I was one of the first people to view New York City from 1,250 feet in the third phase of the Empire State Building's $165 million renovation. Here's what it was like.

Libertina Brandt/Business Insider

A view of New York City from the top floor of the Empire State Building.

• The Empire State Building has just revealed its newly renovated observation deck on the top floor.
• The floor will be open to the public on October 12, 2019.
• The renovation is the third phase of a four-phase, $165 million renovation project.
• The views from the top are stunning - but it'll cost you $58 to see them. Here's what the experience is like.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

I was one of the first people to travel up to the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building to view the newly renovated observation deck.

The 102nd-floor observatory is the third phase of a four-phase, $165 million renovation project. The renovated space boasts 24 floor-to-ceiling windows that show off what New York City looks from above.

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Along with the newest phase, which will open to the public on October 12, there is a second-floor museum and a main observation deck on the 86th floor.

The Empire State Building welcomes around 3.5 million visitors each year. Along with its floors of attractions, the building is also home to tenants like LinkedIn and Walgreens.

My journey to the renovated observatory began on a 7:30 a.m. train in Long Island and ended over 1,200 above the ground with views of New York City that, up until now, I'd only seen on television.

Keep reading to see what it was like.