There’s no doubt that the Big Apple is gorgeous, but just wait until you see the best views in New York City.
When we were living in Philadelphia, we took regular trips to NYC, and it was surprising that there were so many approaches to see and experience the city. Of course, there are everyone’s favorite viewpoints and observation decks, which are totally worth visiting. However, there are also some hidden gems where you can get an entirely new perspective of New York. You can even engage in a helicopter and get an aerial view of New York, which is an opportunity we took during one of our trips.
To help you out and give you some ideas for your visit, I’m sharing the best vantage points in New York. I recommend adding a few of these places to your itinerary; a nice balance of popular observatories and lesser-known parks is ideal.
Speaking about that, several top observation decks have been covered in the New York Pass, and other NYC city passes. With these cards, you can get free access to some of the more exciting attractions in New York.
Table of Contents
1. Brooklyn Bridge, one of the best nighttime views in NYC
The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the top landmarks in the city, so you can’t miss it. While you can drive or ride across it, I think it’s better to walk the full length of the bridge so you can fully appreciate the free views of NYC.
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Traversing the duration of the bridge on foot would take approximately one hour, but if time is limited and you wish to maximize your time there, you may consider this 2-hour walking tour. It features stopping at the Brooklyn Bridge as well as touring DUMBO, one of Brooklyn’s top neighborhoods. Additionally, it is covered under the New York Pass.
2. Top of the Rock, an amazing viewpoint in New York City
The Top of the Rock is located at the Rockefeller Center in Midtown Manhattan, providing prime views as one of the finest vantage points in the city. This New York observation area has multiple levels where you can gaze out at landmarks like the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building.
On the 68th floor, there is an indoor viewing area, which proves useful during the colder months. The 69th floor also features viewing spaces as well as an interactive exhibit. The open-air deck is located on the 70th floor and provides 360° views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Long Island. On clear days, even New Jersey can be seen.
Another pleasant attribute of this New York scenic point is its proximity to various attractions, including the Museum of Modern Art, Radio City Music Hall, and Madame Tussauds. Therefore, if planning to tour those or other nearby locales, take into account obtaining the New York Pass. Otherwise, tickets for the visit to the Top of the Rock can be purchased here.
3. Helicopter ride, the best panoramic view of New York City
I may be partial, but I believe a helicopter excursion over New York City is one of the most thrilling activities possible here. Nowhere else can you obtain such stunning aerial perspectives of New York.
Not only will this experience grant you breathtaking panoramic perspectives of New York City, but you’ll also get to view famous New York landmarks from above, giving you a wholly unique viewpoint. It’s an thrilling tour and best shared with a special person.
There are several options available for helicopter rides in the city, though I particularly like this specific tour, which provides multiple flight choices. Travelers can opt to fly over Manhattan to get a closer perspective of the tall buildings or partake in a wider view excursion of the entire metropolis from above. Contingent on the selection, the ride lasts somewhere between 15-30 minutes.
There is also this door-less helicopter tour, which was astonishing and enabled us to capture even more impressive photos. The rides are narrated, so you’ll know exactly what you’re viewing as you soar above New York. If you’re unsure about it, I say give it a try. We had zero regrets!
4. Pebble Beach in DUMBO, Brooklyn, a relaxing NYC viewpoint
An additional stunning viewpoint in NYC is located in Brooklyn’s DUMBO neighborhood. Main Street Park rests beneath the Manhattan Bridge and offers many chances for relaxing and people-watching. It’s also home to Pebble Beach, a scenic region overlooking both the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges.
While swimming is not permitted, you can dip your feet in the water at Pebble Beach while admiring the skyline across the waterway. The ideal time is just before sunset when the radiant glow of golden hour descends over Lower Manhattan.
5. Brooklyn Bridge Park and Old Pier One, a place with beautiful views of NYC
If you’re planning to visit the Brooklyn Bridge perspective, you may as well inspect Brooklyn Bridge Park. This is one of NYC’s finest parks and offers entertainment for all ages. Youngsters will love the playgrounds and recreational facilities while everyone will appreciate the lovely views. This waterfront park overlooks the East River, so it’s an incredible spot to acquire excellent photos of NYC.
There are several piers within the park grounds, but Old Pier 1 is where you’ll obtain the finest panoramic perspectives of the New York City skyline. At first glance, it just appears to be a dilapidated pier, but it provides unblocked vistas of Manhattan. The remnants of the pier add some visual interest to the foreground area, while in the background, the cityscape is dominant. I recommend visiting at dusk, when the water takes on a rosy-violet hue that looks very aesthetically pleasing in photographs.
