our visit to the empire state building
Maybe its our generation or maybe its just our curiosity to see as much of the world as possible but New York City was high on our list and when the Australian dollar was tracking so strongly against the US dollar, it was our cue to go!
Those gone before us were giving us advice about this, that and the other, especially about visiting the Empire State Building. There were suggestions of going early, going late, pre-booking entry tickets and even others telling us not to bother and instead go to Rockefeller to see the same view for free.
On our first day waking up in NYC, the sky was blue with some clouds. We knew what we had to do – we raced over to the Empire State Building. It was early and we were staying only about a block away. We arrived and the elevators weren’t sending people up just yet as it was about 7.55am , so we joined the queue of about 15 people.
Within 10 minutes of waiting in line, after about 2 lots of security checks and of course having our token tourist photograph taken in front of the green screen, we were up on the 86th floor!
Other than the pollution morning haze, this was the view of New York City that we saw!
And upon leaving we saw that our “token tourist photograph” had us super-imposed in front of…. what else??! … But the Empire State Building.
Our tip based on our great experience: Go early on any clear day that you get so you can get uninterrupted views without having to wait too long. By the time we left, the queues were weaving worse than any theme park ride! (Opening times are 8:00 am to 2:00 am)
wise monkeys abroad 
March 18, 2014 at 9:56 pm
Seems early morning it is then.. hopefully capture the sunrise!
March 19, 2014 at 5:53 am
Yeh, don’t think it opens that early for sunrise 🙂
March 14, 2014 at 1:17 am
You can’t beat going to the top of the Empire State. It just has to be done (although we didn’t manage it until our third or forth trip to NYC). That said, the Rockefeller is also worth it, not least because your photos of the New York skyline include the Empire State Building.
March 14, 2014 at 6:26 am
Why of course!!! We need to get ourselves up Rockefeller next time 🙂 – thanks for swinging by 🙂
March 5, 2014 at 5:05 pm
excellent pictures!! and we went to Rockefeller for our view because we were told it is better – and by the way, it is not free – it is about the same price (I think at least). and we enjoyed the view format he Rock very much!
BUt from the look of your great photos – I would say that they are BOTH great places to go for top down views of NYC – looks like a great trip! ~y.
March 5, 2014 at 5:41 pm
So aha – we might’ve been duped turning up at Rockefeller thinking it was free 😉
We were there several years ago so unless those telling us were mistaken or were there so long ago… Entrance didn’t exist ?? Oh well, glad the views are both just as good!!
Thanks for stopping by and for your comment 🙂
March 5, 2014 at 5:46 pm
I a not sure about the entrance, but I do know that the Top of The Rock was amazing and it is worth checking out another time. Also – when in NYC – did you go to Max Brenner’s for chocolate? If not, well you have to add that to your list of things to do next visit. 🙂
http://maxbrenner.com
have a nice day! ~y.
March 5, 2014 at 5:47 pm
Will definitely put the Top of the Rock on the agenda for next time. We have several Max Brenner shops in Sydney so yep – totally know why you would recommend it! Hmmm….
You have a lovely day too!
March 5, 2014 at 3:59 am
What gorgeous pictures! As many times as I’ve been to NYC, I’ve never gone up in the Empire State building. We usually go to plays or museums, My husband grew up 10 minutes outside of the city and has never been to the top of it either. What is it with people not taking advantage of the attractions that they’re near?! 🙂
March 5, 2014 at 6:36 am
It’s very true what you say! We have seen less of what’s in Sydney than we have overseas. Since we started doing our weekend walks, it’s opened our eyes to parts of the city we didn’t even know existed.
We take it for granted that its “just there” – so we don’t have any urgency to see it but we are now trying to put on our ‘travellers’ eyes here at home! It really helps to see things differently.
March 5, 2014 at 8:49 am
That’s always a good idea. There’s not a lot to do in my immediate town that’s touristy, but we do live near DC and take advantage of most of the things there. I hate to drive there, but we usually park at a Metro Station and go in that way, or my university offers a free bus trip once per month for students and alumni and we sometimes do that.
March 5, 2014 at 12:36 am
Brilliant photos! Think I need a trip back there now with a better camera! 😉
March 5, 2014 at 6:33 am
Thank you. Hope you do get to go back, we would like to. Actually we have plenty of places we would like to go back to with a better camera 😉
March 5, 2014 at 12:11 am
I am so glad you enjoyed your visit to the ESB… My love affair with it began even before I landed in New York for the first time in 2006, and I am still very much in love 🙂
Some people do say that the view from Rockefeller center is better, but there is no beating the classic!
March 5, 2014 at 6:31 am
Yes, we wanted to go to the Empire State because it’s iconic NYC. The view did not disappoint. 🙂
March 4, 2014 at 10:45 pm
I’m glad you got to go, the views are stunning!
March 4, 2014 at 10:47 pm
Yes, we were treated to the beauty of NYC!! Thanks for swinging by 🙂
March 4, 2014 at 10:26 pm
I am so glad that the weather was clear because you have some stunning views! Thank you so much for posting them.
March 4, 2014 at 10:31 pm
You’re welcome! Thank you very much – the views were sensational! It pretty much set the mood for the rest of our time in NYC but we did get 2-3 days of rain which didn’t bother us 🙂