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7 of New York City’s Best Lookout Spots
Written by Ruby Staley
Feel the breeze at the Empire State Building’s pinnacle and peer into the inner world of Central Park from up high – these views of the Big Apple are good enough to take a bite of.
What better way to observe the city that never sleeps than from sky high?
The Empire State Building and Brooklyn Bridge continue to stand tall as some of the city’s best lookouts, but there’s also a handful of under-the-radar spots that rival these classic viewpoints.
From their privileged positions, you can experience the magnitude of the city from just about any angle, with prime and less crowded views of the famous architecture, Central Park and the Hudson River.
Thompson Central Park New York
If unparalleled views of the famous Central Park are what you’re after, Thompson Central Park New York has you covered. Here, you can bask in incredible vistas of one of the world’s most spectacular urban green spaces. There’s not many metropolitan city hotels from which you can spot the likes of bright red staghorn sumac bushes or swaying eastern redbuds from your private balcony. Located on the southern edge of Central Park along a stretch of ultra-glamorous residential skyscrapers often referred to as ‘Billionaires’ Row’, the hotel is just a short walk from all the incredible action of this electrifying city.
Empire State Building
A world-famous destination for romantic declarations and spontaneous proposals, the Empire State Building’s reputation for making magic happen is legendary – and for good reason. The Art Deco masterpiece is both a symbol of the New York skyline and an unparalleled vantage point for admiring the city’s beauty. Its 86th-floor open-air observatory ranks as one of the city’s highest, featuring protective fencing that allows for stunning skyline photography. For those seeking even higher perspectives, the 102nd indoor floor is accessible, where you can see the city’s icons from Central Park to Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square and even the Statue of Liberty.
Mandarin Oriental, New York
Bask in stunning Central Park views from another angle, within the ultra-luxurious confines of Mandarin Oriental, New York. Residing on the outskirts of the city’s verdant heart, this five-star sanctuary graces floors 35-54 with breathtaking vistas of Manhattan’s skyline, the Hudson River, or Central Park from every room. With a prime location just steps away from Broadway, Times Square, and Fifth Avenue, you can enjoy a premium dining experience at mod-styled restaurant MO Lounge against a backdrop of some of NYC’s most prolific architecture.
One World Observatory
Perched among the clouds on the 102nd floor of One World Trade Center, One World Observatory presents unrivalled 360-degree panoramas of this jaw-dropping city. Take the thrilling SkyPod Elevator up in just 47 seconds and step into the breathtaking observatory space. On a clear day, you can marvel at famed landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Statue of Liberty, Hudson River, the five boroughs and even the Atlantic Ocean, all in a comfortable climate-controlled glassed space.
The Edge
The Edge, one of New York’s latest open-air glass observation decks, soars 100 storeys above Manhattan’s bustling streets, claiming the title of the Western Hemisphere’s tallest outdoor sky deck. Positioned at 30 Hudson Yards, it offers breathtaking views of beloved NYC landmarks. To the south is One World Trade Center and the Statue of Liberty, while to the north are the Empire State Building and Central Park, making it one of the best ways to take in the immense, historic skyline.
Mint House at 70 Pine
Dripping in Art Deco charm, Mint House at 70 Pine sits within the famous 70 Pine skyscraper, constructed as the Cities Service Building in 1932. Up on the 64th floor, Overstory, a modern cocktail bar, offers a 360-degree views of the glittering skyline as you sip on a tart Montego Slay. This stylish hotel is a piece of the city’s architectural history, as it was the world’s third-tallest building at the time. Situated a short stroll from Wall Street, the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge, it provides an unbeatable backdrop for your NYC adventures.
Brooklyn Bridge
This pedestrian walkway, connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn, offers a sweeping city panorama spanning from Downtown to Midtown, making it the perfect photo spot. This vantage point showcases all of New York’s landmarks, including One World Trade Center in the financial district, as well as the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building, as cars zoom past to and from the city’s heart.
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