10 Best Viewpoints in New York

If you want to conquer New York from the heights you can't miss a scenic show from its observation decks. It is one of the best things to do in the city and you have to choose between different types of experiences. For starters, you can climb to the top of skyscrapers like the Empire State or Top of the Rock and have the Big Apple at your feet.

Instead, if you are looking for something more historical and economical you have the viewpoint of the Crown of the Statue of Liberty. But there are also natural and outdoor viewpoints such as Brooklyn Bridge Park and the hills of Central Park. Still don't know which one to visit? I tell you in depth these and many other options.

Climbing the Empire State Building is a must for those who want to reach the top of New York. This place is impressive and has an elevator that takes you to the 86th floor in less than a minute. Here you will find a platform 400 meters above the ground with 360° views of Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square and much more.

Not only will you have the Big Apple at your feet, you can also access the 2nd floor where there is a museum with exhibits about its construction. And it has another viewpoint on the 102nd floor that is more exclusive and private, ideal for spectacular photographs. However, it is not usually included in the normal entrance fee.

The best time to climb the Empire State Building is early in the morning or mid-afternoon, when there are fewer tourists. Although the Empire at night is also a spectacle that you have to witness at least once in your life.

In addition to the normal entrance you can enjoy other more exclusive experiences such as:

• Buy tickets for the Empire without queues and enjoy an audio guide.
• Book tickets for the Empire with access to the 102nd floor, as it is not included in all types of tickets. However, this pass usually gives access to the museum and the 86th floor, so it is a more complete option.
• Book a sunrise experience at the Empire, you will have to arrive very early to see the city wake up, but it is a romantic and unforgettable plan, although it does not include the 102nd floor.

Details of interest

• Price: the price of tickets to the Empire starts at 47 € per person. It can be increased if you access other luxury experiences such as a skip-the-line pass, access to the 102nd floor or a sunrise experience.

• Hours: open daily, but hours vary according to season.

• Location: between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, consider that access is via 34th Street.

• How to get there: to get to the Empire State you have several subway and bus lines depending on the area where you are.

• What is usually included in the basic ticket: access to the museum, the 86th floor and the observation deck, but you have other options with premium experiences.

The views from the One World Observatory are a complete spectacle. This viewpoint almost takes you to touch the New York sky, as it is in the highest skyscraper in the city. From the moment you enter the building the experience begins because you will enter via the Skypod elevator, which goes up 100 floors in one minute.

Then, you will have access to three different observation decks on the 100th, 101st and 102nd floors. From the top you can see the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. The building offers interactive exhibits that are controlled by tablets and explanations through a virtual guide.

The best time to go up to One World Observatory is definitely at sunset or early morning.

Details of interest

• Price: tickets to the One World Observatory start at 53 € per person.

• Hours: open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, but observation deck hours may vary. For convenience, you can book flextime tickets for the One World Observatory.

• Location: 117 West Street.

• How to get there: to get to the One World Observatory you can take the subway to the World Trade Center station.

• What's included: depending on the ticket selected, you can enjoy skip-the-line entry, priority elevator access and a virtual tour of the building.

Climbing to the Top of the Rock allows you to see New York from different angles. It is the largest observatory in the city and is 260 meters high. You will have to defy vertigo and walk along its daring platforms. It has several viewpoints and the first one is on the 67th floor, ideal for those who prefer to stay safe and enjoy the views from the inside.

There is another more risky viewpoint on the69th floor which is a glass terrace that puts New York at your feet. You'll be able to see everything from the Empire State Building to Central Park, depending on where you look out. But if you are one of those who enjoy the remains you can reach the 70th floor and face the outdoor terrace

With its 360-degree views Top of the Rock at night is also impressive. In addition, you can travel back in time to 1932 and recreate the famous photograph of workers eating lunch among the skyscrapers by joining The Beam, a simulation experience on a rotating beam. It can be very vertiginous, but it is completely safe thanks to its belts.

Details of interest

• Price: the price of tickets to The Top of the Rock observation deck starts at €40 per person.

• Hours: the hours to climb to the Top of the Rock are between 8:00 and 23:00 hours.

• Location: the main entrance is located on 50th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.

• How to get there: to get to Top of the Rock you can take advantage of several subway and bus stations nearby.

• What is usually included in the entrance fee: access to the building and its observation decks.

Another magical experience is to see New York from The Edge, a building at 345 meters high where you will conquer the most spectacular views of the Big Apple. The observation deck is on the 100th floor, but don't worry! Its ultra-fast elevator takes less than a minute. Take your adrenaline meter to the limit and take advantage of the open air, glass floors and walls.

The views from the 360-degree observation deck show you Madison Square Garden and bustling Downtown. Ultimately the best time to climb The Edge is in the morning to avoid crowds, or in the evening if you want to enjoy a New York sunset.

For adventure activities in New York you can book a City Climb experience at The Edge and climb to the top of the building with a safety harness.

Details of interest

• Price: The Edge ticket prices start at $40 per person.

• Hours: The observation deck is open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.

• Location: on 30th Street at Hudson Yards.

• How to get there: to get to The Edge you can take the bus or subway and the closest station is Hudson-Yards.

• What is usually included in the ticket: access to the observation deck and souvenir digital photo. The City Climb climbing experience is an extra cost.

