New York City with its multitude of attractions near Empire State Building and it is the most visited city in the US, For good reason. When planning a trip to this iconic landmark, timing your visit can make all the difference in your experience.
Viewing the Manhattan skyline from the Empire State Building’s famous observation decks is amazing, but what makes this place even more different is all the things to do near the Empire State Building. From the old Madison Square Garden to the lively Fifth Avenue, tourist attractions near the Empire State Building have something for every kind of traveler. Besides that, with the city’s 472 subway stations running 24/7, there has never been a time when it was so easy to get around and do things around the Empire State Building.
Through this guide, we will share our secret of the perfect time to visiting the place which is even before the opening hour of 8.30 a.m. and also the most fantastic spot to relaxing near the Empire State Building that will make your trip to New York memorable.
Empire State Building: A Quick Overview
The Empire State Building, a landmark that can be found right in the center of Midtown Manhattan, is typical of the kind of achievements that the United States is known for. The magnificent creation has been the focus of people’s attention and still is after so many years, albeit its charm being more than just the extraordinary vistas.
History and significance
Part of the narrative of the Empire State Building is the outstandingly efficient and terrific record of time it represents. It was begun March 17, 1930, and completed in 410 days, thus finishing a month ahead of schedule. This Art Deco masterpiece of 102 stories was an achievement of the work and time of the Great Bad Things, which was a continuous demonstration of the faith and spirit of man against misfortune.
At first, the idea of the building was developed by ex-General Motors executive John Jakob Raskob and ex-New York Governor Alfred E. Smith, and the building soon broke the records. When it was completed in May 1931, it became the tallest building in the world, thus holding the record for the longest time—almost 40 years until 1970.
The actual building of the skyscraper was a spectacle of the well-thought-out plan as well, with a labor force of around 3,400 workers being on site daily. They made use of 57,000 tons of steel and nearly 10 billion bricks to build what would later become an iconic landmark of the Big Apple.
In addition, the building has survived different milestones in history. After the tragic events of September 11, 2001, it regained the title of the tallest building in New York that it held until 2012, thus flying the flag of resilience once more.
Why It’s A Must-Visit Landmark
Besides being an icon of the past, the Empire State Building is also very often mentioned in the top lists of the most incredible places on the planet. Therefore, Tripadvisor awarded it first place as the global number one attraction after it had already been ranked the #1 U.S. Attraction for three years in a row. Besides seeing the landmark from its amazing vantage points, tourists have access to renovation, the experience now includes:
- A museum on the 80th floor with interactive galleries
- The iconic 86th Floor Observatory
- The entirely redesigned 102nd Floor Observatory
Around 4 million times, this piece of architecture is probably the most photographed by tourists from different parts of the globe annually. What is more, the sight is said to reach up to 80 miles and cover five states on a bright day.
Besides, the Empire State Building has been a major factor in shaping the American culture and consequently, it has been the leading character in numerous movies starting with “King Kong” in 1933. In 1986, the building was given the status of a National Historic Landmark and in 2007, it was ranked number one on the American Institute of Architects’ List of America’s Favorite Architecture.
Due to its importance to the culture and being close to a lot of other places of interest, checking out things to do near the Empire State Building should be a NYC travel plan priority.
Best Time to Visit the Empire State Building
When you go to the Empire State Building, the time that you choose to visit can be very different from your whole experience. The famous landmark has unique vibes depending on the hour at which you decide to visit.
Morning vs. evening visits
Usually, at most times between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM , the average lines are smaller and the number of visitors smaller and one can see all of the city at this time, and feel that vivid energy of New York that tends to come alive in the morning. Conversely as to see the city from the top after 9:00 PM gives you the view of a city of lights whereby the buildings sparkle and glitter the whole horizon. Most of the visitors to New York feel that it is more romantic and less crowded at night. . Further, between the hours of 9:00 PM and twelve in the evening in the summer time, Thursday night to Saturday night, there is a special saxophone band to listen to.
Seasonal considerations
The warm and the fall season are usually the two seasons than have the very best kind of weather with sunshine days and more hours of daylight for pictures, but there is something very special about going in the Winter time. So even if it is cold outside, the 86th Floor Observatory is kept comfortable with the wrap around outdoor heaters, and the 102nd Floor Observatory is kept at a uniform temperature. It is also worthy of mention that the cold period of a year (except New Year) is the time when the attendance at any hour is at its lowest.
Avoiding peak hours
To minimize waiting times, specifically avoid:
- The first two hours after opening
- The hour after sunset
- Weekends and holidays
For those seeking the absolute quietest experience, visiting after midnight on weekdays can provide an almost private viewing opportunity.
Special Ticket Options (Early Bird, Flex Ticket)
The Early Bird ticket is the means with which one is allowed entry at 8:30 AM, that is, 30 minutes before the observatory opens to the general public. This online-exclusive option is what photographers and those wanting to avoid the crowd get a head start with.
