As one of the tallest cities in North America, New York City boasts its share of neck-stretchingly high skyscrapers and breathtaking views all over town. If you’re not afraid of heights, and like to see the world from new perspectives, then check out this list of some of the best places to take in views of the Big Apple.
We’re all about gravity-defying acrobatics, so naturally, we’re drawn to such great heights. After you’re done exploring the best views and updating your Instagram feed, check out some of our other favorite things to do in New York to rediscover the city like it’s the first time all over again.
Iconic Landmarks with Outlooks
In every neighborhood and on just about every block, New York City’s iconic landmarks stand proud and tall. Check out some of these legends, each with an observation deck that overlooks the city so you can see New York in a whole new light.
The Empire State Building’s Panoramic Views
Built in 1930, The Empire State Building is one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks and provides one of New York’s best views, hands down.
From 1930 to 1970, this skyscraper building held the distinct honor of being the tallest building in the world. Though it’s since been dethroned by other taller structures, it still ranks high on the list. Currently, it’s the seventh-tallest building in the city, the ninth tallest in the United States, and comes in 57th in the world.
Of course, when you’re standing in one of its observation decks—there’s one on the 86th and another on the 102nd—you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world.
Not only does the Empire State Building offer mind-blowing views of New York City but on clear days, you’ll be able to see as far as 80 miles away. Its 360-degree views don’t just give you breathtaking panoramas of the city. On the clearest of days, you can see as far out as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Delaware. Amazing.
💡Fun fact: The Empire State Building showcases the design aesthetic known as Art Deco, which was incredibly popular in the 1920s until the end of the Great Depression. The style is defined by excessive ornamentation, metallic tones, and geometric shapes—think Great Gatsby, or the steampunk inspiration in Kurios.
The Statue of Liberty’s Historical Perspective
The Statue of Liberty stands proud on Liberty Island. The statue faces in the southeast direction, positioned just so to welcome boats carrying immigrants looking to start their new lives in America. Just as it always has, the Statue of Liberty stands as a symbol of America—its message of hope, resilience, and prosperity remains.
Due to its rich and storied history, the Statue of Liberty is widely considered a destination worth visiting. Even the ferry that takes visitors to Liberty Island is an experience like none other, sailing into the New York Harbor so that passengers can glimpse a picture-perfect views of the city’s iconic skyline.
Ferries run several times a day, and in some cases, stopping at both Ellis Island, where the Statue of Liberty Museum resides, and Liberty Island, giving visitors an up-close-and-personal view of Lady Liberty herself.
💡Fun fact: In celebration of an alliance formed between France and The United States during The American Revolution in 1885, France gifted the Americans with the Statue of Liberty.
One World Observatory’s Stunning Cityscape Views
One World Trade Center (also known as One WTC or the Freedom Tower) skyscraper is located at the tip of the peninsula, looking out towards the Atlantic Ocean. Inside the building resides the One World Trade Observatory, currently the highest point in New York City and the Western world.
This building stands as a symbol of fortitude, adjacent to the site where the Twin Towers once stood. The World Trade Center now consists of various attractions, including the September 11 Memorial & Museum, Liberty Park, the Oculus, and the Observatory Deck.
Head up to the 102nd floor to access the observation deck’s three levels where you’ll be treated to 360-degree views of the city, standing 268 ft. above Lower Manhattan. For starters, the glass floor experience—the 14 ft. wide Sky Portal—feels like you’re floating 1,268 ft. above downtown.
💡 Did you know? Construction for the One World Trade Center began in 2006 and wrapped in 2014. The architect who designed the building, David Childs, also is also the man behind the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, located in Dubai.
A Unique Perspective from the Top of the Rock
Head to Rockefeller Center for one of the most incredible views in New York City. The Top of the Rock experience awaits your visit.
Hop on the elevator and head up 70 flights of the General Electric building. When you emerge, you might feel a little dizzy, but it’ll all be worth it once you see the city from above. Just ask our acrobats, they know a thing or two about heights.
From here, you’ll be treated to unobstructed views in both the indoor and outdoor observation decks. Different parts of the Top of the Rock experience offer different viewpoints, but from up there you’ll see an impressive view of the Empire State Building’s façade, the Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center and even the Statue of Liberty off in the distance. It’s New York City in a whole new light.
