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Am I the only oneĀ fascinated by having my head in the clouds? I’m not interested in the daydream kind, but I love the kind where I’m so high I can marvel at panoramic views, uninterrupted by apartment blocks, and gaze at shimmering skyscrapers or glitzy night scenes. Sometimes you need to go up to experience a city fully. Enjoying a cocktail with your head in the clouds is a much more memorable experience than a margarita in a dingy side street bar.
New York, with its iconic skyscrapers and Art Deco buildings, is one city that you havenāt fully seen until you’ve feasted on it from above. Use my list of top skyline views as you plan your next trip to New York City, and find your own cloud nine.
New York Skyline from above (Image via Flickr byĀ Jody Claborn)
Brasserie 1605
Brasserie 1605 at the Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan is one of the best dining options at one of New York’s top hotels. As youĀ feast on culinary delights, you’ll revel in the frenetic buzz and excitement of Times Square below. While tourists delight in pulsating neon, jostling for photosĀ on the busy sidewalk, you canĀ enjoy a relaxing martini at the brasserie above.
Book: Book a dining table in advance to avoid disappointment.
Source: Image via Flickr byĀ M01229
Helicopter Tour
A trip to New York is incomplete without a birdās-eye view of Manhattan from a helicopter. Imagine the excitement of being whisked up above the bustling streets, getting up close and personal with Lady Liberty, or taking in the shimmering monolith of the magnificent One World Observatory.
Costs:Ā FlightsĀ start from $199.
Get There: Hop on the 1 train to South Ferry Station.
The Empire State Building
Who doesn’t remember Sunday afternoons on the sofa watching “King Kong” and dreaming of standing atop this beauty? This world-famous landmark is now a fabulous attraction that allows you to soar above the heart of the city.
Costs: Ticket prices start at $32.
Get There: Take the B, D, F, M, N, Q, or R lines to 34th Street – Herald Square Station.
The Empire State Building Experience from Empire State Building on Vimeo.
One World Observatory
The new kid in town is the One World Observatory, where you can wine and dine or simply enjoy far-reaching views over the city. Ascend to the observation deck on the 101stĀ floor in less than 60 seconds, andĀ prepareĀ to be stunned. From the highest viewpoint in town, you can drink in views of dazzling skyscrapers, cookie-cutter suburbs, and the intoxicating energy of the City That Never Sleeps. Observatory ticket holders can book a table at One DineĀ on the mezzanine forĀ Ć la carteĀ dining accompanied by VIP views from floor-to-ceiling windows.
Costs: Ticket prices are $34 for adults, $32 for seniors, and $28 for children.
Get There: Head to the World Trade Centre Station.
Whatās your favourite rooftop destination in New York?
I’m always on the lookout for other fabulous venues in the clouds. If you have any other top recommendations, please let me know below.
I am glad you wrote this up. I was literally just telling a friend yesterday I wanted to ride a helicopter over New York in the spring/summer! its like you read my mind.
Definitely the best way to view New York especially now the Freedom Tower is complete.
You either love New York or hate it. Like you, Anne, I think it’s an exciting and vibrant city. Brasserie 1605 looks like it’s worth checking out.
This post came at the perfect time since I’ll be heading to NY later this month! I would love to do the helicopter tour, but my budget is more in line with Brasserie 1605 :). I’m pretty happy with a rooftop skyline view though! Just added it to my list.
Fabulous. Look forward to hearing how you got on.
Thanks for the tips! A helicopter tour would be amazing … I loved the Staten Island ferry for views of the skyline and the Statue of Liberty – was a great budget alternative, though we didn’t get the birds eye view š
Ah the ferry just has to be done though. You are right it’s such a cool view
I haven’t heard of some of these and will have to check them out! Last time I was in New York we checked out the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Plaza! It also offers an awesome view and you can get a cocktail to enjoy the view with as well. The admission isn’t cheap but totally worth the view if you ask me!
That’s the problem with some of these ‘highlights’ – they aren’t always a bargain but the views I think are usually worth it. I’ve been up the Rockefeller too but I think the Empire State pips it for me for being such an icon
Glorious post, I know that New York has a lot of a nice attraction even more beautiful when the night came up like The Empire State Building. I want also to experience skyline viewing the City.