When it comes to iconic cityscapes, few places compete with New York City.
With skyscrapers that pierce the clouds, stunning waterfronts, and historic bridges, NYC offers countless unforgettable perspectives.
This list will take you through the 10 Best Views in NYC, from high-rise observation decks to trendy rooftop bars and free vantage points, helping you select the perfect view of the city based on your time, budget, and interests.
Let’s start with the best observation decks!
Tip: If you can’t decide which observation deck to choose, consider the NYC Observation Decks Pass—it gives you access to Edge, One World Observatory, and Top of the Rock, all with one ticket and great savings! >> More Details here.
Best Observation Decks in NYC
1. Summit One Vanderbilt
Perfect For: Instagrammers, art lovers, photographers,
Opened in 2021, SUMMIT is not only the newest observation deck but also one of the most instagrammable spots in NYC. Located on the 91st to 93rd floors of the One Vanderbilt building, it impresses with glass floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and immersive art installations curated by Kenzo Digital. This is not your typical observation deck: beyond offering one of NYC’s best views, SUMMIT provides a multi-sensory experience unlike any other...
The View
Enjoy dazzling 360-degree views of landmarks such as the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, and, in the distance, One World Trade Center, the Hudson River, and even the Statue of Liberty on clear days.
What Makes It Stand Out
As NYC’s most interactive observation deck, SUMMIT offers more than views. Its mirror art and glass floors create a surreal experience that will leave you speechless. The three levels showcase six immersive spaces, with highlights like AFFINITY, where you’re surrounded by floating silver balloons; LEVITATION, a glass-bottomed ledge extending 1,100 feet above Madison Avenue; an open-air terrace on the 93rd floor; and ASCENT, the world’s largest external glass-bottomed elevator.
- Insider Tip: The mirrored floors and reflective surfaces amplify sunlight, so bring sunglasses and consider wearing shorts or pants.
- Best Time to Visit: Sunset for golden hour lighting.
- Observation Deck Floors: 91st to 93rd, with the top floor at a height of 1,100 feet (336 meters)
- Type: Indoor and outdoor decks
- Address: 45 E 42nd St - Entrance located on the Main Concourse of Grand Central Terminal → Find on Google Maps
2. Empire State Building
Perfect For: First-timers, classic NYC experience
The Empire State Building’s observation decks are legendary, with two viewing platforms on the 86th and 102nd floors. Standing 1,250 feet (381 meters) high at its top floor, this iconic NYC symbol has been wowing visitors since 1931. Featured in numerous films and beloved by locals and tourists alike, it’s a must-see spot for classic, sweeping views of the city.
The View
From the 86th-floor open-air deck, visitors can see landmarks like the Chrysler Building, Times Square, and Central Park to the north. The 102nd-floor indoor deck offers a quieter experience with panoramic views stretching as far as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut on clear days.
What Makes It Stand Out
As one of NYC’s oldest and most famous observation decks, the Empire State Building provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience that lets you truly feel the essence of New York City. The Empire State Building’s views are both nostalgic and exhilarating—a quintessential NYC experience you’ll never forget.
- Insider Tip: It tends to be busiest during the first two hours of the day and the hour after sunset.
- Best Time to Visit: Sunset for a twilight view of the city.
- Observation Deck Floors: 86th (open-air) and 102nd (indoor), with the top floor at a height of 1,250 feet (380 meters)
- Type: Indoor and outdoor decks
- Address: 20 W 34th St → Find on Google Maps
3. Edge Observation Deck
Perfect For: Thrill-seekers, adventure lovers
As the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, Edge boasts a triangular, glass-floored platform on the 100th floor, extending over 80 feet (24 meters) beyond the building’s edge. Opened in 2020, Edge stands at 1,100 feet (335 meters), offering a thrilling view from Hudson Yards.
The View
From Edge, you get breathtaking views of the Hudson River, the Statue of Liberty, and New Jersey to the west. Looking south, you can spot Downtown Manhattan and One World Trade Center, while the Empire State Building dominates the view to the north.
What Makes It Stand Out
Edge’s thrilling glass floor, unique shape, and the "City Climb" experience—the highest open-air ascent in the world—make it one of NYC’s most adventurous viewpoints, perfect for thrill-seekers.
- Insider Tip: Head to the "Eastern Point", a special spot where only one person can stand, with unobstructed views all around.
- Best Time to Visit: Early evening for sunset views.
