Manhattan Skyline From Queens: 18 Best NYC Views (From A Local!)
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Seeing the Manhattan skyline from Queens is an experience that shouldn’t be missed. Its beauty is one of the main reasons why New York is so popular.
Actually, a common piece of advice New York visitors hear is that you have to leave Manhattan for the best NYC views.
Unlike some recommendations, this one absolutely holds up. Surprisingly enough, some of the most stunning vistas can be found across the East River in Queens.
Depending on where you are within New York City’s largest borough, you can take in wide-scale panoramas of the city set against the East River and NY’s many impressive bridges.
Best of all, there are endless ways to see the sights. From free parks to swanky rooftop bars, you’re bound to find a spot that fits your budget and style.
To help you plan an incredible trip to NYC, check out these incredible spots in Queens for New York City views.
See The Manhattan Skyline With A Professional Photographer
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Tip:
If you’re looking for an NYC skyline tour, choose a route that includes Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, and/or DUMBO.
See The Manhattan Skyline From Queens In Long Island City
1. See The Manhattan Skyline From Queens For Free
Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City is one of the top attractions in Queens—and for good reason.
From here, you’ll take in some of the best views of Midtown Manhattan without spending a dime. It’s also a top picnic spot and is home to highlights like its namesake gantries and the iconic Pepsi-Cola sign.
2. Pair Exercise With NYC Skyline Views
The 10-acre Hunter’s Point South Park in Long Island City offers beautiful views at night and during the day.
Sitting right on the East River, the waterfront oasis features plenty of great paths for running and biking, fitness equipment, and basketball and volleyball courts.
Of course, the real attraction here is the view of Midtown Manhattan. Visit during Manhattenhenge for a unique vantage point seeing the sunset through the city streets.
3. Dine At A Waterfront Restaurant In NYC With A View
How about an evening of Latin Fusion cuisine, delicious cocktails, and spectacular views of Manhattan from Queens?
Blend on the Water—located just a few blocks from Gantry Plaza State Park—features 10-foot windows surrounding the dining space.
This makes for a great spot to check out the evening skyline, including the gorgeous Chrysler Building, while eating delicious paella paired with a glass of sangria. If you prefer a morning meal, they also offer one of NYC’s best bottomless brunches!
4. Take In Aerial Views Of Manhattan From An NYC Rooftop Pool
Prefer to party while taking in the sights?
The Ravel has you covered with The Summer Club, featuring a rooftop pool, fantastic DJs, and the hotel’s signature aerial views of Manhattan.
Open Thursdays through Mondays during the summer months, Profundo Day Club is a great place to cool off in style.
5. Relax While Taking In 360-degree Views Of The Manhattan & Queens Skylines
At Z Roof, the rooftop bar inside the Z NYC Hotel, relax on plush couches and just let the ambiance wash over you.
With over 5,000 square feet of space, you’re sure to find a spot for a photo with a stunning New York backdrop.
Just note that if you’re visiting New York in winter the rooftop is only open during the warmer months.
6. Tour A Rooftop Farm With An NYC View
Surprisingly located in Long Island City in Queens, Brooklyn Grange is a rooftop farm that grows 80,000 pounds of organic produce per year and promotes sustainability in the community.
Whether you’re visiting New York City in fall, spring or summer, you can head to the farm to explore the beauty of the destination through your eyes and palate.
The farm is open for tours on Saturdays and hosts regular events like yoga classes and dinners throughout the year.
7. Pair Free-To-Enjoy Art With A New York City Backdrop
Socrates Sculpture Park, a public park in Queens, features work from top contemporary sculptors.
While the pieces themselves are inspiring, the greenspace’s waterfront location gives the art a spectacular Manhattan skyline backdrop.
It’s a fun summer date spot, though the park also hosts events like outdoor cinema, workshops, and performances year-round.
8. Escape The Crowds Under The Queensboro Bridge
The lesser-known Queensbridge Park offers epic free views of the Queensboro Bridge (59th Street Bridge), Roosevelt Island, and of course, the Manhattan skyline.
Fun fact:
This bridge was made famous by Simon and Garfunkel with their song “Feelin’ Groovy,” also called “The 59th Street Bridge Song.”
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9. Watch The Boats Go By At A Scenic Queens Bar & Grill
When visiting Queens don’t miss Anable Basin Sailing Bar & Grill, located just a few blocks from Gantry Plaza State Park.
This waterfront eatery features picnic favorites like hamburgers and hot dogs with a Balkan and Eastern European-inspired twist (kielbasa, anyone?).
