New York City offers breathtaking views that capture the hearts of both locals and visitors alike. From iconic landmarks to amazing rooftop bars, you'll find stunning vistas that will light up your social media feed and provide mesmerising photo opportunities.

Best of all, these spots aren't even that expensive!

The Empire State Building

New York City is famous for its skyline, and it's hard to imagine the city without the iconic Empire State Building. This famous landmark has been seen in countless movies and TV shows, and it is a must-visit for any visitor to New York.

You can get a great view of New York from the Empire State Building's main observation deck on the 86th floor. However, for a truly spectacular experience you should visit the 102nd-floor Top Deck observatory. This is 16 stories above the 86th-floor deck, and it offers stunning 360-degree views thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows. You can see all of Manhattan, plus iconic landmarks like the Rockefeller Center, One World Trade Center, and Central Park.

On a clear day, you can even see five nearby states from this incredible vantage point. The 102nd-floor observatory is also home to the Empire State Building's renowned light show. Each night, the building is lit up in a different color to reflect holiday celebrations, major events, and cultural happenings.

If you're looking for an even more thrilling way to take in the views, book a spot on the City Climb. After being helped into a harness and going through a reassuringly high number of safety checks, you'll scale metal steps that run around the building to reach the open platform.

The Statue of Liberty

No trip to New York City is complete without a visit to the Statue of Liberty. It’s one of the most iconic landmarks in the world and offers a jaw-dropping view that you won’t find anywhere else.

The best way to see the Statue of Liberty from land is to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, a must-do experience in NYC. This gorgeous vantage point allows you to see the Statue of Liberty from a different angle and provides an amazing view of the skyline of Lower Manhattan. This is a must-see spot if you’re visiting the area, especially at night when it’s illuminated with a beautiful glow.

Another great way to see the Statue of Liberty is from the observation deck of One World Trade Center. Located in the southern tip of Manhattan, this tower offers stunning views of the Manhattan Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge, Governors Island and more. The observation deck is open to visitors all year round and is free of charge.

A more unique way to see the Statue of Liberty in New York City is from the Observation Deck at Pier 15 in Red Hook, Brooklyn. This is a unique viewpoint because it’s not as high as other observatories in the city and therefore offers a more intimate view of the Statue of Liberty. This is also a great place to go if you’re looking for some peace and quiet in the city.

The Manhattan Bridge

Although it’s often overshadowed by its famous brother, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan Bridge is a NYC must-see for any traveler. The cable-stayed bridge connects Lower Manhattan to Brooklyn and offers breathtaking views of the East River, Governors Island, and the Statue of Liberty. While you can walk the bridge at any time of day, the best view is during sunset when the lights of the city begin to glow.

To capture the best photo of the Manhattan Bridge, you’ll want to head to the DUMBO neighborhood in Brooklyn. There are several spots in the area that offer a great view of the bridge, but one of the most popular is Pebble Beach. This rocky spot is located at the intersection of Washington Street and Water Street. To get the perfect shot, be sure to stand on a sturdy box or something similar so you can rise above all of the tourists and cars parked on the streets below.

If you’re looking for an even more mesmerizing view, be sure to visit the Manhattan Bridge during “Manhattanhenge.” This occurs when the sun sets directly below the Chrysler Building, making for a truly magical sight. To avoid crowds, be sure to arrive at the bridge about two hours before sunset. It’s also a great place to take your significant other on a romantic walk and watch the city come alive in front of your eyes.

The Staten Island Ferry

While many tourists and even some residents of New York City fail to realize it, the Staten Island Ferry is actually a best-kept secret. This popular commuter service not only provides a crucial link between Manhattan and the shore of Staten Island, but it also takes riders within Polaroid-distance of the Statue of Liberty on each trip. And, best of all, the ferry is entirely free of charge!

In a city that is known for bleeding your wallet dry, the Staten Island Ferry represents a welcome respite from inflated ticket prices. If you’re headed to Manhattan, make sure to sit on the right side of the ferry (i.e. the back) for the best views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge. As you cruise along the harbor, keep your eyes peeled for the activity around the docks and watch for the world-famous ocean liners that pass by on their way into and out of the busy port.

Conclusion

To get the most out of this experience, I would recommend that you stop at the Empire Outlets on Staten Island, which offers popular clothing shops with an incredible view of the NYC skyline. You can also spend some time exploring the lesser-known borough of Staten Island itself, which is home to historical architecture, a modern art museum, and a beautiful Chinese garden.