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A Visit to the Empire State Building in New York City

I went to New York for 5 days. Here is what I got up to at the Empire State Building.

Photo by Denise Larkin



The Empire State Building

I visited New York City for 5 days in January 2012. During my time there, I visited the Empire State Building. It's a great way to see the whole of New York City from the top. Most of all, it is interesting to be there to take in everything around you.

Photo by Denise Larkin

A Ride to Introduce You to New York

When you first visit the Empire State Building, you can choose to go to the NY Skyride. This is a virtual tour simulator that introduces you to the city of New York. You will sit in a seat and it moves whilst you watch a screen that shows you the city. It's the ideal thing to do if you have just arrived in New York City as it gives you some great information on what you can do whilst you are in New York.

Photo by Denise Larkin - Inside the Empire State Building

During the ride, actor Kevin Bacon narrates the 30-minute adventure that takes you across the skyline on a unique journey around famous landmarks. I enjoyed this ride immensely because it gave me some interesting advice on what to see whilst in New York.

The History of the Empire State Building

Millions of tourists flock to the Empire State Building every year. It's a popular tourist attraction in New York.  

The building opened on May 1, 1931. It became an icon of New York.

Photo by Denise Larkin - Inside the Empire State Building

The building was designed by William F. Lamb.  Excavation of the site took place on January 22, 1930. Construction started on March 17 - St. Patrick's Day.  

On the day of the opening, United States President Herbert Hoover turned on the building's lights with the push of a button from Washington, D.C. Later, the following year (1932), the first use of tower lights on top of the Empire State Building was used for the victory of Franklin D. Roosevelt.  

The time of the building's opening was during the Great Depression in the United States. The offices inside could not be filled so they were left empty for a time.

 The First Observation Deck

Photo by Denise Larkin

Once inside the building, you will take the lift to the 86th floor that has an indoor viewing gallery. This is the first observation deck. Outside, you will find binoculars and the most spectacular views of downtown, midtown, Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge and more. It is an amazing view. I will never forget the feeling of being there and thinking of how many famous movies have been made there in the past.

Photo by Denise Larkin

Second Observation Deck

The elevator will take you up to the 102nd-floor Observatory.  It is another 16 stories up. It feels strange being up so high, but you must not think of that or you will spoil the enjoyment of seeing the views.

Views

Photo by Denise Larkin

You can walk all around the observation deck outside. There are high railings to protect everyone, so it's completely safe up there.  

On the day I was there, it was very windy. The wind was harsh and cold. I couldn't stand outside for too long, so I went inside to look around, taking a break then going back outside to take pictures.  

You must have a camera with you when you visit this interesting building.  The views are amazing.

More Views


Photo by Denise Larkin


Are You Scared of Heights?

If you have a problem with heights, then you will not like being outside on the top observation deck, especially if it is windy.  It can be off-putting, but it is safe up there. Nothing will happen to you!

You will enjoy seeing the beautiful views and you will be fine!

Seeing the Empire State Building From a Distance

I went to another place called the Chrysler building one evening when I was in New York. I took quite a few pictures of the Empire State Building in the distance whilst I was there.  It is worth a visit to the Chrysler building. You get a magnificent view of New York from the top.  I thought the view from it was incredible and especially, as you can get the Empire State Building in your pictures.

Photo by Denise Larkin

So, if you do visit New York City, then don't forget to visit the Empire State Building.



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