The best views in NYC from skyline vistas to aerial outlooks

Crowds have clamored for the chance to ride the high-speed elevators to floors 100 through 102 of One World Trade Center. While it might seem a bit like a cheesy tourist attraction, there’s nothing that can compare to the panoramic views more than 1,250 feet above the city’s streets. Budget time to stay for a meal—the observatory serves three different dining options and all that “ooh”ing and “ahh”ing will leave you hungry.

Summit One Vanderbilt sits atop the new 67-floor One Vanderbilt super-tall—a 1,401-foot-high—skyscraper just west of Grand Central Terminal, where you first enter the experience underground. Visitors take an elevator up to the 91st floor, where they're 1,000 feet over the streets and sidewalks of NYC. Kenzo Digital has created a totally mirrored infinity room called "Air" that reflects the sky and city views over and over, making you feel like you're walking in the sky or on another plane of existence. Looking above you and below you in this two-story space, you see your reflection repeating forever.

Some things get better with age. The Empire State Building—now approaching its 100th birthday—is definitely one of them. 

The Empire State Building became an icon when it opened in 1931 as the world's tallest building. Though the landmark may have lost its No. 1 height status, it's remained a beloved destination with incredible views of the city. Thanks to recent updates, it's not just about the views anymore. The building now spotlights art, architecture, and history; plus, it offers a slew of cool events and excellent dining options. 

The highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere is right here at Hudson Yards. The bird's-eye attraction is well worth a visit—that is, if you’re not afraid of heights. The building’s outdoor terrace takes you 65-feet into the sky making it the highest public balcony in NYC. The deck not only features panoramic views of our city’s skyline, but a killer vantage point below. Brave souls can stand on a large, see-through glass floor and wave to passerby 1,100 feet beneath.

30 Rockefeller Center’s spectacular open air observation deck rivals the Empire State building. The view of Gotham from 70 stories up allows visitors to not only see other landmark skyscrapers around midtown, but also to see the full sprawl of Central Park. 

Are you kidding with this view? Time Out Market has the sweet spot when it comes to skyline and bridge scenery. It’s wedged between the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges. What better sport to grab brunch or after-work drinks than in this bonkers-beautiful rooftop venue?

The Brooklyn waterfront is a gorgeous, 85-acre expanse with unique attractions such as Jane’s Carousel, a restored 1920s merry-go-round, and riverside esplanades with incredible Manhattan views. Check out Pier 2, a three-acre site designed specifically for "active recreation" (sporting leagues, picnics and roller skating) with a 6,300-square-foot lawn and a water play area, and the new Squibb Bridge.

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The Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty are visible from this multiblock park, which has loaned its name to the adjacent neighborhood. The view contains multitudes—Manhattan’s downtown, the East River and Brooklyn.

This park in Red Hook is one of the best places to catch an NYC sunset. Jutting out into the East River, you can spy the Statue of Liberty, Governors Island, Manhattan’s skyline, Staten Island, and the New York Harbor. It gets very busy on nice days, so go early to snag a spot.

If it took a little bit longer to get up to the 21st floor of Hotel 50 Bowery and if the crowd at the bar is a few more people deep than you’re used to, The Crown’s best-in-class view will remind you why you picked this bar, and this city, the moment it comes into focus. 

The 19th-century feat of engineering is itself a sight to behold. Appreciate the beautiful craftsmanship of the suspension bridge and expansive views of Manhattan, Brooklyn and the harbor along the landmark’s walkway. Some folks will tell you that you haven’t really lived in New York until you’ve walked or biked the 1.1 miles at sunrise, and with the way the sun hits the metal and reflects off the water, we couldn’t agree more.

The 12-acres of waterside greenery, playgrounds and courts in this Long Island City park are made all the more glorious by the East River and the famous skyscrapers rising west of the gentle waves. Visit at sunset when the yellow, pink and orange skies blend together behind those beacons of modernity and watch the lights switch on at the Chrysler and Empire State Buildings.

