Hello and welcome to our travel blog of the Empire State Building. We hope you enjoy this virtual tour that takes place in New York City, home of many landmarks all unique in their own way. In the middle of the bustling streets of Manhattan stands the Empire State Building. More than just a skyscraper, it is a symbol for ambition, innovation, and everlasting vitality; or as some might say about New York City itself–the city that never sleeps! Let us take you through the history, architecture and views of this architectural masterpiece which will provide tips for your visit, information on what to see here, and many of its most remarkable sights.
Table of Contents
ToggleSignificant Features of Empire State Building
Majestic Sights: Being 1,454 meters high, the Empire State Building easily ranked as the world’s tallest skyscraper for close on forty years. Just standing atop that observation deck can make you feel as if you are king of the world.
Art Deco Style: Glamorous 1930’s Art Deco decor of the whole building makes you think it’s been set back in time. It is not just a building; it is also a work of art in design and decoration.
Iconic Observation Decks: With not one but two observation decks, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of New York City from the 86th and 102nd floors. On clear nights, visitors to the Empire State Building’s observation decks can see up to 80 miles in any direction. Imagine looking out over the lights of the sleepless metropolis!
10 Interesting Facts: Unveiling the Mystique
An Iconic Marvel of Engineering: Reaching an impressive 1454 feet (443.2 meters) and with 102 floors in total, no building on earth could match the eminence of this monument for nearly forty years. Can you imagine the devotion and precision that went into putting up such a behemoth structure in 1930?
Lightning Strike: Did you know that the Empire State Building is hit by lightning about 23 times every year? But don’t worry—when it happens, the building uses a system of lightning rods to divert strikes safely away from the structure.
King Kong’s Favorite Place to Hang Out: Remember that classic motion picture where King Kong scales the Empire State Building? Well, the big ape has a good eye! The building has been shown in over 250 films and constitutes one of the most easily identifiable and frequently photographed landmarks in movie history.
A Beacon of Light in a Time of War: The Empire State Building’s spire is illuminated every evening, casting a warm glow over the city below. It’s a sight that never fails to inspire awe and wonder. During World War II, not only did blackout regulations dim the lights of New York City, but also the Empire State Building’s body had to be blackened. In this case, what remained shining was its spire, the only part to serve as a beacon of hope for soldiers abroad and their loved ones back home.
A Canvas of Change for Special Days: As the Empire State Building’s lights go up and down for various holidays and events, the most notable are its color changes. July 4 could well be red, white, and blue; for Pride Month in June, it can also turn to rainbow colors – anything is possible with this splendid spectacle.
A Miracle of Swift Construction: Believe it or not, the Empire State Building was completed in just 410 days! That’s less than one-half of what it usually takes to erect a skyscraper like this.
A Memorandum on American Perseverance: It was built during the Great Depression and symbolizes the resilience and determination of the American spirit. In those dark times, it provided a glimmer of hope – and employment.
Green Initiative: Empire State Building has undergone major renovations in recent years to become more environmentally friendly. Today it sports energy-efficient lights and water-saving fixtures. Recycling programs are commonplace there.
Surviving the Elements: The steel framework of the Empire State Building is encased in limestone, enabling it to withstand the hardest weather the world can throw at it, whether it is hurricanes or blizzards. The giant skyscraper is a tribute to the genius of its architects and structural engineers.
The Heart of Manhattan: The Empire State Building stands at the very heart of Midtown Manhattan, and is featured in countless postcards, paintings, and photographs. It is a symbol for the city’s vitality and ambition.
Travel Tips: Navigating the Concrete Jungle
It’s all about timing: Arriving early in the morning or late at night, you can experience some of the major attractions with fewer crowds. You can take in everything at a leisurely pace and see what that means more clearly for yourself.
Surpass the queues: Buying your tickets online in advance not only saves time, but it also ensures that you won’t be left hanging around just because all your planned stops are full. Head straight to entry or elevator, thus maximizing precious minutes and effort.
Dressing up: New York City experiences tremendously variable weather during the day, and dressing in layers is essential to keeping comfortable. Morning and evening are cool, whereas the afternoon can be quite warm, so having a variety of clothing types lets you adjust to the changing temperatures with ease.
Stay Hydrated: Exploring the city takes physical exertion, so staying hydrated and well-fed is essential. A small but effective weapon–a refillable water bottle. One should take it with you everywhere during summer months especially. In the daytime too.
Plan Your Schedule: With so much to see and do in New York City, planning your agenda ahead can help make best use of what little time you have. Research attractions, restaurants and activities for example that interest you, then make a timetable that lets you tour the city efficiently without leaving out any focus on spontaneity either.
Take Public Transport: The public transportation system of New York City is huge and fast. You can get a MetroCard which allows unlimited use of the subway and bus lines or use apps like Google Maps and City mapper to navigate the complex transit system.
Nearby Attractions: Exploring the Big Apple
Central Park: Adjacent to the Empire State Building, Central Park is the largest oasis in New York’s urban jungle. Across its wide expanse, verdant trees beckon visitors to stroll through remote undergrowth as if they had just left or entered a picture-perfect painting of this luscious living landscape; glass-clear lakes spread out after you. Rolling slopes and broad meandering paths make for one of the most delightful places anywhere in summer–or indeed any time at all–when relief from fierce city heat must be sought.
Times Square: There’s nothing like Times Square in all of New York City. Where else can you find those neon lights and constant crowds but at Times Square. What Many do not know is that Times Square is the unofficial capital of New York state and has been superbly delineated by some very skilled architects, so come see for yourself!
Dining Options:
State Grill and Bar: State Grill and Bar presented a good example for what might be called art of the palette, locally sourced ingredients that made new creations without getting old.
Katz’s Deli: Katz’s Delicatessen is like walking back into a little piece of yesterday, and only in New York! Nestled in this classic setting are towering pastrami sandwiches, laughter-filled conversations, and silence for miles.
Location & Transport:
Address: Empire State Building, 350 5th Ave, New York, NY 10118
Transport Options: To arrive at the Empire State Building you have several transportation choices:
Public Transit: New York City has a robust mass-transit network that lets you easily reach the Empire State Building from anywhere in the city. From any subway line you can get to 34th Street, where Herald Square services are available from both the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, and W trains. After that, it’s simply a brief walk to the Empire State Building.
Taxi or Rideshare: If you prefer taxi or rideshare service you can request an Uber, Lyft, or others using your app of choice to the address directly. There’s no shortage of taxis around the city.
Car: Folks bringing their car have parking available nearby. But given that Manhattan can be an expensive place to park and except peak times, you really must look for parking garages or on-street parking near the building.
No matter which mode of transportation you choose, you should get an unforgettable experience touring the iconic Empire State Building with its phenomenal views over all of New York City from an observation deck just off the top platform. Have fun while you’re in Gotham.