The NYC skyline is easily one of the most iconic cityscapes in the world. So if you’re going to take a trip to the Big Apple, it makes sense that you’d want to snap a pic and linger awhile at appealing vantage points. Here are some of our favorite jaw-dropping views of NYC from above.
The tallest commercial skyscraper in Midtown is also among the top 30 tallest buildings in the world. Visit the top three floors to see Kenzo Digital’s mesmerizing art installation ‘Air’ complete with mirrored rooms, glass sky boxes, and interactive areas for a fully immersive art experience overlooking the city.
The highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere protrudes above Manhattan with 360-degree views and a glass floor suspended in mid-air. Edge offers fun upgrades to your observation deck experience like scaling the edge of the skyscraper more than 1,200 feet above ground or sipping Champagne in the sky.
3. Helicopter Tour
Of all the incredible NYC attractions there are to explore, best of all might be the sprawling skyline. For an unforgettable experience, admire the city from a helicopter tour, of which the city offers many.
The Observatory offers countless perspectives of the city from Floors 100 - 102 of One World Trade Center. See the skyline from a climate-controlled space, visit bar and restaurant ONE Mix and ONE Dine, and hop on the SkyPod Elevator which makes the astonishing 102-story climb in only 47 seconds.
5. Rooftop Bars
Supplement your aerial views at some of the best rooftop bars in the city. Get a bird’s-eye view of the hustle and bustle below at places like Mr. Purple, Le Bain, Press Lounge, and Bar SixtyFive at the Rainbow Room, which sits on the 65th floor of the Rockefeller Center.
If you love to get up high, Top of the Rock is a great place to see sweeping views of Midtown and Central Park. The three indoor and outdoor viewing decks are 70 floors up, and, because you’re in the heart of Rockefeller Center, you’ll have access to the best shopping, dining, and entertainment in Midtown.
Take the ferry to Liberty Island to see the colossal copper statue. If you’re up for climbing 215 steps to the top of the pedestal, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Liberty Island and New York Harbor. The Statue of Liberty’s crown access remains closed, but you can visit the National Park Service website for the latest reopening phase information.
Step onto NYC’s most famous open-air observatory for 360-degree views from the 86th Floor. You’ll catch glimpses of all of New York City’s landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty. Take your New York City experience higher with a ride in the one-of-a-kind glass elevator to reach the 102nd Floor Observatory, where you’ll see panoramic views stretching up to 80 miles (and six states!) on a clear day.
From the ground, you would never suspect that the Met has one of the best views in the city. Their rooftop bar may only be open during the warmer months, but the views of Central Park are worth the winter wait. Best of all, admission fees to the museum are only suggested, so popping upstairs to the bar can be free for a quick look.
Enjoy downtown Manhattan views during a walk on the 1.45-mile-long elevated park, greenway, and rail trail along the former historic NY Central Railroad. Free tours are offered on Wednesdays and Sundays, plus you’ll see commissioned artworks and beautiful gardens on your trek.
Get to NYC’s best Manhattan observation decks faster when you stay in the heart of Midtown. Book now with The Manhattan Club to receive 20% off, plus complimentary cocktails, a heart-shaped chocolate box, and a $10 Uber Voucher with our City of Love limited special offer. Read more.
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