Spectacular Shows Nearby!
Elevate your New York City experience with breathtaking Cirque du Soleil performances.
Outdoor Attractions with Great Views
Sometimes, seeing good views doesn’t necessarily mean heading sky-high. Some of the best things to see in New York are waiting for you all over uptown and downtown.
Take a Scenic Walk in Central Park
Central Park is an 840-acre park located right in the heart of New York City, from 59th to 110th Streets and running the width of Fifth and Eighth Avenues. You might not expect a city to have this much greenspace but in New York, anything’s possible.
From just about every vantage point in Central Park, your eyes will be drawn to something impressive. Look up, and see views of the midtown Manhattan skyline, including the tallest residential towers in the city, like the Central Park Tower.
But there are plenty of views to take in at eye level, too, including the Central Park Zoo, Strawberry Fields, and the Great Lawn, to name a few. If scenic walks in the great outdoors are more your thing, you’ll love the experience of taking a jaunt through the sprawling Central Park.
Brooklyn Bridge’s Walking Tours
The Brooklyn Bridge isn’t just a way to get from A to B—it's an iconic structure standing tall that connects two of New York City’s most popular boroughs, Brooklyn and Manhattan. It's a photo op, a beautiful backdrop, and a place where memories happen.
Not just for cars or city buses, the Brooklyn Bridge can also be accessed by walkers and cyclists via pedestrian pathway, which provides you with unparalleled view of the city. To your left, you'll see the Statue of Liberty standing proud off in the distance.
To your right, Brooklyn and Manhattan are quite the sight to see. If you want to learn a thing or two on your journey, check out some guided walking tours along the Brooklyn Bridge.
Typically lasting about 2-3 hours, you'll have the chance to learn about the trendy Dumbo (which stands for "down under the Manhattan bridge overpass") neighborhood as well as the stories behind the bridge's construction.
History buffs, photography enthusiasts, and urban explorers will all love experiencing a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Trust us, it's an experience that will never fail to impress.
The High Line’s Elevated Views
The High Line is an elevated walkway and urban park built along a former railroad that, up until the 80s, ran along the West Side of Manhattan. Since being restored, it’s considered one of New York City’s top outdoor attractions.
The best way to experience the High Line, and its amazing views of the city and the Hudson River, are by doing it entirely your own way. That means, don’t plan anything and just let yourself wander.
Stop and admire some of the public artwork that dots the walkway or have a seat on one of its many sun decks to soak up the rays. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, but if you don’t take your time to enjoy the views, you may feel like you missed out.
Waterfront Experiences with Lots to See
Enjoy views of the island of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and beyond from the waterfront.
Hudson River Boat Tours
Exploring the Hudson River by boat is a unique way to experience the city, one you may not have thought of. A variety of tour companies offer tons of options suited for every kind of traveller. And it's amazing how stunning the NYC skyline looks from the deck of a boat.
Hudson River boat tours often include narrated experiences, sharing fascinating stories about the city's history and the river's significance and history. From sunset cruises to themed boat tours, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy the Hudson River's serene beauty and the vibrant skyline around you.
New York Harbor Ferry Rides
Looking for a scenic and memorable way to explore New York? Hop on one of the New York Harbor's many ferry rides. These boats take passengers near key destinations and some of NYC's most iconic views—call it a unique way to get some sight-seeing in.
From the deck of a ferry, you'll be able to enjoy free views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Staten Island, and the stunning Manhattan skyline. Ferries are not just a practical mode of transportation; they're a bit of an attraction themselves. With routes crisscrossing the harbor, you can experience the city's energy and history from the water.
The Staten Island Ferry’s Free Views
The Staten Island Ferry—or, “the People’s Ferry” for its free admission—is one of New York City's best-kept secrets for visitors seeking incredible views. And, it doesn’t cost a thing!
The boat connects Manhattan to Staten Island, and you can board it without having to pay a fee. Along the way, you’ll get to see breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Lower Manhattan skyline, which includes the sky-high One World Trade Center structure.
