Visiting New York City’s Empire State Building

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Few New York City attractions are as popular with tourists as the Empire State Building. At peak times, especially on weekends, this can result in long lines and wait times before tourists are whisked by elevator to the building’s 86th-floor observatory.

Fortunately, there are strategies tourists can rely on to make the most of their Empire State Building visit. With just a few time-saving tips, tourists can take in this Big Apple landmark and still have time to enjoy New York City’s other famous attractions.

First, tourists should always buy their Empire State Building tickets online. This way, they can avoid the sometimes crowded tickets line and proceed immediately to the elevator line. Tourists will still encounter some waits there, but by avoiding the tickets queue, they’ll already have saved valuable time.

Another important tip is for tourists to visit the Empire State Building either at the very beginning or end of their days. The building opens to visitors at 8 a.m. and closes late, with the last elevator ride to the observatory scheduled for 11:15 p.m. This gives tourists the opportunity to visit the building at non-peak times, when there are likely to be shorter lines and less waiting time.

Tourists also shouldn’t plan to hurry through the Empire State Building. First of all, rushing through an Empire State Building visit is a serious waste. Secondly, even those tourists who buy their tickets online will have to wait in line at the security checkpoint and for an elevator. Travel experts recommend that tourists plan to spend at least two hours while visiting the Empire State Building.

The building’s security check causes some of the biggest delays. Simply put, too many visitors are not prepared for their security checks, something that slows down everyone.

To get through their security checks as quickly as possible, tourists should remember certain rules: Glass and bottles are not permitted in the Empire State Building. Cameras and camcorders are, but tripods are not.

Once they’re at the Empire State Building, tourists will want to make sure that their viewing experience is one to remember. This means taking the weather into account. If it’s a cloudy or foggy day, a tip to the 86th floor may not be worth it. If it’s clear, though, tourists are bound to get a spectacular look at the city.

A trip to the Empire State Building is a must when visiting New York City. And with just a bit of planning, a trip to this landmark building will become a pleasant memory of any tourist’s trip.