Top 10: The 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. As such, today at Civitatis, we bring you a list of where you can get the best views in NYC, complete with the pros, the cons, and some historical context.

1. Top of the Rock, 360º Views of NYC

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.

This observatory, perched over 850 feet (260 meters) high, offers indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing visitors to enjoy the Manhattan skyline. 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 – Get a View of 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 best value viewpoints in New York City—so if you’re traveling on a budget but want to enjoy panoramic views of the city, this might be the option for you!

4. One World Observatory – 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 (check out our list of the Tallest Skyscrapers in New York City 2024), the One World Trade Center. It’s also one of the top ten tallest in the world, measuring a dizzying 1,775 feet (541 meters)!

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 – An 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 Piece of History

No list of the best viewpoints in New York would be complete without the Statue of Liberty! This famous monument has an absolutely stunning viewpoint in its crown 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. Your ferry to the Statue of Liberty is included in the New York Pass®!

7. See New York City from the Sky

These aforementioned viewpoints in New York City are pretty good, but for the highest, and most complete view of the city, you need to take to the skies! On this New York City helicopter tour, you’ll ascend above the city, and see all of its most iconic landmarks from the Statue of Liberty to the Yankee Stadium to Central Park. Another fantastic option, enjoy a helicopter ride in New York City at night! See the city as you never have before, lit up with bright lights!

8. Brooklyn Bridge Park

Our next entry is quite different from the previous ones. Brooklyn Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge Park are wonderful viewpoints to enjoy the New York skyline and harbor. The bridge, which is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, spans across the East River, connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn since 1883. On the Brooklyn side of the river, you’ll come across Brooklyn Bridge Park, a wonderful greenspace along the waterfront—a great place to chill out with friends and enjoy views of the skyline and the bridge itself!

On this Brooklyn Bridge & Dumbo walking tour you’ll cross the footbridge of Brooklyn Bridge, and learn about its history from an expert guide.

9. Hudson River Cruise – Great Place to Enjoy Sunset

Seeing New York City from above is a truly special experience, but so is seeing it from the Hudson and East Rivers! There are a number of brilliant cruises to enjoy in the city, but we recommend opting for this New York Evening Cruise, which includes two hours of sailing in New York’s most famous rivers. Watch the orange hue of the setting sun reflecting off of the water and the city’s most iconic buildings. A truly memorable experience!

10. Rooftop Bars in the city

If you want to enjoy great views of the city and want to chill out and enjoy a drink at the same time, this New York Rooftop Lounge Experience is for you. As part of this experience, you’ll visit two fantastic rooftop bars, 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar and The Monarch Rooftop, and enjoy a quality cocktail included! Depending on the time of year you enjoy this tour, you’ll be able to sip on your drink, enjoy the sunset, and meet locals!

There you have it! Those are our picks for the top 10 best viewpoints in NYC. This city has beauty at every turn and will provide you with plenty of photo opportunities to remember your trip by. If you’re traveling to the city, check out more tours & experience in New York City with Civitatis!