The skyline of New York City is an image everyone is familiar with, but looking from a distance isn’t the only way to get a breathtaking view of the city that never sleeps. Once inside the city, there are dozens of places to soak in the different scenery New York has to offer. This fall, before the winter weather makes walking the crowded streets almost unbearable, there are a few places to go that promise amazing views and can also give your wallet a break.
One of the best views of Manhattan can be seen from the Brooklyn Bridge. The bridge is a stop on most subway rides, making it easy to get to, and completely worth it. You can walk or ride a bike across, but if you’re looking to enjoy the scenery, walking is the best option. When entering from the Manhattan side, the views are less exciting, but once you turn around and head back, you are given exactly what you came for. There are plenty of places along the bridge to stop and take pictures, or just take in the view, that allow you to stay out of the way of busy commuters or locals on their daily run. These areas also include plaques with history and facts about the bridge if you’re interested. And the Brooklyn Bridge is open 24/7.
“I would go during the day when you can see everything,” junior Angie Lebron said. “It’s probably really nice when the sun is setting too.”
If you’re looking for more scaled down views of the city, one of the best places to go is the Highline. It is located on the West Side, and runs from Gansevoort Street to West 11th Ave. The area used to be a freight rail line, but has been transformed into an elevated park that runs just above the busy streets below. Guests take their time walking through the park, soaking in the views of the West Side and the Hudson River. Greenery, art, and the preserved remains of the old railroad track surround the walkways and along the way there are also vendors who sell food and gifts. The Highline, open daily from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m., is worth the trip into the West Side’s Meatpacking District.
For an even more personal and scaled-down view of New York, head into Central Park and stop by Belvedere Castle. It is more specifically located Mid-Park and 79th street, and is famous for housing equipment from the National Weather Service to measure the temperature of New York City. Access inside the building is allowed between 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and offers the best views of Central Park. You simply climb the flight of stairs to the observation deck to see the highest views of the park while still remaining inside of it. Feel free to take a picture or two.
Next time you find yourself wandering the streets of New York, make sure to stop by any, or all of these places to get the best views New York City has to offer, without having to break the bank.
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lquaglin@ramapo.edu
