Where to Find The Best New York Skyline Views
By GR Aug 4
New York, my former home of over twenty years, is a vibrant city with majestic skylines and historic architecture; rich in cultural heritage that makes it a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
The city's unique blend of urban landscapes and historic sites offers countless opportunities to capture stunning aesthetic views. We can’t possibly include them all, but we can give you a glimpse of our top spots.
Iconic New York Views
New York is home to some of the most photographed sites in the world. Every neighborhood offers a different culture, cuisine, perspective and aesthetics giving you the opportunity to have different experiences without ever leaving the area.
Its rich history is reflected in its diverse architecture, from the colonial-era buildings in Lower Manhattan to the iconic bridges and skyscrapers, and landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. These stand as symbols of freedom, togetherness and opportunity. Here are some of my favorite places and hotels from which to view it all.
Brooklyn Bridge: This historic bridge offers breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, especially during sunrise and sunset. The pedestrian walkway provides ample opportunities for striking photographs.
Travel: The most convenient way to reach the Brooklyn Bridge is by subway. Take the A, C, or F train to the High Street-Brooklyn Bridge station.
Places to Stay: The Tillary Hotel Brooklyn is a stylish option close to the bridge. For a fancier stay, think about booking a room at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. You'll enjoy beautiful views of the city.
Tillary Hotel, Brooklyn
1 Hotel Brooklyn
Central Park: This urban oasis in the heart of Manhattan provides numerous picturesque spots. Popular sites include Bow Bridge, Bethesda Terrace, and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir.
Travel: Several subway lines, including the A, B, C, D, 1, 2, and 3 trains, have stops near Central Park.
Places to Stay: The classi Plaza Hotel offers luxury accommodations right next to Central Park. For a more budget-friendly option, try the Arthouse Hotel New York City.
The Plaza, NYC
Arthouse Hotel, NYC
Top of the Rock is at Rockefeller Center. It has great views of the city, including the Empire State Building and it is home to many famous television shows including The Rock.
Travel: Take the B, D, F, or M train to the 47-50 Streets-Rockefeller Center station.
Places to Stay: The Michelangelo Hotel offers elegant accommodations near Rockefeller Center and is a perfect place to see all the surrounding sites.
In DUMBO, Brooklyn, you can see a great view of the Manhattan Bridge. The Empire State Building is in the background. You can see this view at the intersection of Washington Street and Water Street.
Travel: The F train to York Street or the A and C trains to High Street-Brooklyn Bridge will get you close to this iconic spot.
Where to Stay: The New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge offers a convenient location for accommodations. For a more boutique experience, try the Hotel Indigo Brooklyn.
Marriott Brooklyn Bridge
Hotel Indigo, Dumbo
Times Square: Times Square is a vibrant hub of entertainment and culture, offering an unforgettable sensory experience with its dazzling lights, Broadway shows, and iconic landmarks. It's a must-visit destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the electrifying energy of New York City.
Places to Stay: To get the best views of Times Square, particularly for the New Year’s Eve ball drop celebration, look no further than the Marriott Marquis and The Edition.
Marriott Marquis
The Edition
One World Observatory, at the top of One World Trade Center, offers stunning views of New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, and more.
Travel: The E train to World Trade Center or the 1, R, and W trains to Rector Street are the best options.
Places to Stay: The Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown offers luxury near the World Trade Center. For a more budget-conscious choice, consider the Club Quarters Hotel World Trade Center.
Four Seasons Hotel
Club Quarters Hotel
Hidden Gems for Aesthetic Photography
They built the High Line park on an old rail line. It offers great views of the Hudson River and the city's West Side.
Travel: The A, C, and E trains to 14th Street or the L train to 8th Avenue are convenient options.
Places to Stay: The Standard, High Line offers contemporary accommodations right by the park. The Jane Hotel provides a quirky, budget-friendly alternative.
The Standard High Line Hotel, NYC
The Jane Hotel, NYC
Roosevelt Island Tramway offers a unique ride with views of the East River, Brooklyn, Long Island and Midtown Manhattan.
Getting There: The tram departs from 59th Street and Second Avenue. It is near the N, Q, R, and W trains at Lexington Avenue/59th Street.
Places to Stay: The Bentley Hotel offers views of the Queensboro Bridge and East River. The Millennium Hotel near the United Nations not only offers majestic views of Manhattan, but you can also visit the iconic U.N. building where global leaders meet.
Bentley Hotel
Millennium Hotel
Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan has beautiful views of the Hudson River and George Washington Bridge. It also has gardens and medieval architecture at The Cloisters.
Travel: The A train to 190th Street brings you close to Fort Tryon Park.
Places to Stay: The Edge Hotel offers modern accommodations in Washington Heights. The Radio Hotel provides another nearby option and just a 5-minute drive from Yankee Stadium and Columbia University..
The Edge Hotel
Radio Hotel
Convenient Travel Options
Navigating New York’s vast urban landscape is best done via its extensive public transportation system. Here are some tips for getting around the city efficiently.
Subway: The subway is the most efficient way to travel across New York. With lines reaching almost every corner of the city, it’s the preferred mode of transport for locals and tourists alike.
Buses: The city’s bus network complements the subway, offering routes that cover areas the subway does not reach.
Walking and Biking: Many of New York’s most photogenic spots are best explored on foot or by bike. Citi Bike, the city’s bike-sharing program, provides a convenient way to travel short distances.
Planning Your Trip
When planning your trip to capture the aesthetic beauty of New York, consider the following tips:
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon provides the best lighting for photography. Weekdays are generally less crowded at popular sites.
Pack smart: Bring a camera, batteries, tripod, and lenses for different photo angles.
Local Tips: Engage with locals to discover off-the-beaten-path spots and hidden gems that aren’t widely known.