The ferry operates year-round, so you can board it any time of year. As it glides through the harbor, you'll have ample opportunities to snap photos of some of the city's most recognizable landmarks, all while enjoying the fresh breeze and expansive views. All without the whole New York price tag.
💡Fun fact: The Staten Island Ferry is the busiest ferry route in the United States. In 2023, over 15 million people hopped on board!
Cultural and Historical Sites
Scenic views are everywhere you look in New York City. These cultural and historical sites are worth a visit—each one helps you see things from a whole new perspective.
9/11 Memorial: A Reflective Experience
One of the most poignant sites in New York City is the 9/11 Memorial. Located on eight acres of the 16-acre World Trade Center complex, the area is a reflective space, a place of remembrance.
Its design features two pools, each an acre in size, where the former North and South towers once stood. Waterfalls flow into the pool, the largest manmade waterfalls in North America. These are surrounded by white oak trees.
The cascading water descends into a basin, which, according to designer Michael Arad, represents “absence made visible.” Visiting is a profound and moving experience.
Rockefeller Center’s Art and Architecture
Rockefeller Center is a cultural landmark in NYC. The building was raised in the 1930s, a reflection of the Art Deco design that was so popular in the era. You’ll know you’re at 30 Rockefeller Plaza by the Prometheus statue.
Inside the building, you’ll encounter world-class sculptures and murals—it’s a living gallery of sorts.
It’s easy to spend a whole day at Rockefeller Plaza alone. Book a tour of NBC Studios and learn about the history of radio and television. Hop on the elevator and enjoy the Top of the Rock experience, where you can see views of New York City from the 70th floor of the tower.
Afterwards, journey on down to the ice rink—you can rent skates here and hone your skills. Tickets to skate on the rink can be purchased ahead of time.
One of our favorite views is that of the Rockefeller building façade during the holiday season. The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Plaza will delight and dazzle.
The Chrysler Building: An Architectural Marvel
The Chrysler Building is something of an architectural marvel, considered one of the most “decorated buildings” in all of Manhattan, maybe even North America. Its Art Deco style gives it a unique look.
Art Deco style is characterized by its bold, geometric lines and bright colors. It’s at once elegant and, at the height of its popularity, evoked an elegant and futuristic feeling. The Chrysler Building was commissioned by Walter Chrysler, who at the time was the head of the Chrysler Corporation. Chrysler wanted his building to stand out.
That’s why he opted to decorate it with hubcaps and hood ornaments, much like his cars. The building’s exterior is decked out with gargoyles and grotesques, like what you’d see on a cathedral. From the ground, you’ll be amazed by the eerie grandeur of this structure, a true marvel of the modern age.
From up above, the Chrysler Building is unique. Its thousands of windows catching the light, a shining example of the American dream come to life.
💡Fun fact: The Chrysler Building was commissioned by Walter Chrysler, the head of the Chrysler Corporation. When it was built, it was in competition with two other buildings—40 Wall Street and the Empire State Building—dubbed the “race for the sky” in 1929.
By the time it was completed, it was the tallest building in the world—beating out the Eiffel Tower. But it was unseated when construction of the Empire State Building was finished 11 months later. Today, it’s the 12th tallest building in the city.
Vibrant City Life
New York is filled with landmarks and destinations that are sure to be an eyeful. Check out some of our favorites.
Times Square Offers Nighttime Illumination
Times Square is a part of town that certainly needs no introduction. With its bright lights and digital screens, the views in Times Square are unlike anything else in North America.
The best time of day to visit Times Square is undoubtedly at night—that’s when you can experience all the action, excitement, and electricity on full display. With stores open late, and bright lights everywhere you look, Times Square is one of those spots that you’ve got to experience to believe.
Shopping and Dining in Midtown
When it’s time to do things at night in New York, Midtown Manhattan, with its central location, is a premier destination for shopping and dining. It’s hard to talk about New York City without talking about views at ground level, and in this part of town, you’re sure to do some pretty impressive window shopping.
