While the flashy exclusive balcony might provide all the views, head down into the basement and you’ll discover a fascinating glimpse into the building’s past. Some 35 feet (11m) underground there’s a huge abandoned vault, that belonged to a bank that rented out the Empire State Building’s second floor. The vault still has its original steel ceilings and was once filled with safe deposit boxes, although they were removed in the 1990s.

Now discover America's underground attractions you didn't know existed

The Empire State's abandoned bank vault plus other US attractions' secrets