There are many reasons Williamsburg has quickly grown in popularity, and its proximity to Manhattan is certainly one of them. Make sure to also grab a cocktail from the bar to toast to the Empire State Building. No reservations are necessary. A raw bar, lobster rolls, and truffle parmesan fries are enough to fuel you through the ride. Departing from the Hudson River just west of Times Square, this 900-foot boat sails past the skyline on complimentary 45-minute cruises all afternoon and evening. North River’s floating seafood restaurant is a must-visit during the warm months for any tourist or local. When you’re ready to get up close and personal with the spectacular skyline, start trekking across the bridge - ideally at sunset. The park recently revamped its piers, which now offer local food vendors, nightly outdoor movies, readings, parties, and more. Here, you can lounge on the grass alongside the East River and watch the day pass through the buildings. If you think the views you spotted while walking across the Brooklyn Bridge from lower Manhattan to Brooklyn were amazing, wait until you see them from Brooklyn Bridge Park.
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From parks and rooftops to subway and bridges, here are 14 spots that offer stellar front-row seats to one of the best city skylines in the world.
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Plus, because the Big Apple's core is surrounded by water, there are plenty of fantastic ways to witness the skyline without having to venture too far from the city. Skewered with grandiose buildings that are plotted in the center and perimeter of Manhattan, the view here is enough to take your breath away (and have you reaching for your phone to snap countless photos). Among the many reasons to love New York City, the magnificent skyline is high up there.