New York City’s skyline is one of the most iconic in the world, and whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime local, seeing it from the perfect vantage point never gets old. From glass-bottomed sky decks to hidden waterfront gems, there’s no shortage of ways to take in the city’s breathtaking views.
Looking for the best places to snap skyline photos or just soak in the scenery? Here are 10 must-visit spots for jaw-dropping NYC views.
One World Observatory – The Tallest View in NYC
📍 Location: One World Trade Center, 285 Fulton Street, Manhattan
Perched atop the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, One World Observatory offers unmatched 360-degree views from 1,250 feet above the city. The experience starts with a high-speed elevator ride through NYC’s history, leading to breathtaking, uninterrupted skyline views.
Why You Should Go: If you want to see NYC from its highest point, this is the place to be.
Summit One Vanderbilt – The Ultimate Instagram-Worthy View
📍 Location: One Vanderbilt, 45 East 42nd Street, Manhattan
Summit One Vanderbilt offers more than just stunning skyline views—it’s an immersive experience. Featuring infinity mirror rooms, sky-high glass terraces, and floating glass-bottomed skyboxes, this observation deck transforms the NYC skyline into an interactive work of art.
Why You Should Go: Glass skyboxes and mirrored floors make for the most Instagrammable city views.
Empire State Building – A Timeless Classic
📍 Location: 350 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan
A New York City icon for nearly a century, the Empire State Building offers classic open-air skyline views from its 86th-floor observation deck. The recently renovated exhibits add an extra layer of history to this must-visit destination.
Why You Should Go: The Empire State Building is legendary. Watching the city light up at sunset from here is pure magic.
Edge – The Highest Outdoor Sky Deck in the Western Hemisphere
📍 Location: 30 Hudson Yards, Manhattan
Edge is not just an observation deck—it’s a thrill-seeker’s dream. Jutting out 65 feet from the building, this glass-bottomed platform gives you the sensation of floating over NYC. For an even bigger adrenaline rush, try City Climb, where you scale the outside of the skyscraper!
Why You Should Go: The glass-bottom floor and floating deck offer the most heart-pounding NYC view.
Top of the Rock – The Best View of the Empire State Building
📍 Location: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Manhattan
If you want a picture-perfect view of the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock is your best bet. Unlike other decks, this three-tiered terrace offers unobstructed views of the Empire State Building and Central Park, all in one frame.
Why You Should Go: It’s the best place to capture NYC’s skyline with the Empire State Building in full view.
Brooklyn Bridge Park – The Best Waterfront View
📍 Location: 334 Furman Street, Brooklyn
Brooklyn Bridge Park is the go-to spot for postcard-perfect skyline views. Sitting along the East River, it offers stunning panoramas of Lower Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty. Whether at sunrise or sunset, the scenery is unbeatable.
Why You Should Go: Unmatched waterfront views + plenty of space to relax = the perfect NYC escape.
Brooklyn Heights Promenade – A Hidden Gem
📍 Location: Remsen Street to Orange Street, Brooklyn
For a quieter, more romantic skyline view, the Brooklyn Heights Promenade is an elevated walkway lined with benches and spectacular skyline views. It’s one of NYC’s most underrated scenic spots.
Why You Should Go: A peaceful retreat with stunning views of Manhattan’s skyline and bridges.
Hunters Point South Park – A Skyline View Without the Crowds
📍 Location: Long Island City, Queens
Hunters Point South Park offers a direct, panoramic view of Midtown Manhattan, including the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building. This less touristy waterfront promenade is perfect for a quiet skyline stroll.
Why You Should Go: A hidden gem with incredible views—minus the crowds.
Roosevelt Island Tramway – A View from the Sky
📍 Location: Tram Plaza, 59th Street & Second Avenue, Manhattan
For just $2.90, you can ride the Roosevelt Island Tram and enjoy aerial views of NYC as you soar over the East River. This budget-friendly adventure is one of NYC’s best-kept secrets!
Why You Should Go: A scenic aerial view of the skyline—for the price of a subway ride!
Staten Island Ferry – The Best Free View in NYC
📍 Location: Whitehall Terminal, 4 South Street, Manhattan
If you want spectacular skyline views without spending a dime, hop on the Staten Island Ferry. This free 25-minute ride gives you breathtaking views of Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island.
Why You Should Go: The best free way to see the NYC skyline and Statue of Liberty up close.
From sky-high observation decks to waterfront parks and hidden gems, NYC has endless ways to experience its legendary skyline. Whether you’re looking for thrill-seeking adventures at Edge, classic skyline moments at the Empire State Building, or peaceful park views, there’s something for everyone.
