The Best of New York · See and do · Views
The best skyline views of New York.
Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 15 places.
Like moths to a flame, millions of people visit NYC every year for a chance to see the epic New York City skyline for themselves. From the soaring heights of observation decks to the picturesque views of skyscrapers in Central Park, there’s no shortage of great viewpoints worth exploring.
So, whether you’re a seasoned New Yorker or a first-time visitor, allow me to share the best views of New York City (free and paid options) based on first time experience. I hope you enjoy!
Best skyline views of New York, 2026
- Bonus. Columbus CircleLandmark · Columbus CircleHead to the fourth floor for one of the best free views of New York City.
- Brooklyn Bridge ParkPark · DUMBO, BrooklynWatching a movie while sneaking peaks at one of the best views of New York City, it’s an unforgettable experience to be sure.
- From the Manhattan BridgeLandmark · DUMBO, BrooklynThis one of my personal favorite views of NYC because it’s seldom crowded (thanks to the noisy subway that runs every few minutes).
- One World ObservatoryLandmark · Financial DistrictBrace yourself from the views from the top, this observation deck has the best New York City views.
- Pier 57Park · Hudson YardsAccess is free and it doesn’t close until 1AM, which means you’ll be able to get the best views of NYC at night for free.
- Skyline Views of New York City from Roosevelt IslandLandmark · Roosevelt Island
- Summit One VanderbiltLandmark · Midtown
- The Cantor Roof Garden at the MetMuseum · Upper East SideThe best piece of art doesn’t belong to the museum though – it’s the skyline view.
- The Empire State BuildingLandmark · Midtown
- The New York City Skyline from an AirplaneOtherSeeing the view of New York from a plane gives you a unique vantage point that allows you to absorb the massive scale of this city.
- The views of Manhattan from the Staten Island FerryOther · Staten IslandThe view of the Statue of Liberty is epic (hell, it made me emotional the first time I saw it).
- Top of the RockLandmark · MidtownThe reason I like this New York City viewpoint so much is because the large glass panels offer unobstructed views the NYC skyline, unlike some of the other observation decks that use fencing.
- Tudor City BridgeLandmark · MidtownAs you can imagine, the bridge swells with photographers during this time because this easily the best view of NYC during Manhattanhenge.
- The Manhattan Skyline from Central ParkPark · Central ParkThere’s so much to love about Central Park, not least the breathtaking views of skyscrapers poking through the trees.
- The Rooftop at the Time Out MarketMarket · DUMBO, BrooklynThis my go-to spot for visitors that ask where to see the best views of New York City for free, it doesn’t get better than this.
Bonus. Columbus Circle
Landmark · Columbus Circle
Head to the fourth floor for one of the best free views of New York City.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Park · DUMBO, Brooklyn · Harbor View Lawn, 80 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY
Watching a movie while sneaking peaks at one of the best views of New York City, it’s an unforgettable experience to be sure.
From the Manhattan Bridge
Landmark · DUMBO, Brooklyn
This one of my personal favorite views of NYC because it’s seldom crowded (thanks to the noisy subway that runs every few minutes).
One World Observatory
Landmark · Financial District
Brace yourself from the views from the top, this observation deck has the best New York City views.
Pier 57
Park · Hudson Yards
Access is free and it doesn’t close until 1AM, which means you’ll be able to get the best views of NYC at night for free.
The Cantor Roof Garden at the Met
Museum · Upper East Side · Fifth Avenue between East 80th and 84th Streets
The best piece of art doesn’t belong to the museum though – it’s the skyline view.
The New York City Skyline from an Airplane
Other
Seeing the view of New York from a plane gives you a unique vantage point that allows you to absorb the massive scale of this city.
The views of Manhattan from the Staten Island Ferry
Other · Staten Island
The view of the Statue of Liberty is epic (hell, it made me emotional the first time I saw it).
Top of the Rock
Landmark · Midtown
The reason I like this New York City viewpoint so much is because the large glass panels offer unobstructed views the NYC skyline, unlike some of the other observation decks that use fencing.
Tudor City Bridge
Landmark · Midtown
As you can imagine, the bridge swells with photographers during this time because this easily the best view of NYC during Manhattanhenge.
The Manhattan Skyline from Central Park
Park · Central Park
There’s so much to love about Central Park, not least the breathtaking views of skyscrapers poking through the trees.
The Rooftop at the Time Out Market
Market · DUMBO, Brooklyn · 55 Water St, Brooklyn, NY
This my go-to spot for visitors that ask where to see the best views of New York City for free, it doesn’t get better than this.
Best skyline views of New York, 2026
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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 21 Jaw-Dropping Skyline Views of New York City.