The Flex Ticket is the one that grants you utmost liberty as you may come at any time on your chosen date and even during peak sunset hours. The option is thus extremely useful, first, for a traveling schedule that is tight and second, for giving someone the liberty to visit if the weather is good.
For New Yorkers, a locals-only discount is there for the last five entry times Monday through Thursday—just right for a post-work visit of attractions near Empire State Building.
Top Things to Do Near the Empire State Building
The busy roads area the Empire State Building is full of places to see after your trip there. Here are six places that you absolutely have to see which are only few steps from this famous landmark.
Explore Fifth Avenue
Fifth Avenue is the main shopping place in Manhattan where style, luxury, and art come together. This famous extension has the main stores of the luxurious brands like Tiffany & Co. and Saks Fifth Avenue next to the stores which are attractive for the masses such as Nike and Zara.
Visit Rockefeller Center
Just about a mile away from the Empire State Building is the Rockefeller Center that you can simply consider as your next destination. Either a taxi ride would get you there in 2 minutes, a direct subway which takes 3 minutes or if you are feeling up to it you can walk there which will take you from 15 to 25 minutes depending on your speed.
Walk through Koreatown
Known as “Korean Times Square”, this lively area extends from Fifth Avenue to Broadway between 31st and 33rd Streets. Though it is only a handful of blocks in Midtown, Koreatown is home to more than 100 small businesses that consist of Korean barbecue restaurants, karaoke bars, and beauty shops that are packed in multi-story buildings.
See the Flatiron Building
The architecture of this building is an absolute wonder. It features a unique triangular shape and is 22 floors high. The Flatiron Building, which was finished in 1902, is pretty much the first thing that comes to the mind when one thinks of New York City and can be seen from the Empire State Building.
Catch a show at Madison Square Garden
Essentially, this celebrated arena has been a source of joy to around 6 million people yearly since it was first revealed in 1968. The place is home to the New York Knicks and Rangers, the Madison Square Garden, where they play their games. In case you are not able to be at a live event, then the All-Access Tours at The Garden are what you should be looking for.
Dine at Burger & Lobster
Once the sights are seen, make your way to this UK-influenced eatery which is only a 13-minute walk from here. Their menu is all about the freshest whole lobsters, famous lobster rolls, and filling burgers among which is the Beast Burger—garnished with both lobster meat and a Nebraskan patty.
Tips for a Smooth Visit
You can visit the Empire State Building in a real NYC-style by simply preparing. These necessary tips will definitely help you not to miss a thing during your experience and also will be a great help for you in planning other sightseeing next to the Empire State Building.
Book tickets in advance
Most importantly, get your tickets via the official website to avoid the ticket line at the venue. With the Early Bird ticket, you can get in at 8:30 AM, i.e., half an hour earlier than the general public. In case you are not sure about your timetable, go for the Flex Ticket that allows you to come in at any time on the day that you have chosen even during peak sunset hours.
Use subway and walking routes
The range of subway lines available will get you to the Empire State Building in no time. The 1, 2, or 3 trains take you to 34th Street/Penn Station, and the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R lines to 34th Street/Herald Square, both stations are just a five-minute walk from the entrance. The walk from Grand Central will take you about 10 minutes.
Stay aware of your surroundings
If you are in a very crowded place, then take care of yourself and do not let your valuables out of your sight. Announcments in the subway will inform you about what stops the NYPD will be at. Watching the locals that are walking will help you to be in the fast rhythm of Manhattan and at the same time, be safe.
Use apps like Google Maps or Citymapper
Navigation apps, naturally, are essential for ease of exploration. Google Maps is ideal for detailed directions on the massive number of subway routes along with street view photographs for easy recognition of your landmarks. Citymapper, on the other hand, is superb for instant updates on bus and train routes and also gives walking directions for the closest landmarks to where you can shop or eat at the Empire State Building.
Conclusion
The Empire State Building is a recognizable landmark in New York City that provides an experience you will not soon forget – whether it’s for the views, the trip through history, or simply for being in the center of the city. When to visit the Empire State Building is simply up to you. If you are someone who wants to have the clearest skies and the least amount of people in your way of those views, then an early morning on a weekday is optimal, preferably in the spring or fall. If you are someone who wants to experience the magic of winter, or see the city lit up for the holidays, then the winter months may be just as good of an option for your visit.
Even though the Empire State Building is we’re worth a visit all on its own, it is in very close proximity to many of the other famous attractions, so it is an easy place to start to explore the city. Whether that’s walking through Bryant Park, shopping at Herald Square, visiting the New York Public Library, etc… There are many fun things to do in the vicinity. A visit will not lead to a memorable experience for an individual, couple, or family, but will also leave memories to cherish for a lifetime.