6. Empire State Building, a famous lookout point in New York City
No doubt, the Empire State Building has some of the best perspectives of New York City. It`s also one of the most iconic symbols of NYC, an Art Deco-style skyscraper that stands tall over Midtown. You need a ticket to go inside, but it`s absolutely worth it. You can purchase yours beforehand here or use your New York Pass.
Once you’re inside, you can go to the main deck on the 86th floor, which is 1,050 feet high. The surrounding open-air deck offers panoramic views of NYC, and you can even see neighboring states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut.
However, the most spectacular views are from the 102nd floor, which is 1,224 feet high. You need to take a glass elevator to get there, and you can peer out for up to 80 miles. The 102nd floor has an indoor observatory with 360° views, which are even better at night.
7. The EDGE, one of the most breathtaking views of NYC
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The viewing platform, located on the hundredth floor, isn`t your average observation deck. It projects eighty feet from the building`s side and has angled glass walls meant to immerse visitors in the scenery. If one goes to the very edge of the deck, they`ll feel like they`re soaring above the city.
The EDGE is located at Hudson Yards, so it has the perfect vantage point for you to view all of Manhattan. The sweeping views extend beyond Manhattan and include the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and other landmarks.
If planning to visit, be sure to reserve tickets ahead of time here (it’s also covered by the New York Pass). Your admission includes access to the outdoor sky deck, its angled skyline steps, the champagne bar, and a souvenir photo. For those who are extremely daring, there is an extra attraction, the City Climb at Hudson Yards, which involves climbing a staircase along the side of the building. It`s guaranteed to provide some of the best views of NYC for those willing to try it
8. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, one of the most unique New York City viewpoints
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is an experience that can be enjoyed year-round for its breathtaking views of NYC. It incorporates various levels and digital art displays into an immersive observation deck designed to transport visitors outside of time and space through visual connection with the surrounding environment.
You can learn more details in our guide, but I will provide an overview here that the SUMMIT features different areas and outdoor spaces including Air on the ninety-third floor. Kenzo Digital designed Air using floor-to-ceiling glass windows and reflective orbs and balloons meant to evoke the sense of floating among clouds.
The next stage, titled Levitation, is a stunning 1,063-foot-tall ledge from which you can take a glass elevator to a complete height of 1,219 feet. Throughout your visit, you’ll be able to spot familiar attractions such as Central Park, the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and One World Observatory.
I`ll also mention that the SUMMIT has some of the best views of the sunset in NYC, so I advise going around golden hour. You can book your ticket here to reserve a time slot.
9. One World Observatory, an unforgettable lookout point in New York
Visiting the World Trade Center Complex is highly recommended in New York, not only for the meaningful memorials and museum but also to see One World Observatory. Also known as the Freedom Tower, this observation deck can easily be considered one of the premier vantage points with views of New York.
As a curiosity, its total height of 1,776 feet corresponds to the year 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was signed. The viewing platform itself is on the 100th floor and is 1,268 feet high. Its 360° views include all of New York City, as well as its waterways and most of its bridges.
While immersed in the spectacular scenery, investigate the other activities available, such as the Sky Portal, a fourteen-foot broad translucent disc. As you tread across it, you’ll observe a real-time view of the roads underneath. There are other attractions indoors, like the Global Welcome Center, the multimedia Horizon Grid, the See Forever Theater, and the SkyPod elevators, which travel at twenty-eight miles per hour to the highest point of the deck.
One World Observatory is among the few locations that provides the clearest perspectives of Manhattan and New York’s additional four boroughs, so I recommend booking a ticket ahead of time. You can obtain your advanced ticket here or take advantage of your New York Pass.
10. Liberty Island, another spot with iconic views of NYC
Another location to obtain a picturesque perspective of NYC is Liberty Island. Visitors can escape the busy streets of Manhattan by boarding the ferry and sailing through the waters of New York Harbor.
Liberty Island is best known for its iconic attraction, the Statue of Liberty. She sits atop a 155-foot pedestal, giving her a total height of 305 feet. There are different guided tours of the Statue of Liberty available, and they all include boat transportation to Liberty and Ellis Islands and access to the Statue of Liberty Museum. Some of these tours are incorporated in the New York Pass.
However, some tours permit visitors to see views from the Statue of Liberty`s pedestal lookout area while others provide access up to the crown (when open to the public). The panoramas visible from the Statue of Liberty are gorgeous and feature Ellis Island, Manhattan, the Jersey City skyline, and parts of Brooklyn.
