Probably the most famous building in the world (Empire State Building)

Member Name: MykReeve

Product:	Empire State Building
Date:	20/07/00 (138 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap, an interesting view of Manhattan

Disadvantages: Can get crowded, and hot

When you go up the Empire State Building, your ticket reads "A souvenir of your visit to the most famous building in the world", and although the building lost its title of world's tallest building in the 1970s to the World Trade Centre, it is still a strong contender for the "most famous" epithet.

Construction began shortly before the infamous Wall Street Crash of 1929, and by the time the building opened in 1931, office space was slow to let. Only the popularity of the observatory decks at the top of the building saved it from going bankrupt!

Certainly, the view from the 86th floor observation deck is remarkable. The tradition is to go up the Empire State Building by night, and the World Trade Center by day, to get the best views over Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs. The illuminated Manhattan island is very impressive, and it's easy to pick out the more prominent structures, such as the Chrysler Building, the Citicorp Building, Brooklyn Bridge and the World Trade Center. It's also fascinating to see the grid road layout of Manhattan from above, and watch the traffic crawl along Broadway.

Also on the 86th floor is a tacky gift shop, selling the usual collection of tawdry merchandise - little plastic Empire State Buildings (with and without King Kong attached) and tons of postcards.

Visitors will no doubt be reassured to hear that the journey to the top is made in elevators, and very little walking is involved!

There is an additional observation deck on the 102nd floor, just below the television mast, but this appears to be only rarely open. The view from there must be even more impressive, but I've never seen it.

The art deco design throughout the building is pretty interesting, and don't miss the opportunity to look at the impressive list of companies based in the building in the lobby!

Summary: