9 best New York City skyline views that aren't from Empire State

There’s a lot more to New York City views than the Empire State Building, we’ve rounded up our favourite spots to admire the skyline from.

When discussing New York City views, the first thought that comes to most minds is the famous Empire State Building. The thing is, not only is Empire State one of the most beautiful buildings in the city and therefore one that you will actually want to be in your holiday snaps, but it’s also no longer one of the highest observation decks.

It’s time to update that ‘must do’ list with one of the new places to get the best views. The best part? Plenty of them won’t cost you a dime.

Enjoy a birds-eye view of Central Park from Top Of The Rock. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

9. Little Island, Hudson River Park

While strolling along the famous Hudson River, I strolled upon one of the most whimsical sights I saw in Manhatten: a large garden raised above the water on a series of concrete pilings on stilts and connected to where I stood by a wooden pier. It was Little Island; a public space, performance venue and magical Dr Suess-like garden transforming what was once a fairly derelict pier into an incredible (and free) place to be.

The best part? As I wander up the curvy garden path to the peak of Little Island, I was pleased to discover a rather lovely view of this part of the city. If you squint or have a really good zoom on your camera, you can also spot the Statue Of Liberty standing tall and proud in the opposite direction.

Wander the whimsical garden of Little Island for unique New York City views.

8. Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn

It may not give the most complete New York City views, but Brooklyn Bridge does give one of the most iconic. Walking across the bridge gave me my first inkling that the best Manhatten views could actually be found in Brooklyn (more on that later), especially with the mighty Hudson River and dramatic cables of the bridge framing the picture.

I recommend getting there earlier in the day (even for sunrise, if you can manage the early wake-up), so you can avoid the crowds.

Hit the Brooklyn Bridge early to avoid crowds. (Image: Julienne Schaer / NYC & Company)

7. Edge NYC, Hudson Yards

One hundred stories off the ground sits one of the newer names in Manhattan viewing platforms: Edge NYC. In fact, it claims to be the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere – and they do one hell of a job making visitors feel like they’re flying above it all.

I chose to see the city at a different time of day, arriving at Hudson Yards at 9pm (Edge stays open until 10pm). The late weeknight entry meant I didn’t have to line up at all, and that I got to see Manhatten in all its shimmering nighttime glory.

Edge is also famous for its see-through glass sections of the deck, and let me tell you that no matter how much my logical brain told me there was no way I could fall through to the distant ground below, my instincts would simply not allow it.

If you’re more of an early bird, Edge occasionally holds early morning yoga classes up the, and I can’t imagine a better view for your zen (although you might want to bring a cosy jacket).

Visit Edge at night for sparkling New York lights. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

6. The High Line, Hudson Yard to Chelsea

By now, you’ve probably heard of the famous elevated park stretching from Hudson Yards to Chelsea over New York City streets: The High Line. Backed by fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg and her billionaire husband Barry Diller, there could never have been any doubt that this quirky city space would provide a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle.

Beyond the gardens that surround you as you walk, The High Line delivers a very unique (and lengthy) view of the city. High enough that you’re eye-to-eye with the skyline, but low enough that you can still people-watch the streets below and spot incredible street art around the city, it’s the perfect way to see Manhatten.

Combine a garden walk with city views along The High Line. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

5. Staten Island Ferry

What better way to see the island of Manhattan than by getting out on the water? That goes double for the Staten Island Ferry, which is also one of the best ways to get a close glimpse of Lady Liberty without the need to book a tour. Not to mention it’s totally free to ride.

The line runs every 25 minutes, making its way through New York Harbor between Manhattan and Staten Island, so you’ll see New York City views from plenty of different angles.

Get a close glimpse of Lady Liberty in one direction, and Manhattan skyline in the other. (Image: Christopher Postlewaite / NYC & Company)

4. Hunters Point, Long Island City

Don’t sleep on Queens, which has plenty of restaurants, breweries, arts hubs, markets and more that make it the new cool borough (move over Brooklyn). Hunters Point hasn’t moved away from its industrial vibes, except to make them very trendy by becoming a contemporary-art hub.

When you’re done with the art at MoMA PS1 and SculptureCenter, head outside to the waterfront parks for some incredible vistas of another kind: the New York City skyline. Once again, this view won’t cost you a dime.

Wander the waterfront parks of Hunters Point. (Image: Julienne Schaer / NYC & Company)

3. Top of the Rock, Rockefeller Centre

Another classic observation deck, Top of the Rock certainly delivers 360-degree New York City views. In fact, of the three very high observation decks on this list, I’d say it had the best views. It was also the only one with a birds-eye view over Central Park, which felt very exciting.

I arrived in the middle of the day, but I would recommend hitting Top of the Rock for sunset and staying until the lights come on – you won’t get a more complete view of the city so you may as well wait for the best light. Some parts of the observation deck were under construction when I visited, but the views were still fab.

Top Of The Rock probably has the best city views of all the observation decks. (Image: Christopher Postlewaite / NYC & Company)

2. The Summit, One Vanderbilt

I know what I just said about Top of the Rock having the best 360-degree views – and I stand by it – however, The Summit still pips it at the post thanks to being something of an art installation in its own right, as well as having stunning New York City views.

Enjoy particularly trippy New York City views. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

Of all the observation decks, this is the most Instagrammable, and you’ve probably seen its mirrored surfaces and silver balloons wafting through the air all over your feed at some point. Whether you’re keen to line up for a selfie or not, the extra touches really do add something to the experience, and add an extra dimension to your skyline photos. I dare you not to have fun walking through a room of silver foil balls surrounded by the New York Cityscape.

Immerse yourself in the art of Summit. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

1. Westlight, Williamsburg

I’m just going to say it: the best things in life are free, or at least no more than the cost of a cocktail. Hunting for the best New York City skyline views just proved that old adage again when I wandered onto The William Vale Hotel’s rooftop bar.

I wasn’t intending to find Manhatten skyline views from Brooklyn at all, let alone while I was on the hunt for a good drink but now I know that across the river is the best place to find them. There are plenty of other rooftop bars in the area to choose from, but sitting outside sipping my Negroni and watching the sunset over the city at Westlight was something truly magical.

Sip a cocktail as the sun goes down over the Manhattan skyline. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)