Located on the 10th floor of the 1 Hotel, right next to the Brooklyn Bridge, is Harriet's Rooftop and Lounge. Enjoy a panoramic view of the bridge and Manhattan beyond as you enjoy a classic cocktail like an Old Fashioned or a Ricky Rose. 

This stylish glass box caps the William Vale. Take the dedicated elevator 22 stories up to the industrial yet swank space—set with black-and-white tiled floors, bright globe lights and a beamed ceiling—to experience a hotel rooftop bar that has all the goods to be a standalone New York cocktail den.

The former site of the Domino Sugar Factory that has been transformed into sprawling public waterfront park—with amenities ranging from a 450-foot-long elevated catwalk to bocce courts, a volleyball court—has some of the best views of the Manhattan skyline, especially at night. Best of all, the breeze from the East River is refreshing!

Every day thousands of commuters get to soak in New York’s most iconic sites without spending a dime. Whether you have business in Richmond County or just want to get up close and personal with the Statue of Liberty, hop on board this vessel and head straight to the deck for a breath of the Hudson River and dazzling views of Lower Manhattan, Liberty Island, Ellis Island and Governors Island.

By all accounts, the Met is easy on the eyes—amazing architecture and design filled with one of finest art collections in the Western hemisphere—but you don’t have to know anything about antiquities or aesthetics to understand the wow-factor of the roof garden. Plus, every summer the rooftop welcomes larger-than-life artwork from an artist. 

Down refreshing cocktails as you soak in the views of the rooftop artwork and Central Park.

This city-owned garden in the Riverdale section of the Bronx retains the same horticultural traditions as when it was a private estate. You’ll find an elegant 19th-century mansion surrounded by meticulously groomed gardens, featuring abundant wildflowers and shady pergolas. The area offers sweeping views of the river and the New Jersey Palisades.

Time Out Tip: Visit on Thursdays to take advantage of free admission days.

The 60-acre park, which boasts tennis courts, a track, walking trails, basketball courts and multiple playgrounds, is right on the East River. That means it has incredible views of the Manhattan skyline and the Triborough/RFK Bridge. Go for sunset and you won’t be disappointed by the gorgeous silhouette of the city and the Triboro and Hellsgate bridges.

Tucked away in Central Park, this whimsical Victorian Folly—a beautiful structure without a true purpose—was designed by Calvert Vaux, one of the park’s architects, in 1865. From its two balconies you’ll have the best views of the park’s most popular spots including the Delacorte Theater, the Great Lawn, Turtle Pond and the Ramble.

For a closer look at Mother Nature’s handiwork, peer into the telescopes and microscopes provided by the Henry Luce Nature Observatory or borrow a pair of binoculars to start looking for birds and critters.

Overstory is as cozy as a music box in the sky inside, with views that seem to go on forever out on the wrap-around terrace. Perched on the 64th floor of 70 Pine Street above sibling spots Crown Shy and Saga, it's the just-drinks cherry on top of the trio of outstanding spots. The futniture's plush, the cocktails are crafty and even the ice is extra nice at what's become one of NYC's most elegant cocktail destinations.

Travel through the rolling, sacred grounds where thousands of New York’s residents have found their eternal resting place to the highest natural point in Brooklyn, Battle Hill. On this Revolutionary War site, where many early Americans fought for independence, a statue of Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and war, appears to be waving at the Statue of Liberty, who is visible in the distance. 

Head to Pier 15 along the East River for sea-inspired bar bites, local craft beers, and cocktails—all while taking in scenic skyline views. This spot is known for its seasonal pop-ups, like Pink Pier during Valentine's season and a tropical takeover in the summer.

Walking along the abandoned elevated train tracks of the High Line not only gives you stunning sight-lines of lower Manhattan and midtown but also lets you become part of the city’s skyline. Feel the pulse of the city high above the trendy Meatpacking District, Chelsea streets and the area’s mixture of historic buildings and new developments.

Nightlife impresario David Rabin’s top-floor drinkery opens directly onto a rooftop pool and deck; when it’s cold out, cluster around a fireplace in one corner or perch on benches upholstered in herringbone fabric. Cocktails are spot on.