Empire State Building, New York City

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One of the best times to see NYC from the Empire State Building is just before sunset. The magnificent views are made more memorable by the change in the city's mood - from boring daytime scenes to that rush hour when everyone seems to be in a bit of a rush to get out of the island. But the most spectacular change occurs when the lights within the buildings become more visible, as the city's skyline transforms into a forest of structures with mesmerizing twinkling lights.

Of course, this is only possible if the weather cooperates, so it's advisable to check the weather bulletin. Good weather, however, does not guarantee that you're going to be warm and comfortable up there in the observatory, 86 storeys high. I learned this the hard way: it could really get cold up there with the wind factor, but I was determined to capture the city's changing mood with my lens. I hope the pictures were well worth the effort - and the numbed fingers.

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The Empire State Building is not just famous for its observatory - it is a destination by itself. While you're in it, take a few moments to admire the buildings art deco style like the bronze art deco medallions at the lobby, as well as the relief image of the building. Architecturally, the building had earned a place in numerous lists of the world's greatest skyscrapers.

Given its well-earned status as symbol of the city (among many other symbols), the colors of the building's floodlights are changed either in celebration of a festival, or sometimes to honor other countries - sometimes controversially, like when it splashed red and yellow lights to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Chinese revolution in September 2009. A bit interesting for one of the symbols of free enterprise to honor one of communism's most historic events.

Whether one is in agreement with the choice of colors for the tower lights or not, the sight of the tallest building in the city lit up in some interesting colors - in effect making a statement - is one of those memorable (and free) NY experience for the visitors.

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One of the best vantage points to start your NYC visit - in truly iconic fashion, sans King Kong, but 20 dollars poorer - is the from the observatory of the Empire State Building. Its location between Midtown and Lower Manhattan affords visitors a magnificent views of the Manhattan itself as well as the surrounding landscapes (and seascapes), including the Liberty and Ellis Islands.

If you're not in a rush (and if you wish to maximize the 20-dollar ticket), allot a few hours at the observatory, preferably around sunset when the city's mood changes. I did just that and it's well worth seeing the city at daytime and at dusk when the buildings start to reveal their lights. Quite a sight.

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The Empire State Building is a 102-storey landmark skyscraper and American cultural icon in Manhattan,New York City.It is located at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and West 34th st.It has a roof height of 1,250 ft and with its Antenna spire included stands a total of 1,454 ft high.Its name is derived from the nickname for New York,the Empire State.It stood as the worlds tallest building for 40 years,from its completion in 1931 until construction of the World Trade Centre's North Tower was completed in 1972.Following the destruction of the World Trade centre in 2001,The Empire State Building was once again the tallest building in New York City.Designed in the destinctive Art Deco style it is considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.It was designed by 'William F.Lamb'.Over the years there have been several incidents such as a plane crash in 1945,A terrorist shooting in 1979 and more than thirty suicides.Open all year 8am till 2am(holidays vary),Prices for obsevation deck-Adult:$20.21,Children:$14.70,Senior:$18.37,for more details see website below.

I loved the Empire State Building. Before I arrived in New York, it was probbaly the main attraction that I was looking forward to seeing. So when I arrived in New York, I was set up for a fall BUT the Empire State Building delivers. I loved every minute of my trip to the Empire State Building. It lived up to my billing of it. Soemofthe best views of New York and you genuinely feel on top of the world.

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The best views of town. Our guide planned our time to go up at sunset, and I understood why.

If for a good photo the light won’t help at that hour, the show of lights appearing here and there, and finally everywhere, is gorgeous. And, with luck, the photos will not be that bad.

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Going up to the observatory of Empire State Building is a must-do item for tourists. From there, you can enjoy really splendid view of NYC. I went there at night, as I prefered night view of the city.
The entrance to the building is on 5th Ave. The ticket office is on the 2nd floor. Tell at the office whether you want to go up to the 102nd floor or you just want to go to the 86th floor. The ticket to the 86th floor is 20 dollars. If you want to go to the 102nd, you must pay extra 15 dollars.
The elevator takes you up to the 86th floor. To go up to the 102nd, you should get into another elevator at the 86th. You are supposed to go up to the 102nd first.
At the observatory on the 86th, you can go out of the door and enjoy the view from the terrace. The breeze was so nice on a summer night. (In winter? No way!)

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I don’t have much to add to general knowledge and available information about the Empire State Building and my one suggestion has doubtless been made by others. However, we planned to go late afternoon but the lines were so long we decided to postpone until the next morning. We arrived just after 8:00 which is their opening time and had no wait to get to the observation deck. I think the view at night would be spectacular but I don’t know how long the lines would be. Of course if you went late enough, you would probably avoid them. It is open daily 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. Adults $20, Children 6-12 $14, Seniors $18.