10 Best Viewpoints in New York

If you want to conquer New York from above, you can't miss a scenic view from the observation decks. It's one of the best things to do in the city and you have a choice of 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.

If you're looking for something more historic and economical, there's the Statue of Liberty's Crown Observation Deck. But there are also natural and open-air viewpoints such as Brooklyn Bridge Park and the hills of Central Park. Still not sure which one to visit? I'll tell you in depth about 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 a lift that takes you to the 86th floor in less than a minute. Here you'll find a platform 400 metres 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 second floor where there is a museum with exhibits about its construction. And there is another observation deck on the 102nd floor which 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. However, the Empire at night is also a spectacle you have to see at least once in your life.

In addition to the regular ticket 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: Tickets to the Empire start at €47 per person. It can be increased if you get access to 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 depending on the season.

• Location: Between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, consider the 34th Street entrance.

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

• What the basic ticket usually includes: access to the museum, the 86th floor and the observation deck, but there are other options with premium experiences.

The views from the One World Observatory are quite a spectacle. This observation deck almost takes you to touch the New York sky, as it is the tallest skyscraper in the city. From the moment you enter the building, the experience begins as you enter via the Skypod lift, which goes up 100 floors in one minute.

You then 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 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.

Interesting details

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

• Opening hours: Open from 9am to 9pm, but viewing hours may vary. For convenience, you can book flexi-time 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 underground to the World Trade Center station.

• What's included: Depending on the ticket you select, you can enjoy skip-the-line entry, priority lift 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 metres high. You'll have to brave the vertigo and walk along its daring platforms. It has several observation decks and the first one is on the 67th floor, ideal for those who prefer to stay on the safe side and enjoy the views from the inside.

There is another more daring observation deck on the69th floor which is a glass terrace that puts New York at your feet. You can 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 open-air terrace

. With its 360-degree views, Top of the Rock is also impressive at night. You can also 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 a bit dizzying, but it's completely safe thanks to its belts.

Interesting details

• Price: Tickets to The Top of the Rock observation deck start at €40 per person.

• Opening hours: The Top of the Rock is open from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm.

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

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

• What's usually included in the ticket: access to the building and its observation decks.

Another magical experience is to see New York from The Edge, a 345-metre high building where you'll conquer the most spectacular views of the Big Apple. The observation deck is on the 100th floor, but don't worry, the ultra-fast lift takes less than a minute. Take your adrenaline meter to the limit and make the most 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 the 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.

Interesting details

• Price: Tickets to The Edge start at €40 per person.

• Opening hours: The observation deck is open from 9am to 9pm.

• Location: on 30th Street in Hudson Yards.

• How to get there: The Edge can be reached by bus or underground and the nearest station is Hudson-Yards.

• What's usually included with your ticket: Access to the observation deck and a digital souvenir photo. The City Climb 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 metres high above the City of Skyscrapers. The experience begins at Ascent, where as you ascend in outdoor lifts 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'll reach the 91st floor where there is an exhibition of mirrors that will play with your mind. Here it's worth taking a photo and immortalising 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 about, 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: 1 Vanderbilt Avenue. You can book a tour of Grand Central Terminal, as it's right next door.

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

• What's usually included in the ticket: access to all 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 46 metres high. There is no lift 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 Tickets. Reservations must be made months in advance as 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: Liberty Island.

• How to get there: You need to book a ferry cruise to the Statue of Liberty as this is the only way to get to the island.

• What the ticket usually includes: 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 viewing platform, 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 sea breezes and views of the New York waterfront is ideal for enjoying the city in all its forms.

Here you'll 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 above the motorway that offers views of the Manhattan skyline.

Details of interest

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

• Opening hours: Every day from 6:00 to 1:00.

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

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

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

This spot is ideal for those looking for a more natural vantage point, as it has open-air observatories, among them:

• The Bow Bridge: a bridge with a romantic ambience that offers views of the Manhattan skyline.
• MET Museum: located in the park, 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 overlooks that has an unparalleled aesthetic.

Details of interest

• Price: It's free, although there are 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 can also be reached by bus or underground. 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 favourites is 230 Fifth, because of its VIP seating overlooking the New York skyline. The ambience here is one to remember and is quite popular at sunset.

It offers something for everyone 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 often add Igloos to keep the atmosphere warm and cosy.

Interesting details

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

• Opening 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 11:30am to 4:00pm.

• Location: 230 5th Avenue.

• How to get there: there are several bus and underground 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.

This is where 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 seasonal colours and less tourist crowds. It is also one of the few places that still has Tudor architecture, along with NYU and some buildings on the Upper East Side.

Interesting details

• Price: Completely free of charge.

• Hours: open 24 hours.

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

• How to get there: Connects to several bus and underground stations.