- Observation Deck Floor: 100 at a height of 1,100 feet (335 meters)
- Type: Indoor and outdoor deck
- Address: 30 Hudson Yards → Find on Google Maps
4. One World Observatory
Perfect For: Those looking for a complete indoor experience, families, tech enthusiasts
One World Observatory sits at the top of One World Trade Center, the tallest tower in NYC. Positioned on floors 100–102, it opened in 2015 as an entirely indoor experience, ideal for year-round visits. The observatory is famed for its Sky Portal, an immersive floor disc that offers thrilling views of the streets below, as well as displays that detail the building’s history.
The View
One World Observatory offers clear views of Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Brooklyn Bridge. The northward vista includes Midtown skyscrapers like the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building.
What Makes It Stand Out
As the highest indoor observation deck in NYC, One World Observatory offers impressive height and sweeping views. For a culinary treat, ONE Dine, the on-site restaurant, showcases a unique dining experience with unparalleled views, allowing you to enjoy a meal while taking in the breathtaking cityscape.
- Insider Tip: Book a ticket around sunset for breathtaking views.
- Best Time to Visit: Golden hour and sunset.
- Observation Deck Floors: 100–102 at a height of 1,268 feet (386 meters)
- Type: Indoor decks
- Address: 285 Fulton St → Find on Google Maps
5. Top of the Rock
Perfect For: Photographers, couples, quiet urban views
Located at 850 feet (259 meters), Top of the Rock offers a three-level viewing deck on floors 67–70. The open-air platforms allow for unobstructed views in all directions, making it one of the best spots for photography.
The View
Top of the Rock provides unmatched views of Central Park to the north and the Empire State Building to the south, along with clear sightlines to Times Square, the Hudson River, and One World Trade Center in the distance.
What Makes It Stand Out
With a front-row view of the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock is considered the best observation deck to capture this iconic landmark and more of NYC’s top attractions in a single frame. Its newest feature, SKYLIFT, is a thrilling 360-degree rotating observation deck atop the 70th floor, taking viewers 900 feet into the air for an exhilarating experience of New York from above.
- Insider Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for the best photo lighting, and consider purchasing an additional ticket for SKYLIFT.
- Best Time to Visit: Afternoon to evening for soft lighting.
- Observation Deck Floors: 67-70, with the top floor at a height of
- Type: 67–70, with the top floor at a height of 850 feet (259 meters)
- Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza → Find on Google Maps
Best Free Views in NYC
6. Staten Island Ferry
Perfect For: Budget travelers, families, those seeking classic NYC views
The Staten Island Ferry is one of New York’s best-kept secrets for stunning, free views of the New York Harbor. This 24/7 ferry ride is not only practical transportation for commuters but also a favorite sightseeing activity for tourists and locals alike, offering an up-close look at the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Lower Manhattan skyline.
The View
As the ferry departs from Manhattan, passengers get an excellent view of the Financial District, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty up close. On the return journey, the Manhattan skyline comes into focus, creating a postcard-perfect sight.
What Makes It Stand Out
This free ferry ride rivals paid harbor cruises, giving budget-conscious travelers an authentic New York experience without spending a dime. The Staten Island Ferry combines iconic views with a relaxed atmosphere, making it a must-do for anyone wanting to experience New York’s harbor and skyline from the water.
- Insider Tip: Try to board on the right side of the ferry (starboard) for the best views of the Statue of Liberty. Arrive a few minutes early to secure a spot along the rail for uninterrupted photos.
- Best Time to Visit: Anytime, though sunset is particularly scenic.
- Address: Whitehall Terminal, 4 Whitehall St → Find on Google Maps
7. Brooklyn Bridge
Perfect For: Walkers, history enthusiasts, photographers
The Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian walkway sits above traffic and offers one of NYC’s most iconic skyline views. This bridge, completed in 1883, is an architectural marvel and provides uninterrupted views between Manhattan and Brooklyn.
The View
Walking along the bridge, you’ll be treated to a sweeping view of Downtown Manhattan with the One World Trade Center. Look out over the East River for glimpses of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Governors Island, and, on the Brooklyn side, enjoy views of the charming DUMBO neighborhood. At night, the lit-up Manhattan skyline creates an unforgettable scene.
What Makes It Stand Out
The Brooklyn Bridge combines historic charm with one of the best vantage points of Lower Manhattan. Walking along its iconic arches and cables, you’ll feel transported through time, surrounded by classic architecture and sweeping city views. This bridge is a favorite for photographers, offering angles and vistas that capture NYC’s enduring allure.
