Most Amazing Viewpoints in New York

The City That Never Sleeps, the Big Apple, the Capital of the World, the City of Dreams… New York has many names, all just as iconic as the towering skyscrapers that make up this concrete jungle. Planning a visit to see these world-famous superstructures in person? For the best views of the Manhattan skyline, checking out the city’s most stunning viewpoints is a must.

That’s why today at Civitatis, we bring you a list of the most amazing viewpoints in New York, complete with the pros, the cons, and some historical context.

1. Top of the Rock, 360º views al fresco

A historic site with truly amazing views, Top of the Rock is one of the best viewpoints in New York. Located on the 70th floor of the General Electric Building, this building forms part of the Rockefeller Center complex and was built in the 1930s.

One of the great advantages of this observatory, perched over 850 feet (260 meters) high, is that it offers indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing visitors to enjoy the Manhattan skyline in multiple ways. Plus, its windows make for perfect unobstructed views of the skyscrapers in the background, ideal for getting the best pictures.

When’s the best time to visit? One of the most magical moments to enjoy Top of the Rock is at sunset. You can explore the Big Apple by day, watch the sun dip below the horizon, and witness how the street lamps and building lights begin to illuminate the city. Pure magic! Grab your ticket to the Top of the Rock here.

From the observation deck, you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of the heart of Manhattan, including iconic places like the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the One World Trade Center.

2. The Empire State Building, a symbol of New York

Another of New York’s must-see viewpoints is the Empire State Building. For years, it was the tallest building in the city, making it an undisputed symbol of New York. It’s also the backdrop of many Hollywood films. How could you resist a visit to this icon?

The climb to the Empire State Building observation deck is a fun experience and allows you to discover all kinds of interesting facts about this skyscraper. You can see one and only King Kong, delve into the different phases of construction, and even get to know the protagonists of one of history’s most famous photographs, Lunch atop a Skyscraper, depicting 11 ironworkers sitting on a steel beam.

Like Top of the Rock, the Empire State Building is included in most tourist cards, such as The New York Pass® and the New York CityPASS. However, only access to the 86th floor, the most popular of the spaces, is included. An additional entrance fee is required to go up to the 102nd floor. The big difference between the two is that the first is outdoors and is protected by metal gates, while the upper one is covered with a transparent barrier, which makes for better pictures.

3. The Edge, overlooking the Hudson River

Opened in 2020, The Edge observation deck is located in Hudson Yards, on the far west side of Manhattan. For this reason, its views are very different from the other viewpoints in New York. You’ll be able to see the Hudson River at 1,130 feet (345 meters) high, The Vessel, the Midtown skyscrapers, and the Statue of Liberty.

But… what really makes this observation deck different? In addition to its 360-degree covered observatory, The Edge features a panoramic terrace that points south to Manhattan. This balcony is an ideal spot for taking photos, and, as an added bonus, it has a glass-floored area that offers a truly special vertigo-inducing view. You can grab your tickets to The Edge observation deck here.

Another great thing about The Edge is that it’s one of the cheapest viewpoints in New York City. What’s not to love?

4. One World Observatory, in Manhattan’s tallest skyscraper

The One World Observatory is located at Ground Zero in New York, just a few steps from where the Twin Towers once stood. The observatory is a popular attraction because it’s located in the city’s tallest building, the One World Trade Center. It’s also one of the ten tallest skyscrapers in the world, measuring a dizzying 541 meters (1,775 feet)!

The observation deck is 1,268 feet (386.5 meters) high and offers unbeatable views of the New York skyline from the south side. You can see the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Manhattan Bridge much better here than from the other viewpoints. It’s also a highly recommended place for cold days, as it’s a fully enclosed space.

5. Summit One Vanderbilt—a totally immersive experience

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience Summit One Vanderbilt, one of New York’s trendiest observation decks. It has some of the most breathtaking views in the city, and the building itself is a spectacle.

The observatory is located between the 91st and 93rd floors of the One Vanderbilt skyscraper, next to Grand Central Station. You’ll be able to see Madison Avenue, the Empire State Building, Central Park, the Chrysler Building, and many other iconic landmarks perched 1,000 feet (305 meters) in the air.

Summit One Vanderbilt stands out for its fully immersive experience. Dazzling light and optical effects make the views of New York even more stunning. Mirrors, avant-garde sculptures, balloons… A visit is an absolute must on any New York itinerary; you can get your tickets to the One Vanderbilt Skyscraper here–you’ll be left speechless!

6. Statue of Liberty, a viewpoint brimming with history

No list of the best viewpoints in New York would be complete without the Statue of Liberty‘s crown! Although it’s not a skyscraper, this famous monument houses a viewpoint that is most definitely worth a visit.

The views from the crown of the Statue of Liberty might not compete with other scenic spots, but the climb offers a truly unique experience. As you ascend over 160 steps on the original spiral staircase inside the statue, you’re not just reaching a viewpoint… You’re embarking on a journey through history and one of the more remarkable gifts from one country to another.

The observatory has different windows that are the holes in the monument’s crown. The time in this space is limited to approximately 10 minutes. You’ll see Staten Island from the heights and witness the unique details of the Statue of Liberty, such as the tablet engraving the date of the Declaration of Independence of the United States.