The Best of New York · See and do · Views
The best views in New York that don’t cost $40.
Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 13 places.
I’ve been obsessed with finding the best views in this city since the day I moved here. There’s something about seeing the skyline from a new angle that still makes my heart do a little flip, even after all these years. And I’ll be honest with you. Some of the most famous observation decks in New York are genuinely not worth the $40 they charge. But some of the best views in NYC are completely free and almost nobody talks about them.
I’ve spent years hunting down these spots. Rooftops, parks, bridges, ferry rides, random parking garages. If there’s a view, I’ve probably stood there staring at it with my coffee getting cold. So here’s my honest list of the views that are actually worth your time, and a few that aren’t. Let’s jump in!
Best views in New York that don’t cost $40, 2026
- Brooklyn Bridge WalkwayLandmark · Brooklyn/ManhattanThe trick is to walk from Brooklyn to Manhattan rather than the other way around.
- Central Park Belvedere CastleLandmark · Central ParkThe terrace on top of Belvedere Castle gives you a surprisingly great elevated view of Central Park’s north end.
- Summit One VanderbiltLandmark · MidtownSummit is the newest observation experience and it’s more of an art installation than a traditional deck.
- Top of the RockLandmark · MidtownTop of the Rock at Rockefeller Center is the best observation deck in New York City and I’m not being diplomatic about it.
- Brooklyn Heights PromenadeLandmark · Brooklyn HeightsA wide walkway along the edge of Brooklyn Heights with a straight-on view of lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge.
- DUMBO WaterfrontPark · DUMBOThe view from the DUMBO waterfront in Brooklyn is one of the most photographed in the entire city and for good reason.
- Gantry Plaza State ParkPark · Long Island CityThis is my sleeper pick.
- Roosevelt Island TramwayOther · Roosevelt IslandThe Roosevelt Island Tramway costs the same as a subway ride ($2.90 with OMNY or your MetroCard) and gives you an aerial view of the East Side of Manhattan that rivals any helicopter tour.
- Sunset ParkPark · Sunset ParkIt’s one of the widest, most sweeping views you can get from anywhere in the city and it’s a neighborhood park.
- The High Line at 17th StreetPark · ChelseaAt sunset this spot is pure magic.
- The Rooftop at The MetMuseum · Upper East SideMuseum admission is pay-what-you-wish for New York residents, which means I’ve paid $1 for a view that would cost $40 anywhere else.
- The Staten Island FerryOther · Staten Island/Lower ManhattanThis is the greatest free attraction in New York City and I will argue this with anyone.
- Williamsburg WaterfrontPark · WilliamsburgThe waterfront parks in Williamsburg, Brooklyn give you a straight-on view of the Midtown Manhattan skyline across the East River.
Brooklyn Bridge Walkway
Landmark · Brooklyn/Manhattan · near the entrance at Tillary Street
The trick is to walk from Brooklyn to Manhattan rather than the other way around.
Central Park Belvedere Castle
Landmark · Central Park
The terrace on top of Belvedere Castle gives you a surprisingly great elevated view of Central Park’s north end.
Summit One Vanderbilt
Landmark · Midtown
Summit is the newest observation experience and it’s more of an art installation than a traditional deck.
Top of the Rock
Landmark · Midtown
Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center is the best observation deck in New York City and I’m not being diplomatic about it.
Brooklyn Heights Promenade
Landmark · Brooklyn Heights
A wide walkway along the edge of Brooklyn Heights with a straight-on view of lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge.
DUMBO Waterfront
Park · DUMBO · intersection of Washington and Water Streets
The view from the DUMBO waterfront in Brooklyn is one of the most photographed in the entire city and for good reason.
Roosevelt Island Tramway
Other · Roosevelt Island · 59th Street and 2nd Avenue
The Roosevelt Island Tramway costs the same as a subway ride ($2.90 with OMNY or your MetroCard) and gives you an aerial view of the East Side of Manhattan that rivals any helicopter tour.
Sunset Park
Park · Sunset Park
It’s one of the widest, most sweeping views you can get from anywhere in the city and it’s a neighborhood park.
The High Line at 17th Street
Park · Chelsea · 17th Street
At sunset this spot is pure magic.
The Rooftop at The Met
Museum · Upper East Side
Museum admission is pay-what-you-wish for New York residents, which means I’ve paid $1 for a view that would cost $40 anywhere else.
The Staten Island Ferry
Other · Staten Island/Lower Manhattan
This is the greatest free attraction in New York City and I will argue this with anyone.
Williamsburg Waterfront
Park · Williamsburg
The waterfront parks in Williamsburg, Brooklyn give you a straight-on view of the Midtown Manhattan skyline across the East River.
Best views in New York that don’t cost $40, 2026
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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: The Best Views in NYC That Don’t Cost $40.