Empire State

Your Empire State Building Visit

If you are planning your trip to New York City you are no doubt adding a visit to the Empire State Building. It’s architecture as well as its reputation is a must see for the entire family. What’s remarkable is that the building is less than 100 years old. Prior to its existence, the land was occupied by two adjacent hotels known as the Waldorf-Astoria. The Waldorf moved to Park Avenue after a fued within the Astor family. That made way for a new skyscraper in the heart of the city. Although it is no longer the world’s tallest building, the Empire State Building held that title for a long time.

It was not always a smooth ride for this iconic structure, however. It was completed in May of 1931 which was right at the heat of the Great Depression. The management had a very difficult time filling the building with tenants. Tourism ironically helped keep the building going. In fact, the building was dubbed “The Empty State Building” due to its lack of tenants.

I walk to and from my office in the city. Because I walk, I am now very familiar with the streets of New York. Earlier when I was less familiar with the streets I oftened used the ESB as a beacon to help me find my way. I have a very fond memory of the ESB because of that reason.

Who can forget the fact that there were a whole slew of movies made with the ESB in their backdrops.  To list them all here would be redundent seeing that the ESB’s official website already contains them.  You can get the complete list here. Rather than list them all here, I’ve included a link to the building’s official web page that contains a list, “ESB in the Movies”. You’ll be amazed at just how many movies this famous building has been in.

After you ascend to the top and take in the breathtaking views, you’ll want to visit the gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs of your visit. You can pick up keychains or t-shirts or even models of the building itself. Most people want to pick up a souvenir or two and the staff is quite friendly.

One fact that recently I found out about, the ESB now provides a in depth educational know-how for tutors and learners, one that challenges the intelligence and curiosity alike through the curriculum observed on this site.

Did You Know That The Empire State Building is Part of the New York Pass?

Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys – Empire State Of Mind (Official Clip)