There’s always a reason to visit New York City. This time: Destination Empire State Building.
We drove to Stamford train station and took the express train to Grand Central Terminal.
We had a packed day stopping by the New York Public Library, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and walking through Times Square on our way to Empire. We had lunch (including egg creams & milk shakes) at the Lexington Candy Shop and warmed up with Nutella hot chocolate with cinnamon & sugar churros at Bryant Park on our way back to Grand Central.
Since opening in 1931, the Empire State Building has remained a beloved New York City landmark and favorite setting for storytellers. Its art deco design stands out among the other Manhattan skyscrapers, and it has been featured in dozens of TV shows and movies – “King Kong”, “On the Town” and “Elf” just to name a few. It’s no wonder this building attracts 4 million visitors every single year.
Rising from the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the Empire State Building was constructed during the Great Depression and has since become a powerful symbol of ambition, resilience and progress. Today, it remains one of the most recognizable buildings in the world and is an essential stop on any New York itinerary.
You’ll want to give yourself at least two hours for your Empire State Building visit, if not more. Take your time gazing at vistas in all directions from the two observation decks, take a ton of photos and peer through the binoculars for a closer look. Peruse exhibits covering the building’s history, construction and celebrity visitors.
Your self-guided experience begins at the newly restored Observatory entrance, before leading you through the Empire State Building’s interactive museum. Spread across 12 immersive galleries, the exhibits trace the building’s remarkable story – from its rapid construction to its starring role in pop culture – with highlights including the chance to grab a photo with King Kong. You’ll also pass through the reimagined 80th floor, home to artistic installations and clearly labelled views that help you pinpoint what to look for once you reach the top.
After exploring the exhibitions, make your way up to the 86th-floor observation deck for the main event: sweeping city views in every direction. Standing 1,050 feet above street level one steps out onto one of New York City’s most famous observation decks. From here, you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of the city that never sleeps, whether you visit in daylight or after dark. With outdoor heaters in place year-round, you can take your time soaking up the stunning NYC skyline in comfort, whatever the weather.
On a clear day, you can see six states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Delaware. Is it any wonder that it’s the most Instagrammed U.S. landmark?
The Empire State Building
20 W. 34th Street, New York, NY 10001
(212) 400-3311
Website: https://www.esbnyc.com
Instagram: @empirestatebldg
Details:
Restrooms: YES
Parking: NO
Food for Sale: YES
Cash Required: NO
Dress Code: NO. Come as you are casual.
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