New York City has one of the best skylines in the world. Everyone knows New York when they see it in a movie or on the cover of a magazine, it is instantly recognizable. There are so many places to take in the best New York City views and we want to share our favorite spots to take in the Manhattan skyline. One of our favorite things to do when visiting NYC is to look for fantastic photographs. So, when you make your way to the Big Apple, check out these New York Skyline views to add to your Instagram feed.
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Best Views of New York City
For our multiple trips to New York, we’ve used aNew York Passto make the most of our time and save money. Many of these New York Views are accessible with the New York Pass. Check it out to see if it works for you.
Get your map here of all the best views of the Manhattan skyline.
1. Top of the Rock Observation Deck
First of all, going up to the Top of the Rock is so much fun, located at the home of NBC studios in Rockefeller Plaza, the Top of the Rock is one of the best attractions in New York City. It is one of the best views of New York because it offers views of mid-town the Empire State Building and One World Trade Centre one way, and then beautiful views of Central Park the other. The viewing platform is located on the 67th floor and is surrounded by glass panels letting you feel safe and sound above the city.
Top of the Rock entrance is free with theNew York Passor you can get more information on visiting the Top of the Rock at their website. Open until 11 pm (reduced hours for COVID).
- Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112
2. Bar Sixty Five at the Rainbow Room
While you are at the Rockefeller Centre, make a detour to The Bar 64 at Rainbow Room on the 65th Floor. There is a minimum spend of $65 so make this your splurge night out. Obviously, this is a popular bar as it has a terrace and gorgeous views of New York City, so make sure to have a reservation. Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza 65th floor, New York, NY 10112 Check the Website for details and reservations.
Where to Stay in New York
We have been to New York many times from Manhattan to Queens. These are our favorite New York City Hotels:
- InterContinental Hotel Times Square – This is our favourite hotel in New York. It’s a little oasis in the middle of Times Square. Great locations and fantastic rooms.
- The Bowery Hotel– Gorgeous lobby, loft-style rooms with Hardwood floors & floor to ceiling factory windows and an excellent restaurant. Check out Availability and prices onTripAdvisororBooking.com
- Hotel Beacon– Well run and beautifully designed hotel, close to the subway lines in a very family-friendly area. Check out Availability and prices onTripAdvisororBooking.com
For more hotels read our complete guide to Where to Stay in New York City – Top Places and Hotels For All Budgets
3. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt offers one of the most unique New York city view experiences. There are 3 stories that offer fantastic views of the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. The SUMMIT takes the observation deck experience to new heights with a three-level multisensory experience.
This is one of the most mind-blowing observation decks in the city blending art, and reflections with city views.Get your tickets here in advance, it is hot and likely to sell out.
4. Edge NYC
The latest and greatest view of New York is Edge NYC. It is the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere and it opened just after our last visit to New York before the lockdown. The observation deck is surrounded by glass looking down over Manhattan with some of the best views in the city.
This is a great place to enjoy a glass of champagne as you take in the panoramic views. You can book a champagne admission for $53. General admission is $36. Check out the website for details.
5. Liberty Island
Once you arrive at the Statue of Liberty, you’ll have amazing views of New York and Manhattan. Take a walk around the island to explore all the different viewpoints. Liberty Island lets you see views of Jersey, Brooklyn, and the Manhattan Skyline. Ellis Island is another excellent NYC view and it includes views of Liberty Island with lady liberty herself. Check out our complete guide to Tips for Visiting The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
6. Statue of Liberty Ellis Island Ferry
Chances are you will visit the Statue of Liberty when visiting NYC, and when on the ferry and the island, you’ll be treated to one of the best New York City views. For the best NYC view from the ferry, make sure to stand on theright-hand side facing the dock when leaving. Most people go to the left looking out at the water, but once the boat moves, the best views of the city skyline are from the right.
The Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Ferry are free with the New York Pass or you can book thisguided tourof Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Reserve Line Access boarding on the ferry to Liberty Island.
The Statue of Liberty ferry and ticket office is located at Battery Park in Manhattan.Ferries open at 8:30 am and we suggest getting there as early as possible.
7. Staten Island Ferry
If you aren’t planning on going to the Statue of Liberty, take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry instead. Hop on the ferry for views of NYC, Lower Manhattan, and the Statue of Liberty. The ferry runs 24 hours a day so you can get those city lights shots that you’ve always wanted. The great thing is, the Staten Island ferry is free! The ferry runs between St. George and Whitehall every 25 minutes.
