Manhattanhenge.

Date May 29th, 30th

One of the most photogenic, and surprisingly moving, things to do when visiting NYC in May is watching Manhattanhenge, a phenomenon when the sun aligns perfectly with the east–west grid of Manhattan’s streets. It happens just twice a year, and late May is your first chance to catch it.

On the evenings of May 29 and May 30, the setting sun will appear centered between skyscrapers, casting a glow down cross streets like 42nd, 34th, and 23rd. It lasts only a few minutes, but the effect is striking, golden light framed by concrete, as if the city was built for this exact moment.

The best spots to watch are wide streets with clear westward views, try Tudor City Overpass, Park Avenue at 42nd Street, or 11th Avenue in Midtown. Photographers, tourists, and locals all gather, turning it into an impromptu celebration of urban design and natural beauty.

If you’re visiting NYC in May and want to see something uniquely New York, Manhattanhenge is one of those fleeting moments that’s worth planning around. Bring your camera, and get there early.

We created a guide covering everything you need to know about Manhattanhenge!

Even after years of living here, Manhattanhenge still catches me off guard, in the best way. It’s one of the most beautiful things to do in NYC in summer, and it only happens twice a year, once in late May and again in mid-July.

The phenomenon occurs when the sun sets in perfect alignment with Manhattan’s east-west street grid, casting a glow straight through the city’s canyons. I’ve watched it from 42nd Street, 34th Street, and the Tudor City Overpass, and each time, the crowd feels hushed for a moment, everyone just watching the sun slide into place.

If you’re visiting NYC in summer and your dates happen to overlap, make a point to see it. Get to your spot at least 30 minutes early, bring a camera, and expect a mix of tourists, photographers, and lifelong New Yorkers marveling like it’s their first time too.

It’s one of those rare moments when the city feels both planned and magical, chaotic and perfectly still.

Date July 11th & 12, 2024

Listen up folks, if you are looking for things to do in New York City in July that will blow your mind, look no more. There’s a well-known annual phenomenon in New York City known as Manhattanhenge. In short, it is when the setting sun aligns perfectly with east-to-west running streets.

The mesmerizing sunset is unlike anything you’ve ever seen, I can guarantee it. The streets create a perfect pocket that seemingly catches the sun. Seeing Manhattanhenge is one of the most popular things to do in New York City in July (and only happens twice a year), so I suggest arriving at your spot early.

The American Museum of Natural History recommends the following streets for the best view.

My suggestion is to head to the streets where they intersect with 8th or 9th Avenues. The event will take place at approximately 8:20PM this July in New York City.