New York City is so vibrant and electrifying they nicknamed it the city that never sleeps. For those who want to explore the city from sunrise to (very) late at night, we’ve got six unique ways to discover the city like never before.
Times Square, One World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, Bronx Zoo, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, Broadway, the High Line… These are just a few of the famous landmarks that made us fall in love ever since we first visited The Big Apple. To prove that New York City looks amazing from every angle, here are our top six favorite and unique ways to see the city like never before.
From the water
There is nothing quite like sailing past the Statue of Liberty as the sun casts its morning rays over the New York skyline. Just like millions of people who arrived to New York City in search of a better future were overwhelmed by Lady Liberty, the sight of the 305 feet (93m) tall statue still leaves thousands of cruise passengers breathless as they sail towards the city that never sleeps. Guests sailing to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal get the best view of the city’s famous skyline. Visitors who are arriving by ship can enjoy a fabulous view from the water on one of the many boat tours and commuter ferries.
TIP: Hop on the Staten Island Ferry. The FREE 25-minute ride between Whitehall St. in lower Manhattan and St. George in Staten Island offers great views of the NYC skyline and the Statue of Liberty.
From the High Line
Built on a historic, elevated rail line, the High Line offers one, continuous, 1.45-mile-long (2.33km) greenway featuring 500+ species of plants and trees. The elevated park not only offers public space and gardens, it is also home to a diverse suite of public programs, community and teen engagement, and world-class artwork and performances, free and open to all. The park spans from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District through the length of Chelsea’s iconic gallery district, up to West 34th Street and the Hudson Yards development on the edge of Hell’s Kitchen. The High Line is fully wheelchair accessible.
From the Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is a significant part of pop culture and graces the skyline in thousands of movies and television shows. It is probably the most iconic building in the world. It’s tower lights transform the ciy’s skyline with annual holiday light shows and in celebration of cultural events, global happenings and special causes. The Empire State Building has been completely reimaged and now boasts an interactive museum experience on the 2nd floor and a newly renovated 102nd floor observatory with 360-degree views through floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Also new is NYC: Above & Beyond, an interactive itinerary building experience that helps travelers plan their five-borough adventure.
From the Edge
Edge at Hudson Yards is the Western Hemisphere’s highest outdoor sky deck. At 1,131 feet (345 meters) high it offerers unparalleled 360-degree views of the Hudson River and New York City’s iconic skyline. Edge’s outdoor viewing area features a thrilling glass-floor surrounded by 79 angled glass walls. On the the 100th and 101st floor an immersive, multi-room ‘Journey to Edge’ show tells the history of New York City’s newest neighborhood from construction over an active rail yard to sustainability achievements and more. Here you can also enjoy a glass of champagne or signature cocktail and light bites in the bar or a delicious meal in the restaurant while admiring the stunning views.
For another nearby vantage point, climb the bronze spiral staircases of Vessel, an interactive public landmark at the center of Hudson Yards’ Public Square.
From the Top of the Rock
The Top of the Rock Observation Deck offers 360-degree views of New York City, including Central Park. Seventy floors up, right in the heart of Rockefeller Center, it features three levels of observation decks. The first deck is inside and includes the Radiance Wall and gift shop. The second and third deck are entirely outdoors. The third observation deck is free of a glass enclosure, making it perfect for photos.
Insider tip! The Joie Chandelier which soars three stories above the Grand Atrium Lobby was specially crafted by Swarovski for Top of the Rock. With 14,000 thousand crystals it is the largest of it’s kind. Make sure sure to look at the chandelier upside down. You’ll see it’s in the shape of 30 Rock!
From the One World Observatory
This year the One World Observatory is celebrating its fifth anniversary. The observatory boasts unparalleled views from the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. SkyPod Elevators climb the 102 stories in 47 seconds. The astonishing ride reveals the transformation of New York City from unsettled lands to today’s remarkable forest of skyscrapers. The observatory at One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower, offers three levels of floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a café and bar, interactive guided tours.
Did you know? The Freedom Tower is the tallest building in the United States. The building is 104 floors high, but the tower has only 94 actual stories. The tower, including its spire, reaches a total height of 1,776 feet (541 m). This is a deliberate reference to the year when the Declaration of Independence was signed.
Have you visited the city that never sleeps? Which was your favority way to explore the city? Let us know in the comments.