The restaurant’s large picnic tables and ample space make it perfect for groups wanting to eat with a beautiful vista.
10. Pair A Candlelit Dinner With A Cocktail & A View
Check out the fantastic view of Manhattan and Long Island City at Vista Sky Lounge, one of NYC’s most Instagrammable places.
Located atop the Vista LIC Hotel, BW Premier Collection, the spectacular views and romantic ambiance of this lounge make it a great spot for date night.
11. Travel NYC On A Budget Without Sacrificing Style
Looking for cheap things to do that are actually fun?
The Local Hostel, one of just a handful of hostels in New York City, has you covered.
This hostel features clean and sleek dorms and private rooms, a bar and cafe, and a rooftop with incredible views.
Beautiful NYC Views From Astoria & Ditmars
12. Take A Dip In New York City’s Oldest & Largest Public Pool
For some non-touristy NYC fun, the Astoria Park Pool also happens to be the one with the best view of Manhattan.
With great vistas of the skyline, the Triboro Bridge and the Hell Gate Bridge, this park is the perfect place to take in the city when you need a little break from the city.
13. Savor The Flavors Of Japan Under The Stars
Stir-fried green tea soba, black pepper tuna salad, and fresh plates of sushi are just a few of the many delicious dishes served up at Luna Asian Bistro & Rooftop Lounge, which is also one of the most Instagram-worthy restaurants in NYC.
Located in the heart of Astoria, Luna’s rooftop has some of the best views of the skyline from this Queens neighborhood.
14. Take In The Shoreline
Head further up the East River for stunning shoreline views at Ralph Demarco Park.
From here, take in the sights while strolling along the park’s walking path or while lounging under a beautiful weeping willow.
Best Views Of NYC From Flushing
15. Give Yourself A Rooftop Tour Of Queens
You can do this right at A+ Roof Bar, located atop the Parc Hotel in Flushing.
Along with a menu of signature cocktails, A+ Roof Bar offers fantastic views of the Manhattan skyline as well as several Queens attractions like Citi Field.
Aviation nerds will also love watching the planes come and go from nearby LaGuardia Airport.
Stunning Views Of Manhattan From The Rockaways
16. Honor Victims Of September 11th In A Serene Space
Tribute Park is a serene spot in Rockaway Park with a more distant view of the Manhattan skyline.
The park features several monuments paying homage to the lives lost in the 9/11 attacks, including a beautiful mosaic centerpiece and cupola.
Take a moment of silence in remembrance in this calming outdoor space.
17. Bite In A Burger With A Cityscape
Enjoy a bayside burger and beer while watching the sunset over the skyline at The Wharf.
While you’ll need a clear day to get a really good view of Manhattan, this spot will remind you that you don’t have to go too far from the city to feel like you’re a world away.
NYC’s Best Waterfront Skyline Views
18. Hop On The NYC Ferry
The NYC Ferry offers one of the best waterfront views of NYC.
Plus, the ferry system has four stops that connect Queens to Manhattan and Brooklyn.
The fare is just $2.75 — the cost of a subway swipe — and refreshments are available onboard.
This includes alcohol, so it’s almost like a budget-friendly New York cruise.
📸 Shameless plug: Looking to capture your time in NYC with beautiful photos? Book a Private Photo Journey, a walking tour that includes photos of your group to keep. Or get a styled, custom shoot that tells your unique story through a NYC Influencer Shoot or Professional New York City Shoot. These experiences are offered by Jessie on a Journey’s sister company, NYC Photo Journeys. Email [email protected] with inquiries.
NYC Hotels With A View
Looking for a hotel in Queens with a view?
Here are some top picks, all featuring rooftop spaces worth the stay:
- Ravel Hotel. If you like to party, this Queens hotel offers a number of social and nightlife experiences onsite and on the roof, plus a free shuttle to the local subway station.
- Z NYC Hotel. This modern hotel offers stunning views from every guest room.
- Vista LIC Hotel, BW Premier Collection. A clean and comfortable property with multilingual staff that’s especially great for miles and points travelers as it’s owned by Marriott International.
- The Local Hostel. One of the few hostels in New York City, this hip and budget-friendly NYC accommodation offers some of the best skyline views of New York City.
Also don’t miss New York City’s great self-contained stay options! You can also view properties through this accommodation map. It’s currently set to Long Island City in Queens, but you can easily change it to your preferred base:
NYC Tours With A View
If you want to book a tour that incorporates incredible NYC vistas, here are a few not-to-miss options:
In your opinion, what are the best views of NYC and the Manhattan skyline from Queens?
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