NYC’s Rooftop Bars Offer Picture-Perfect Skyline Views
Vibe is everything, and these rooftop bars in NYC serve up a view alongside an extensive list of creative cocktails and bites. Here are a few of our favorites worth checking out:
Overstory
Perched on the 64th floor of the 70 Pine Street building, Overstory offers a chic and intimate setting with jaw-dropping 360-degree views. Sip on delicious cocktails while you take in the impressive views, looking down at the bustling streets below.
Westlight
Located atop The William Vale luxury hotel in Brooklyn, this trendy bar has one of the best views in New York: The Manhattan skyline. Pair the breathtaking view with a curated menu of small plates and inventive drinks—it’s the perfect way to spend your time in Brooklyn.
The Roof at Public Hotel
Offering both indoor and outdoor spaces, this trendy spot feels uniquely New York. From here, you can take in views of the Manhattan skyline that look straight from a movie. We feel this one's best enjoyed in the summer months.
Capture Breathtaking Sunsets
Watching the sun set on New York City is one of those bucket list items—you need to see it to believe it. If you’re looking for date ideas in New York, here are some of our personal favorite spots to experience the city at dusk.
Sunset Cruises on the Hudson
Experience the magic of golden hour from an unexpected vantage point: bobbing along the Hudson River. As the sun sets, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Manhattan skyline—the kind that are worthy of a postcard.
Better yet, it’ll be like seeing double as the city reflects on the surface of the river. The views of iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and even the Statue of Liberty are unmatched from the Hudson.
Sunset Photography from the Brooklyn Bridge
Make sure you have your phone handy to snap pics of the skyline from the Brooklyn Bridge. At dusk, you’ll get a front-row seat to one of the best views in all of New York City: Manhattan, seen from the bridge’s pedestrian walkway.
As the sun dips below the horizon, towers steeped in the golden hour light, you’ll feel like you’re living in a dream—or at least a movie.
Sunsets over the Manhattan Skyline
Now, let’s flip things around: Instead of gazing at the Manhattan skyline, imagine what the views look like from the heart of Manhattan. The setting sun looks like a painting as it dips below the horizon, looking out at the East River, lighting up the Brooklyn Bridge.
Another great spot to see the setting sun is from the Staten Island Ferry. By now, you know that boarding it is free. So, plan your day accordingly and time your boat ride with the sunset to watch the sky transform.
Manhattan is home to numerous bars and hotels with views. Head there during Happy Hour to make the most of dusk in its dreamy pink, nostalgic purples, and bright orange palette. While we’re big fans of bells, whistles, and gravity-defying acts—sometimes what most inspires awe in life are the simple things: the setting sun, a beautiful view, the peace of the day turning into night.
Empire State Building Observation Deck
We already told you a little about the Empire State Building and its observation decks. The structure boasts two: one on the 86th floor, and another on the 102nd. Both offer breathtaking, 360-degree views of the city.
Whether you’re visiting during the day to see the bustling city or at night when the lights create a magical glow, the Empire State Building’s two observation decks are worth the hike up (don’t worry, an elevator carries you there). This iconic landmark feels like the beating heart of New York City—and even though it’s several stories up, it’s well within reach.
The One World Observatory Glass Floor Experience
Located at the top of One World Trade Center, the One World Observatory not only offers stunning views of Manhattan, but its Sky Portal glass floor experience is just that: a glass floor that lets you look down at the streets below. Sweaty palms guaranteed!
In addition to the glass floor, One World Observatory’s 102nd floor observation deck overlooks the city. This is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, so if a great view is what you’re after, you’re certain to find it looking out from the top of this mighty building.
A Unique Look from the Top of the Rock
Rockefeller Center’s Top of the Rock observation deck offers some of the most unique viewpoints in the city.
Unlike other decks, this one provides clear, unobstructed vistas of Central Park to the north and Midtown’s architectural marvels to the south, including the Empire State Building—there’s an indoor and outdoor observation deck for those who want to feel the breeze way up there.
The deck’s multi-level viewing platforms give you the flexibility to enjoy the cityscape from different heights, ensuring a picture-perfect moment no matter where you stand.
Hidden Gems
Scooch a little closer, we’ll let you in on a little secret. These hidden gems offer some of New York’s best views no matter where you’re seated.
