Empire State Building [nyc]

The Empire State Building requires very little introduction. It was built in 1931, and for a long time, it was the tallest building in New York and the world. While it’s no longer holds the title of tallest in New York (which it held for over 40 years) it is still one of the most iconic buildings recognized around the world. The views from the top are incredible, with the sea of buildings below, you can see in all directions. It’s the only way to truly grasp how big New York really is.

It was the tallest building in the world before the World Trade Towers were built in Lower Manhattan in 1972 and it is still the 4th tallest building in New York, even after nearly 80 years of existence. We visited the viewing platform at the top during our most recent trip to New York, and it ended up being one of the most exciting things we did.

Unfortunately, the viewing platform on the 104th floor was closed for renovations until July, so the 86th floor ended up being as high as we could get. We still had some amazing views, with a 360-degree view of New York stretching off in all directions.

What makes the Empire State Building so amazing?

The views! Walking around the building you can look out over the city. To the east towards Brooklyn and Queens, south towards Lower Manhattan and the World Trade, west towards New Jersey and the Hudson River and north towards Midtown and Central Park. Nothing beats this.

There are very few cities in the world with a skyline like New York City. The best way to experience the city is from above, visiting either the Empire State, Rockefeller Center or One World Trade. It is an essential for a first visit to New York; just being above the city puts everything into perspective, and you can see the whole city from one place.

The building is designed in the Art Deco style famous from the 30’s, and is still an impressive building that stands out against the sea of Manhattan Skyscrapers. It always has been and always will be an impressive building, especially once you get on top and have one of the best views of the city around you.

You’re not going to see “all” of New York unless it is from above.

There are thousands of things to do in New York, and you will never see it all in one trip.

During our visit, we wanted to go up at least one of the tall buildings to take in the view. New York has three options for high altitude viewing platforms; the World Trade Center, Rockefeller Center, and the Empire State Building. This was Norma’s first trip to the city, so we left it up to her to choose; based on the title of this post, you can guess which one we went up.

To really get a sense of how big everything is in New York, you have to go up to see everything from above, as it really puts the city into perspective. It’s really fun to try and pick out landmarks on the ground that you’ve already been to, or are planning to visit later. We had a blast and totally recommend the Empire State to anyone who’s visiting New York.

It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world and something you will never forget. Despite being 86 stories above the streets below, you don’t feel like you’re about to fall off. Neither of us have a fear of heights, but assuming you don’t start climbing the walls, it’s not somewhere that is going to freak you out.

Where is the Empire State Building and how do I get there?

As with most things in New York, it’s not a question of how but instead a question of how much? While not cheap, it costs $36 per person to go up, it’s worth it. First, you take the express elevator up to the 79th floor, followed by a second up to the 86th where the first viewing platform is located.

It’s a truly unforgettable experience and it is still one of the most recognizable buildings in the city. It’s hard to miss, and one of the first buildings your eye catches as it scans the skyline. New York is one of the most unique and interesting cities in the world. It is more than just a tourist attraction and instead it is a living organism. To visit is to become a part of it, for a day or a week. It is certainly an experience.

The Empire State Building:

Going up the Empire State:

Since this was Norma’s first trip to New York, we decided to go up the Empire State Building. It is one of the most iconic buildings in the city, and from 1931-1971, it was the tallest building in the world. The best way to experience a tall building is to go up. So we traveled to the 86th floor and took in the view from the (almost) top; normally you can visit a viewing platform on the 104th floor, but it was closed for maintenance until July.

To really get a feel for how big New York City really is, you need to go up to one of the viewing platforms. The views of the sprawling city below will really blow your mind, and its fun to try and pick out the landmarks in a sea of concrete. Definitely a must see attraction in New York City!