New York from Above

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Open seasonally from May to October, Governors Islandoffers a natural retreat from the bustle of the City via 7-minute ferry from the Battery Maritime Building. What’s more, we saw so many folks biking around the epic esplanade, it looked like a very popular activity on Governors Island and thankfully there’s a handful of Citi Bike stations to choose from. Coney Island’s famous amusement park Luna Parkhas rides for travelers of all ages and thrill levels, including new developments coming in 2020 such as a ropes course and zipline. Credit: Julienne Schaer

The Staten Island Ferry is beloved and gets quite crowded! It takes approximately 22 million people a year (about 70,000 passengers a day) between Manhattan and Staten Island. After wading through these iconic viewpoints more times than I can count, I decided it was time to share them with everyone. The 80-acre park hosts outdoor movies during the summer months, which takes date night to a whole new level. Watching a movie while sneaking peaks at one of the best views of New York City, it’s an unforgettable experience to be sure.Brooklyn Grange’surban farms at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, and Long Island City, Queens, offer visitors farmers’ markets, workshops, yoga and more along with three unique vantage points of New York City. Credit: Brooklyn Grange’sUrban Farms Amusement Parks Luna Park @ Coney Island Have your camera ready when flying into or out of NYC because these are easily some of the best views you’ll get during your trip. Especially if you’re flying during sunset or sunrise (mercy!)

Stunning sunsets overlooking the East River, Manhattan skyline and Queensboro Bridge await in Long Island City, Queens, with views from up high at Boro Hotel’s Rooftop Bar. Credit: Boro Hotel’s Rooftop Bar In Queens Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the best free things to do in New York City so there’s a good chance you’ll make the trek for yourself while visiting — I highly suggest adding a stroll through DUMBO to your itinerary because it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. P.S. Did you know that the Brooklyn Bridge is older than London’s famous Tower Bridge? It’s true! Read: 20 Thought-Provoking Facts About New York City.

This exhilarating activity is not for the faint of heart but I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t mention it on this list.

Note: Google Maps can be misleading, you cannot reach Ellis Island by walking from Liberty State Park. You must hop on a ferry.When you get off the tram head towards the promenade that hugs the East River, which swells with visitors eager to see the breathtaking cherry blossoms in spring. But I’ll be honest, I also love this viewpoint for sentimental reasons. Living in NYC was a longtime dream of mine and until that dream was realized I’d find small ways to motivate myself to make the leap one day. This is a lesser known spot but the view of New York from the Manhattan Bridge is one of my favorites. For another nearby vantage point, climb the bronze spiral staircases of Vessel, an interactive public landmark at the center of Hudson Yards’ Public Square. Credit: Clint Spaulding

Further Reading: 15 ICONIC Things to Do in Central Park Bonus: Time Warner Building at Columbus CircleThere’s an inexplicable feeling that overwhelms me every time I catch a glimpse of the breathtaking NYC skyline from a plane. A new addition to one of the most iconic places in NYC, visit the Statue of Liberty Museum ,including a climb to the building’s green roof, which offers unobstructed views of Lower Manhattan and Liberty Island, including the statue herself. Credit: Statue of Liberty Museum It’s not hard to see why, with over 2 million pieces of art, it’s the largest museum in the country and the fifth largest museum in the world. Before the High Line was even conceived, this area was used as an elevated rail-line for freight trains delivering cargo. The Javits Centerboasts a state-of-the-art nearly 7-acre green roof—that includes gardens, produce and even honeybees—with arguably the best view of Hudson Yards the City has to offer. Credit: Javits Center