Best Sunset Views in NYC

Whether you’re visiting New York for the first time or the tenth, there’s always something to discover in this ever-changing city! Despite the constant hustle and bustle of the city, it’s possible to find moments of calm in the Big Apple, especially at sunset. As streaks of orange and pink stain the NY skyline, you’ll find pockets of calm nestled into various corners of the city. Where do you find these corners, you ask? Well, at Civitatis we’ve got a list of the best sunset views in New York City just for you.

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, a sky-high sunset view

One of the best places to see the sunset in New York is SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, located next to the iconic Grand Central Terminal. This viewpoint offers incredible views of the New York skyline from Midtown Manhattan.

Entrance to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt will give you access to the skyscraper’s observation deck, located between the 91st and 93rd floors of the building. The observatory is divided into several levels that combine open-air terraces, interior rooms, and glass boxes suspended in the air, allowing you to see a wonderful sunset at 1,000 ft (305 meters) high! And that’s not all! At the SUMMIT, you’ll also be able to enjoy lights, balloons, curious optical effects created by mirrors on floors and walls, and avant-garde sculptures – a truly unique experience!

The Roosevelt Island Tramway, a sunset view in motion

Another cool N.Y. sunset view is from the Roosevelt Island Tramway, which floats next to the Queensboro Bridge and goes over the East River.

Whether you’re going to Roosevelt Island or to the Upper East Side, we recommend trying to get a spot where you’re facing Manhattan. Imagine slowly rising over the Big Apple and seeing the bustling streets from above during the golden hour – truly one of the most unique sunset views in New York!

The Staten Island Ferry, a sunset backdrop for Lady Liberty

The Staten Island Ferry is not only the best way to see the Statue of Liberty for free, but also one of the best places to watch the sunset in New York!

It currently operates every day of the year, 24 hours a day, and has become a major tourist attraction just as much as it’s a part of New Yorkers’ daily commute between Staten Island and southern Manhattan.

Setting off from the pier of Battery Park, you’ll see how the sun sets over Manhattan and Brooklyn and how the lights of New Jersey begin to twinkle – a must on any trip to New York! And, if you want to see the city illuminated at night, you can’t miss this night tour of New York.

Brooklyn Bridge Park, a picture-perfect sunset

Another iconic sunset spot in New York is Brooklyn Bridge Park, where you’ll have an amazing vantage point on the East River side of Brooklyn. This 34-hectare park is not only famous for its views and sunset, but also for being next to one of the most emblematic bridges of the city.

The perfect spot to take your insta-worthy Manhattan skyline sunset pictures, we recommend arriving early, as many other photographers will have the same idea as you. In fact, it’s not surprising to see couples taking advantage of this engagement-worthy backdrop.

Not quite spectacular enough on land? Take this New York sunset sailing tour and admire New York’s golden hour from the water!

Hudson River Park, sunset in Manhattan’s second-longest park

The next best sunset viewpoint in New York is Hudson River Park, the second longest park in Manhattan, it runs all the way from 59th Street to Battery Park.

The park has numerous bars and restaurants with fantastic views from which to admire the New York sky, making it an ideal location for an unforgettable sunset in New York. From its docks, you can see the entire city of New Jersey up to the Statue of Liberty!

Little Island, sunset in a floating park on the Hudson River

And, a special shoutout goes to Little Island, a floating public park within the extensive Hudson River Park, at the height of 13th Street and Chelsea neighborhood. Definitely an incredible place to see the sunset in New York.

In recent years, the shore of the Hudson and its former industrial docks have been repurposed to make more recreational areas for New Yorkers. Little Island was built on top of the wooden poles of the abandoned Pier 54 and Pier 56. The structure consists of more than 1,000 concrete columns of different heights emerging from the water in the shape of tulips – a very original design and the perfect place to watch the sunset!

One World Trade Center, sunset at NYC’s tallest skyscraper

Can you imagine watching the sun go down from the tallest building in the Big Apple? Get your camera ready to capture the panoramic views of the New York sunset from the observation deck of the One World Observatory, one of the most modern in the city of skyscrapers.

The One World Trade Center, including the antenna, is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere at 1,775 ft (541 meters). By purchasing a ticket, you’ll be able to enjoy the main facilities of the building. The One World Observatory is the highest point of the building and has a 360-degree panoramic viewpoint located on floors 100, 101, and 102. From this point, you’ll have an incredible sunset view over the island of Manhattan and the entire New York skyline!

Central Park, a peaceful sunset in the City that Never Sleeps

And of course, last but certainly not least, we have to mention Central Park.

Despite being the most visited park in the city, this expansive green space is surprisingly peaceful, making it easy to disconnect from the typical hustle and bustle of New York streets. The perfect place to watch the sunset is the park’s main lake, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir.

Try taking a bike tour through Central Park and discover for yourself the beauty of this iconic park!