New York City has some of the most famous views in the world, but let’s be honest—almost all of the popular locations are packed with tourists and overpriced drinks.
If you’ve ever tried squeezing through the crowds at the Empire State Building or dodging selfie sticks at the Top of the Rock, you know the struggle.
But here’s the good news: there are plenty of under-the-radar spots around the city where you can get incredible views without the chaos.
The best part is that most of them are completely free to visit!
Whether you want a perfect skyline shot or just a cool new place to explore, these secret viewpoints will make you feel like you’ve unlocked a whole new side of the city.
1. Brooklyn Heights Promenade
Brooklyn Heights Promenade is a scenic walkway in Brooklyn Heights that offers awesome views of the Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty.
This long, elevated path above the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway has benches, street lamps, and a peaceful vibe—perfect for a walk or coffee break.
Fun fact: The promenade was built in the early 1950s as part of a highway project, but locals fought to keep it as a public space.
Today, it’s one of the top hidden gems for catching a sunset over the city.
2. Pier 57 Rooftop Park
If you want a skyline view with a bit more greenery, head to Pier 57 Rooftop Park in Chelsea.
This huge rooftop space sits on top of a historic pier, with open lawns, picnic tables, and unbeatable views of Lower Manhattan and the Hudson River.
Added to the city in 2022, this newer attraction has plenty of seating to appreciate the scenery.
3. Green-Wood Cemetery
For a different kind of viewpoint, Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn is totally underrated for its skyline views.
This historic cemetery, founded in 1838, sits on one of the highest points in Brooklyn, where you can see the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan.
It’s also a National Historic Landmark with Gothic archways, winding paths, and famous graves, so you get a mix of history, nature, and cityscape all in one area.
4. Hunter’s Point South Park
If you want a front-row seat to the Manhattan skyline without the crowds, Hunter’s Point South Park in Queens is a must-visit.
Located right on the East River in Long Island City, this waterfront park has winding walkways and a giant grassy lawn.
It also has a lookout platform that gives you a perfect view of the Empire State and Chrysler buildings.
It’s a great place to bike, grab a bite from a nearby snack bar, or just sit by the water and watch the city light up at sunset.
5. Queensboro Bridge
For something unexpected, walk or bike across the Queensboro Bridge and see the city from a whole new angle.
This 100-year-old bridge connects Queens and Manhattan with a pedestrian path showcasing Roosevelt Island, the East River, and the Midtown skyline.
It’s also one of the few bridges in the city where you can watch the Roosevelt Island Tram glide right past you.
6. Four Freedoms Park
If you’ve ever looked at Roosevelt Island from Manhattan and wondered what’s at the southern tip, the answer is Four Freedoms Park—a sleek, modern memorial.
Designed by Louis Kahn, this triangular park lines up perfectly with the United Nations Headquarters across the river, giving you a straight-shot view of the Midtown skyline.
It’s also one of the quietest places in the city, so you can sit on the stone steps and pretend—for a few minutes at least—that you have New York all to yourself.
7. Staten Island Ferry
For a moving viewpoint that won’t cost you a dime, hop on the Staten Island Ferry and get a front-row seat to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Lower Manhattan skyline.
The ferry runs 24/7 and is completely free, so you can ride back and forth as many times as you want!
Head to the outdoor deck for the best views, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a giant cargo ship cruising past or see helicopters buzzing over the harbor.
8. Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library Rooftop
For a location that feels like a secret, the rooftop terrace at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library is a hidden gem in Midtown.
This public library, just a block from Bryant Park, has a top-floor terrace with a view of tall skyscrapers, plus plenty of seating if you want to relax with a book.
Since it’s part of the New York Public Library system, it’s free to visit with no long lines or costly drinks to worry about.
9. Francis Lewis Park
If you’re up for an off-the-beaten-path view, Francis Lewis Park in Queens has one of the best waterfront panoramas in the city.
Located in Whitestone, this peaceful park sits right on the East River, with a straight-on view of the massive Bronx-Whitestone Bridge stretching over the water.
It’s the perfect spot to sit back and relax, have a picnic or watch the boats passing by.
10. Domino Park, Williamsburg
Domino Park in Williamsburg offers an incredible waterfront view of the Manhattan skyline, with the Williamsburg Bridge as its centerpiece.
Built on the old Domino Sugar Factory site, this park has kept some of the original industrial structures, including giant syrup tanks and old factory cranes.
Grab a taco from Tacocina, walk along the elevated walkway, or stretch out on the grass and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere.
(Please note that Tacocina closes over the winter and reopens in March.)
11. Sunset Park
Sunset Park in Brooklyn is one of the borough’s highest natural points, providing a sweeping look at Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and some parts of New Jersey.
This neighborhood park is a local favorite, with plenty of open space, shady trees, and one of the best sunset views in the city—hence the name.
Bring a snack, find a bench at the top of the hill, then watch the sky turn orange and the city lights flicker to life.
12. Bushwick Inlet Park
For a skyline view with plenty of room to breathe, stretch out at Bushwick Inlet Park in Williamsburg.
This waterfront park has a giant grassy field, a curved shoreline, and unobstructed views of the Empire State Building and Midtown’s skyscrapers.
It’s the perfect place to kick back with friends, toss a frisbee, or just sit by the water and watch the city glow as the sun goes down.
13. Fort Tryon Park
If you want an escape from the city, Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan has a peaceful hilltop overlooking the Hudson River and the Palisades.
This park is home to The Met Cloisters, a medieval art museum surrounded by lush gardens and stone pathways.
Walk up to Linden Terrace, the park’s highest point, and you’ll get an open-air view of the river, plus a chance to catch one of the prettiest sunsets in the city.
14. Calvary Cemetery, Queens
For a piece of history, Calvary Cemetery in Queens offers a striking look at Manhattan framed by thousands of old gravestones.
This massive cemetery, dating back to the 1800s, is the final resting place for over three million people, including Civil War veterans and infamous mobsters.
The best vantage points are near Greenpoint Avenue, where the headstones seem to stretch endlessly toward the cityscape.
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