My Visit to the Empire State Building in New York
By Denise Larkin, 14th Apr 2012 | Follow this author
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Posted in WikinutTravelNorth AmericaUnited StatesNew York
I went to New York in January 2012 for 5 days. Here is what I thought of the Empire State Building when I visited it.
- The Empire State Building
- A Ride to Introduce You to New York
- The History of the Empire State Building
- Famous Movies
- The First Observation Deck
- Second Observation Deck
- Views
- More Views
- Are You Scared of Heights?
- Seeing the Empire State Building From a Distance
The Empire State Building
I went to New York last January 2012 for 5 days. During my time there, I visited the Empire State Building. It is a great way to see the whole of New York from the top. Most of all, it is so interesting to just be there to take in everything around you.
A Ride to Introduce You to New York
When you first visit the Empire State Building, you can choose to go on the NY Skyride. This is a virtual tour simulator that introduces to the city of New York. You sit in a seat and it moves whilst you watch a screen that shows you all around the city. It is the ideal thing to do if you have just arrived in New York, as it gives you great information on what you can do whilst visiting the city.
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, because it gave me 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 is a popular tourist attraction in New York.
The building opened on May 1, 1931. It became an icon of New York.
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 Stated. The offices inside could not be filled so they were left empty for a time.
Famous Movies
The most famous movies made with the building was King Kong in 1933. The giant ape is seen climbing to the top of the Empire State Building to escape.
In 1993, the film Sleepless in Seattle, a romantic comedy had a scene at the Empire State Building's observation deck.
In 2002, the movie titled The Time Machine shows the building is still standing in the year 2030.
The building has been destroyed in many disaster movies too. Films like Knowing and The Day After Tomorrow.
Even television shows have used the building for scenes!
The First Observation Deck
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 how many famous movies have been made here in the past.
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
You can walk all around the observation deck outside. There are high railings to protect everyone, so it is 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
I took the picture above when I was inside. My friends were outside taking pictures.
The day I was there (January 2012), it was freezing, so outside on the observation deck was terribly windy. You can see in the picture how the wind blows you around, which made me a little scared of being so high up!
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!
Just 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.
So, if you do visit New York, then do not forget to visit here!
Comments
14th Apr 2012 (#)
It is just amazing...great article and pictures..:o)-thanks Denise always well done my friend!
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14th Apr 2012 (#)
Very nice, interesting recount of your experience. It took me back to my own experience of standing outside on the eighty-sixth floor and freezing my you-know-what off. Great photos, Denise. Congratulations on the star page.
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14th Apr 2012 (#)
Thanks so much Delicia and Steve.
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14th Apr 2012 (#)
What a great trip Denise, I have never been but would love to go. My wife is claustrophobic and afraid of all the people.
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14th Apr 2012 (#)
She dislikes being in areas that she considers "overpopulated" it freaks her out.
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14th Apr 2012 (#)
I really enjoy reading about places I will never see for myself.
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14th Apr 2012 (#)
Great article and also the pictures. Thanks for sharing.
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15th Apr 2012 (#)
wow..what a tour! thanks for sharing
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15th Apr 2012 (#)
Great article, Denise. Amazing views! I seem to remember that in the movie "Affair to Remember" there was a scene of Cary Grant waiting for Deborah Kerr at the top of the building.
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15th Apr 2012 (#)
Great article - I've been there several times and always enjoy it.
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15th Apr 2012 (#)
Never been there, but I feel now I have already been to the the place! Thanks for sharing your experience and also for the wonderful pictures, Denise - siva
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15th Apr 2012 (#)
Thanks for this nice article, Denise. The movie "An Affair to Remember" was also filmed there. One scene in "Sleepless is Seattle" is almost like a remake of that movie. Congrats on the star.
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17th Apr 2012 (#)
Nice photos and good traveling story. Thanks.
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18th Apr 2012 (#)
Well this article is packed with historical tidbits, a exciting journey through your eyes and these lovely photos, gotta love it! Congrats on the star page, it is well deserved. As always, thank you for sharing.:)
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