Few buildings are as quintessentially New York than the Empire State Building. However, it’s likely you actually want to get the building’s iconic Art Deco silhouette in your shot of the city skyline — and that’s not really possible when you’re standing on top of it.
So unless you’re desperate to reenact your favorite scenes from Sleepless in Seattle or An Affair to Remember, you’re better off saving your money. Here are seven other places you should consider visiting instead.
Top of the Rock
The three-level observation deck on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors of 30 Rockefeller Plaza provides sweeping views of Manhattan, including the Empire State Building. Moreover, the deck’s northern outlook offers a stunning view of Central Park stretching up toward Harlem.
While tickets for Top of the Rock are timed for entry, there’s no limit to how long you can spend up there. Therefore, head up early if you want to snag a good vantage point for sunset.
Sister City
One of the Lower East Side’s newest attractions, this ultra-zen hotel boasts a sweeping view of Lower Manhattan from its super-chilled 11th-floor rooftop bar, Last Light. Open from 3 PM until 2 AM daily, this bar offers a laid-back atmosphere compared to other hotel rooftop bars in the Bowery neighborhood.
One World Trade Observatory
The Empire State Building was once the tallest structure in New York City, but it has now been surpassed by One World Trade Observatory. Consequently, on a clear day, this observation deck offers views of all five of the city’s boroughs and some neighboring states. It’s also valuable for the time-lapse journey of the NYC skyline’s evolution that you’ll experience in the SkyPod elevators on the way up.
The William Vale
For an all-encompassing view of Manhattan’s eastern flank (especially spectacular come sunset), reserve a balcony table at The William Vale hotel’s rooftop bar, Westlight, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The street-food inspired fare will make it all the more enjoyable.
Arlo NoMad
One of the closest glimpses you can get of the Empire State Building is from A.R.T., the rooftop bar at the Arlo NoMad hotel on E 31st St (the Empire State is between E 33rd and E 34th). Enjoy a cocktail while capturing the perfect Instagram shot, or test your nerves on the bar’s skywalk — a transparent glass floor that looks directly down onto the street 31 floors below.
FDR Four Freedoms Park
This Louis Kahn-designed park on Roosevelt Island stands as an architectural accomplishment. While you can’t see the Empire State Building from here, it offers an excellent view of the United Nations Building and other skyscrapers lining the East River. Moreover, it serves as a delightful picnic spot with stellar views and is a preferred place for viewing the Fourth of July fireworks and Manhattanhenge.
Seaplane to the Hamptons
This option is a little splurge—OK, a big splurge—but if you’re heading to the Hamptons and can’t bear the crowded buses or heavy traffic on the Long Island Expressway, it might be worthwhile. As you land on the East River (ideally from a seat on the right side of the plane), you’re privy to a stunning close-up view of the Manhattan skyline you can’t get anywhere else.
