The 3 most beautiful night walks in New York

1/ Midtown, from Grand Central to Rockefeller Center

This walk through Midtown will confirm that New York truly is the city that never sleeps.

• Start at Grand Central Terminal. At night, New York’s main train station has an enigmatic quality, especially with the subtly lit spire of the Chrysler Building nearby.
• Head up 42nd Street toward Fifth Avenue. At the corner, you’ll reach the New York Public Library’s main branch and Bryant Park. You’ll also see the top of the Empire State Building, its lights changing color throughout the year.
• Continue along Fifth Avenue and turn right onto Broadway. Ahead of you is a massive halo of light: Times Square. The most famous intersection in New York glows as bright as daylight, or brighter. Crowds gather here in the evening.
• Cross Times Square from south to north to 50th Street. Turn right and continue to 7th Avenue to pass the iconic Radio City Music Hall and its illuminated marquee, unchanged since the venue opened in the early 1930s.
• End your walk at Rockefeller Center, which draws crowds for its spectacular lighting. If you’d like, finish by heading to the top of the Top of the Rock observation deck. Tip: visit Top of the Rock in the morning, then ask to return in the evening for a small additional fee.

2/ From Brooklyn Bridge to World Trade Center

This longer walk lets you explore the southern tip of Manhattan.

• My other favorite nighttime route in New York starts in Brooklyn. Take the subway to Clark Street and head toward the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. From here, you have an unobstructed view of the illuminated skyline of the Financial District.
• Next, head toward the Brooklyn Bridge, but before climbing onto it, go down to the East River waterfront. At Pier 1, you’ll get a magical view of the bridge and the Financial District.
• Walk up Old Fulton Street to access the pedestrian walkway on the Brooklyn Bridge. At night, the bridge has a special atmosphere, with views of Manhattan and a stream of cars flowing beneath your feet. If you’re a photographer, you’ll have a great time.
• Cross the bridge to City Hall. Nearby, you’ll see the majestic Woolworth Building and the small Saint-Paul’s Chapel, which served as a relief headquarters after the September 11, 2001 attacks.
• Continue toward the World Trade Center plaza, with its subtly lit memorial at night and the One World Trade Center tower.
• If you wish, you can climb to the top of the One World Observatory. You’ll have a stunning nighttime view of New York.

3/ Evening walk along the Hudson

My final favorite route takes you into New Jersey. A walk away from the tourist crowds.

• Head to Jersey City, New Jersey, across the Hudson River. Take the PATH subway from the World Trade Center station and get off at the next stop, Exchange Place. From here, you have a superb view of the Financial District and One World Trade Center directly across from you. To the right, in the middle of New York Harbor, you’ll see the torch of the Statue of Liberty glowing.
• I recommend walking north along the Hudson for a peaceful stroll facing Manhattan. The farther you go, the closer you’ll get to the Empire State Building and Midtown’s skyline—and the fewer tourists you’ll encounter.
• To complete the loop, follow the Hudson to Hoboken, the city just north of Jersey City. From there, you can take the PATH subway back to Manhattan or, if you prefer, take a ferry across the Hudson. At night, I recommend the ferry option—it’s really worth seeing.