. The building appeared in movies such as King Kong and Sleepless in Seattle, helping introduce it to new generations over the years.
That connection makes many visitors feel like they already know the place before they arrive. Sometimes it feels less like seeing a building and more like stepping into something familiar.
The landmark keeps finding ways to stay current
Many historic attractions stay focused on the past, but the Empire State Building continues to find ways to connect with people today. It has hosted celebrity appearances, playful social media content, and special events.
This year also carried extra meaning because the building celebrated its 95th anniversary. Special light displays and birthday celebrations helped remind people that the landmark continues creating new memories while honoring its past.
That balance may be one reason it stays relevant. Visitors can experience history without feeling like they are walking through something frozen in time.
Final thoughts
The Empire State Building continues leading travel rankings because it offers more than a photo opportunity. It combines history, city views, movie connections, and experiences that still feel exciting for first-time and returning visitors alike.
New attractions appear every year, but some places simply keep their place in travel culture.
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