Where Can I see the Best Views of NYC Skyline in 2026?
Beginning with the iconic NYC skyline, it is one of the most identifiable silhouettes in the world. It is a beautiful combination of architectural wonders that are distinctive to the city. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a life-long resident of New York City, viewing Manhattan from the right vantage point never gets old. With a multitude of options available to observe the skyline including observation decks and lesser-known waterfront gems, there are numerous ways to experience the breath-taking views of the city skyline. Below is a guide to help you find the best views of the NYC skyline.
High Points of View - The Famous Observation Decks
There are six well known observation decks in New York City. They provide a diverse collection of vantage points of the city. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, which opened in 2020, has become the most visited observation deck in the city. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is a relatively new attraction to the city, and it combines a beautiful view of the city with a multi-sensory artistic experience. The attraction includes reflective ceiling and flooring as well as photo opportunities. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is located at the top of the fourth-tallest skyscraper in Midtown and offers a view of the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building from a height of approximately 1,100 feet.
The Edge at Hudson Yards is the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere and stands at 1,131 feet. The Edge is an architectural wonder, and the suspended platform extends 80 feet from the building. Additionally, The Edge contains a portion of the platform made of glass floor sections allowing people who are brave enough to look directly down to see the street below them for more than 100 floors. The Edge gives people the sensation of being suspended in mid-air providing unobstructed 360-degree views of all five boroughs of New York City, New Jersey and Long Island on a clear day.
Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center continues to be a local favorite among both locals and tourists alike. Top of the Rock is a central location in Midtown Manhattan and offers a great view of the Empire State Building and Central Park. The observation deck of Top of the Rock consists of three open-air levels and due to its timed-entry policy, it is generally less crowded than the other popular viewing platforms in the area. If you want to take a picture of the Empire State Building surrounded by the skyscrapers of Central Manhattan, Top of the Rock is a great place to do so.
One World Observatory is situated on the top of the One World Trade Center, which is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere at 1,776 feet. The trip to the top begins with a unique elevator ride with digital displays on all sides of the elevator providing a time-lapse video of how New York City changed from a Dutch settlement to the modern-day metropolis that it is today. From the top of the One World Trade Center, you receive unparalleled views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and Lower Manhattan.
Waterfront Vistas That Are Free
You don't need to spend money to enjoy a wonderful view. Brooklyn offers several of the best free views of the Manhattan skyline. The Time Out Market rooftop terrace in DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), is considered by many to be the best free view of the Manhattan skyline. In addition to a jaw-dropping view of the NYC skyline, the Time Out Market rooftop also offers a fantastic view of the Brooklyn Bridge. This spot becomes crowded during good weather, but the views are well worth the crowds.
Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City, Queens, offers 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline from the opposite side of the East River. The vintage Pepsi-Cola sign on the pier in Gantry Plaza State Park adds a touch of nostalgia to your photographs. Perhaps the best part of this waterfront park is that it is just one subway stop away from Grand Central Terminal on the 7 train, making it easy to take a break from your busy schedule to gaze at the Manhattan skyline.
The Brooklyn Heights Promenade is an 1826-foot-high promenade that offers dramatic views of Lower Manhattan and New York Harbor. The Brooklyn Heights Promenade is particularly enjoyable in the evenings when the city lights illuminate the skyline creating a sparkling display of lights that draw both residents and visitors for evening walks.
Unusual Locations for Unique Views
While the typical tourist destinations may offer the most convenient and easily accessible views of the Manhattan skyline, there are some alternative and unique views of the Manhattan skyline in New Jersey that are overlooked by many New Yorkers. For example, the waterfront areas in Jersey City and Hoboken offer unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline to the east. Another unique view of the Manhattan skyline is found in Liberty State Park near the Statue of Liberty. Finally, Weehawken's elevated dueling grounds allow you to photograph the Manhattan skyline from a cliff creating straight-on views of the skyscrapers.
The Staten Island Ferry is another great source of free views of the Manhattan skyline. The Staten Island Ferry operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provides a view of the southern end of Manhattan that you will not be able to obtain from any of the islands in the harbor. There is no better time to take the ferry than at sunset; on the way to Staten Island, you will see the skyscrapers of Manhattan lit by the sun setting in the west, and on the return to Manhattan, you will see the city illuminated in the evening. As a bonus, you will have a great view of the Statue of Liberty without having to wait in the long lines of the Liberty Island tour.
Finally, the skyscrapers of Manhattan can be viewed in a unique and intimate manner by walking in Central Park. Skyscrapers appear to rise through the trees and foliage in Central Park. Popular viewing locations in Central Park include Sheep Meadow, Wollman Rink, and Bow Bridge. While Central Park is a wonderful destination to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, many New Yorkers appreciate returning home after a day of escaping into nature and enjoying the peace and quiet of a clean home. Several companies such as Sparkly Maid NYC help busy city dwellers keep their homes clean and tidy, and therefore, enjoy their city and neighborhoods to the fullest.
Tips for Visiting the Manhattan Skyline
Tickets to observation decks usually cost between $40-$70 per person and are often sold out, so we recommend purchasing timed tickets for each observation deck in advance. Many popular sightseeing passes to NYC attractions include admission to one or more of the observation decks in the city, potentially saving you 60% or more off the cost of purchasing tickets individually. SUMMIT One Vanderbilt is not included in most sightseeing passes and therefore requires purchase of tickets separately.
To capture the best photos of the Manhattan skyline, visit the observation decks just prior to sunset, known as "golden hour." The warm lighting created by the sun creates a flattering light that captures the beauty of the Manhattan skyline. You can remain at the observation deck until the city transitions from daylight to nighttime.
Bring a wide-angle lens, if possible, to capture the vastness of the Manhattan skyline and be sure to walk around the observation deck to capture multiple views of the city. Each of the six observation decks offers multiple views of the city.
Popular waterfront viewing spots tend to be more crowded on weekends and when the weather is pleasant. Consider visiting these spots early in the morning or on a weekday when they tend to be less crowded. The NYC Ferry System is a relatively inexpensive way to view the Manhattan skyline from the water and costs only $4.50 per ride.
Regardless of whether you prefer the thrill of the Edge at Hudson Yards, the classic elegance of the Empire State Building, or the free waterfront areas of Brooklyn and Queens, each location has its own unique views of this great city. After a day of taking in the views of the Manhattan skyline and exploring the city, returning to a clean and comfortable home makes the experience even more enjoyable. Therefore, many New Yorkers use professional cleaning services such as Sparkly Maid NYC to maintain their homes so they can continue to enjoy the many wonderful sights and experiences that this great city has to offer.
Sources:
22 Places. "Best Observation Decks in NYC Our Ranking." 22 Places, 7 Jan. 2026
Full Suitcase. "5 Best Observation Decks in NYC (+3 Unique Viewing Platforms)." Full Suitcase, 27 June 2025,
Globe Trotter Girls. "Six Epic Views of the Manhattan Skyline." Globe Trotter Girls, 11 Nov. 2025,
New York Dearest. "18 Jaw-Dropping Skyline Views of New York City (For All Budgets)."
New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. "Best Views of the Manhattan Skyline from a Park." NYC Parks
One World Observatory. "NYC Skyline Views & Observation Deck." One World Observatory,
The Empty Nest Explorers. "Best Spots to Photograph the NYC Skyline." The Empty Nest Explorers, 6 Apr. 2025,
Time Out New York. "25 Best Views in NYC of the Skyline and More." Time Out, 11 Apr. 2025,
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