Best Views in New York 2021

City views are everywhere in NYC — you’ll get them as you picnic at the park, as you sip a cocktail on a rooftop deck, and as you walk about at the art museums.

That’s why the Photolemur team has put together a simple, but photo-effective list, of 15 places for top city views in New York City.

There’s something for everyone in this list. So, grab your camera and your map, and get ready to explore. 

1. Top of the Rock Observation Deck

Take an adventure to this three-tiered observation deck— where 70 floors high, you’ll experience unobstructed 360 degree views from Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center.

2. High Line

This abandoned railway now serves as an elevated park and offers incredible city views. Walk this historic freight rail line for a heightened view of Manhattan’s West Side. 

3. Gantry Plaza State Park

Gantry is a beautiful park in Queens that offers a stellar view of the city and a perfect place for a picnic (there’s a reason why it has 5 stars on Yelp, after all). 

4. Le Bain

Le Bain on the 18th floor rooftop of The Standard Hotel is a good NYC hotspot to experience amazing views with pals — plus, there’s a disco, a seasonal plunge pool and a crêperie.

5. Whitney Museum of American Art 

Snag a bite from the cafe at the Whitney Museum, roam around to see the art, then venture to the terrace for what some deem to be one of the greatest views in all New York.

6. Battery Park 

Located at the southern tip of Manhattan, The Battery is a 25-acre park that faces New York Harbor. It’s the perfect place to walk, wander and absorb the historic feel of NYC.

7. One World Observatory 

Located atop the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, you’ll find an indoor skyscraper observatory with a view of Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and more. 

8. Brooklyn Bridge

Walk this bridge from Brooklyn to Manhattan for some beautiful and photo-worthy snaps (hint: go at sunset if you’re looking to snag some especially golden city views).

9. Empire State Building

One of the most well-known and iconic buildings in the world, the must-visit 102-story Art Deco skyscraper known as the Empire State Building rests on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan.

10. Long Island City

For a different perspective on Manhattan — consider leaving it and taking a trip to Long Island City in Queens. It sits across the East River from Manhattan and offers different vision of the Midtown Skyline.

11. The Press Lounge

Grab a cocktail on the 17th floor roof of the swanky Ink48 Hotel while you sit back and enjoy the panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline.

12. The Met’s Roof Garden Café and Martini Bar

After you saunter about and see the art, take a trip to the top for light bites, beverages and a sculpture garden while you look out over central park and the Manhattan skyline.

13. Staten Island Ferry

This ferry is completely free — meaning it offers one of the best-priced views in the city. It will take you past the Statue of Liberty and provide views of the Financial District buildings. 

14. Manhattan Bridge

The Manhattan Bridge is a suspension bridge that crosses the East River in NYC. Though it might not receive as much love as the Brooklyn Bridge, it offers for a great viewpoint to see the Brooklyn Bridge and the city. 

15. Liberty Helicopters

To get an aerial view of the city, consider going by helicopter. While it might be a bit of a splurge, the bird’s eye views of the city from way up above are sensational. 

Best Views in NYC for Free

From all of us at the Photolemur team, good luck on your NYC adventure. We can’t wait to see what you create!