Filed under: Baby Boomers, nyc landmarks, top-feature
On Top of the City: Views from the Empire State Building
There are overrated tourist attractions, and then there are attractions that never lose their appeal. The Empire State Building is one New York City landmark that is still as dazzling as ever. Until they build something bigger, higher, and with even better 360 degree views – you still can’t beat the Empire State Building for getting a bird’s eye view of the Big Apple. Somehow the long, narrow island and its avenues and streets all make sense from the observatory on the 86th floor.
If there’s one complaint visitors have about the Empire State Building, it’s the lines. Yet savvy travelers can have a strategy for avoiding the lines, and climbing into the elevator moments after they step off 5th Avenue and into the main entrance. The website for the Empire State Building recommends arriving early, at 8am when the building first opens, or at around 3pm in the afternoon. While it makes sense that these times experience less traffic, there is another time of day that is even better.
Many visitors to New York City don’t know that the Empire State Building is open from 8:00 am – 2:00 am every day of the year. The last elevators go up at 1:15 am, and from about 11 pm, lines are basically nonexistent. While the views at sunset from the 86th floor observatory are outrageously beautiful, the twinkling night views give the sunset a run for its money. Instead of crowding around the binoculars waiting for a turn, you can choose to go at night and have the entire viewing platform to yourself.
The Empire State Building has recognized the romantic possibilities of a night like this, and to set the mood even further they now offer a live saxophonist from 10:00 pm – 1:00 am on Thursday – Saturday. The views extending south to the Statue of Liberty and north to Central Park are all enhanced by the live music. You might be tempted to bring up a picnic or at least a few drinks, but be aware that these items are prohibited and will be confiscated during the security process.
Before arrival, there are a few basic things to know:
- The Empire State Building is open 365 days a year from 8:00 am – 2:00 am. Final elevator goes up at 1:15 am.
- Tickets for the 86th floor observatory cost $21 for adults and $15 for kids under 12. Tickets can be purchased in advance online, but be aware, purchasing tickets ahead of time only allows you to skip the line for buying tickets – not the line for security or the elevators.
- A security screening (similar to an airport screening) is required of every visitor to the Empire State Building. No glass, alcohol, or large suitcases are permitted. There are no lockers here – so you must leave your luggage at your hotel or another safe place.
- It is possible to ride the elevator up to the 102nd floor for an extra fee on top of your ticket price. Some visitors think this is worthwhile, but be aware, there is no outdoor observation deck like on the 86th floor.
Choosing a time of day to visit the Empire State Building is the most important decision you will make. Lines can grow to be several hours in length, so choosing a less-busy time (during the week, instead of on weekends for example) will help cut down your wait time. When you arrive to the main entrance on 5th Avenue between 33rd and 34th Streets, you will enter and take an escalator upstairs to the security lines and ticket booth. After passing through this area, you enter a line for the elevators up to the observatory. During non-peak times, such as midnight, it is possible to walk in and go straight for the elevator and up to the 86th floor.
Visitors can stay as long as they like, and if the outdoor observation deck is a little chilly, you can check out the views from inside as well. Options for purchasing your ticket include buying them online, or paying with cash, travelers cheques, or any major credit card on arrival. Cameras are welcome, and there are binoculars on the observation deck to illuminate the skyline even further.
If you plan on waiting for the stars to come out before heading to the top of the Empire State Building, you might want to grab a bite to eat somewhere close by. The Empire State Building is located a stone’s throw away from Koreatown, where you will taste some of the most authentic flavors outside of Korea. One local favorite is Cho Dang Gol, less than two blocks away from the main entrance of the Empire State Building.
This Korean restaurant has stood the test of time, and offers tasty soups, rice bowls, and tangy Korean barbeque (soup $8.95 – $14.95, rice bowls $14.95 – $18.95 and Korean barbeque $20.95 – $23.95). For the full experience, complete your meal with Korean beer or wine. Sake is available as well. In an area of the city full of sandwich shops and unappealing take away restaurants, this is a cozy place to relax before heading up to see perhaps the best view in all of the city that never sleeps.
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Details:
- The Empire State Building, 350 5th Avenue, New York. (map)
- Cho Dang Gol, 55 West 35th Street, New York. (map)
Photo Credit: Photos from the personal collection of Jessica Colley except Empire State Building at night by plusgood on Flickr.
