New York is one of the most exciting and diverse destinations in the United States and the world.
From diverse restaurants to one-of-a-kind infrastructures and iconic landmarks, it’s no wonder New York is the most visited place in the country with more than 60 million tourists every year.
What is the most popular scenery for tourists? – the New York City skyline.
The New York City skyline is probably the most photographed scenery in the world. It boasts one of the most jaw-dropping views of the world’s famous buildings such as the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the East River, among other things.
You can see the stunning skyline from all five boroughs of New York: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.
If you are looking for the best spots to take an epic photo of the skyline, here are the top places I have gathered which include all five boroughs.
New York is huge, so wherever you are in the city, you will always have a spot to view the famous skyline. From parks to rooftop bars and skyscrapers, this list includes it all for every kind of traveler in the Big Apple.
In summary, here are the top 20 spots to view the New York City skyline.
Brooklyn
- Brooklyn Bridge
- Brooklyn Bridge Park
- Brooklyn Heights Promenade
- WNYC Transmitter Park
- Sunset Park
The Bronx
- The Floating Pool
Manhattan
- Top Of The Rock Observation Deck
- One World Observatory NYC
- Empire State Building
- Summit One Vanderbilt
- Edge NYC
- Central Park
- Roosevelt Island Tram
- The Cantor Roof Garden Bar
Queens
- Hunters Point South Park
- Ralph Demarco Park
- Queensbridge Park
Staten Island
- Staten Island Ferry
- Freshkills Park
- Alice Austen Park
Brooklyn
Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge, New York, NY 10038
One of New York’s iconic structures, but also one of the famous bridges in New York, the Brooklyn Bridge offers the most breathtaking views of the New York City skyline.
The Brooklyn Bridge is not just among the must-see places in New York, but also the best spot to get a glimpse of famous buildings such as the Statue of Liberty (one of the must-see attractions in New York City), the Empire State Building, and the One World Trade Center.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
334 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
A little farther away from the Brooklyn Bridge, you will find the Brooklyn Bridge Park where you can snap a photo of the New York City skyline along with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. The park is also a great place to have a view of Brooklyn Bridge.
After taking photos, you can do several recreational activities in the park. Whether you enjoy playing basketball, fishing, or birdwatching, the park has all facilities to enjoy.
Brooklyn Heights Promenade
Montague St &, Pierrepont Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: 212-639-9675
Located at Montague St & Pierrepont Pl, Brooklyn Heights Promenade is a historic walking area where you can admire the finest views of the Statue of Liberty, Staten Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Governor’s Island, to name a few.
It has three monuments to appreciate history, as well as landscaped greenery to enjoy a stroll.
WNYC Transmitter Park
Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Phone: 212-639-9675
Nestled in Greenpoint lies WNYC Transmitter Park, a park that offers waterfront views and skyline sceneries.
As one of the Best Parks In Brooklyn, it is a 6.61-acre park where you can go fishing, have a picnic, and enjoy nature.
Sunset Park
41 St., 44 St., bet. 5 Ave. and 7 Ave. Brooklyn, 11232
Phone: 718-965-6533
Sunset Park is one of Brooklyn’s best-kept secrets. It truly is a park to appreciate golden sunsets and gorgeous views of Manhattan’s skyline.
Moreover, you can also see Brooklyn, Staten Island, and even the Statue of Liberty from the park. After appreciating the views, use the park’s facilities for fun such as basketball courts, handball courts, outdoor pools, eateries, and playgrounds.
The Bronx
The Floating Pool
Tiffany St, Bronx, NY 10474
Phone: 718-430-4601
The Floating Pool in the Bronx is a public infinity swimming pool and is the only floating pool in the United States.
The pool is free for the public and can be used from 11 am to 7 pm. You can view the northern side of Manhattan’s skyline and get a peek at the Hell Gate Bridge from here.
Manhattan
Top Of The Rock Observation Deck
30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112
Phone: 212-698-2000
Top of the Rock is one of the most well-known attractions in Manhattan, located at Rockefeller Plaza. The building has up to 70 floors from which you get a 360-degree view of Central Park and midtown Manhattan.
The cheapest ticket you can buy is the Top of the Rock General Admission for only $34 to $40.
More reading; Which Observation Deck Should You Visit in New York City?
One World Observatory NYC
117 West St, New York, NY 10006
Phone: 844-696-1776
One World Observatory NYC, one of the best New York attractions, is another great location to witness the New York City skyline from more than 100 floors.
The building is also called the Freedom Tower, where you can see the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, the Hudson River, and the Rockefeller.
Get the standard ticket for only $43 to get access to 360° Stunning Views, or the combination ticket for an upgraded experience for $53 which includes 360° Stunning View, Priority Lane, and Digital Skyline Guide.
Empire State Building
20 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001
Phone: 212-736-3100
As one of the tallest buildings in NYC, the Empire State Building is probably one of the most photographed buildings in New York City and the world.
Aside from getting the picture-perfect background of the building, you can also have stunning skyline views when you go up the 86th or 102nd floor.
For a different experience, I suggest going up at night for lesser crowds and seeing the city lights for a shimmering skyline.
