The Empire State Building represents everything that New York stands for- innovation, ambition, a competitive spirit and sheer will!
Built during the early 1930s, the Empire State Building quickly became one of the most famous skyscrapers by ousting the Chrysler Building as the tallest building in the World. Despite losing the coveted title many decades ago, the Empire State Building remains one the most iconic tourist spots around Manhattan.
Construction on the 1,250 feet, 103-storied Empire State Building began on March 17, 1930, and the building was unveiled before the public on May 1, 1931 by President Hebert Hoover. The initial construction plans were quite different from the building that we see today, but the Race into the Skies was too much to resist back then, resulting in the birth of this behemoth. Incidentally, Empire State is the nickname for New York.
As on 2019, the Empire State Building with a height of 1454 feet (443.2 meters) is the 43rd tallest building in the world. It is the fifth tallest skyscraper in the US. If you remove the pinnacle or the tip, then architecturally speaking, the height of the Empire State Building all the way to the roof, is 1250 feet or 381 meters. The height till the top floor is 1224 feet or 373.1 meters. The observatories are on the 86th (1050 feet or 320 meters) and 102nd floor (1250 feet or 381 meters).
The height of the pinnacle (203 feet or 61.9 meters) has broadcast towers and a lightning rod.
The Empire State Building was the tallest skyscraper in the US for 42 years, before the record was broken by the North Tower of the World Trade Center in 1970. After the World Trade Center was attacked in 9/11, The Empire State Building went on to become the tallest building in New York City, until the One World Trade Center surpassed it in 2012. As on 2019, the Empire State Building is the fourth tallest building in New York City.
There are 85 stories of office space which cover 2,158,000 sq ft in rental area. The observation deck of the 86th floor is the highest floor within the Empire State Building The remaining 16 floors are a part of a spire, replete with architecture and design; topped by anther observatory on the 102nd floor. There are no floors between 86th and 102nd stories.
The 86th floor gives you a stunning 360 degree view of the Manhattan skyline. You can also choose another elevator ride and go up to the 102rd floor. Both these floors have witnessed almost an average of 4.3 million visitors per year. The 86th floor observatory has a wide open and an enclosed section. The 102nd floor is smaller and is totally enclosed. From the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building, there is a door which goes to the 103rd floor, which is an access point to get to the spire. The room which has electrical equipment tends to have restricted access but certain political dignitaries and celebrities are allowed to take photos in that area.
The Empire State Building is open to the public 365 days a year from 8 AM to 2 AM, with the last elevator for the top leaving at 1.15 AM. Expect longer queues during the peak hours, usually between 11 AM 11 PM, if you visit on a weekend.
The Empire State Building has been a pop culture staple ever since its inauguration, and has made numerous appearances on the TV and the Silver Screen over the years.
The building also hosts the wedding of a few lucky couples every year, as the only day it allows guests to host events is 14 February, Valentine’s Day. There is a saxophonist on the deck from 9PM to 12AM between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and 10PM and 1AM the rest of the year, if you are planning a proposal!
As mentioned, the Observatory on the 103rd floor has restricted entry, and is accessible only to VIPs.
The top two floors of the Empire State Building were supposed to be used differently according to the original plans. The people in charge of planning the building made an announcement back in 1929 that they were looking to add another 200 feet to the building’s height to accommodate an aircraft docking station. However, the only time a privately-owned aircraft was able to dock there was back in 1931, for a mere three minutes in high winds.
Tickets are required to enter the Observation Decks located on the 86th and the 102nd floors. You can buy them online if you want to avoid queuing up multiple times.
There are plenty of ticket options to choose from. Some provide access only to the 86th floor observatory while others offer a 90-minute private tour of the entire property. Security is pretty heavy, almost similar to what we see at airports. Expect long wait times in the elevator queue. It might be a good idea to visit the restroom on the second floor before queuing up to the elevator.
If you are impatient or travelling with children, you should consider the Express Pass¸ which eliminates the need for queuing up to the elevator. Although, it will burn a deeper hole in your wallet.
If you are purchasing the New York City Tourist Pass, keep in mind that the discount pass includes tickets to the Empire State Building. There is no need to purchase the following tickets separately.
Main Deck – 86th Floor
The Standard ticket prices for the Main Deck are as follows
An Express Pass is also available for all, starting at $65 for everyone.
Top and Main Deck – 102nd and 86th Floors
The Standard ticket prices are
The Express Pass starts at $85 for all.
The Sunrise Experience
Experience dawn from the heart of New York City, from the Main Deck of the Empire State Building. Ticket prices start at $125 and is the equivalent of an Express Pass. The tour is limited to 100 visitors per day.
Premium Experience Tour
This is a 90-minute guided tour with an Ambassador from the Empire State Building Observatory. Ticket prices start at $175 and includes VIP access and a special souvenir photograph.
AM + PM Experience
This ticket is for people that want to experience both dawn and dusk from the top of the Empire State Building. The prices are as follows
If you are petrified of heights – or long queues for that matter – there are other ways to enjoy watching the Empire State Building. Catch a breathtaking view of the Manhattan skyline from a ferry ride starting from downtown Brooklyn or Manhattan up to 34th Street.
If you plan on taking a ferry ride at night, do not forget to check out the ESB Colors Twitter account to catch a glimpse of what colors might light up the night sky!
Although Midtown Manhattan is not really known for its collection of restaurants, there is a handful of authentic restaurants nearby that might appeal to your taste buds. The more adventurous lot can try out some of the more exclusive dishes in Manhattan’s Koreatown.
Guests can witness some of the best views of the Manhattan Skyline on bright sunny days. Consider the weather when you are visiting New York City, as rainy days are quite common in this part of the world. And a bright and sunny day after a few days of downpour will result in long queues where ever you go!
The building is located on the west side of the 5th Avenue, between West 33rd and 34th streets. The site was actually a farmland in the early 18th century. The addresss is 20 West 34th Street, New York City, NY 10118-0114
Have you visited the Empire State Building recently? What according to you is the best time of the year and day to visit the observatory? Share your feedback with your viewers via the Comments Section below.
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