We have a complete guide on how to visit the Statue of Liberty, so I advise examining that to acquire extra insight into the accessible tours and what they contain. If you favor a self-guided choice, you can book your ticket online here.
11. Staten Island Ferry, the best way to get free views of NYC
Speaking of the Statue of Liberty, you can see it free of charge from the Staten Island Ferry. While you won’t get very near to Lady Liberty, you’ll enjoy a pleasant boat ride, during which you can admire complimentary views ofNYC.
The ferry runs continuously both day and night, leaving every 20 minutes or so from Whitehall Terminal located in Battery Park. The approximately 25 minute ride brings travelers through New York Harbor past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Passengers will also see the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, Governors Island, Jersey City, and an excellent perspective of the Manhattan skyline.
Once you`re dropped off by the ferryboat, you may want to check out one of the top outlets located in NYC, the Empire Outlets, see some of the other attractions on Staten Island, or you can line up for a trip back to Manhattan. In any case, the ferry provides one of the best free activities to do in NYC, and since there is no cost, you can take the boat during the day or night to compare the views.
12. Brooklyn Heights Promenade, another Brooklyn Bridge view of New York City
Back in Brooklyn, I recommend embarking on a walk along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. It extends from Pierrepont Place and Montague Street and travels along the waterfront, ending between Brooklyn Bridge Park and the western end of Orange Street. This tree-lined pedestrian path is a beautiful place to stroll, and it’s considered one of the nicest areas in Brooklyn, NY.
Additionally, there are numerous benches situated along the path, enabling you to take a seat and appreciate the magnificent views of New York City. From this vantage point, the towering skyscrapers and broad expanse of the Lower East Side are on full display. You can also observe Governors Island, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island.
The promenade leads to the Brooklyn Bridge, so you’ll also get some scenic views of Brooklyn Bridge Park, which I recommend visiting if time allows.
13. Liberty State Park, the best NYC view from New Jersey
If you’re visiting Jersey City, then you must stop by Liberty State Park. This waterfront park is renowned for having the best views of the Statue of Liberty from New Jersey, so bring your camera!
The park is nestled along the Upper New York Bay, making it a picturesque location for photographers and those seeking an escape from the city. As one might imagine, it provides an obstructed perspective of Liberty Island as well as Ellis Island, and the NYC skyline can be seen in the distance.
While visiting, don`t neglect to check out the Empty Sky Memorial, which honors the victims of 9/11 and also provides stunning views of the NYC skyline. Then, follow the Liberty Walkway to the Statue of Liberty overlook and enjoy the free panoramas. Additionally, Liberty State Park offers free parking, which is a welcome bonus.
14. Sinatra Park, in Hoboken, another gorgeous New York City view from NJ
Over across the Hudson River in Hoboken, New Jersey, the park named Sinatra Park offers a few of the most breathtaking perspectives of the New York City skyline from New Jersey. As the title suggests, this park is dedicated after singer Frank Sinatra, who originally came from Hoboken. There are some entertaining activities to do in Hoboken, as mentioned in this link, so if you have extra time and want a break from New York, you can easily take public transportation over to this city.
Sinatra Park is definitely one of the top places in Hoboken, thanks to its clear perspectives of NYC. It’s also a nice spot that offers some great photographic opportunities. The well known statue of Frank Sinatra is highly popular, and you can capture a picture of him with the New York skyline in the background.
The park offers many recreational activities too. You can even take a kayak tour from the boathouse and view the New York City skyline from the waterway. Next door, don’t forget to go to Pier C Park, a floating park with panoramic views of NYC and some scenic walking routes.
15. Roosevelt Island Tram, one of the best views of NYC to enjoy with kids
Back in Manhattan, the Roosevelt Island Tramway provides an enjoyable way to see parts of the cityscape. To ride the tramway merely requires a metro card with sufficient remaining value to cover the fare ($2.75 each way).
Along the way, you’ll soar 250 feet above the East River and get an unparalleled aerial view of New York. The route runs parallel to the Queensboro Bridge, so the perspective is quite interesting. Try to stand by the doors for an unblocked view.
The passenger vehicles were designed for sightseeing, so the windows are expansive and broad. You’ll want to look all around to see the infrastructure of the bridge, the busy roads below, and the skyscrapers rising above the horizon.
Of course, the Roosevelt Island Tram is part of NYC’s public transportation system, so it takes you from the Upper East Side to the Tramway Plaza on Roosevelt Island. It runs every 7-15 minutes from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. (3:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays).