Book this90 Minute Cruise of New York City– Take this cruise to see the iconic sites of midtown and lower Manhattan on a Semi-Circle Cruise. Sail down the Hudson, cruising around the Battery, and up the East River with views of the Statue of Liberty. You’ll pass under the Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Williamsburg Bridges to the United Nations.
8. Brooklyn Bridge
Walking along the Brooklyn Bridge is a bucket list item of things to do in New York City and not only that, it lets you see some great views of NYC and the Manhattan skyline.
Take your time to stop and enjoy the views of the East River, and the iconic buildings of New York City: The Empire State Building, the Crysler Building, One World Trade Centre, the Statue of Liberty and the other two iconic bridges of New York City – The Williamsburg Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge.
9. Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park is not only a great destination in New York, it is also one of the best places to see the Manhattan Skyline. There are several places to take in the iconic views of NYC across the East River. The Manhattan Skyline is unobstructed from DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) and The Brooklyn Bridge Park. Here are a few places to see the skyline from Brooklyn.
10. Old Pier One
Thanks to our friend Susan of Insatiable Traveler, we found out about Old Pier One. During a freezing December evening, we made our way along the East River to find the old wooden pier looking directly at the Manhattan skyline. This is the best place in New York City for sunset views of Manhattan.
11. Brooklyn Heights Promenade
Once you have finished up at the Old Pier One, take a stroll along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. The 557m-long (.3 mile) pedestrian walkway offers unobstructed views of Lower Manhattan and New York Harbour.
12. Washington and Water Street
While you are in Brooklyn, you cannot miss heading to Washington and Water Street. This is the place for that iconic view of the Manhattan Bridge. Stand on the cobblestone street and marvel at the classic view of NYC that you have seen so many times in Hollywood gangster films.
13. Empire State Building
One of our favorite things to do in New York City is to go up the Empire State Building late at night. It is the best view of New York City at night. We like going after midnight when the crowds are low and we can take our time walking through the display on the first floor before hopping on the elevator to the 86th floor.
Did you know that this is the highest outdoor observatory in the world? Feel the wind whip through the safety barrier fence as you enjoy views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, Central Park, and the Hudson River. It truly is not only one of the best views in New York City, it is one of the best experiences too! The Empire State Building is free with your New York Pass
14. the Vessel
Note: The Vessel is temporarily closed. You can still visit the Vessel, but you can no longer go up the Vessel. However, the view from below is still awesome.
The Vessel is favorite place in New York. Located at The Hudson Yards Shopping Center. While the views from The Vessel were great looking over the Hudson River and the surrounding skyscrapers, it is the view within the vessel that is spectacular.
Going up the Vessel is free, but it can be a long wait. If you haven’t booked a ticket in advance, you can do that now for free at the kiosk and set your time for the day. Or you can pay $10 to go inside anytime. If you want to book ahead of time (highly recommended, you can do so on theirWebsite)
- YourNew York Passgives you Free Tours of the Hudson Yards and Vessel.
- Google Maps:The Shops at Hudson Yards
15. The High Line
While at the Vessel, take a walk on the Highline for a different perspective of the buildings of Manhattan. The 1.5 mile (2.3 km) raised walkway weaves through the West Side following the Hudson River. It follows an old railway line right through the center of city lofts, skyscrapers, and condos making its way to Chelsea.
Planning on staying near the High Line? You may want tocheck out this apartment rentalto feel like a local.
16. One World Observatory at One World Trade Center
Located in the Financial District of Manhattan, One World Trade Center should not be missed when visiting New York. Freedom Tower stands at the site of the former World Trade Center and houses a museum dedicated to the first responders and victims of the World Trade Center bombings on its main floors. But you can also take the elevator up to the 102 floor for panoramic views of New York. There is a glass floor called the Sky Portal and an audio-visual display at the Forever Theater.
This is an extra charge outside your ticket to go up to the One World Observatory but the memorial museum is included in yourNew York Pass.
17. From the Plane
Sometimes the best views can be as simple as flying into a city. When flying into New York City make sure to look out your window as you land. We always have our camera ready when flying you never know what you’ll expect. When flying in or out at night, there are beautiful views of NYC lights dazzle below.
