New York Skyline

travel wonder in America

Why the New York

Skyline is special

New York City has the world's most recognized and inspiring skyline. Its buildings soar upward, as if sprouting. This occurs in two Manhattan clusters, midtown and downtown, with a "valley" of low buildings in between.

Viewing tips

To enjoy the New York skyline view at its spine-tingling best, you must know both the best times and vantage points.

The most sensational daytime views occur on sunny days, particularly in the morning (when looking west) and late afternoon (east).

However, the best evening viewing time is not so obvious. It's incredibly romantic on workday nights but rather humdrum on Saturday, Sunday and holiday nights. Reason: When the New York office workers go home, the lights are kept on for the evening cleaning crews. On non-work nights, the crews stay home and you cannot see the fabled New York curtain of diamonds.

The best New York skyline vantage points are on top of the 102-story Empire State Building and aboard the Circle Line excursion boats, Staten Island Ferry and sightseeing helicopters. The view from the Brooklyn Heights' Promenade (also called  the Esplanade) is a close runner-up.

World Trade

Center Tragedy

On September 11, 2001 the New York skyline drastically changed as the twin 110-floor towers of the World Trade Center collapsed as a result of terrorist attacks. Loss of life was staggering.

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©2008 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications