Manhattan Skyline
Manhattan Skyline
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From the Chrysler Building to the Empire State Building, this world-famous skyline view of New York's most densely populated borough is a must-see for any traveler.
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The area
Neighbourhood: Midtown
This is the iconic New York that so many visitors imagine before they visit—spectacular skyscrapers like the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building, iconic public buildings like Grand Central Terminal and the New York Public Library, and the non-stop hustle and bustle of the city streets. Fifth Avenue is a shopper's heaven where you can find every kind of store imaginable, with fashion brands ranging from the affordable to the ultra-fancy. Visit the Rockefeller Center to experience towering Art Deco grandeur, and foodies will love the busy restaurants that stay open late in Koreatown. After dark, Midtown calms down a bit, but at any time of day or night it still feels 100% New York.
How to get there
- 34th St – Herald Square • 3 min walk
- 33rd St • 5 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
10,000 within 5 kms
Attractions
1,672 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Ddan7777Raleigh, North Carolina1,898 contributionsbest seen from New Jersey side of the Hudson RiverOne of the most impressive sites of a trip to NYC is to see the City from a distance. I took the Lakeland Bus Company (New Jersey based) to and from the Port Authority Bus Terminal on 8th Avenue. On the return trip from New Jersey, before you go through the tunnel, you can see all the skyscrapers. Manhattan looks like a really crowded place to live!Visited November 2022Written December 4, 2022
- jon w5 contributionsamazingAwe inspiring. Well worth traveling across the globe to see. Tip: take the F train (subway) to Roosevelt Island and walk through the river park to catch views like this.Visited January 2022Written December 4, 2022
- perrypickerign105 contributionsA city with a viewWe loved the views on NYC. We saw the skyline from New Jersey, by boat on the water, from the Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty and from several of the tallest building in North America... We enjoyed seeing the city and being able to see great distances on sunny days and being above the clouds on cloudy and rainy days and how some of the buildins look like they came from Gotham city n Batman. The building and neighborhoods each had personalities of their own and their personalities and moods changed with the weather and with the daylight. I think the view was better at One World Trade Center than some of the other skyscrapers. Not just because its is taller but because it is more by itself and you can see more including great views of the Hudson and Statue of Liberty..Visited December 2022Written January 3, 2023
- dustythoughtsManchester, Connecticut2,056 contributionsIconic and strikingThe Manhattan Skyline is one of those striking sights that requires your immediate attention, so matter what else you might be doing or for how long you've lived in the city. It's especially breathtaking at sunrise and sunset, when the buildings are bathed in sunlight. Whenever I took the busy to LaGuardia, we'd get an uninterrupted view of the skyline, and the entire bus would stop talking merely to take in the glorious views.Our team at Visit Morocco Sahara Company thank you for the visit. Welcome to enjoy a memorable trip to Morocco with our team. Contact us via our website: VisitMoroccoSahara. comWritten March 27, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2022Written March 22, 2023
- DawnW758Portsmouth, United Kingdom63 contributionsSaw this from Roosevelt IslandPopped over to Roosevelt Island on the cable car which was just $2.75 each way. It only took 4 mins to get there and we were able to have a lovely stroll to take pictures of Manhattan’s coastline. It was a very peaceful place. We sat in the sunshine and listened to the hubbub of manhattans busy street s whilst peacefully relaxing.Our team at Visit Morocco Sahara Company thank you for the visit. Welcome to enjoy a memorable trip to Morocco with our team. Contact us via our website: VisitMoroccoSahara. comWritten March 27, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2023Written March 24, 2023
- Mark GCatonsville, Maryland3,278 contributionsStill Miss The Twin Trade TowersThe New York City skyline is a sight to behold. Approaching the city from the south and west, I marvel at the beautiful shining Freedom Tower on lower Manhattan following it north to the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building as well as all the other tall buildings that would stand out even more in most other city's. The view provides me with a feeling of patriotism and America's greatness and strength.Visited March 2023Written March 31, 2023
- Jeffry bEssendon, Australia13,791 contributionsWorld's richest islandManhattan is the world's richest island. Manhattan is known world-wide for its skyscrapers. The island is America's center of commerce. To get an idea of just how densely built Manhattan Island is, you can view it from Ellis Island and imagine how new immigrants reacted when they first saw this great city. Among the best-known skyscrapers are the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building, an Art Deco masterpiece.Visited December 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten April 2, 2023
- Arthur MHamilton, Canada1,038 contributionsIronically the best places to view the skyline are in New JerseyBoth views of Lower Manhattan and Midtown Manhattan can be best viewed in New Jersey: Ellis Island, Liberty State Park, Exchange Place, and Newport for Lower Manhattan, and Weehawken for Midtown Manhattan. Make sure to visit by sunset, the sunlight reflecting off the buildings are a beaut! Or visit during the sunrise to the sky has an orange hue when seeing Manhattan from New Jersey! Enjoy!Visited April 2023Written April 18, 2023
- Thomas VOakland, California16,367 contributionsNothing Like This in the WorldWe enjoyed the view our of our temporary Brooklyn apartment. It covered a lot of the skyline from downtown to midtown including some of the famous skyscrapers, both old and new. Nothing like this in the world! Such a vital city, the world's most dynamic city.Visited May 2023Written August 1, 2023
- Abovetheclouds2,232 contributionsOne of the best skylines in the world.Having travelled much of the world, this is still to me one of the most stunning skylines in the world. Day or night. At night, the skyline is sexy, cosy and romantic. In the day, you can really take in the architecture. Best viewed for me by doing a boat ride.Visited September 2023Travelled soloWritten September 7, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
21,494 reviews
Excellent
17,879
Very good
3,107
Average
404
Poor
67
Terrible
39
Avia H
4 contributions
Sep. 2023
The Manhattan Skyline is a breathtaking view that keeps people amazed and inspired. With amazing buildings, colorful lights at night, and its important role in culture, it's a must-visit for anyone in New York City. This iconic skyline, showing off human achievement and the city's energy, is always a magical and lasting experience.
Written November 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diana F
3 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Friends
Manhattan skyline is not just a bunch of buildings. It's like a beautiful piece of art that shows what people can do when they work hard. It proves that people can bounce back from tough times, and it reflects the strong and determined attitude of the city that always encourages others. Whether you're a newcomer or someone who knows the city well, the special feeling you get from the Manhattan skyline is like a timeless magic that stays with you forever. It leaves a lasting mark on your heart, no matter who you are.
Written November 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travel R
Rochester, MN1,709 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Family
Just like you see in all the movies. Best seen from the water. Is cruise ship or ferry. Pretty no matter the time of day in my opinion.
Written November 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
therichastill
Stevenage, UK2,527 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Solo
I spent five days in New York City and got lots of opportunities to enjoy the Manhattan Skyline.
On the second day I was there I travelled to Brooklyn and walked down to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. From here you can see the Southern end of Manhattan along with Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge.
NOTE, Check out Brooklyn Bridge at sunset for some more great views of the Manhattan Skyline and the East River.
I also travelled on the Staten Island Ferry to visit the island. This is free to use and when I visited in October 2023 there were ferries running every 30 minutes throughout the day and night. There was a higher frequency at peak times.
On my penultimate day there I went to Roosevelt Island via the cable car and from here you will get some great views of the skyline and the Queensboro Bridge.
There are many different locations to go to, unfortunately due to bad weather I did not get not see it from New Jersey but that would have been nice to experience.
On the second day I was there I travelled to Brooklyn and walked down to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. From here you can see the Southern end of Manhattan along with Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge.
NOTE, Check out Brooklyn Bridge at sunset for some more great views of the Manhattan Skyline and the East River.
I also travelled on the Staten Island Ferry to visit the island. This is free to use and when I visited in October 2023 there were ferries running every 30 minutes throughout the day and night. There was a higher frequency at peak times.
On my penultimate day there I went to Roosevelt Island via the cable car and from here you will get some great views of the skyline and the Queensboro Bridge.
There are many different locations to go to, unfortunately due to bad weather I did not get not see it from New Jersey but that would have been nice to experience.
Written October 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dimitris L
Sydney, Australia44,430 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Couples
The city is perhaps unique in what it has to offer in terms of architecture and beauty. The skyline is spectacular. The amazing skyscrapers, the new and the old, each offers something different.
Written September 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alba Flores
New York City, NY27 contributions
Jun. 2023 • Couples
New York City Sightseeing: Exploring the Big Apple's Iconic Attractions
New York City, often referred to as "The Big Apple," is a metropolis that needs no introduction. It's a city that boasts a captivating blend of culture, history, and modernity, making it a dream destination for travelers from around the world. When it comes to sightseeing, New York City offers an abundance of iconic attractions and experiences. Here's a glimpse of what you can explore in the city that never sleeps:
1. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: Start your sightseeing adventure with a visit to these symbols of freedom and hope. The Statue of Liberty, gifted to the United States by France, stands proudly in New York Harbor. Take a ferry to Liberty Island for an up-close look. Ellis Island, nearby, is where millions of immigrants were processed on their journey to America. The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration offers fascinating insights into this history.
