NYC Experience – Empire State Building

This episode from our week in NYC I takes you up one of the most iconic buildings in the world, the Empire State Building, located on the west side of Fifth Avenue between West 33rd and 34th Streets. The Art Deco skyscraper was completed in 1931. Including the antenna it has a height of  1,454 feet (443.2 m). For a bit about the building and more photos continue after the jump…

 

The Empire State Building was the world’s tallest building for nearly 40 years until the completion of the original World Trade Center in lower Manhattan in late 1970. Following its destruction in the 9/11 attacks in 2001, it was again the tallest building in New York until the new One World Trade Center was completed in April 2012.

Access to the 86th floor observation deck was included in our  New York City Pass, which gave us access to the fast lane, and we were able to take the elevator up without any waiting time. The observatory contains an indoor viewing area as well as an outdoor platform, accessible with another short elevator ride.

I haven’t been on top of the Empire State Buildings for years. The last times in NYC I always visited the Rockefeller Center Observatory.  People argue, from which of the tree main NYC observation decks (Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building, One World Trade Center) you have the best view. During our NYC week we visited all three of them. And I would say “it depends”. For night and sunset I would always chose “Top of the Rocks”, as towards south there is the most complete view of all towers and sights. During the day I would say the Empire State Building, as you are in the middle of everything, and in all directions there is a lot to take in, especially during day times, as you can see in this post. While TOTR and ESB have outdoor platforms, One World Trade Center is indoor only, and the reflections in the glass are a nasty thing to cope with for photographers. But you will be able to judge yourself which tower has the best view, as I have already covered “Top of the Rocks” and will take you on top of One World Trade Center in a third post.

Adding a little story to our visit to this fascinating building, we witnessed a proposal, happening right next to us. Of course she said yes! Remember Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in the movie “Sleepless in Seattle”, were they finally met at the very same location on a Valentines Day?

If you want to read more about this fascinating building, check its Wikipedia Entry.

Apart from the panorama shots (taken with my iPhone 6s) the photos were taken with my Olympus OM-D E-M1 and the mZuiko 12-100mm F/4.  RAW conversion and post processing in Lightroom Classic CC.

Wish you all a great Thursday!

Marcus

Related Posts:

NYC Experience – Top of the Rocks

NYC Experience – Lady Liberty

My New York City Eye Opener

Life in the Big Apple