The Big Apple is known as one of the busiest business-centered metropolitans in USA. It is home to the New York Stock Exchange, towering hotels and skyscrapers and more. When it comes to tourist destinations, NYC is not lacking as well since aside from the usual touristy spots, you can also enjoy your vacations atop some of the tallest buildings ever built in the city and the world.
One of the most popular tourist activities in the area is going up a view deck to enjoy a glimpse of one of the most beautiful and famous skylines in the world. There are many such viewing decks in the city and although they all offer scenes of the same city, you will find pleasure in admiring the surrounding areas from different perspectives and angles.
One of the said view decks is found in the Empire State Building. This structure is located in Midtown Manhattan, and has 102 floors all in all and is the tallest building in New York presently. There are two observation decks in the building. One is located in the 82nd floor, with a terrace and high-powered binoculars that offer 360 degrees view of the Midtown and Downtown New York and the Central Park as well. Twenty floors higher is another viewing deck that offers the same views but at a different height. There you’ll find a climate controlled indoor gallery where you can relax while taking in the sights. Entrance to the viewing decks requires tickets, and the lines can be pretty long at times. However, express tickets that get you through the queue are available for about $50 or so.
Other observatory decks in the city include Top of the Rock Observation Deck at the GE Building in Rockefeller Centre, which boasts of better views of the Central Park, and the One World Trade Centre Observation Deck which is said to open sometime in 2015 or earlier.
Aside from taking in the breathtaking views of the city’s skylines, another popular activity NYC’s rooftops is fine dining. There are many restaurants perched high in the tall buildings of NYC, so you get to enjoy the views while feasting on five star cuisines prepared by some of NYC’s best chefs.
One such restaurant is The View, located in the New York Marriot Marquis. This is one of the most celebrated restaurants in NYC because of two main things: the food and the unique restaurant. The View serves contemporary American Cuisines, from mouth-watering appetizers to great wines. However, the highlight of dining in this restaurant is the restaurant itself, set on a floor that makes a complete 360 degree turn every hour, so diners can enjoy changing views of NYCs skyline while feasting top of the line meals. Hitting this place can be very pricey though, but given the quality of food and ambience and the revolving floor, every penny is truly worth it.
New York is home to some of the world’s highest structures, but do remember that it is not only the height and size of these structures that make them some of the best tourist spots in the whole of America and the world.
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Photo by jas_wing on Flickr