“Put your heels on the edge, bend your knees, and push out.” A new attraction called City Climb lets thrill-seekers ascend to a platform near the top of a Manhattan skyscraper. There, they can they can lean out and look down at the Empire State Building.
Looking around on a recent fall day, I could see New York City spread out below me in the early morning light. To the south, One World Trade Center appeared at eye level in the distance. To the east, the needle spire of the Empire State Building. To the west, as our guide, Anissa Barbato, pointed out, even New Jersey looked good.
The $185-per-person experience starts with climbing groups of up to eight taken through a series of safety protocols, including a Breathalyzer test. They’re then outfitted in bright blue full body suits meant to ensure that nothing can fall off their person to the streets below.
Setting off on our climb, my stomach tightened as soon as the gate saying “Restricted Area” opened onto the Cliff. My hands, tingling with nervous anticipation the night before, were numb in the cold as I walked the 161 steps on the exterior edge of the building’s distinctive triangle top.When I got to the Apex, Barbato, the attraction’s manager, welcomed me: “We are at the top of the world.”
“Put your heels on the edge, bend your knees, and push out,” one of the guides said, when it was my turn.I wasn’t sure I wanted to let go, but everyone’s eyes were on me. My mind jumped back to a time I went bungee jumping in college nearly 20 years ago. I hesitated then, and always kind of regretted it.