9 best breathtaking views of New York City

Home to some of the tallest buildings in the world, breathtaking views are synonymous with New York City. Have you even visited New York City if you haven’t been in awe of the city’s skyline from the top of the Empire State Building? From skyscraping viewing platforms to river cruises and even some unexpected locations, the city is packed with excellent viewpoints of that iconic Manhattan skyline.

1. Empire State Building

One of the most recognizable buildings in the world, this 102-story Empire State Building in Midtown Manhattan was, for a long time, the tallest building in the world and still boasts some of the best views over New York.

When visiting the Empire State Building, you’ll find the viewing deck on the 86th floor. You can go to every side of the building to get incredible views of Uptown Manhattan, Central Park, and Lower Manhattan.

What you can see:

On a clear day, you can see five different states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

Location & opening hours:

20 W 34th Street, New York, NY 10001. The viewing deck is open daily from 10 AM - 11 PM.

2. Rockefeller Center

If you want your views of New York City to include the Empire State Building’s Art Deco silhouette, head to Top of the Rock, an open-air observation deck at the top of the Rockefeller Plaza building. You’ll enjoy an uninterrupted view of Central Park and the rest of Midtown Manhattan.

What you can see:

The Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and the One World Observatory at the end of Manhattan.

Location & opening times:

45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10111. The viewing deck is open 9 AM - 12 AM daily.

3. Edge

If you want your views of New York City to come with a side of adrenaline, head to the 100-story-high Edge on the western side of Midtown Manhattan. The observation deck at Edge is unique because it juts out 1,100 feet above street level and is the tallest open-air viewing platform in the city. The glass walls are angled outward, making you feel like you’re leaning over the edge.

Feeling brave? Walk across the glass floor, or head up even higher with the City Climb experience to hang over with nothing but air between you and the New York streets below.

What you can see:

Central Park, Statue of Liberty, Hudson River, Jersey City.

Location & opening times:

30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001. Open 9 AM to 9 PM daily.

4. One World Trade Center and Observatory

As the tallest building in New York and the whole Western Hemisphere, the One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower, offers unbeatable views of downtown Manhattan. On the 102nd floor, the One World Observatory gives spectacular 360-degree views of Lower Manhattan and across the Hudson River to Jersey City.

Visiting the One World Trade Center is more than just a great view. Nearby is the poignant September 11 Memorial and Museum pays tribute to those who lost their lives in the attacks of 2001.

What you can see:

New York Harbor, Ellis Island, Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, Manhattan.

Location & opening times:

285 Fulton Street, New York, NY 10007. The One World Observatory is open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM.

5. Take to the skies in a helicopter

A once-in-a-lifetime helicopter ride over NYC is probably the best view you can get of the iconic city. The bird’s-eye view of New York is unmatched as you glide over Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, and Brooklyn Bridge. New York looks spectacular at any time, but this ride is pretty magical at sunset. And if you visit New York in Fall, prepare for even more spectacular scenes.

What you can see:

Everything—NYC’s iconic landmarks, neighborhoods, bridges, parks, and more.

Location & opening times:

Various locations including heliports in Lower Manhattan and airports in New Jersey.

6. Boat cruise along the Hudson

Not all of the best views in New York are from above. A New York City boat trip will give you a completely different perspective, showing just how tall those skyscrapers are. You can choose an organized sightseeing boat tour or take one of the public ferries, such as the Staten Island Ferry, which is free.

If a visit to Liberty Island is on your itinerary, then the boat journey to Lady Liberty offers iconic views of the Manhattan skyline when you look back. For views of the western side of Manhattan, take the NJ Transit ferry from Midtown / W. 39th St to Hoboken.

What you can see:

Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn Bridge, Liberty Island.

Location & opening times:

Various locations.

7. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt

Combine jaw-dropping city views with immersive experiences at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. The observation areas are on the top three floors of the 93-floor office building, blending art installations with technology that makes it one of the most Instagrammable places in New York.

Located right next to Grand Central Station, this is an easy addition to your list of things to do alone in New York City. Visit at golden hour for beautiful light and enjoy the floating silver balloons on the first level.

What you can see:

Central Park, Edge, Empire State Building, Hudson River.

Location & opening times:

45 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017. Open 9 AM - 12 AM. Closed on Tuesday.

8. Gantry Plaza State Park

A popular hangout spot for locals, Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City, Queens, offers fantastic views of the East River. Found on the Long Island side of the East River, directly opposite Midtown Manhattan, you’ll also enjoy art installations, regular live music performances, and many recreational pop-ups.

The view is beautiful at night, when the lights of NYC twinkle across the river. As one of New York’s hidden gems, add this to your itinerary.

What you can see:

Chrysler Building, Empire State Building, One World Trade Center.

Location & opening times:

4-44 47th Rd, Queens, NY 11101. Open 8 AM - 10 PM.

9. Brooklyn Bridge Park

Located across the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan, Brooklyn Bridge Park can easily be accessed by foot, bike, or ferry. The view from Brooklyn Bridge Park looks across the East River with the skyscrapers of Lower Manhattan directly in front of you.

Sunset is particularly magical, as the sun sets behind the downtown buildings and the Brooklyn Bridge is illuminated. If you can’t make it to the park at sunset, it’s still a beautiful spot at any time of day.

What you can see:

Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Financial District.

Location & opening times:

334 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201.

FAQs

What are the best views in NYC?

NYC’s iconic skyline is best seen from the river, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and Gantry Plaza State Park, all of which provide stunning waterfront views with the skyline. The Empire State Building and Top of the Rock are classic observation deck choices, offering sweeping panoramas of Manhattan. One World Observatory is the tallest viewing platform in the city.

Where can you find the best free views of NYC?

NYC has plenty of spots to enjoy breathtaking views without spending a dime. The High Line, an elevated park on Manhattan’s West Side, offers unique urban vistas. The Staten Island Ferry and the free ferry to Governors Island provide panoramic views of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. Don’t forget Central Park’s Belvedere Castle, where you can see the park and the city from a charming vantage point. These are just a few of the many free things you can do in Manhattan.

What are some lesser-known spots for great views in NYC?

For viewpoints off the beaten path, try Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan, Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park on Roosevelt Island, and Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, a National historic landmark.