Our first tip is to “GO” if the weather is good. We waited over 60 years to make our first trip. It is so well worth the experience. Going up over 1200 feet and seeing everything will take well over an hour or two.
In 1931 when the Empire State building opened—named after the motto of NY State—it was the tallest building in the world. Today, it is the 54th tallest in the world, and 7th largest in NYC.
Originally this Midtown South Art Deco styled building cost $40 million dollars. In today’s monies, Empire State cost over 600 million to build. It is so large that the place has been assigned its own zip-code—10118.
I would recommend waiting until a few days before your sojourn to buy tickets on-line knowing the weather is going to be reasonably sunny and clear. On a good day, one can see 80 miles away—as far north as Massachusetts and as far south as Pennsylvania.
We didn’t know one could just buy tickets on-line. We just went and got-in-line. Luckily, as we were about to push “buy” for the tickets, a woman walked-up and gave us two free tickets. Apparently, two people did not show-up in her group—there are indeed very nice people in this world.
The ground floor is impressive. The unique architecture is part of the National Register of Historic Palaces. Take your time and enjoy the ambiance.
There are over 70 elevators. You will first be taken to the 86th floor. It takes less than a minute to climb. There are plenty of windows and exhibits. You may have to wait as 4 million people do visit the Empire State building yearly. There are plenty of wide spaces and it doesn’t feel crowded though.
Over 250 motion pictures have used the Empire State Building. Our favorite 2 movies are King Kong and Sleepless in Seattle. There is an King Kong sculpture one can have their picture from on the 86 floor.
To get to the 102nd floor where the open observation deck is located are dedicated elevators for them as you proceed on the 86th floor.
There are plenty of pictures and information guides to help you understand what you are seeing. Obviously, there is plenty of wire protection on the 102nd floor to prevent people from taking the quick way down.
On the ground floor when you leave is a fairly large souvenir shop. Prices are not too unreasonable.
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