Better ways to see it

Top 10 ways to see New York without a helicopter tour

The same skyline, the harbor and the Statue of Liberty, from the ground and from the top, at your own pace and often for free.

  1. 1The observation decks

    The whole skyline from above, with time to take it in: open-air terraces, glass floors and 360-degree views, day or night, at your own pace.

  2. 2The Staten Island Ferry

    Free, around the clock, about 25 minutes each way. Glides past the Statue of Liberty and the whole Lower Manhattan skyline from the open deck.

  3. 3The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

    Set foot on Liberty Island, climb to the pedestal or crown, and walk the halls where millions of immigrants first arrived.

  4. 4Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

    One of the great free walks in the world: stone towers, cable lines framing the skyline, and the East River below.

  5. 5Brooklyn Bridge Park

    Lawns, piers and beaches on the East River with a front-row view of Lower Manhattan and the bridges. Perfect at sunset.

  6. 6Hudson River Park and Little Island

    Miles of riverfront paths, piers and gardens along the west side of Manhattan, and a floating park with its own amphitheater.

  7. 7The Battery

    Gardens, a waterfront promenade and harbor views at the tip of Manhattan, right where the Statue of Liberty ferries leave.

  8. 8Governors Island

    A short ferry ride to car-free lawns, hammocks, bike paths and hills built for the best harbor and skyline views.

  9. 9Central Park

    843 acres of meadows, lakes, bridges and woods in the middle of Manhattan, with the skyline rising over the trees.

  10. 10The New Jersey waterfront: Liberty State Park and Hoboken

    Some of the best Manhattan views are from across the river: Liberty State Park's promenade facing the Statue of Liberty, and Hoboken's Pier A Park looking straight at Midtown.

This site sells nothing and is not connected to any of these. Check each one's own site for hours, tickets and prices.

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