Empire State Building
New York City: Top 5 Attractions
Since the collapse of the World Trade Center's twin towers on Sept. 11, 2001, this 103-story art deco landmark completed in 1931 is once again the tallest building in New York City, rising 1,453 feet, 8-9/16th inches over Midtown Manhattan. While the line of visitors queuing up for entry can be daunting, a trip to the Empire State Building is one of those quintessential New York experiences everyone should try at least once, and in good weather, the view from the top is well worth the wait.
Visitors enter the building from Fifth Avenue between 33rd and 34th streets, passing through an airport-like security check before boarding express elevators that shoot up to the 80th floor in about 45 seconds. A second set of elevators leads to the 86th-floor observatory, which features indoor and outdoor viewing areas, restrooms and a gift shop. (The cramped 102nd-floor observatory level is no longer open to the public.)
The observatory is open daily from 8 am to midnight, with the most striking light (and the greatest rush of visitors) typically occurring around sunset. If you don't mind getting an early start, consider going right at opening time to enjoy the morning light and thinner crowds. Aside from the midnight closing time, there's no limit to how long you can stay, so feel free to linger and enjoy the stupendous view in every direction. Lovers take note: High levels of static electricity in the air can make kissing at the observatory level a shocking experience.
Advance tickets purchased online at www.esbnyc.com cost a little more than onsite admission, but it's worth paying the extra $1.50 per person to avoid the long lines at the ticket counter. Online tickets can be printed out from your own computer to avoid mailing charges. CityPass holders (www.citypass.com/city/ny.html) also may skip the ticket line and go directly to the elevators. For current updates on waiting times and visibility from the observatory, call 212-736-3100 or 877-692-8439.
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