One of the newest buildings in New York is SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. It is a different proposal that allows you to be 427 meters high above the City of Skyscrapers. The experience begins at Ascent, where as you ascend in exterior elevators you are treated to breathtaking views of the city.

You can also venture into the Rise experience and climb to the top in 50 seconds. Before going up to the new SUMMIT observation deck you will reach the 91st floor where there is an exhibition of mirrors that will play with your mind. Here it is worth taking a photo and immortalizing the moment.

Of course, the main attraction is the two observation decks on the 92nd and 93rd floors. You can see what look like tiny ants moving around, but are actually the silhouettes of people enjoying the vibrant New York life.

Details of interest

• Price: from 43 € per person.

• Hours: 9:00 to midnight and closed on Tuesdays.

• Location: at 1 Vanderbilt Avenue. You can take the opportunity to book a tour of Grand Central Terminal, as it is right next door.

• How to get there: the nearest subway station is Grand Central Terminal and it also connects to several bus lines.

• What is usually included in the ticket: access to the 3 floors of SUMMIT, three multi-sensory art experiences. You can enjoy a fourth simulation experience, but it is not always included in the ticket.

If you go to New York you definitely have to climb the Crown of the Statue of Liberty. It is a spectacular and little known viewpoint that rises to 46 meters high. There is no elevator and you will have to be willing to climb 162 steps.

You can see New York and the surrounding area from the crown, as well as visit the statue's pedestal, a stone platform atop a fort that offers an open-air experience.

To access the observation decks you need to get Statue of Liberty tickets, specifically Crown Reserve Ticket. You must book months in advance because the number of visitors per hour is limited.

Details of interest

• Price: Statue of Liberty tickets start at $25 per person.

• Hours: daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

• Location: on Liberty Island.

• How to get there: it is necessary to book a ferry cruise to the Statue of Liberty, as it is the only way to access the island.

• What is usually included in the ticket: there are several types of tickets and you should be aware that some only allow access to the statue, but not to the observation deck. Crown Reserve Ticket gives access to the observation deck, the museum and may even cover the ferry to the statue.

New York dazzles from every perspective, but there is one place that stands out among its natural wonders: Brooklyn Bridge Park. This park offers a visual spectacle from a low, up-close perspective. The combination of the sea breeze and views of the New York waterfront is ideal for enjoying the city in all its presentations.

Here you will find a variety of attractions such as beaches, cultural events, sports areas and bike rides. In general, there are many things to see in Brooklyn. For example, you can take advantage of the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, an elevated platform over the freeway that offers views of the Manhattan skyline.

Details of interest

• Price: it's free, but you can visit it with a tour for around 62 €, if it's by bike much better, to delight you with the stories behind this location.

• Hours: daily from 6:00 to 1:00.

• Location: along the East River waterfront, just under the Brooklyn Bridge.

• How to get there: there are several subway and bus stops nearby.

There's a lot to see in Central Park, but many people overlook that it also offers breathtaking views of the city. It's an ideal spot if you're visiting New York in the fall, when the city is bathed in varying shades of yellow, orange and brown.

This place is ideal for those looking for a more natural viewpoint, as it has outdoor observatories, among which stand out:

• The Bow Bridge: a bridge with a romantic ambiance that offers views of the Manhattan skyline.
• MET Museum: located in the park and its terrace offers stunning views of the park and the city.
• The Ramble: a wooded area ideal for low panoramic views of New York.
• The Reservoir: one of the little known natural viewpoints that has an unparalleled aesthetic.

Details of interest

• Price: it is free, although there are very interesting tours that show you the best of Central Park for around 41 €.

• Hours: every day from 6:00 to 1:00.

• Location: between Fifth and Eighth Avenues.

• How to get there: centrally located in the middle of Manhattan, but you can also get there by bus or subway. The closest stations are Columbus Circle and 5th Avenue Station.

The best rooftops in New York allow you to enjoy gastronomic and social experiences. One of my favorites is 230 Fifth, because of its VIP seating to the New York skyline. The ambiance of this place is worth remembering and is quite popular at sunset.

It offers options for all tastes with panoramic indoor windows and a vibrant outdoor terrace. In fact, if you plan to visit New York in winter, you can take refuge here without missing out on the best views of the city. But it's not only famous for its discreet roofed observation deck, they also often add Igloos to keep the atmosphere warm and cozy.

Details of interest

• Price: you don't have to pay an entrance fee to go up, however you must consume something.

• Hours: Monday to Thursday from 2:00 to 2:00, Friday from 4:00 to 4:00, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 2:00. They also have brunch hours on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm.

• Location: 230 5th Avenue.

• How to get there: several bus and subway stops nearby.

New York is like a magnet for unforgettable activities and great photo spots. Tudor City Bridge is a popular spot because it allows you to capture one of the most beautiful streets in the city. From here you can see the East River, the Manhattan skyline and the iconic UN building.

Here the traditional photo is taken in the middle of the bridge and is usually crowded, although if you visit New York in spring you can take advantage of the colors of the season and less tourist crowds. It is also one of the few places that retain the Tudor architecture, along with NYU and some buildings on the Upper East Side.

Details of interest

• Price: completely free of charge.

• Hours: open 24 hours.

• Location: in the Tudor City neighborhood of Midtown Manhattan.

• How to get there: connects to several bus and subway stations.