Manhattan Skyline

The Basics

From land, water, and air, there are plenty of ways to admire the Manhattan skyline. Take a cruise on the Hudson River, East River, or New York Harbor for views of the city skyline and other landmarks including the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Alternatively, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge or Manhattan Bridge, an activity that provides the chance to see the skyline at your own pace.

For aerial views, head to the top of Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, or One World Observatory, or opt for a helicopter tour for a VIP-style experience in the Big Apple.

Things to Know Before You Go

The skyline is broken into two notable sections—Midtown Manhattan and Lower Manhattan.
The walk from One World Trade Center to the Empire State Building is about 3 miles (5 kilometers).
If you want to visit a skyscraper observatory such as that at the Empire State Building, consider a skip-the-line ticket to avoid the typically long wait.
For water views without booking a cruise, hop on the free Staten Island Ferry.
There are lots of wheelchair-accessible ways to admire the Manhattan Skyline.

How to Get There

Manhattan is situated in the heart of New York City and is easily accessible on foot, by bike, boat, or train from various points across the city. The skyline itself is visible from various vantage points in and around, including across the river in Brooklyn. You can also admire the Manhattan Skyline as part of a walking tour or flightseeing experience.

Trip ideas

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A Tour Guide's New York City

When exploring a new city, there's nothing quite like getting tips and advice from someone who calls it home. That's why, in this series, we turn to the locals who know just as much about what can't be missed as they do about the unexpected delights that make a place so special.

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Culture abounds in New York City, where people from all around the world have flocked for decades to live and create. Here are just some of the ways to experience the cultural side of the city through music, art, history, and food.

When to Get There

For great photos, avoid admiring the Manhattan Skyline in the middle of the day when the sun is high. For a romantic atmosphere, opt for a dinner cruise or nighttime stroll to see the skyscrapers illuminated. Or, go to New York City during the holidays for the chance to admire the skyline in the snow and see the landmark buildings decked out in seasonal decorations.

Famous Buildings in the Manhattan Skyline

The 102-story, art deco–style Empire State Building—built in 1931—is possibly the most iconic piece of architecture on the planet. However, the Chrysler Building and Rockefeller Center surely aren't far behind, while the Time Warner Center, 4 Times Square, and One World Trade Center (aka Freedom Tower) feature more modern, but equally captivating, designs.

Recent reviews from experiences in New York City

Amazing experience

Elivaldo_C, Oct 2021

Statue of Liberty and New York City Skyline Sightseeing Cruise

Statue of Liberty and NYC views, the crew was super polite and gave us nice attention. Clean bathroom and boat.

Safe and Fun

Jc213, Sep 2021

Loved the 1920s vibes - a fun and beautiful ride complete with all safety precautions. Highly recommend. My friends and I had a great time.

If you like to be in the sky, very much WORTH IT!!!

Gianna_M, Aug 2021

Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight

We had an incredible time. From a smooth check-in to take off. From the clean aircraft to a friendly and experienced pilot. From the sweeping panoramic views of the city, to the informative tour of famous land marks. Wonderful company to book through and great adventure to experience. We will return!

Must have experience!

Keri_T, Aug 2021

New York City Sunset Cruise on Yacht Manhattan

Every part of this excursion was amazing! Safety was their #1 priority but no doubt did the staff ensure we were having a pleasant experience and enjoying the ride! Taking pictures, mingling, everything was perfect!

Amazing experience!!

BMS, Jul 2021

New York Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights

Entire trip was amazing!! Staff was friendly! Took all Covid precautions and very professional! Safety was taken seriously and would absolutely do this again!

Cost effective quick and fun ride

Mary, Aug 2021

Great way to quickly see Statue of Liberty take up close pics, see the brooklyn and Manhattan bridges and south Manhattan skyline and governors Ellis and states islands. Worth it

An unbelievable experience

David, May 2021

Spacious interior cabin,even when full,it felt so roomy,had the affect of an upper scale well designed restaurant. The rest rooms were clean better than a normal "city restaurants". The outdoor on deck was fabulous,located in the front,and the guests were so friendly .The close up view of the statue of liberty with the sun setting in the backround was breathtaking,overall it was a memorable evening.

New York Mini-Vacation 2021

Amoles-28, May 2021

NYC Skyline Tour

Very good, I felt safe and the tour was Great! The pilot was very informative. I was glad to see the city clean and free from smog.

Great experience.

Charles_H, May 2021

Amazing views of the West Side of Manhattan and New Jersey. Pilot and staff were friendly. All COVID-19 protocols were followed to ensure a safe and fun experience.

Fantastic. Highly...

Ann_A, Aug 2021

Fantastic. Highly recommend. Crew was fabulous. Boat was charming and very clean. A perfect adventure in NYC

Spectacular Cruise

Kelley_M, Oct 2021

3 1/2-Hour NYC Skyline Dinner & Sightseeing Cruise - World's Fair Marina Queens

The cruise is the best way to see the beautiful NYC Skyline and bridges from the Hudson River. It is so breathtaking 💜

Great fun

Florida_tourist, Sep 2021

New York Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour

Amazing. Exhilarating. Great ride. Great pilots. A bit tightly cramped though. I think the helicopters should not fly with more than 4 passengers. They currently fly 6.