One of my favorite things about being in New York City is being able to look around and take it all in. New York is a spectacular city. One that is ever-changing and constantly moving. Blink and things change. The last time I was in the city was 2020 and when I came back to visit this month, so much had changed. The skyline was different than when I left!
One thing that doesn’t change, though, is the Empire State Building. It is a constant fixture. An iconic beacon. A symbol of all that is great in the city. We, of course, had to go visit it because we hadn’t been since the kids were really little.
It was extremely fitting to visit the Empire State Building in December, as it was captured so prominently in the movie Elf. So many fun movie moments were filmed there and we always love seeing where movies were filmed.
You can get tickets to visit the Empire State Building most days from 8am until midnight (there are some variations in times), but you do need to purchase them in advance. The Empire State Building was named the #1 US Attraction two years in a row, so it is extremely popular. To keep crowds down, you purchase a specific time slot, which makes your experience more enjoyable–you won’t have long waits or too many people with you. This was a big change from when I have gone in the past.
When you arrive for your time slot, you are taken into the building, through security, and then you are on your way to go through the museum within the building which gives you the history of how it was made and what was happening in New York at the time, which is fascinating. You also get to see the cultural history of the building, which includes showcasing the many movies and shows that feature the Empire State Building. There is also a section to see all the many celebrities that come to visit it each and every year.
You can choose when purchasing your tickets just what you would like to see on your visit. In the past, I had only gone to the 86th floor observation deck. I had no idea that there was also a 102nd floor observation deck. I highly recommend selecting a ticket that allows you to do both. Going up to the 86th floor is an amazing experience any time of day, but if you are able to select a sunset time like we did, you get to see the sun go down and the all of the lights illuminate the city from above. It is a truly spectacular sight. It looks really late at night, but we went to the top at 4:30pm.
Since we were visiting at Christmastime, it was fun to have a cute photo op with Buddy the Elf on the 86th floor observation deck.
The observation deck goes all around the building, so you can see views from all sides of the city. Each one more impressive than the next.
We loved seeing this city from this vantage point. The views were stunning and we got some great family pictures together. We even got to witness a marriage proposal! Could you imagine getting engaged at the top of the Empire State Building? Especially with views like these in the background!
When we we ready, we went back into the building and took a special elevator to the 102nd floor observation deck. This felt like we were going to some hidden, unknown spot within the building. We were excited to see that vantage point. When the doors opened, we found ourselves in an enclosed room, not overly big, with windows overlooking it all.
It’s much darker inside this area, but you can see the city so clearly without any obstructions. It was really beautiful. It felt as if we had been let in on a special secret getting to go to that part of the building. I definitely recommend it!
A visit to the top of the Empire State Building should be on everyone’s bucket list when visiting New York City. It’s a truly memorable experience and the best way to see the entire city. Fun fact, if you go on a clear day, you can actually see six different states, not just the city!
To learn more about the Empire State Building and to plan your own visit, check out their website.
*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are my own*
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