This post lists the best places to see incredible views of New York City.
The locations below were chosen by me and my fellow local tour guides who know where to go for stunning skyline views day and night.
Some of these locations are covered on our walking tours and you can preview what to expect from the videos of our tour guides visiting them.
Most are free, but some cost a few dollars, and a handful require that you purchase tickets.
We also looked at suggestions from our popular New York City Travel Tips Facebook group.
Our group of over 225,000 members consists of locals (like our tour guides), regular visitors, and newbies to the city.
After you've read this post, check out our group for more tips on visiting NYC!
Without further ado, get your cameras ready!
- Best Free (Or Nearly Free) Views Of New York City
- Views From Cruises And Ferries
- NYC Observation Decks
- Parks With Views Of The Manhattan Skyline
- Piers with Views of NYC Skylines
- See The Skyline From A Helicopter
- Best Places to See the NYC Skyline at Night
1. From Your Airplane
Well, this isn't exactly a free view --you did pay for your airplane ticket! Think of it as a freebie view.
Whichever airport you fly into, you are in for a treat!
The views of the New York City skyline and the rest of the city will blow you away.
The views are exactly what you have seen in photographs and movies.
2. Staten Island Ferry
To see the tip of Lower Manhattan and get an up-close view of the Statue of Liberty, take the free Staten Island Ferry on a trip to Staten Island and back.
Most ferries have outside seating areas, where you can catch great views as well as a nice breeze.
The ferry runs 24 hours a day. You will share the boat with commuters and other visitors.
In the video below, Canden, a tour guide with Free Tours by Foot, gives tips on riding the ferry, including where to sit for the best views.
You can learn more from our in-depth guide on how to take the Staten Island Ferry.
3. Brooklyn Heights Promenade
You can enjoy great views of the Manhattan skyline by visiting the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, especially at night.
The Promenade has benches, is never very crowded, and is an amazing place to relax and take in the beautiful views.
In the image below, Tour Guide Dante taking a selfie (or a wefi) with his guests on one of our walking tours.
You can also get to the Promenade by walking over the Brooklyn Bridge, something you should have on your "must-do" list.
The promenade is a stop on our 3-hour Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights, and DUMBO Tour as well as our shorter Brooklyn Heights Tour.
4. Brooklyn Bridge
Walking over the Brooklyn Bridge has so many amazing aspects.
The bridge itself is a beautiful piece of architecture, but what is so special is the 360-degree view of the New York Harbor
From the pedestrian walkway, you will have spectacular views of Manhattan from the southern tip up to midtown Manhattan and beyond
Also, you will see the skyline of Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, the Manhattan Bridge, and Williamsburg in the distance.
You can even see the Statue of Liberty although she looks about 5 inches tall from the bridge.
In the video below, Tour Guide Katie takes you on a virtual walk across the bridge to take in the wonderful sights.
For more information, click here for our guide to Walking the Brooklyn Bridge or download our GPS-enabled Brooklyn Bridge Tour.
DUMBO
DUMBO is a historic and somewhat trendy neighborhood just across the river from Lower Manhattan and just to the north of Brooklyn Heights.
There are several waterfront parks all close to each other, so there is no shortage of space to throw down a blanket and have a picnic with spectacular views.
And, in this video, Derrick takes you on a virtual walk of DUMBO. Skip toward the end for the crazy awesome views.
Read more about what to do in DUMBO and if you are wondering how the neighborhood.
5. Brooklyn Bridge Park
Located south of the Brooklyn Bridge, the views will take your breath away.
There is plenty to do in the park as well.
There is even a beautiful early 20th-century carousel in the park.
6. Fulton Ferry Landing
You can also get a great view of Lower and Midtown Manhattan from the Fulton Ferry Landing in Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Click here for directions to the Fulton Ferry Landing.
You can also take the East River Ferry (see below) which stops right at Brooklyn Bridge Park.
7. Empire Fulton Ferry Park
This park is north of the Brooklyn Bridge so you can snap pictures from a different viewpoint.
There is a nifty restored carousel here that looks magical at night with the Brooklyn Bridge and Lower Manhattan in the background.
8. Time Out Market
This large food market in DUMBO is located between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.
On the top floor, there is an outdoor seating area where the views are outstanding, especially at night.
You don't have to purchase anything to step outside, but the food there is pretty good.
There’s also an inside bar to grab a beer or cocktail and enjoy the same great views.
OTHER GREAT VIEWS
9. Roosevelt Island Tram
The tram to Roosevelt Island travels over the East River to connect Midtown Manhattan and this small, mostly residential island.
