New York City is renowned for its stunning cityscapes. Indeed, one of the perks of visiting the Big Apple on business is the opportunity to admire the world's most famous metropolis. To ensure you enjoy the best views in New York City during your corporate stay we’ve put together a guide to the essential New York viewpoints.
Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge is a hybrid cable-stayed/suspension bridge that spans the East River from Brookyln to Manhattan at an impressive 1,834 metres long. You can walk, bike and drive along the bridge and enjoy a beautiful 360-degree view – definitely one of the best views in New York City. Thousands of tourists flock to the bridge on a daily basis to admire the iconic structure’s impressive architecture. Construction of the bridge began in 1869 and took 14 years to complete; it was the world’s first steel-wire suspension bridge. .
One World Trade Center
One World Trade Center is the tallest building in New York City, standing 541 metres high, and featuring an observatory on the floors 100-102. You can access the One World Observatory, ‘the Freedom Tower’, via the SkyPod Elevators which take you to the 102nd story in just 47 seconds. Not only can you appreciate some of the finest New York viewpoints such as New York Harbor, but you can also wine and dine at ONE Dine whilst watching the world go by on the 101st floor. This spectacular view is especially poignant as the building was built in remembrance of the Twin Towers and the victims of the 2001 terrorist attack; inside is a dedicated 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
Roosevelt Island Tram
Roosevelt Island Tram opened in 1976 and was the first commuter aerial tramway in North America. It travels over the East River from Roosevelt Island to the Upper East Side of Manhattan in just four minutes. During this ride guests can indulge in spectacular views across New York from Queensboro Bridge to the Blackwell Island Lighthouse. The tram comes every five-fifteen minutes and can hold up to 110 passengers: it's also the oldest tram in North America!
Summit One Vanderbilt
Summit One Vanderbilt is located on the top four floors of One Vanderbilt, the fourth-tallest building in New York. The Summit One Vanderbilt has four unique experiences – Air, Levitation, Ascent and Apres. Air is an interactive art experience designed by Kenzo Digital featuring Transcendence 1, Transcendence 2, and Affinity; each one uses mirrors to create a ‘structureless world’. Levitation is an installation of transparent skyboxes which are over 1,000 feet above ground level and Ascent is a glass elevation that scales the side of the building, reaching the highest point on the One Vanderbilt. Finally, Après is a café and restaurant offering delicious dishes to enjoy with a colleague after a hard-working day.
Empire State Building
Arguably one of the most famous buildings in the world, the iconic Empire State Building opened in 1931. New York can be appreciated from the 102nd floor open-air observatory deck, 1,872 steps up. The Empire State Building Observatory boasts some of the best views in New York City and is extremely popular with tourists. The Tower lights up with different colours each night, depending on the occasion – it's also hit by lightning an average of 25 times a year. Find out more about the surprising stories behind New York’s Famous building in our blog.
Edge Observation Deck
The Edge Observation Deck is one of five observation decks in Manhattan and the highest in New York City. At 100 floors above ground, visitors are seemingly suspended in mid-air; the Deck has a glass floor and features a champagne bar. With no limit on how long you can spend on the deck, you can indulge in the 360-degree views across New York. On the 101st floor there is an indoor observation area and a restaurant; keep an eye out on the website as Sky-High yoga is sometimes available. In late 2021, Edge offered a new experience, City Climb NYC, where visitors can scale the side of the skyscraper – needless to say, it's not for the faint hearted.
Staten Island Ferry
If heights are not your thing but you still want to appreciate the beautiful sights of New York, then take a trip on the Staten Island Ferry. It is completely free, and many commuters board the vessel daily to get to work. However, it’s also the perfect way to enjoy New York viewpoints including Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn Heights, and Brooklyn Bridge. The ferry also speeds past the Statue of Liberty, so, get your cameras at the ready - it is the best way to see the Lady Liberty for free.
Rooftop Bars
Want a business meeting with a view? New York has a plethora of roof top bars around the city. Press Lounge is one of the best in NYC, known for its unique cocktails, 360-degree view of the city, and rooftop pool. Boasting breath-taking views over the Manhattan skyline and Hudson River, Press Lounge is incredibly popular with locals and tourists alike; dressing to impress is advised when visiting. One of the largest rooftop bars in NYC is 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar. Named after its location on 230 5th Ave, the bar can seat up to 1,000 people and offers both brunch and cocktails all year round. If you want an incredible view of the Empire State Building during your business meeting, then 230 Fifth is the place to visit.
If this blog has whet your appetite, discover the different boroughs in New York City or take a look at our top five two-bedroom apartments blog. Staying in New York on a business trip? Visit our website to discover our portfolio of properties in the Big Apple
