A classic for a reason, the Empire State Building is famous for its 360-degree views from its 86th-floor observatory. A visit to this iconic skyscraper is essential when seeking the best NYC viewpoints. At the top, explore two indoor and outdoor decks with views overlooking city landmarks, from Central Park to the Chrysler Building to the Statue of Liberty to Times Square. While it can be easy to focus on the panoramic vista, remember to check out the historic building itself.

At SUMMIT, located atop One Vanderbilt next to Grand Central Terminal, that experience includes a multisensory art immersion spread over three levels. Highlights include a stimulating elevator ride to the 91st floor and rotating art installations (which means each visit over time can offer different experiences). Be prepared for mirrors and reflective surfaces, which can take a minute to get used to, but views from the outdoor terrace are stellar.

Of all the vistas in New York City, the viewpoint from a boat bobbing on the Hudson River may be one of the most soothing. Sightseeing cruises offer breezes while sailing past landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge while evening cruises often include sunset views plus dinner and dancing. During the peak summer season, expect themed cruises that offer wine tastings or jazz bands. At any time of year, ferry rides and boat tours offer great photo ops of the Manhattan skyline.

One World Observatory no longer holds the claim as the tallest observation deck in the city, but it remains one of Manhattan’s ultimate destinations for a bird’s-eye view. People often visit this neighborhood to see the 9/11 Memorial and admire views out to the Statue of Liberty, but no visit would be complete without a ride in the Sky Pod elevator up 102 floors in One World Trade Center. This deck delivers views of up to 50 miles (80 kilometers) away in each direction on a clear day.

For visitors who prefer their skyline views with a side of exercise, the Brooklyn Bridge delivers a fresh perspective on the city. Choose between a scenic stroll or bike ride across the bridge. For the best skyline views, take the subway to Brooklyn and walk or cycle back toward Manhattan. While in the area, visit other landmarks such as City Hall and the South Street Seaport. When seeking where to find panoramic views in NYC, a bridge suspended above the East River is always a good idea.

Following the logic that no New York City neighborhood is truly complete without an unforgettable observation deck, the midtown neighborhood of Hudson Yards upped the ante with Edge NYC in 2020. This outdoor deck is not only suspended off the side of a skyscraper, but it also has a see-through glass floor, daring visitors to look straight down for 100 stories. This unique design offers some of the most Instagrammable views in NYC, with the city skyscrapers and Hudson River as colorful backdrops.

Why choose one view when you can have them all? The most comprehensive bird’s-eye view of New York City can be found by climbing aboard a helicopter. You’ll see all the most scenic spots in NYC, with views overlooking the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Central Park, the One World Observatory, and more. Gaze down at the Brooklyn Bridge, watch boats cruising along the Hudson River, and get a sense of Manhattan’s identity as an island during a scenic helicopter flight.

While the annual holiday tree, ice skating rink, and architecture tours are big draws to Rockefeller Center, this midtown Manhattan landmark is perhaps most famous for Top of the Rock. One of the top observation decks in New York City, this destination offers three floors of both indoor and outdoor viewing areas. Bring your camera for views of iconic NYC landmarks from the Empire State Building to the Chrysler Building. The 360-degree views are available until midnight.

Most people visit the Met for a wander through its exhibition halls to check out Impressionist paintings or an Egyptian temple, but the museum is also home to one of Manhattan’s best rooftop bars. Only open seasonally during the summer and fall (be sure to check the museum’s website for up-to-date opening hours), the Cantor Roof Garden Bar serves cocktails and snacks with panoramic New York City skyline views. It’s also an especially striking place to catch the sunset.