This is a fun way to get 360 views of NYC and beyond from a unique vantage point.
Although the ride on the tram is about 4 minutes, these may be the most exciting 4 minutes of your visit to New York!
Once at Roosevelt Island, you can relax and have plenty of time to take pictures from Southpoint Park.
You can experience it right now with this virtual ride with Tour Guide Katie.
Use this Roosevelt Island self-guided tour to see the sights.
The tram runs from 6 am to 2 am on Sundays through Thursdays and from 6 am to 3:30 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Read more about taking the tram to Roosevelt Island.
For outrageous views from the sky, take a helicopter ride. It's not as cheap as the tram, but it is an outstanding experience!
10. Manhattan Bridge
Though walking over the Manhattan Bridge isn’t on most tourists' to-do lists, it is still something worth doing if you have some extra time on your trip.
The bridge itself isn’t aesthetically pleasing, but the walkway is practically empty compared to the crowded walkway across the Brooklyn Bridge.
The best views are from the lower level looking through the fence.
You’ll see Manhattan and also get a view of the Brooklyn Bridge against the skyline.
11. Battery Park
Located at the tip of Manhattan, this medium-sized park has wonderful waterfront views of New York Harbor including the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
This is where the Statue of Liberty ferries depart.
There are a few benches along the water, and many more inside the park, where there are historic monuments and sculptures.
Read more about Battery Park.
12. Time Warner Building
This shopping mall at Columbus Circle has a massive glass window on the 4th floor that offers a view of contrasts.
It’s an up-close look at the Monument at Columbus Circle with Central Park on the left and the beautiful Art Deco buildings along Central Park South and some skyscrapers peeking out.
During the holidays, there is a Christmas Market here and some of the best pictures can be taken then as the lobby of the building decks its halls with brilliant oversized stars.
It's also a great spot to watch the Macys Thanksgiving Parade!
VIEWS FROM CRUISES AND FERRIES
Views from the water are great because they are unobstructed and you will enjoy your time on a relaxing cruise or ferry ride.
You can opt to take a commuter ferry for just $4 and great views of different parts of the city.
Ferries, however, are generally quick rides without specifically taking you to the best vantage points.
On the other hand, for a reasonable price, you can take a sightseeing cruise or boat tours that circle Manhattan giving you fantastic views of the island from different perspectives.
Sightseeing cruises are longer than commuter ferry rides and you also learn about the city during your trip.
13. Sightseeing Cruises
The choices available can seem a little overwhelming so we've compiled all the information on the different types of cruises and tours offered by the most popular companies.
To help decide if a boat tour or cruise is right for you, read our post Which New York Boat Tour or Cruise is Best?
14. NYC Ferry
This ferry service, formerly known as the East River Ferry, has several routes offering get an array of amazing views, depending on which route you take.
Most routes have views of Lower and Midtown Manhattan skylines, the Brooklyn Bridge, and more.
The ferry isn't free, but it's only $4, which is not much more than the cost of a subway ride.
It's a great scenic alternative to taking the subway, so give it a try! Check our guide to riding this ferry.
15. Governors Island Ferry
This small recreational island just 4 minutes from Manhattan by ferry is located in the middle of New York Harbor.
From the ferry, you’ll get great views of the Lower Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn shoreline, including the Brooklyn Bridge.
You can even see the Statue of Liberty off in the distance.
Once you are on the island, the best spot for views is from the island's highest peak at Outlook Hill.
Governor's Island is a pretty nifty place to go, especially in the summer. See our post, Top Things to Do on Governors Island.
SKYSCRAPER OBSERVATION DECKS
More likely than not, you planned on visiting an observation deck to get sky-high views of NYC.
All these decks offer unbelievable views for miles around.
The hard part is knowing which one to visit since they differ in vantage points and price ranges.
For some guidance read our post comparing the observation decks.
We go over ticket prices, how to find deals, and the pros and cons of each deck.
Whichever one you decide to see, you will have unforgettable views of the many skylines of New York City!
The pictures below show what you can expect to see from each of the observation decks.
16. Empire State Building
Day or night, the views from this iconic building are outstanding.
You can choose from two viewing platforms: the 86th Floor and the 102nd floor.
This view is looking south with a view of One World Observatory.
17. Top of the Rock
Top of the Rock is located in Rockefeller Center in Midtown which means you can see three of the five skyscraper observation decks along the NYC skyline.
This is the view looking south.