18. Take a Helicopter Ride
Not flying into New York City? Get up in the air on this New York City Helicopter Flight. Take in the beauty of Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, Hudson River, and more on this narrated flight above New York City. Nothing beats seeing a city from the sky, and New York is not to be missed. Read more: Christmas in New York
19. Queens
Queens really has some great views of the New York Skyline. During one of our stays in New York City, we rented an apartment in Queens and we were absolutely blown away with the Manhattan skyline views. Some of the best places to see the skyline from Queens are from Gantry Plaza State Park.
We had a waterfront apartment in Queens for this view, but there are plenty of places to see New York from Queens. The A+ Roof Bar at the Parc Hotel in Flushing Queens is another great rooftop bar for views of New York.
20. Roosevelt Island Tram
Looking for something unique to do in New York, hop on the Roosevelt Island Tram for views of the Manhattan Skyline and the East River. the Roosevelt Island Tram is part of the Metro system, so you can get on it with your metro car and see a different side of Manhattan. There’s a great dive bar near the tram on the Manhattan side where we had drinks at. I can’t remember the name, if anyone knows of it, please let us know in the comments!
21. Times Square
Times Square is the classic view of New York with LED Billboards lining the massive city square. Plant yourself on the Red Steps to take in the 360-degree view of the electric billboards reaching 20 stories in the air. It is alive with energy, street performers, and the lights of Broadway. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle, make your way to the R Lounge at the Renaissance Hotel Times Square.
22 – 25 Other hotels with views at Times square are:
- 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar – New York’s largest outdoor Rooftop Garden with fantastic city views.
- Bar 54 – A rooftop bar located at the Hyatt Centric on the 54 Floor.
- St. Cloud Rooftop Bar at the Knickerbocker Hotel
- Supernova Restaurant and Bar has such great views it even offers viewfinders to have a closer look at the skyscrapers
26. Time Warner Center Columbus Circle
It took us about half a dozen times to get up to the Time Warner Building on Columbus Circle. Lucky for us we were speaking at a conference and had the opportunity to go into the Mandarin Hotel. and found out about it. What makes this one of the best views in New York is the fact that it shows Central Park contrasting with the skyscrapers in the distance.
27. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
Our favorite museum in New York is the Met and after perusing all the amazing displays, make your way to the Cantor Roof Garden Bar on the rooftop of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. From here you’ll get views of the Manhattan skyline and Central Park. Free entry with your New York Pass
28. New York Rooftop Bars
Speaking of Rooftop Bars, New York has some of the best nightlife in the world and when the weather is warm, get outdoors to take in the city lights. We’ve been lucky enough to visit New York for conferences and speaking engagements and they always love to Wine and Dine us at rooftop bars. We’ve had some incredible views while sipping our co*cktails.
29 – 31: Some favorite New York City Rooftop Bars Are:
- Harriet’sRooftop – Atop1 HotelBrooklyn Bridge offers panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge
- Le Bain & The Rooftop at the Standard High Line – Busy bar with great views of the Hudson River on the 18th floor.
- The Press Lounge – This is New York’s Premier Rooftop Lounge on the 16th floor with views of the Manhattan skyline and Hudson River year-round.
- Reservations are Recommended for the rooftop bars as they fill up quickly.
32. Greenwood Cemetery, Brooklyn
Greenwood Cemetery was founded in 1838 and covers 478 acres, making it one of the largest cemeteries in New York City.
The cemetery is known for its magnificent views of Manhattan, which can be seen from various vantage points throughout the grounds. Visitors can climb to the highest points of the cemetery to get a panoramic view of the city skyline.
Besides its stunning views, Green-Wood Cemetery is also renowned for its collection of historic monuments and mausoleums. Similar to Pere Lachaise in Paris, France, the cemetery is the final resting place of many famous people, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Leonard Bernstein, Louis Comfort Tiffany, and Susan Smith McKinney Steward, the first African American female doctor in New York State.
And these are the best views of New York City and Manhattan that we’ve seen. Where is your favourite NYC rooftop bar or viewpoint? This is one beautiful city and there are NYC views from everywhere. One of our favorite views was simply from a friend’s balcony in Manhattan. The iconic views are endless in the city that never sleeps.
More About New York City
- Itinerary: New York City Itinerary – 5 Days in New York
- Things to do: 33 Best Things to Do in New York for First-Timers
- Where to Stay: Where to Stay in New York City – Top Places and Hotels For All Budgets
- Photography Spots: 6 Tips to Make the Most of Your New York City Photography
- NYC Facts: 15 Fun Facts about New York City
- Manhattan: The Best Things to do in Manhattan
- Lake Placid New York: Things to do in Lake Placid, New York
