4 Ways to See New York from Above
Want breathtaking views of New York? Take to the skies! Here are 4 ways to experience the city from above and see it like never before.
1/ Arriving or Departing by Plane
- Your first aerial view of New York may come during landing. If you arrive via Newark, you might have the chance to fly along the entire Manhattan skyline before touching down. This depends on wind direction and which runway is in use.
- Departing from JFK also offers a possible glimpse of New York during takeoff. The moment is brief, but this final look at the city is striking—the plane climbs much higher than helicopters do.
2/ Taking a Helicopter Tour of New York
- For a proper aerial experience of New York, a helicopter tour is your best bet. You fly at low altitude on a route designed to show you the city’s highlights. Every helicopter tour circles the Statue of Liberty and sweeps past Manhattan’s skyline. The prices are steep, but it’s an experience worth having once.
- Find more details, pricing, and route options on our page dedicated to helicopter tours in New York.
3/ Visiting the City’s Observatories
Not as high as a helicopter but far more affordable, the observatories offer stunning panoramic views across New York. Today there are five different observatories, each with its own perspective on the city:
- The Empire State Building is the most famous, and the oldest. Its outdoor terrace on the 86th floor lets you take in New York from 320 m (1,050 ft) high. Located in the heart of Midtown, it gives you a central view with great sightlines to the Financial District and Midtown’s towers, including the Chrysler Building.
- One World Observatory is New York’s highest observation deck. Spanning the 100th to 102nd floors of One World Trade Center, it sits nearly 380 m (1,250 ft) above ground. At the southern tip of Manhattan, One World Observatory dominates views of the Financial District and New York Harbor.
- Top of the Rock, at Rockefeller Center, is the lowest at 260 m (853 ft), yet it offers one of the finest views in the city. To the south, you see the Empire State Building and the entire Financial District skyline; to the north, Central Park stretches out before you.
- Summit is the most unusual. This observatory delivers a striking view of Midtown while playing with mirrors to create disorienting effects. It also features surprising, interactive art installations. A truly different kind of observation deck.
- The Edge is the most vertiginous. Its terrace literally hangs suspended over empty space. Thick glass surrounds it, yet you feel completely exposed to the outside. Walking up the stairs to the platform, you’ll feel like you’re floating in the air.
Tip: Since you’re visiting New York and may not return soon, visit three of them. Note that observatory admission is included in several passes, including the New York City Pass (Empire State Building and Top of the Rock) and the Explorer Pass (Empire State Building and Top of the Rock).
4/ Having a Drink at a Rooftop Bar
- Rooftop bars—bars on building terraces—are a real trend in New York. You won’t be as high as at an observation deck, but the views can be just as impressive. My favorite? 230 Fifth, located at 230 Fifth Avenue, just steps from Madison Square Park.
- Looking for other great rooftop options? Check out my guide to the best rooftop bars in New York.
