Empire State Building
After grabbing breakfast close to our hotel near Times Square we hopped on the subway to Penn Station so that we could visit one of New York City’s most iconic attractions, that of the Empire State Building, standard admission €44 (£34.82). Substantial savings can be made by purchasing a New York CITYPASS with a pre-booked time slot to enter the building. Between 10.00 and 12.00 noon midweek is usually the quietest time to visit but do try to arrive early as there was a 45 minute queue before we reached the airline style security screening.
The Empire State Building (ESB) is a 102 storey art-deco skyscraper in midtown Manhattan located at 34th Street and 5th Avenue. The building soars 1454 ft (443 m) including the antenna and is the world’s most recognisable skyscraper. Constructed in a minimalist, classical style the ESB was designed by Sheree, Lamb and Harrison and built over a period of 1 year and 45 days during 1930-31. It takes its name from the state of New York’s nickname ‘Empire State’. Images of the building taken in different time periods adorn its walls and it was a pleasure to view these as we were slowly making our way towards the security area.
The art-deco lobby features ceiling murals cast in 24 carat gold and aluminium leaf paying homage to the mechanical age, stars and planets. The Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the historic lobby as a historic landmark for its style and beauty. A Dare to Dream exhibit chronicles the building’s history, engineering and construction. Included are original documents, architectural drawings and book keeping ledgers.
We then took one of the high speed lifts up to the observation deck on the 86th floor from where we enjoyed panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline.
Many of you will recognise this viewing terrace as it has been the setting for countless films and television programmes over the years most notably Sleepless in Seattle and an Affair to Remember.
Hudson Yards and walking the High Line
Leaving the soaring heights of the Empire State Building behind we hopped on a bus over to Hudson Yards so that we could walk the High Line. Taking pride of place at the start of the High Line stands an art installation known as ‘The Vessel’. This 150ft high artwork comprises 154 intricately interconnecting flights of stairs with almost 2,500 steps and 80 landings. The vertical climb combines a workout with stunning riverside and city views.
Rather than expending our energy on scaling the heights of The Vessel we instead opted for a more leisurely stroll along the High Line, a 1.45 mile (2.3 km) elevated urban park and walkway created on a disused New York railway line. The High Line extends from West 34th Street to Gansevoort Street in the Meat Packing District.
It was bright and sunny as we strolled along the elevated walkway which has been attractively laid out with wooden seats, raised flower beds and art work, the path winding its way between the high rise buildings and bordering the Hudson River. There are access points at varying intervals, some with lift access.
We stopped off at Chelsea Market where we warmed up with mugs of coffee and delicious hot cross buns from Amy’s Bread, before looking around the small, interesting shops within the market. Chelsea Market is one of the city’s most famous food markets and is located in a former biscuit factory which has been tastefully converted.
It’s not really a ‘market’ as such, but rather an eclectic mix of boutiques, craft shops, bookstores, restaurants and deli’s. Leaving the market from the far exit we came across the offices of Google and walked along smart tree lined roads of historic terraced houses.
Re-joining the High Line, we continued the short distance to its end in the Meat Packing district, a former industrial area once filled with slaughterhouses and packing depots that supplied meat to the city by train. Times have changed and it’s now a trendy part of town with numerous galleries, bars and restaurants. I suggest allowing 1-2 hours to walk the High Line and if possible trying to plan your visit for a weekday when it won’t be quite so busy.
We continued our walk along to Greenwich Village and loved the vibe of this leafy neighbourhood of brownstone townhouses. Lined along Bleeker Street are an array of upscale boutiques, cosy coffee shops and wine bars. Definitely a district to return to on a future visit to New York.
Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise
There wasn’t time to linger longer that afternoon though as we had pre-arranged tickets for a 90 minute cruise Landmark Sightseeing Cruise with Circle Line Cruises so we hopped on a bus to Pier 83 in Hudson River Park. Standard tickets cost $45 (£35.60) but as we were in possession of the New York CityPASS we received a substantial discount.
On boarding the boat we had the choice of either sitting on comfortable chairs and viewing the cruise from the large windows of the indoor cabin or climbing the steps up to the outdoor deck. As it was a sunny, albeit chilly afternoon we opted to sit outdoors as we were both equipped with hats and scarves.
The boat filled up quickly leaving its berth promptly at 3.00 p.m. The sightseeing cruise took us down the Hudson River passing Hudson Yards and Little Island before sailing by the One World Trade Center and then out to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, where we’d been the previous day.
Continuing, we enjoyed viewing Lower Manhattan from the perspective of the water before gliding beneath the Brooklyn, Manhattan and Williamsburg bridges for a short tour of the East River. With a live commentary throughout, it was a relaxing way to spend the afternoon and a chance to rest our weary feet.
After the boat returned to Pier 83 we walked over to view the Intrepid aircraft carrier located adjacent to the boat terminal. When planning our trip to New York it had been our intention to visit the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum but as two of its major exhibits, Concorde and the Space Shuttle were temporarily off limits we decided to take the pleasure boat trip instead and explore the museum on a future visit to New York when everything was back on display.
We rounded off our day in true American style by calling into a branch of Shake Shack for burgers and fries which was just what we needed after another busy day exploring this wonderful city.
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