3 Ways to Get the Best Views in New York City Beyond Tourist Spots

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The best views in New York City are often associated with popular tourist spots like the Empire State Building or the Top of the Rock. However, beyond these iconic locations, countless other breathtaking perspectives of the city await.

If you’ve visited New York before, or simply want to see it from a different angle, these unique and off-the-beaten-path options will provide a fresh and memorable experience.

Consider three remarkable and luxurious options that offer unique experiences and arguably the best views in New York City. Find out how to see the city like never before, below!

nyc skyline — Explore the best views in New York City from unique perspectives.

CONTENTS—In this article, you will learn where to discover some of the best views in New York City, including:

3 Ways to Gain a Unique View of New York

New York is the most recognizable city in the world for most people. Whether you’ve watched countless television shows and movies set in NYC or traveled to The Big Apple many times, it feels familiar.

However, finding truly comforting perspectives of the amazing city of New York is a real possibility when you’re a little more selective about your itinerary.

Now, if you hope to do the touristy thing and flock to the Empire State Building and Top of the Rock, you should. These are must-do experiences. But, consider several less conventional ways to experience the city’s incredible architecture and ambiance.

Let’s look at where to find other fantastic, beautiful, and deeply memorable (not to mention luxurious) views in New York City.

Ready? It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!

1. Luxury Hotels with Overhead Views

nyc hotel overhead — Sip drinks with a stunning city view.

The city’s high-end hotels are not only beautifully designed and include some of the most iconic in the world. But thanks to the buildings they occupy, they can also offer incredible viewpoints visitors might miss.

Concord is among the luxury hotels Midtown East, with incredible rooftop vantage points you can enjoy while sipping a delicious beverage or after an immersive spa experience.

Moreover, some boutique hotels in Brooklyn give a view to Manhattan across the East River. This is especially enchanting at sunset when the city’s lights reveal why NYC is the most iconic city on Earth.

These accommodations are certainly a treat, so booking a single night or dining in their restaurants gives you access to breathtaking views.

2. Helicopter & Boat Rides

helicopter view of nyc — See New York from the sky or sea.

It’s a tourist cliché with good reason: Helicopters and surrounding boat tours of New York City present unbelievable aerial views of Manhattan’s grid system. From this perspective, you’ll witness the gentle gradient of history in the architecture surrounding the area.

If you have the chance, opt for sunset flights for dramatic lighting or early morning tours when the city awakens. There’s nothing better than seeing an entire city wake up with you while enjoying an amazing vantage spot with a fresh coffee.

Here’s an interesting itinerary idea: You might plan these broad points of view after an up-close historical tour. That way, you know what to look for when you’re viewing from the sky or on the water.

3. Elevated Public Spaces

Did you know you can skip the usual observation decks and enjoy one of many elevated parks and public spaces in NYC?

For instance, the “Little Island,” a floating man-made park at Pier 55th boasts a pretty incredible angle of downtown Manhattan and the Hudson River.

Alternatively, Roosevelt Island’s Four Freedoms Park offers a nice symmetrical view of Midtown’s eastern face that while known about, seems to be a hidden gem among newer NYC tourists.

Even some public libraries have wider window sets or free rooftop terraces, like the New York Public Library‘s open-air seating with a Midtown view. The bonus is you’ll be immersed in iconic modern architecture, too!

You might be surprised just how valuable such an experience can be – it’s a perfect way to cap off a comforting afternoon.

Final Thoughts on Getting the Best Views in New York City

Next time you’re in New York City, elevate your itinerary with one (or more) of these unique vantage points. These less conventional options showcase the city’s iconic skyline from new perspectives, so you experience the true essence of NYC beyond the usual tourist sights.

Whether it’s a luxury rooftop, a helicopter ride, or an elevated public space, these remarkable views promise a memorable experience of this captivating city!

About Jackie Gately, editor-IN-CHIEF

I'm Jackie Gately, your travel confidante and the creative force behind Enjoy Travel Life, awarded the "Best Casual-Luxury Lifestyle Blog (USA)" in Travel and Tourism by LUXlife Magazine for four consecutive years.

With 25 years of published expertise, I'm a seasoned writer, editor, and photographer curating inspiring travel guides and lifestyle tips for empty nesters. I hope to kindle your spirit of exploration, encouraging you to overcome obstacles and turn your dreams into reality.

Learn to minimize your pre-travel angst and maximize the joy of exploration with insights from my experiences. Let's make every adventure a celebration of this exciting phase of life! 

Follow my social channels for more inspiration.

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