18. One World Observatory (the Freedom Tower)
This is the view looking northeast. You can see the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan Bridge, and the Williamsburg Bridge.
One World Observatory is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
No matter what direction you look from One World Observatory, there are spectacular New York City views.
19. Edge at Hudson Yards
This stunning view is looking south from 1,200 feet high.
One small section of Edge has a glass floor so you can get a look at NYC from over 1,000 feet above the street!
20. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
With outrageous 360-degree views from atop SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, you take your pick of views!
Unlike the other observation decks, SUMMIT gives you a view of Central Park and so much more!
21. Cantor Rooftop Garden at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
It’s surprising how few people, even New Yorkers, know that there is a rooftop garden and bar at the Metropolitan Museum of Art!
As the museum is on the east side of Central Park, the roof terrace offers a marvelous view of the park and the surrounding buildings.
There are some benches and tables, and a lush lawn to sit on. There is a bar that sells cocktails and wine, as well as limited food. But there is no obligation to make any purchase to enjoy the view.
The rooftop is open during the day, approximately mid–April through October. Entrance to the rooftop is included in the price of admission to the museum.
Read more about visiting the Met.
PARKS WITH THE BEST FREE VIEWS
Many of NYC's parks offer the best views of New York City all for free.
We already mention the parks in DUMBO above. But there's even more, and with views of different parts of the city.
Visiting one of the parks below gets you a two-for-one! Enjoy a beautiful green space and get amazing skyline views!
22. Central Park
The view from inside Central Park is one of NYC's most iconic. This much-loved park is surrounded by some of the city's most beautiful buildings.
Just to name a few, you can see the Neo-Renaissance Beresford, the Plaza Hotel, and even the Ghostbusters Building!
For the most cinematic skyline from Central Park, go ice skating in Wollman Rink!
For the most relaxing view, head to the Sheep Meadow, lie down, and look up!
Belvedere Castle not only has great views but is photo-worthy itself!
It sits on the 2nd highest natural elevation in the park, so the views of the surrounding areas and the city beyond are excellent.
Umpire Rock, in the southwest corner of the park, has sensational views of the 20th and 21st-century buildings along Central Park South and nearby West 57th Street (Billionaire's Row).
Find out more about things to do in Central Park here.
23. High Line Park
The High Line is a narrow, vertical park that stretches from 14th Street to 30th Street on Manhattan's west side parallel to the Hudson River.
What is unique about the views from the High Line is that you get a look at Manhattan inward as well as outward.
You will have views of Manhattan from a perspective different from most other locations in Manhattan.
Read more about the High Line.
24. Little Island
Since Manhattan is long and gets narrower as you go toward the bottom, you can find views of Lower Manhattan from certain waterfront locations in Midtown Manhattan.
Little Island is one such location.
Situated on the waterfront in Chelsea, this most unusual park provides a view of Lower Manhattan and New Jersey.
Check out the views in this virtual walk of Little Island led by Kyle, who also works with us, Free Tours by Foot NYC.
You can even see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island way, way off in the distance!
WILLIAMSBURG PARKS
25. Domino Park
This small waterfront park in Williamsburg was designed by the same architects as the High Line and Little Island.
The views of the city's skyline are great and it's especially good for families as it has a funky playground!
It combines Brooklyn’s past with its future.
Some of the industrial structures that had been in this location for decades remain and are integrated into the park.
It makes for an interesting atmosphere.
26. Marsha P. Johnson State Park
This 7-acre park in the heart of Williamsburg has incredible views of Manhattan from its lush lawn.
There is also a sliver of a pebbly beach and you can stick your toes into the East River…if you dare!
In addition to the views, you can experience Smorgasbord, the largest weekly open-air food market in America.
Come for the views. Stay for the food!
LONG ISLAND CITY PARKS
It's easy to reach Long Island City and worth the subway ride for the fantastic panoramic view of the eastern skyline of Midtown Manhattan.
27. Hunter's Point South Park
This captivating sunset view of the city is from Hunter's Point South.
28. Gantry Plaza State Park
Gantry has the same great views.
You will see the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, the United Nations, and more!
VIEWS FROM NEW JERSEY PARKS
New Jersey (in particular, Hoboken, Jersey City, and Weehawken) offers views of the Manhattan skyline on its west side.
29. Liberty State Park
This park is particularly nice and easy to get to via the subway and the PATH NJ Transit system.
The park is known for its fireworks on the 4th of July.
It is also the location of the Empty Sky Memorial dedicated to the residents of New Jersey who died on 9/11.