If you are going during the day, you will be able to have panoramic views of the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, the Hudson River, Times Square, and Central Park.
Summit One Vanderbilt
45 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017
Phone: 877-682-1401
Soaring at a 1,401-ft height with 93 floors, Summit One Vanderbilt is one of the top 30 tallest skyscrapers worldwide. It boasts elevators with the largest glass bottoms in the world.
Moreover, you can have different types of experiences in the Summit, where you feel like floating in the air, levitating, or ascending.
You will see incredible views of the city’s landmarks such as Bryant Park, Central Park, and the Chrysler Building.
Edge NYC
30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001
Phone: 332-204-8500
Edge NYC has one of the most thrilling viewing experiences in New York. It offers unmatched views from every angle from its triangular state-of-the-art deck.
Go up to 100 floors and look through the New York City skyline from the suspended deck, making you feel like you are floating in the air.
They offer four types of tickets: General Admission for $38, Flex Pass for $58, Champagne Admission for $55, and Premium Admission for $73.
Central Park
14 East 60th St., New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-310-6600
Central Park is the most famous urban park in New York City known for its magnificent landscape architecture.
Although you won’t see the whole skyline itself from an aerial view, it still is a perfect spot for taking a beautiful background picture of Manhattan’s infrastructures.
It is an 843-acre park, making it the fifth-largest in the city and one of the largest in the world.
Roosevelt Island Tram
E 59th St & 2nd Avenue, New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-756-8739
Roosevelt Island Tram gives you a bird’s eye view over the city’s landmarks, with its aerial tramway from 59th street and 2nd Avenue.
The tram is open from Sunday to Thursday from 6 am to 2 pm, and Friday to Saturday from 6 am to 3:30 am. Its flexible schedule allows you to have a thrill of the ride, whether you decide to go during the day or at night.
The Cantor Roof Garden Bar
Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028
Phone: 212-535-7710
When you are done exploring the Metropolitan Museum of Art, go up to the fifth floor and enjoy a cocktail drink at the Cantor Roof Garden Bar.
The rooftop offers spectacular views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. Be sure to come on a clear sky day and before peak hours as it is a first-come, first-served basis only. The bar is open everyday except Wednesdays.
Queens
Hunters Point South Park
Center Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101
Phone: 212-639-9675
Located on Center Boulevard in Long Island, Hunters Point South Park gives you a view of New York along the East River.
Turtle Bay and the United Nations Building are some of the famous landmarks visible from the park. Come to the park and enjoy a picnic or a nice stroll while appreciating the river views and city skyline.
Ralph Demarco Park
Shore Blvd, Queens, NY 11105
Phone: 212-639-9675
Located in Astoria, Queens, Ralph Demarco Park offers the best views of the Manhattan skyline and a closer look at the famous Hell Gate Bridge, one of the Famous Bridges In New York City.
It is also the perfect hangout area to relax, exercise, and bike around. Come to the park and take a break while you catch the sunset and the city lights turned on.
Queensbridge Park
Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101
Phone: 212-639-9675
Get up close to the Queensboro Bridge through Queensbridge Park, located at Vernon Blvd, Long Island City.
It is a recreational park with several facilities to use such as barbecue areas, dog-friendly areas, baseball fields, handball courts, and playgrounds.
Queensbridge Park offers breathtaking views of the East River, Queensboro Bridge, and the city skyline in the backdrop.
Staten Island
Staten Island Ferry
1 Bay Street Staten Island NY 10301
Email: siferrypics@hotmail.com
If you want to enjoy views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan for free, Staten Island Ferry is the way to go.
Staten Island Ferry provides free transportation to approximately 70,000 passengers a day, traveling from St. George to Whitehall.
The ferry runs every 25 minutes for 24 hours, so you have the chance to see the skyline in daylight and nighttime.
The Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Hudson, and the Battery are some of the sights to see during the cruise.
Freshkills Park
Freshkills Park, Staten Island, NY 10314
Phone: 212-602-5374
Freshkills Park is a 2,200-acre land that is nearly thrice Central Park’s size. The park is scheduled to officially open in the 2030s, making it another great addition to your list of spots to see the Manhattan skyline.
Although not as close as the others, Freshkills Park offers a distant view of the entire New York City skyline. Enjoy the views while avoiding the crowd and immersing in more greenery and fresher air.
Alice Austen Park
Edgewater St &, Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305
Phone: 718-816-4506
Visiting Alice Austen Park is a gorgeous side trip where you can learn about its history and view Manhattan’s skyline.
The Buono Beach, Verrazano Narrows Bridge, and New York Bay are all sights to see from the park. Aside from sightseeing, you can also visit the Alice Austen House Museum named after lesbian photographer Alice Austen.
The museum is a nationally-designated site of LGBTQ history which also holds more than 7,000 photographs of Victorian New York taken by Alice.
Which One Did You Like?
Wherever you are in New York, it guarantees a whirlwind of experiences. Each viewing spot mentioned in the article gives a different vibe, culture, and emotion, so be sure to check them all out.
In case you missed any of these spots, you still have one more chance to have an aerial view of the skyline – and that is from your plane seat!
That is if you are taking the plane back home. Did I miss a good location? Let us know in the comments section and share with us the best spots in the city.
