New York is one of the most famous cities in the world and home to an incredible array of world-renowned architecture and a breathtaking skyline. Whether you’re scouting for the best viewpoints in New York that won’t cost you a dime or you’re prepared to splash out to see the wonders of the city, this list of places will show you exactly how to see New York in a way you couldn’t have imagined.
The best viewpoints in New York on a budget
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to see the New York City skyline or snap those Instagram-worthy shots without breaking the bank, this list of free viewpoints in the city is just for you. Let’s go.
Gazing at the stars
One of the most unique and best viewpoints in New York has to be the constellation mural atop Grand Central’s main concourse, but it’s not the only reason to visit the building. Grand Central terminal is an absolute must for fans of the Beaux-Arts architectural style and history buffs alike. Grand Central is also one of the best places in the city to snap a few pictures and happens to be one leg of a photo journey of the city. Make sure to not miss the Chrysler Building while you’re there – you can see it across the street from the entrance, by looking east from Pershing Square.
- You can visit Grand Central at 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, between 05:15 and 02:00 on any day.
A walk along Brooklyn Bridge
If you’re looking for a sensational photo of the New York skyline, the pedestrian walkway along the Brooklyn Bridge is the perfect way to safely get one absolutely free. Not only is the bridge one of the best viewpoints in New York, but it’s also considered a historic feminist icon, thanks to Emily Warren Roebling’s incredible dedication to completing the bridge. This happened way back in 1883. Emily was also the first person to make her way across the bridge in a carriage, and she did it with a rooster in hand for good luck.
The Brooklyn Bridge connects New York City’s Manhattan borough with the Brooklyn borough and offers panoramic views of both parts of the city, making it an ideal stop for epic viewing and picture-taking.
Ride the ferry
New York is home to a plethora of must-see sites and attractions throughout. Hopping aboard the Staten Island Ferry is without a doubt many visitors’ favourite activity, thanks to having some of the best views of the NYC skyline and the Statue of Liberty. It’s also completely free, so don’t fall for the well-known scammers that attempt to sell tickets to unsuspecting victims. The Staten Island Ferry has been operating since 1810. Although it started as a private operation, it’s now part of the public transport system of the city and is currently the busiest passenger-only ferry route in the world.
As a tourist, you’ll want to board the ferry at the Whitehall Terminal near Battery Park, at the southern tip of Manhattan. Here you can hang around in the large waiting room or grab a bite to eat at one of the venues inside. You’ll also be able to look out over the Upper New York Bay through the large windows. The Staten Island Ferry operates 24 hours a day, every day, leaving roughly every 20 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the time of day.
How about a castle in New York?
Belvedere Castle is one of the most iconic features in Central Park and one of the best viewpoints in New York that won’t cost you a dime. Belvedere means “beautiful view” in Italian. The castle was designed by Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould as a place to enjoy the surrounding landscape views and originally had no doors or windows because it was meant to be an open-air lookout tower. It was completed in 1872 and stands atop Vista Rock, which is the second-highest natural point in Central Park. Visitors continue to be drawn to The Belvedere from across the world, in search of its exquisite views of Ramble to the south, the Turtle Pond and Great Lawn to the north and the beautiful surrounding views of the city.
- You can visit Belvedere Castle between 10:00 and 17:00 from Wednesday through to Sunday. The castle is closed on Monday and Tuesdays.
The most beautiful paid viewpoints in New York
Now that we’ve gotten the budget-friendly suggestions out the way, it’s time to include some of the paid viewpoints the city has to offer, of which there are many. These may cost a pretty penny while in New York, but they’re more than worth the price.
Rockefeller Center Observation Deck
On any given day between 09:00 and 23:00, you can make your way to 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York, head up to Top of the Rock Observation Deck and take in the staggering panoramic skyline views and landscape of NYC. The entrance fee is close to $40 but is well worth the cost for the epic views of downtown Manhattan that it provides. You’ll even have a view of the Empire State Building. The three levels of Top of the Rock’s indoor and outdoor observation decks offer sensational unobstructed views of the skyline, with terraces facing in all directions to make it an iconic viewpoint in New York.
One World Observatory
One World Observatory is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, at 541 metres (1,775 feet), and is located where the World Trade Center used to be. The One World Observatory offers some of the best views in the city, with a 360-degree vantage point and views stretching as far as the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and Upper New York Bay. Once you’ve taken in the views of New York from this incredible point, you can end your evening with a dining experience at ONE Dine or enjoy a drink at ONE Mix. The New York-inspired menu is a must-try, as are the cocktails.
- The observatory is open every day of the week and at weekends from 09:00 until 21:00 and can be found at 117 West St, New York.
Aerial Tramway
The Roosevelt Island Tramway is actually a little bit of a secret among locals and is considered to be one of the best viewpoints in New York. You can hitch a ride on the iconic tramway by using a Metro Card, experiencing a unique skyline view over the East River. It travels from Manhattan to the small strip of land that is Roosevelt Island, which was once hailed by the New York Times as having one of the most exciting views of the city – the glimmering waters of the East River on one side and breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline on the other. The cabin can hold up to 125 people and typically runs more than 100 times a day, covering a distance of 3,100 feet. The trip only takes around 4 minutes and costs roughly $4 for a round trip or about $2.25 each way. If you’re a senior citizen or a disabled passenger, your trip will only cost around $1.00.
The Empire State Building
You can’t talk about the best viewpoints in New York without mentioning the sought-after Empire State Building, located at 20 W 34th St, New York. The main deck is located on the 86th floor and provides exquisite 360-degree panoramic views of New York City from an open-air observation deck. Standard prices start at around $44 but you can capitalise on this experience by paying a little extra and joining the sunrise tour. This is limited to 40 people and costs around $125, but it offers an unmissable experience of watching the world’s most bustling city come alive with the sunrise breaking across it.
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