30. Frank Sinatra Park
Located in Hoboken, you can get great views of Midtown Manhattan and pose with Frank Sinatra's statue!
Click here for a map and directions.
PIERS WITH THE BEST FREE VIEWS
As Manhattan is surrounded by water, dozens of piers jut out from its shores.
Most piers stopped being used for shipping decades ago, and many piers went into disrepair.
Luckily, several have been restored for recreational purposes and even more are on the way!
The piers below offer marvelous views of either Manhattan, Brooklyn, or New Jersey. In some cases more than one!
31. Pier 15 and the East River Waterfront Esplanade
This public pier at the South Street Seaport has two floors of observation decks with seats and benches.
The adjacent greenway is narrower but in a more natural setting.
Both spots are lovely places to sit by the water and take in the fantastic views of the Brooklyn shoreline, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan Bridge, and the Williamsburg Bridge.
32. Pier 57 Rooftop Park
Pier 57 is at the end of W. 15th St. and 11th Ave.
The pier and the building on it, once used for cruise ships, were built in 1954. It stopped being used in 2004, but in 2010 renovations began.
Google rents the massive building, and has made the roof open to the public!
The views are incredible, with Little Island and Lower Manhattan to the south, and the surrounding skyscrapers, including Edge to the Northeast.
33. Pier 26
Pier 26 is at the southern end of the Hudson River Greenway between Hubert and North Moore Sts.
It has a spacious lawn, boardwalks, and seating areas.
It’s a relaxing place to come and enjoy the views to the south of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.
To the north, the view includes Hudson Yards & The Edge.
34. Valentino Pier
This small fishing pier and park is in Red Hook, a once-industrial, now hip waterfront neighborhood in Brooklyn.
You’ll see Lower Manhattan, New York Harbor, Governor’s Island and the Statue of Liberty.
It’s a great spot to catch the sunset and then go out for dinner or a drink!
You can get to Red Hook using the NYC Ferry.
35. Take a Helicopter Ride
There is nothing like a bird’s eye view of New York City from a helicopter.
We know that helicopter tours can be expensive and figuring out which one offers the best value can be difficult.
In our post, Helicopter Tours over New York, we’ve analyzed which New York helicopter tour is best - both quality and value-wise.
We also share some tips for finding concessions for helicopter rides.
BEST PLACES TO SEE THE NYC SKYLINE AT NIGHT
While all the locations in this list offer beautiful nighttime views, we think these get you the biggest bang for your buck (most are free!)
- Brooklyn Heights Promenade
- Brooklyn Bridge
- DUMBO - all locations
- Staten Island Ferry
- NYC Ferry
- Sightseeing Cruises
- NYC Observation Decks
- Williamsburg Parks
- Helicopter Ride
TIPS FROM LOCALS AND TRAVELERS
The places we included in this post are ones that our local guides think are the best.
But we like to share the opinions and suggestions from members of our New York Travel Tips Facebook group so you can hear what other locals and visitors to NYC have to say.
We included some comments with pictures to give you a sense of how amazing these views are.
Of course, the city’s five observation decks came out on top. Here is a very small sample from the several hundred opinions from group members.
We like what this group member says -- each deck is different but all have great views.
Many people recommended taking a cruise for sunset and nighttime magic.
Here are two suggestions, and you can see from the picture how great the ride will be!
Here two group members loved their experiences on the NYC Ferry, particularly the Astoria route from Pier 11 to Roosevelt Island.
An awesome tip is to take the ferry one way and then take the Roosevelt Island tram back.
The entire journey is under $7 per person!
This group member took a beautiful picture from the NYC Ferry and also recommended Brooklyn Heights Promenade as one of the best free spots.
Pier 57 came up frequently, and as you can see there are plenty of perks to heading here. Public bathrooms in NYC are not easy to find!
There was no shortage of tips about the best parks in Brooklyn and Queens. You can read more about these above.
Plenty of group members liked the views from New Jersey. While we suggested Liberty State Park, there are other spots in New Jersey to see the Manhattan skyline.
Some of these are among our favorites, not just for the views but because the location itself is an interesting destination.
This group member enjoyed views from all price points: free Staten Island Ferry, a cheap NYC ferry ride, and a ticketed observation deck (which you can see, while she doesn't normally spend money on such things, she felt the experience was worth it).
If you want to read more recommendations from our New York Travel Tips Facebook group members, you can look at the comments without joining.
You can even ask a question yourself! So check us out!
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