Things to do / Travel Guide
Manhattan's skyline is unique in that there are excellent views from the great heights its buildings reach, and in that it also represents a gorgeous view in it of itself, which can be taken in and appreciated from many locations surrounding the island.
The skyscrapers of Manhattan are a huge draw to the city. A number of the tallest ones have observation floors from which you can scope out the panorama with ease. Particularly famous observation decks are located at the top of the Empire State Building, the GE Building, and the Trump Building. The Empire State Building and the GE Building are located in Midtown, so all of the Downtown skyscrapers can be seen from their observatories in the distance. The Trump Building is located Downtown, so from there you can see the Statue of Liberty and also look across at the buildings of Midtown.
With regard to seeing Manhattan's skyline from afar, the view is superb both during the day and at night (better on weeknights, with more lights on). Here are some excellent spots from which to take it all in:
Scenic Views from New York City
- aboard the Staten Island Ferry
- on the many highways and beltways connecting New York City's islands to one another
Scenic Views from New Jersey
- along the New Jersey Turnpike in the vicinity of Secaucus
- Kennedy Memorial Boulevard, Willow Avenue, and River Road - these three areas parallel Manhattan close to the shoreline of the Hudson River; dodging the intermittent building, there are beautiful views of the skyline
- Exchange Place, Jersey City (five minutes by PATH from Downtown Manhattan)
Scenic Views from Long Island
- along the Brooklyn Queens Expressway
- the Brooklyn Heights Esplanade, a.k.a., “the Promenade” (This overlook is considered by many to be the best.)
- the entrance to the Queensboro Bridge
- the entrance to the Queens Midtown Tunnel
- the George Washington Bridge facing south
Scenic Views from Brooklyn
Brooklyn has a beautiful skyline as well, with the Williamsburg Savings Bank as its centerpiece. A good view of Brooklyn's skyline can be had from the Staten Island Ferry. Though a bit far away, you can also Brooklyn's skyline from the observatories atop many Manhattan skyscrapers.
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