6 places to watch the sunrise in New York
New York sunrises can be absolutely fabulous! Here are my 6 favorite spots to witness the show.
Jet lag has its perks. During your first days in New York, your body will still be on European time, so you’ll wake up around 4 or 5 am—10 or 11 am back home. Instead of tossing in bed, use those early hours to watch the sunrise. Here are my 6 favorite spots for unforgettable sunrise views.
1/ Brooklyn Bridge Park in Brooklyn
- On the far side of the Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge Park gives you stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the towers of the Financial District. The photo below was taken 30 minutes after sunrise, when the sun hits the glass towers of the financial district.
- HOW TO GET THERE: Take the subway lines A or C to High Street station, then head down Old Fulton Street toward the Brooklyn Bridge. Under the bridge, continue a few steps on Water Street and turn left immediately to enter the park. Allow about 40 minutes from Times Square.
2/ Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City
- To watch the sunrise over Midtown and the Chrysler Building, head to Gantry Plaza State Park, which runs along the East River in Long Island City. You’ll be directly across from the United Nations, with its massive glass facade catching the first rays of sun. When the sun appears, the Chrysler Building’s gleaming spire begins to sparkle too. Pure magic.
- HOW TO GET THERE: Take subway line 7 to Vernon Boulevard–Jackson Avenue station, then head down 50th Avenue toward Manhattan. Allow about 20 minutes from Times Square.
3/ Empire State Building
- Did you know you can watch the sunrise from the Empire State Building? It’s absolutely spectacular. Of course, it’s not free. You’ll need to book a sunrise ticket for the Empire State Building as far in advance as possible. You’ll get access to the top before the building’s official opening—a VIP experience that’s strictly limited. Sunrise visits are only offered on Saturdays, and spots are very few.
- HOW TO GET THERE: The Empire State Building sits right in the heart of Manhattan, so you can easily reach it by subway or on foot. The nearest subway station is 34th Street–Herald Square, served by lines B, D, F, and M.
4/ Jersey City in New Jersey
- Across the Hudson River, New Jersey offers breathtaking views of Manhattan. In the early morning, you’ll see One World Trade Center, the World Trade Center, and the New York skyline slowly emerge as silhouettes before the sun rises above the buildings. With luck, clouds will add stunning pink hues to the scene.
- HOW TO GET THERE: Take the PATH train from World Trade Center toward Newark and get off at the first stop, Exchange Place. When you exit the station, just head along the Hudson in whichever direction appeals to you. Allow 10 minutes from World Trade Center and about 40 minutes from Times Square.
5/ Liberty State Park in New Jersey
- This large park in New Jersey, near the Statue of Liberty, isn’t easily accessible by public transit from Manhattan, but it offers one of the best views of New York Harbor, Manhattan, and the sunrise. You get the entire Manhattan skyline right in front of you, with the sun rising directly behind One World Trade Center in the foreground. Tip: arrive early to capture the first light of day.
- HOW TO GET THERE: Take the PATH train from World Trade Center toward Newark and get off at Exchange Place. Then take the light rail from Exchange Place Light Rail Station toward 22nd Street and get off at Liberty State Park. From there, it’s a 10-minute walk to the waterfront viewpoint. Allow about 45 minutes from World Trade Center.
6/ Hamilton Park in Weehawken, New Jersey
- Of the six spots I’m recommending, Weehawken is probably the most original. This small New Jersey town, north of Hoboken and Jersey City, isn’t well known, but it’s absolutely worth the trip for its incredible Midtown views. The main advantage over the other locations: you’ll be on a small hill slightly elevated above Manhattan. And the Empire State Building is practically within reach.
- HOW TO GET THERE: Take bus 166 from the Port Authority Bus Terminal and get off at Hamilton Park. The transit authority claims it’s a 10-minute ride from Port Authority, but allow a bit more time. From Times Square, expect about 30 minutes.
If you’ve watched the sunrise from one of these spots (or somewhere else), feel free to send us a photo and I’ll add it here.