The Empire State Building – One of New York’s Most Famous Buildings
Situated at 350 Fifth Avenue is one of the most famous of New York’s impressive buildings. Instantly recognizable from such movies as King Kong, An Affair to Remember and Sleepless in Seattle, the Empire State Building stands as one of the most well known skyscrapers in the world.
With its art deco architecture, the Empire State Building’s observation deck on the 80th Floor is where most visitors head. There’s a charge to enter the observation deck but it’s not too expensive, especially considering the unique view of New York and the surrounding area you’ll get from the top. There are 73 elevators in the building – these can take you from ground level to the 80th floor in a matter of seconds - but those who are more active, or like a challenge, the alternative is a 1,575 step climb – of course you could just take the elevator up and walk down if you prefer!
The Empire State Building is open daily from 9.30am until midnight – make sure you arrive in time to be allowed access as the building may shut at midnight, but they like the observation deck cleared prior to then. Despite its closing time, it’s just as good an experience to see New York from the Observation Deck at night as it as by day. Although you can’t see as far as you can in daylight, the lights of New York make the night visit special in its own right.
Although the Empire State Building is mainly for those who like to look rather than do, there is a hidden gem on the second floor for those who enjoy a thrill ride. The New York Skyride is a flight stimulator which will have you hanging to your seat as the images take you on a fast paced virtual reality aerial tour of the “Big Apple”.
For its celebrity, architectural beauty, spectacular views and not forgetting the incredible Skyride tour, a visit to the Empire State Building should be on every visitor’s itinerary.
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Every time I visit New York (about 10 times now) I pass by the Empire State Building and always want to go in and check it out, but there always seems to be a line to get in. What’s a good time to visit without the crowds?
The first time I visited New York we ran out of time (imagine that) and didn’t get to go to the Empire State Building. It was a few years later when we finally made it back to New York and the that’s the first place we visited. What a fantastic place. We went at night and it was very clear out so we were able to see for miles. We didn’t ride the attraction you speak of, but that wasn’t a big deal since we came there after dinner
Thanks for all of the information!
I have always wanted to see New York, it is somewhere that everyone has to see surely? The Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Central Park - the list goes on.
I really hope to make it to New York soon. It is one of the top places on my list that I still want to see here in the US. I have been pricing flights and now I just need to look at places to stay. The Empire State Building is definitely going to be on the list of places to see along with Times Square and the Statue of Liberty.
For a long time, I waited to save enough money to go to New York. When I do, the first thing I will visit is the empire state building!
Empire state building is great. If you can go at night then it is better. During the day is great but at night it is 10x better. Still a must go to place when on a tourist trip to nyc.
The meeting place of Tom hanks and Meg Ryan in Sleepless in Seattle. I always wanted to go there since I saw that movie, I think it’s somewhat romantic. Thanks for the info!
Theres crowds because of the fact that it is such a well known tourist attraction, if you are going to America, you would be crazy to not visit it
What always amazes me are the photos from when the Empire State Building was being constructed. Construction workers hundreds of feet up, unsecured and working without a care in the world.
I’ve lived in New York, it has its plus and mines. I’d say mainly that it’s not that big of a deal, as everyone makes it out to be. But surely, you need to visit at least once
I didn’t know about this building before.Thanks for sharing!
I should visit once.
i have recently seen this building, it is really beautiful..i can stop myself from writing
Hi. I read a few of your other posts and wanted to know if you would be interested in exchanging blogroll links?
New York is the best! I think Empire State was the tallest building for some time.
I’ve been to the Empire State Building a few times and it was definitely a must-do when travelling to New York.
The Empire State Building is awesome. New York is awesome. Buildings and buildings for as long as the eye can see. The empire State Building is a goood testament of American Heritage and engineering around that time.
I visited the Empire State Building in 2005. It was a lovely day and my friends and I went to the top. The views were breath taking, well worth the trip from England