Empire State Building
The Empire State building is known worldwide as icon of incredible architectural engineering. This formidable landmark goes hand in hand with the name of New York City and is for many, a symbol of determination, perseverance and courage. The building itself has featured in numerous movies such as “An Affair to Remember”, “King Kong” and “Sleepless in Seattle”, to name but a few.
In 1931, the Empire State Building made its debut as the tallest building in the world, superseding its predecessor the Chrysler building. This record was held for over 40 years and is for New York what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris, the Space Needle to Seattle or Big Ben to London.
Measuring a colossal 443 metres tall, this prodigious superstructure offers a unique view of Manhattan’s bright lights from two observatories. For an in depth history of the buildings construction, stop off at the Dare to Dream Exhibit on the 80th floor. This permanent exhibit documents the construction of a global icon, including photographs, construction notes and detailed engineering information. The first observation platform is located on the 86th floor and offers visitors an exceptional view of Midtown, Lower Manhattan and Central Park via an open-air deck. It is well worth the opportunity to take a photograph of the sprawling New York jungle beneath your feet, or a close up look through the old fashioned binoculars posted around the promenade deck. On a clear day, visitors can see as far as New Jersey and Connecticut.
The second observatory is situated on the 102nd floor and is the highest point open to the public in the city. This platform sits just under the broadcasting antenna and is perfect for viewing in the winter thanks to its enclosed observation area.
With its great location and excellent views, it is no wonder that wedding proposals are not an uncommon occurrence at the top of this romantic superstructure.
Due to its central location in Midtown, Manhattan, the Empire State Building is easily accessible either by bus, subway or train. It’s best to purchase tickets through the Empire State Building’s official website, as queues for the ticket office and lift are often long.