2014 Pinstripe Bowl: Things to Do in New York City
By Joe Micik
Feb 1, 2014; New York, NY, USA; General view of the Empire State building and Manhattan skyline and Hudson River in advance of Super Bowl XLVIII. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Things to Do in New York City:
Empire State Building
Location: 350 5th Avenue, between 33rd and 34th Streets, close to several major subway lines at Herald Square
Perhaps they will light this building up in maroon and gold on Saturday night if the Eagles are victorious. We can all dream. (It will be lit up in red and green; bummer.)
What trip to New York City would be complete from a tourist perspective without seeing the Empire State Building? Going to the observation deck is a part of doing the New York thing, if heights are agreeable to you.
Before you plan this, a few things for full disclosure. First, there is going to be a wait, perhaps a substantial one. During peak times, waiting for an elevator to the 86th Floor observatory can be well in excess of an hour.
Second, security is very tight and sometimes rude. I went in once just to use the bathroom on the second floor, and I went through 15 minutes of sweeps. If you have to take a whiz, go to the Sbarro next door or the Chipotle at the base of the building; you’ll be glad you did, even if you have to order something to use it.
Finally, it is not that cheap to ride up. $29.00 for adults to get to the 86th Floor, but for the express line, cough up fifty bucks per person. Only the children under six get off easily.
The view when you get there is extraordinary and a lasting memory you can take with you wherever you go. Again, if heights agree with you.