16. Gantry Plaza State Park, a little-known place to see the best NYC views
Venturing off the beaten path will greatly reward you with some nice views of NYC. For instance, Gantry Plaza State Park, one of the best places to visit in Queens, is a hidden gem where you can see the city from a novel vantage point.
The park is situated on the site of a former dockyard, so the scenery incorporates old lifting equipment and transfer bridges, but there is additionally a waterfront promenade and an playground for children. It’s along the East River in Long Island City and boasts some of the most underrated perspectives of Manhattan from Queens.
Since it’s not as crowded, you won’t need to jostle for a great viewing spot. From here, you can see a panorama of Manhattan, including some of its most prominent skyscrapers like the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building.
17. Washington and Water Street, the best New York City view for photographers
Astute photographers comprehend that the intersection of Washington and Water Streets possesses one of the bestsceneries of New York City. Washington Street is one of the most iconic avenues in NYC, not solely for its photographic opportunities, but also for its proximity to DUMBO’s peak attractions, shops, and eateries. The entire road spans through two boroughs, passing the High Line, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and more.
Where Washington Street meets Water Street is worth experiencing. This is the spot where one of the most iconic views of the Manhattan Bridge can be captured with the Empire State Building nestled below it. For optimum results, position oneself between Water and Front Streets where the Manhattan Bridge can be perfectly framed between the red brick buildings.
18. Tudor City Bridge, another underrated view of New York City
The Tudor City Bridge is another structure you should be aware of. This is where you’ll get the best perspectives of NYC in the summer months.
During the Manhattan Solstice or Manhattanhenge, the sun perfectly sets in between the skyscrapers on 42nd Street. You’ve likely viewed this imagery online but seeing it in person is simply breathtaking. The Manhattan Solstice occurs twice annually, typically near the end of May and in the middle of July, so if you’re visiting during those times, don’t miss out!
Some individuals position themselves along 57th Street, while others prefer moving further away to 34th, 23rd, or perhaps even 14th Street. However, in my view 42nd Street is the ideal place to set up for an epic photograph. One will capture the beautiful tree-lined avenue, the towering buildings, and in the center, the Chrysler Building backlit by the golden sun. Undoubtedly, it constitutes one of the finest views of Manhattan, but also one of the most popular, so arriving early is necessary.
19. The High Line, one of the best places in Manhattan to get NYC views
The High Line is an elevated park and walkway extending 1.5 miles from Manhattan’s Meatpacking District to Hudson Yards. It may simply appear to function as a useful pedestrian shortcut, but it in fact incorporates some lovely overlooks with scenic vistas over New York.
What began as an old railroad track is now a modern park and walking path that travels past countless buildings, skyscrapers, and attractions, like the Whitney Museum, Chelsea Market, and the IAC Building, which has a façade that resembles the sails of a ship.
The High Line also passes by The Vessel, an observation deck known for its many viewing areas arranged in an unusual, bottom-up bee structure. You can find out more regarding The Vessel and the High Line on this guided tour, which is also covered under the New York Pass.
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20. 230 Fifth and other rooftop bars, the best New York City views to enjoy as a couple
Finally, you truly can`t go wrong with experiencing the Manhattan skyline from an elevated deck. There are a few dozen rooftop bars in New York City, but one of my favorites is 230 Fifth. It’s a multi-level cocktail lounge with an enclosed sitting area on the 20th floor and an open terrace on the 21st level. Therefore, you can sip delightful drinks while taking in all of Midtown Manhattan.
Additionally, 230 Fifth has an excellent view of the Empire State Building, and its relaxed atmosphere makes it a fun place to go with friends or as a duo. Even if you visit NYC in wintertime, you can stay cozy thanks to the heated igloos they install.
Another spot with incredible views stretching across NYC is certainly the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Its Cantor Roof Garden Bar is situated on the 5th floor and offers a stunning atmosphere with tea lights, light appetizers, and abundant greenery. It’s a gorgeous place to observe the New York City skyline along with a bird`s-eye perspective of Central Park. So, if you require another reason to tour one of the most prestigious museums in NYC, this rooftop bar is it.
And now you know where to find the best scenic spots in New York City! I understand it’s difficult to choose, but hopefully this guide helped narrow down your favorites. You can also locate each viewpoint on this map:
Please feel free to contact me if you have any other questions regarding these viewpoints, and if you believe I`ve omitted one, provide your recommendation in a comment below.
Have a fantastic time exploring the most beautiful perspectives of NYC!
