For the ultimate views of NYC, head to these hotspots

New York City skyscrapers at night — Piccinng / Shutterstock

New York City doesn’t just have an iconic skyline—it has the iconic skyline. Whether you’re after that glittering nightscape, a sweeping panorama, or a picture-perfect shot for Instagram, NYC delivers. But with so many observation decks, rooftop bars, and secret vantage points, where should you go for the best view? Let’s break it down and get specific.

Empire State Building

Yes, it’s the obvious choice, but there’s a reason for that. The Empire State Building is an absolute bucket-list staple. The 86th-floor open-air deck offers that view—the one you’ve seen in movies and postcards. But here’s an insider tip: The real magic happens at night. Go after 10 p.m. when the crowds thin, and the city glows in a way that feels almost surreal.

For a VIP experience, the 102nd-floor observatory is an option, but it’s enclosed and costs extra. If you want the best of both worlds, stick with the 86th floor and time it for sunset—just prepare for a bit of a wait. If time is vital, consider a skip-the-line ticket to go straight to the top without having to wait an age.

Top of the Rock

The Empire State Building and New York skyscrapers — phototrip2403 / Shutterstock

If you want an iconic shot of the Empire State Building in your skyline view, then you need to be somewhere else. Enter: Top of the Rock. Located at Rockefeller Center, this observation deck delivers a nearly perfect lineup of NYC’s most famous landmarks. The big bonus? You’ll see Central Park stretching out to the north, which is a perspective you won’t get from other skyscrapers.

The best time to go is just before sunset—catch the golden hour, watch the lights flicker on, and soak in one of the most dynamic views of NYC. Unlike the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock has multiple levels, meaning you can find a less crowded spot to enjoy the moment.

One World Observatory

View from One World Trade Center — Nuchie / Shutterstock

Standing on top of One World Trade Center is different. It’s more than just an amazing view—it’s a moment of reflection. This is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, and its 360-degree, floor-to-ceiling windows on the 100th to 102nd floors offer a view that feels infinite.

The elevator ride itself is a journey through time, showing NYC’s evolution as you ascend. Unlike the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock, this one is entirely indoors, but it makes up for that with its sheer height and dramatic perspective. Go on a clear day for the best visibility, and if you’re a sunset chaser, aim for golden hour to watch the city turn into a sea of lights.

Summit One Vanderbilt

The new kid on the block, Summit One Vanderbilt, isn’t just about the view—it’s about the experience. With reflective floors, mirrored walls, and glass ledges that suspend you above Madison Avenue, this is one of the most immersive observation decks in the city.

If you’re looking for a surreal, almost futuristic way to see NYC, this is it. The best time to visit? Sunset. The mirrored surfaces amplify the changing light, creating a kaleidoscope effect that turns the skyline into an art installation. Just be prepared for sensory overload in the best possible way.

Brooklyn Bridge

You don’t need to pay a fortune to get a killer view. Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge gives you one of the most cinematic perspectives of Manhattan. The trick is to go early in the morning or late at night to avoid the tourist crush.

Start on the Brooklyn side and walk toward Manhattan for the best skyline approach. Bonus tip: Dumbo’s Pebble Beach (right under the Manhattan Bridge) offers one of the best ground-level views of NYC.

Roosevelt Island Tram

For the cost of a subway ride, you can get an aerial view of the city that feels straight out of a movie. The Roosevelt Island Tram glides over the East River, offering a unique angle of Midtown Manhattan. Best time to go? At night. The city lights reflecting on the water make for an unexpectedly magical experience.

Gantry Plaza State Park

Most people stick to Manhattan and Brooklyn, but if you want a lesser-known, perfect skyline view, head to Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City. With its boardwalk, old gantries, and uninterrupted views of Midtown, this is one of the most underrated spots in NYC.

It’s especially gorgeous at sunset, when the skyline turns into a silhouette against the pink and orange sky. Bring a picnic, grab a bench, and enjoy the view like a true New Yorker.

DUMBO Manhattan Bridge View

A bridge viewed between brick buildings — Leonard Zhukovsky / Shutterstock

If you’ve ever seen a perfectly framed shot of the Manhattan Bridge with the Empire State Building peeking through its steel arch, you’re looking at the DUMBO Manhattan Bridge View. Found at the intersection of Washington Street and Water Street in Brooklyn, this is one of the most famous skyline perspectives in the city.

It gets packed with photographers and tourists, so if you want that clean shot, get there early in the morning. For a more relaxed experience, visit at night when the bridge lights up and the cobblestone streets take on a romantic glow.

The Edge NYC

Want to feel like you’re floating over Manhattan? The Edge at Hudson Yards offers the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, with a glass floor and angled walls that make you feel like you’re suspended in midair. It’s not just a great view—it’s an adrenaline rush.

If you’re up for it, try “City Climb,” where you strap in and scale the outside of the building for an unparalleled skyline experience. Go just before sunset for dramatic cityscapes, or at night for a dazzling, illuminated skyline stretching out beneath you.

Final Thoughts

New York City isn’t short on jaw-dropping views, but the best one depends on what kind of experience you’re after. If you want the classic, go Empire State. For the best photo? Top of the Rock. Looking for something cutting-edge? Summit One Vanderbilt. And if you just want to enjoy the city without spending a dime, Brooklyn Bridge and Gantry Plaza have got you covered.

Whatever you choose, don’t just snap a picture and move on. Take a moment, soak it in, and remind yourself why NYC is one of the greatest cities on Earth.

Now, which view are you heading to first?