Empire State Building - New York, U.S.A
Perhaps the most famous skyscraper in the world, the Empire State building towers over one of the world’s most beloved and fantasised cities. With a name derived from the city it inhabits, the skyscraper stands at an incredible 443 metres high, housing 102 stories. Amazingly, due to its opening coinciding with the Great Depression, much of the building remained empty in its early years. However, that didn’t last long and the building is now one of the hottest and most expensive properties on the planet. There are two observation decks, one on the 86th floor and a more intimate viewing platform on the 102nd floor. To avoid the throngs of visitors, the best times to visit are early in the morning or during lunch and dinner times, particularly on Monday through to Wednesday. From these you can take in the marvellous 360’ view of Manhattan and beyond. On a clear day, the states of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts are all visible. The views are especially spectacular at night, when the streetlights reveal the never-ending grid pattern of the famous city.
Where is it?
The Empire State Building is found in Midtown Manhattan on Fifth Avenue, between West 33rd and 34th Streets.
What is it?
The skyscraper was completed in April, 1931, and was the tallest in the world for nearly forty years. While it is now just the 25th tallest building in the world, it remains nonetheless a hugely important American cultural icon.
Best time to visit?
Anytime from April to October is ideal for visiting the Empire State Building, as this avoids the cold winter breeze which is unsurprisingly fairly brisk at such an altitude!
Must See?
The magnificent view from the 102nd floor, while only 16 floors higher than the other observation deck, is a lot less crowded, which allows visitors to enjoy a more relaxed view without the hustle and bustle of other viewers to distract.
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