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To avoid drying out when your cousin from France asks you for an inventory of the most beautiful views of New York, French Morning has concocted a small selection of the most spectacular views of the city.
There are of course the many rooftops that dominate the city (see our 2013 guide), the traditional Rockefeller Center and Empire State Building, but also “The View”, the panoramic restaurant at Marriott Times Square (46 and Broadway). Three reasons not to overdo its cocktails: 1. the super-fast elevator goes through the floors and can make you feel dizzy. 2. the circular restaurant spins around to see New York in 360 degrees. 3. Cocktails are not given when you are not a hotel guest. No need for a reservation to raise your elbow. You will need one, however, for dinner.
It’s a secret that is less and less so: the cable car between Manhattan and Roosevelt Island. Embark aboard this “made in France” machine to span the East River from Midtown (60th Street and 2nd Avenue) and land slowly on Roosevelt Island, the long island between Queens and Manhattan. Little extra: the cable car runs along the Queensboro Bridge and its spectacular iron frame. All you need is a simple metro card to use the cable car. Advice: take it during the day for the outward journey and at night for the return.
On the other side of the Hudson River, New Jersey also offers some nuggets. Starting with the city of Hoboken, which faces New York. Accessible by train PATH. After the stroll along the river, a short stroll on Main Street, the city’s shopping artery, is recommended. Another nugget: Union City, further north. The city, accessible by bus (New Jersey Transit) from the Port Authority road terminal, has a long park overlooking the Hudson. Get off at Boulevard East and 62nd St, one of the first stops in New Jersey, and take in the views.
After the Brooklyn Bridge, the view of which will also heat up your Lumix, you have the choice: go to the Brooklyn Bridge Park north to stroll along the East River and admire the Manhattan skyline; go south to win the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, a 100-meter walk on the edge of the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood, which overlooks the East River and southern Manhattan. Go there for sunset (the promenade faces west). Romanticism guaranteed.
Sunset Park. This little-known little park, stuck in the district of the same name, a little further south in Brooklyn, is located high up. It allows its visitors to rise above the rooftops for a beautiful view of the Statue of Liberty and lower Manhattan. In summer, the many Hispanic communities in the area gather there for barbecues. Peaceful, family-friendly, surprising… success guaranteed. Get off at the 45th St stop on the R.
In Queens, visitors will find what they are looking for at Gantry Plaza State Park of Long Island City, the district bordering the East River, facing Manhattan. From this well-maintained, peaceful park, Midtown Manhattan, the Chrysler, the UN are available to you. Wooden deckchairs by the river and clean lawns allow you to enjoy the view without breaking your back. Accessible by metro (Hunters Point stop on line 7)
The ferry fresh Staten Island has several advantages. It is free, passes in front of the Statue of Liberty and above all, it offers a glowing view of the southern tip of Manhattan, both out and back. As everyone has the same idea, it is better to find a good seat on board and hold it. Take the ferry at Whitehall Terminal, South Ferry stop on metro line 1. Governors Island, the island in the south of Manhattan open during the summer, also offers beautiful perspectives on the south of Manhattan. It is accessible free of charge by ferry.
And you, do you have a favorite “spot” to photograph the “skyline”? Share it in the comments!
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