Empire State Building Ranked as Top Attraction in the World, Discover its Competitors

The Empire State Building in New York City, a global icon, has been recognized as the top attraction worldwide in Tripadvisor’s 2024 Travelers’ Choice Awards. This prestigious award is a reflection of travelers’ favorite destinations, hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on reviews and opinions collected from travelers and diners around the world over a 12-month period.

The Empire State Building, with its impressive 4.5 rating based on over 95,000 reviews, took the top spot in Tripadvisor’s “Best of the Best – Top Attractions” category. The landmark building’s recognition as the top attraction comes as no surprise given its rich history and iconic status.

As the winner of this prestigious award, the Empire State Building will celebrate by lighting up in green on Tuesday night. This symbolic gesture not only signifies the building’s victory but also serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for visitors and residents of New York City.

Construction of the Empire State Building began on March 17, 1930, and was completed in just one year and forty-five days. When it opened on May 1, 1931, the building stood as the tallest in the world at 102 stories. Over the years, the Empire State Building has become a cultural symbol and has been featured in numerous movies, including the iconic scene with “King Kong” in 1933.

The addition of a radio antenna to the building’s top in 1950 further solidified its status as a landmark. By 1976, the Empire State Building had already welcomed over 50 million visitors. Its significance was officially recognized when it was designated a New York City landmark in 1981 and a National Historic Landmark in 1986.

In addition to the Empire State Building, other renowned attractions around the world made it to the top 10 list, including the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, and the Colosseum in Rome. These attractions, each with a unique history and cultural significance, continue to draw visitors from across the globe.

As the Empire State Building continues to shine brightly atop the New York City skyline, its recognition as the top attraction in the world serves as a testament to its timeless appeal and enduring legacy. Visitors and locals alike can continue to marvel at this architectural wonder and experience the magic of the Empire State Building for years to come.

Jesse Zanger, managing editor of CBS New York, covers regional news around the Tri-State Area with a particular focus on breaking news and extreme weather. With a background in journalism from the Fox News Channel and Spectrum News NY1, Jesse brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his reporting on New York City’s most iconic landmarks and events.