Top 5 Best View Points In New York

New York, the largest city in the United States, has one of the most famous urban landscapes in the world. From the soaring Empire State Building to the rugged industrial charm of the Brooklyn Bridge, New York’s skyline has to be seen to be believed. The city is so vast that no one vantage point can give the perfect view of the Big Apple. Here, then, is a selection of New York’s five best view points.

Top of the Rock

Located atop the GE Building, the towering art deco building at the heart of Rockefeller Centre, this observation deck gives a panoramic view of Manhattan, including the spire of the Empire State Building. Some people rate the Empire State Building’s 86th-floor observation deck more highly, but it has one key disadvantage: it doesn’t give you a view of the Empire State Building.

Williamsburg Bridge

Some of the best views of Manhattan aren’t in Manhattan itself. From across the East River in Brooklyn, visitors can enjoy a view of the river, the Manhattan waterfront, the monumental skyline and the bridge itself, which has connected Brooklyn and Manhattan for over 100 years.

Staten Island Ferry

The Staten Island Ferry is a free service linking Manhattan to the borough of Staten Island. Commuters make up a large percentage of the passengers, but many tourists also take the ferry. This isn’t because they want to go to Staten Island, but because of the ferry’s magnificent view of the harbour and, in particular, of the Statue of Liberty, one of the most famous symbols of the city and the United States as a whole.

Statue of Liberty

In addition to being part of the view, the Statue of Liberty is one of the city’s best view points. The statue’s crown forms an observation deck with a striking view of the city. However, access to the crown is not always available. The viewing deck had been open for just one day following renovations in 2012 when Hurricane Sandy pummeled the island, causing further damage and forcing the deck to close again. It is hoped that it will reopen soon.

Brooklyn Heights Promenade

The Brooklyn Heights Promenade is an artifical platform that passes above the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. Opened in 1951, this park offers fantastic views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline. It is a traditional destination for New York couples and has a justified reputation as one of the most breathtaking view points in the city.

These may be the best views in New York, but they’re only a few of the many ways to enjoy the famous skyline of the Big Apple. With its world-class cuisine, art, museums, shopping and architecture, New York is only a quick direct flight away from London’s Heathrow Airport. There are thousands of things to see and do in New York, but no visit would be complete without pausing to take in the view from one of these great vantage points.