- Insider Tip: Start your walk from Brooklyn toward Manhattan for the best skyline views, and consider visiting early in the morning or at night for fewer crowds.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning to avoid crowds.
- Address: Brooklyn Bridge, New York, NY → Find on Google Maps
Scenic Views of NYC from the Air
8. Helicopter Flight over NYC
Perfect For: Adventure seekers, photographers, those wanting a unique aerial view of NYC
Although on the pricier side, a helicopter flight over New York City is one of the most exhilarating ways to experience the city’s famous skyline. With tour options ranging from 15 minutes to an hour, a helicopter ride lets you soar over Manhattan, Brooklyn, and nearby boroughs, offering unparalleled views of NYC’s most iconic landmarks.
The View
From a helicopter, you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Central Park, and Times Square, along with aerial glimpses of the Brooklyn Bridge, One World Trade Center, and the bustling streets of NYC below. With an unobstructed, panoramic perspective, a helicopter flight provides views that are simply impossible from any observation deck.
What Makes It Stand Out
A helicopter flight is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that captures NYC from a truly unique vantage point. It’s the highest and most dynamic view you can get, allowing you to take in the entire city in a single flight. The aerial perspective offers unforgettable photo opportunities, capturing the skyline and city landmarks from angles that even lifelong New Yorkers rarely see.
- Insider Tip: Choose a flight around sunset for a magical view as the city lights begin to sparkle.
- Best Time to Visit: Clear days provide the best visibility; sunset flights add extra beauty.
- Departure Locations: Most flights depart from Downtown Manhattan Heliport at Pier 6, or from locations in New Jersey.
- Flight Duration: Options range from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the tour.
Best View in NYC from a Rooftop Bar
9. 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar
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More InformationPerfect For: Night owls, social gatherings, couples, rooftop lovers
Among NYC’s many rooftop bars, 230 Fifth stands out for its unbeatable views and year-round appeal. Located in Midtown, this popular spot offers front-row views of the Empire State Building, making it a prime location for experiencing the city’s skyline from a stylish, elevated setting. During winter, the rooftop transforms with cozy igloos, allowing guests to enjoy the scene comfortably, no matter the season.
The View
From 230 Fifth, you’ll enjoy a direct, unobstructed view of the Empire State Building, the crown jewel of Midtown, as well as sights stretching south toward the Financial District. The city’s lights create a cozy, illuminated atmosphere that’s particularly magical after dark, adding a touch of enchantment to the NYC skyline.
What Makes It Stand Out
230 Fifth’s central location and seasonal igloos make it a unique rooftop experience that goes beyond the typical bar. Its year-round accessibility, paired with panoramic skyline views and warm winter igloos, provides a cozy, memorable atmosphere.
- Insider Tip: Visit in the evening for the best lit-up skyline views, and try to reserve an igloo in winter for a warm, unique rooftop experience.
- Best Time to Visit: Nighttime for the city lights.
- Address: 230 5th Ave → Find on Google Maps
Most Exceptional View of NYC
10. Statue of Liberty (Crown)
Perfect For: History buffs, first-time visitors, those seeking a unique NYC experience
Climbing to the crown of the Statue of Liberty offers a one-of-a-kind experience, providing an exclusive, up-close view of this world-famous monument. The crown features a small viewing area with 25 narrow windows wrapping around, giving visitors a rare perspective of New York Harbor. Due to limited capacity—only 300 visitors allowed daily—reservations fill up quickly, often months in advance.
The View
From the crown, you’ll catch unique glimpses of New York Harbor and a partial view of Lower Manhattan and Ellis Island. While the statue faces east toward Europe, limiting direct views of the Manhattan skyline, the windows offer an intimate look at the statue’s structure. Seeing Lady Liberty’s body from above is a highlight, though photos may be challenging through the glass panes.
What Makes It Stand Out
The Statue of Liberty’s crown offers a rare, historic experience unlike any observation deck. Climbing inside the statue provides a close-up look at her craftsmanship and a unique perspective of NYC’s harbor, making this an unforgettable visit despite the limited view.
- Insider Tip: Book months in advance, as crown tickets are limited and sell out quickly.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for clear views and fewer crowds.
- Height: 305 feet (93 meters)
- Address: Liberty Island, New York Harbor → Find on Google Maps
New York City’s skyline is more than a view; it’s an experience. From historic bridges to cutting-edge observatories, each viewpoint offers a unique perspective of the city that never sleeps. Choose your spots wisely based on what you’re looking for—whether it’s thrills, romance, or a quiet moment with a magical view.