It’s one of the most recognizable skylines in the world.

With its seemingly endless line of skyscrapers, the New York City skyline is the stuff of legends.

There’s not just one way to see the city, either. On the ground, from the water, or in the air, there’s a view of New York for every person and every budget.

So whether you’re a first-time NYC visitor, a seasoned New York traveler, or even a jaded local, here are the 11 most amazing views of New York City.

1. From New York Harbor

In my humble opinion, this is one of the most breathtaking – and historical – ways to see New York City.

For centuries, those arriving in New York would get their first glimpse of the city from the water. It was undoubtedly an impressive sight – after months of staring at big blue sea, you finally come face to face with the Statue of Liberty and a skyline far different than anything you could have ever imagined.

There are several ways to tour New York Harbor:

1. Visit the Statue of Liberty: Tickets include the ferry ride to the iconic statue while also providing unbeatable views of Lower Manhattan.
2. Take the Staten Island Ferry: This free ferry service transports passengers between the boroughs of Manhattan and Staten Island – with views of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty along the way.
3. Go on a harbor tour: Learn a bit more about New York through a harbor tour. These are sometimes included in the price of a New York Pass.
4. Sail the harbor: For a truly unique experience (and a personal favorite), sail around the harbor as early visitors would have done in a replica sailboat. When I did this, I even got to help hoist the sail!
5. Paddle in a kayak: The sports-inclined may want to go around the harbor in a kayak, or even via standup paddleboard.

Tip: From my experience, it’s worth taking both a daytime and nighttime cruise around the harbor. New York is magnificent during the day but unforgettably stunning at night.

2. Brooklyn Bridge

One of the most recognizable bridges in the world, the Brooklyn Bridge was an architectural marvel when it opened in 1883. Today, the Brooklyn Bridge offers some of the best views of New York City – without costing a thing.

Tip: Walk from the Brooklyn side over into Manhattan for the most iconic views. (I once saved a friend from making the mistake of walking in the opposite direction and he was forever grateful that I had.)

To do so, take the A or C train to High Street in Brooklyn. Make your way to underneath the overpass on Camden Plaza. You’ll then see some stairs that’ll take you to the Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian path.

For those who aren’t faint of heart, feel free to look down at the water as you’re crossing the bridge.

3. Empire State Building

It’s one of the most iconic things to do in New York. If you want to see the view as King Kong would have seen it (well, if King Kong was in New York today and not back in the 1930s), head to the Empire State Building.

From here, you’ll get 360-degree views of the city from 80, 86, and 102 floors up. Reservations are required and the 102^nd floor observatory will cost a little extra.

4. Top of the Rock

At the very top of Rockefeller Center is Top of the Rock – an observation deck 70-floors high.

Here you’ll get the best view of the Empire State Building, as well as 360-degree views of the city. It’s also my favorite night view of New York City.

And there’s more to the Top of the Rock than just breathtaking views. They also have the Skylift, which lifts you into the air for unobstructed views, and the Beam, where you can re-create the iconic photograph, Lunch atop a Skyscraper, from the construction of Rockefeller Center in 1932.

5. Statue of Liberty Crown

The Statue of Liberty offers amazing views of New York City. But if you’re able to do so, why not spend just a little bit extra to climb the 162 steps to Lady Liberty’s crown for a truly unique view.

Want to know everything about visiting the Statue of Liberty? Check out my Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Statue of Liberty!

6. Brooklyn Bridge Park

It’s not just in Manhattan itself that you can get the best views of New York City. Just across the East River in Brooklyn, there’s Brooklyn Bridge Park. It’s a great way to view the city for those who might not be up to cross the bridge itself.

7. EDGE

On the very western side of Manhattan is one of New York’s newest observation decks: the EDGE. The triangular observation deck includes a glass-bottom floor, where you can look 100 stories down to the city street below – if you dare.

Those with no fear and deep pockets may also want to experience City Climb. Here, you’ll scale the outside of the building to the highest observation deck in the city, where you can then lean over the edge in one of New York’s most exhilarating experiences.

8. One World Observatory

The One World of Observatory is one of the highest observation decks in New York – it’s 102 floors up – and located in the tallest building the Western Hemisphere.

9. Central Park

Want to get a different perspective on how tall New York’s skyscrapers can be? Head to Central Park, one of the city’s most visited attractions.

Sure, Central Park may not be the most obvious place to view the New York City skyline. Nevertheless, looking at the skyscrapers tower over the park’s trees is a unique reminder that, despite the serenity of nature, you’re still surrounded by an urban jungle.

10. High Line

You’ll get views of the Empire State Building and the Hudson River (and even New Jersey!) from the High Line, one of New York’s most one-of-a-kind parks.

But what makes this one of the best places to view New York? Given that High Line is located on a former elevated rail system, making your way through the 1.45 mile (2.33 km) park makes you feel like you’re part of the city skyline.

11. From the air

New York has a lot of tall buildings with observation decks. But nothing can rival seeing the city from the air.

There are several helicopter tours that will give you a bird’s eye view of the city.

I used to fly regularly into New York from the west and my flight path, especially when flying into LaGuardia, frequently took me over the city.

To increase your chances of seeing the same, book your flight into JFK or LaGuardia if you are coming from the west or fly into Newark if you are coming from the east.

What’s your favorite view of New York City? Let me know in the comments!