2. Times Square: Known as "The Crossroads of the World," Times Square is a vibrant, neon-lit hub that epitomizes the energy of New York City. It's home to Broadway theaters, shopping, restaurants, and some of the city's most famous billboards.
3. Central Park: Escape the urban hustle and bustle in the heart of Manhattan at Central Park. This sprawling oasis features lakes, walking trails, horse-drawn carriages, and cultural attractions like the Central Park Zoo and Strawberry Fields.
4. The Empire State Building: Ascend to the top of this iconic skyscraper for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. The Empire State Building's observation deck offers an unparalleled perspective on the city's skyline.
New York City, often referred to as "The Big Apple," is a metropolis that needs no introduction. It's a city that boasts a captivating blend of culture, history, and modernity, making it a dream destination for travelers from around the world. When it comes to sightseeing, New York City offers an abundance of iconic attractions and experiences. Here's a glimpse of what you can explore in the city that never sleeps:
1. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: Start your sightseeing adventure with a visit to these symbols of freedom and hope. The Statue of Liberty, gifted to the United States by France, stands proudly in New York Harbor. Take a ferry to Liberty Island for an up-close look. Ellis Island, nearby, is where millions of immigrants were processed on their journey to America. The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration offers fascinating insights into this history.
2. Times Square: Known as "The Crossroads of the World," Times Square is a vibrant, neon-lit hub that epitomizes the energy of New York City. It's home to Broadway theaters, shopping, restaurants, and some of the city's most famous billboards.
3. Central Park: Escape the urban hustle and bustle in the heart of Manhattan at Central Park. This sprawling oasis features lakes, walking trails, horse-drawn carriages, and cultural attractions like the Central Park Zoo and Strawberry Fields.
4. The Empire State Building: Ascend to the top of this iconic skyscraper for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. The Empire State Building's observation deck offers an unparalleled perspective on the city's skyline.
Written September 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul S
Liverpool, UK3 contributions
Aug. 2023
It’s iconic and you feel familiar with it, even if you’ve never seen it in person. For first timers, that moment when you’re riding from the airport and the skyline comes into view… wow!
Written September 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abovetheclouds
2,232 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Solo
Having travelled much of the world, this is still to me one of the most stunning skylines in the world. Day or night. At night, the skyline is sexy, cosy and romantic. In the day, you can really take in the architecture. Best viewed for me by doing a boat ride.
Written September 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken P
Surprise, Arizona, United States4 contributions
Aug. 2023
Beautiful, you need to visit the Rooftop Bar on 5th Avenue... It was pretty awesome. 230 Roof Top Bar...
Written August 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA16,367 contributions
May 2023
We enjoyed the view our of our temporary Brooklyn apartment. It covered a lot of the skyline from downtown to midtown including some of the famous skyscrapers, both old and new. Nothing like this in the world! Such a vital city, the world's most dynamic city.
Written August 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Είναι σαν το Empire State Building,ή για ποτό ξενοδοχείο πώς πας;
Theo
Ierissos, Greece449 contributions
Manhattan Skyline λένε τη θέα με τους ουρανοξύστες. Δεν είναι συγκεκριμένο μέρος. Μπορείς να τους δεις από διαφορετικά σημεία γύρω από το Manhattan. Ωραία θέα είναι από το Brooklyn.
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aldabra007
Trieste, Italy1,842 contributions
;;;€€(?????
Road829778
2 contributions
משך הטיסה ועלות
56sinai
Jerusalem, Israel28 contributions
הטיסה למנהטן כ 11 שעות עלן. בין 700-1200 דולר תלוי בעונה ומבצעיפ שמוצא
ckd528
Houston, TX14 contributions
Does anyone know which part of Central Park is the best for early October? Thank you
janban2016
Chelmsford, UK7 contributions
We went in April. It was cold but lovely and sunny. I can imagine any part would be good in early October. We hired bikes and explored all over. Wish we were going again.
sblanchard63
Calgary, Canada12 contributions
Which hop-on-hop-off bus tour company did you use? Were you satisfied with your choice?
Thanks for the info.