The High Line’s Urban Park
The High Line is an elevated urban park built on a former railway line. It runs through Manhattan’s West Side, providing picturesque views of the cityscape.
In addition to its views, you’ll encounter lush gardens, public art installations—and plenty of park benches, of course.
Though it’s a well-known site, we think that, if you stray from the path, you might just uncover some hidden gems of your own, including impressive city views or art installations.
Edge, A Thrilling Sky Deck
Edge at Hudson Yards is one of NYC’s most thrilling sky decks—and also the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western world.
Located 1,130 feet above the ground, this observation deck is hardly for the faint of heart. That’s because it’s suspended in mid-air, so you feel like you’re floating.
Talk about stepping out of your comfort zone! If you peer over the angled edge, you might get the sensation of falling, but don’t worry—it’s completely safe. The glass floor here is another feature designed for thrill-seekers!
Freedom Tower’s Lesser-Known Views
The Freedom Tower’s One World Trade Observatory is an observation deck that’s surprisingly not on many tourists’ radars. Which is a shame, considering that this building offers sweeping views of the city. Visiting is a profoundly life-changing experience.
Beyond that, this attraction is significant as it was the site of the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers, which were tragically destroyed on September 11th, 2001. As a result, the World Trade Center was built in their place—a symbol of resilience, and a reflection of the thousands of lives lost that day.
Plan Your Visit
Make your trip to New York the most memorable it can be with some of these tips and tricks.
Best Time for Optimal Viewing Conditions
New York City is a magical place year-round, but the timing of your visit can help improve your odds of landing on some of the best views in clear weather. Our advice: Plan your NYC trip between the months of April and November. The weather’s warmest, the skies are clearest, and the vibes are, in a word, immaculate.
If you’re looking to populate your Instagram feed, keep in mind that early mornings and late afternoons provide the best lighting. So, make sure to devote some of that golden hour magic to snapping pics to really experience NYC in all its glory.
But, at nighttime, the city buzzes and glows. Ultimately, it depends on what your definition of “optimal viewing” is. We’ll leave that part up to you.
Free Viewpoints for some Budget-Friendly Views
The best part about taking in some of NYC’s best views is that you don’t have to break the bank! Board the Staten Island Ferry for breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and the city skyline for—you guessed it—free.
On the other side of the East River, parks like the Brooklyn Bridge Park also offer premium vantage points. Don’t forget about the High Line on the West Side of Manhattan—yet another budget-friendly option that lets you soak in the city’s views without costing a thing.
Crowded Spots and Popular Attractions
Though iconic attractions like Times Square and the Empire State Building are musts, keep in mind they draw in visitors from all over the world and, as a result, get pretty crowded.
Try visiting these hotspots during off-speak hours, like early in the morning or later at night, so you can avoid large crowds. Other tips: Try purchasing your tickets ahead of schedule online so you can skip the line in-person. With a little planning, you can enjoy these landmarks at your leisure.
Local Gems
Experience New York like you’ve lived there your whole life with these tips from those in the know.
Guide-Recommend Hidden Gems
Luckily, there is a seemingly endless trove of guide-recommended resources for a big city like New York. If you’re really on the hunt for the best views, search for travel blogs or spend some time on social media—travel experts offer the best tips for finding the spots with optimal views.
Local Insider Tips
Who knows better than locals? The next time you’re in town, chat with servers, baristas, and bartenders to get their insider tips and insights. You never know what local or hidden gem they’ll point you in the direction of. Be sure to check out blogs, too, for some in-depth personal recommendations from people in the know.
Your Turn! Endless Views in New York
Headed to New York City soon? We hope to cross your path on the city’s busy streets, or maybe on board the subway…
No matter when you visit New York, or who you plan the trip with, the city that never sleeps is sure to be the experience of your dreams. Now that you’ve read about some of our favorite ways to see—and fully experience the city—you’re ready to hit the town.
New York is what you make of it. While these are some of our bright ideas, time feels like it moves at a quicker pace here—there’s so much to cram in, so many sights to see, it’s hard to feel like you’ve done everything on your list.
While you’re here, you might want to check out one of our shows in New York City if we’re in town! We promise, our shows also provide amazing views of talented artists doing impressive stunts!