Ann N
75 contributions
Growing up in NYC as we both did we have always taken pubic transit( subway/bus) or walked .Your best bet is to do as the"natives" do: walk or use public transportation. I've never taken a tour bus anyplace I've been to , always go "native" & take public transport or walk. ..I/we park in a parking lot& get directions from the attendant.We walk or take public transit & stopin to paces as we choose to. ...Afterr doing all we wantedwe return to the parking lot & drive off to our hotel or planned sleeping location . Other methods are too
restrictive .We prefer going into shops & restaurants to make our visit to every city more"GENUINE" & complete. If you are on a tour bus you cannot buy a hot dog; soft pretzel, roasted chestnuts or a taco from a street vendor &miss out on the real city experience[ wherever you are]. You might try one bus tour &if time allows, do a public transit/walk tour on another day ( "best of everything")
madisynpett
Leeds, UK1 contribution
I’m visiting nyc in a few months and have the explorer pass, but I only have 1 option left and I’m wanting to see the skyline. I’m unsure which attraction is better... Empire State Building or ‘Top of the Rock’. Can I get pros and cons for both with an overall on which one is best??
h2obuggs
Pasadena, CA15 contributions
I went to the top of Top of the Rock which gives you great views in all directions and is the most northern so great view of Central Park. Empire State has great views from mid town especially looking south. Both cost about the same unless you go to the observation deck on the Empire Statw at 102 stories which I did and enjoyed.
1 World Observatory was amazing of south Manhattan. Great view in all directions. Can see Brooklyn, Staton Island, and parts of New Jersey. Given that it’s the most expensive. Hope this help.
seetheworld1965
Houston, TX5 contributions
Hi:
How do you book a ticket? The link on TripAdvisor only works if you buy the tour with additional attraction.
h2obuggs
Pasadena, CA15 contributions
I was there last week bought me tickets the day I visited Top of the Rock, Empire State Building and 1 World Observatory. The wait time for all 3 was very short.
Brenda K
Austin, Texas1 contribution
I want to know how to book it and the hours of the tour
sharon v
Baltimore, MD90 contributions
I was staying at a hotel, the Wyndham so my view was from the 33d floor. I understand the view from the top of Rockefeller Center is magnificent, it’s call the Top of the Rock
Brenda K
Austin, Texas1 contribution
how do you book this tour?
Berglas71
Kirkcaldy, UK772 contributions
We got a 2 trip ticket on the subway(about $6 each) from grand central and got off at bowling green (the greenline) where staten island ferry is near. Outside the station a rep with a red coat on will direct you to a bus, ask for the yellow boat taxi tour, the bus takes you to pier 16, when the water taxi berths hop on, it will then take you up to see the Brooklyn bridge etc on one side then round to new jersey and on to the statue of liberty (no getting off though but plenty of photo opportunities) then it takes you back to pier 16. And you make your way back to any subway for the return journey. Cost of water taxis was about $35 a person at start of 2018.
roberto di tolve
Loro Ciuffenna, Italy15 contributions
vorrei affidarmi ad una guida x 3 giorni a n.y x scoprire al meglio la città già visitata comunque in precedenza
avete consigli?
Riccardo Susmel
Sardinia, Italy259 contributions
Buonasera.
Per l'occasione ho acquistato la guida Touring Club: New York Cartoville: € 9,90. Essenziale, arricchita da delle mappe dettagliate e semplici.
Un cordiale saluto Riccardo
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Frequently Asked Questions about Manhattan Skyline
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Manhattan Skyline:
- Circle Line: New York City Harbor Lights Cruise (From C$67.18)
- Full-Day New York "Must See" Small-Group Tour plus One World Observatory Ticket (From C$176.87)
- Best of Brooklyn Walking Tour in Williamsburg (From C$43.88)
- NYC VIP Private Luxury airport arrival ride by Stretch Limousine, SUV or Sedan (From C$177.56)
- NYC Secrets of Grand Central Walking Tour (From C$53.47)
- Hotels near Manhattan Skyline:
- (0.20 km) Executive Hotel Le Soleil New York
- (0.19 km) Kixby hotel
- (0.16 km) U Hotel Fifth Avenue
- (0.24 km) Arlo NoMad
- (0.10 km) The Hotel At Fifth Avenue
- Restaurants near Manhattan Skyline:
- (0.01 km) Juice Press
- (0.02 km) Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao Manhattan
- (0.02 km) Sushi-teria
- (0.02 km) Legends New York City
- (0.02 km) STATE Grill and Bar