Can you believe it is already September? I know I can’t and feel like I was just doing my vision board for 2021, but just like that 9 months have passed in the click of a button! With NYC mostly vaccinated and most covid restrictions lifted, life has pretty much returned to normal or as normal as it can be. So whether you are a city dweller or visiting from places far and wide, here are where you can get the best views of NYC according to me.

Get on Top of the World

We can agree to disagree but NYC has one of the most amazing skylines there is. And until the Summit One Vanderbilt opens up this fall, the best way to get that view is on top of the Edge in Hudson Yards, where you can enjoy wonderful views of the city that never sleeps, day or night.

Since I’m not one for tourist attractions and love all things bougie, I suggest a meal at Peak—Make sure to make your reservation at the restaurant located on the 101st floor, not the lounge. Not only do you get to enjoy a delectable and well presented meal, you also get escorted to The Edge right after to enjoy the views of the city. I mean, you can go onto the Edge during the meal too, but why join the masses when you can enjoy different views as you sip and dine?

Pro-Tip: Do an early dinner reservation around 6:30 pm so you get daylight views, sunset views and evening views all in one sitting.

ISLAND HOP

What does this tiny island of Manhattan need? One more island of course! If you are up for a day of lounging in a new-ish part of Manhattan, make your way off to Little Island on Pier 55. Unlike other islands in this city, this is the one island you don’t need a ferry ride to get to. Right now there aren’t many activities there, but some concerts are coming their way in their amphitheater. What you can do now? Eat, drink and be merry!

There are concession stands where you can purchase your food and drink of choice by QR code or you can bring your own. Yes, there is actually a ticketed park you can bring your own curated picnic basket to in NYC without being charged. The views from the island are great so highly suggest exploring and walking around to get a different vantage point of the city.

Pro-Tip: Highly suggest going on an overcast day. I went on one of the hottest days so far and spent most of my time hiding under an umbrella in the dining area. If you want to brave the heat, wear A LOT of SPF as there is not a lot of places to hide from the sun on this man made island. Also, if you want to avoid trying to find tickets, tickets to enter Little Island are not required before noon, which probably is the best time to go if you don’t want to get sunburn.

Go Brooklyn Bound

Though I was born and bred in Brooklyn, any of my friends will tell you it will take much convincing to go to Williamsburg. I know it is trendy and has A LOT to offer, but the commute for me is such a pain, especially with the surging Uber prices as of late. But when I do go, one of my must spots even if it is not my main destination is Westlight. Located on the 22nd floor of the William Vale Hotel, Westlight gives you panoramic views of NYC and the surrounding boroughs. It is the perfect place for brunch, cocktails with friends to watch the sunset, or a romantic dinner with your boo.

Pro-Tip: It gets quite hot on the outdoor terrace, so book a table indoors if you are going during prime sun hours. They have floor to ceiling windows so you can enjoy the view without ruining your clothes or your face.

Into the Club

My suggestion is to actually go off hours vs dancing through the night, but if you want to pretend you are in Ibiza, definitely stay for after hours. Somewhere Nowhere, located on the roof of the Renaissance Hotel is one of the newest spots to get a great and uninterrupted view of the NYC skyline, more specifically the Empire State Building and Manhattan’s west side. There is also a pool here, which could either be a good or a bad idea, depending on how you look at it.

Pro-Tip: Definitely make a reservation and go on a non-weekend evening if you want to miss the crowds. If you are a regular reader of my blog or follower of my IG, you definitely want to miss the crowds.

Into the Woods

Well, more like into the park. One of my all time favorite and quintessential places in NYC is the Central Park Boathouse. If you follow me on IG you know I am constantly walking through the park for my much needed moments of zen. The Boathouse is nestled in the middle of the park and overlooks the lake, where you can watch boaters taking in the views through canoes or just the local wildlife of the area. Though not the traditional skyscraper views of NYC, it is a nice escape from the craziness of city life because it transports you out of the concrete jungle. For me, it is one of the most beautiful views of the city and my idea of absolute urban zen.

Pro-Tip: Make a lunch resi during the week to avoid crazy crowds. Now that tourists have started invading NYC again, it may be a little harder to do this, but will be much better than facing the crazy crowds for brunch on the weekends, when they don’t take reservations.

Set Sail

One of the prettiest and most cost effective ways to see and get around NYC is the ferry. For the same price of taking the subway or bus, you can take the ferry instead. I discovered this last year when covid was still running rampant in the city and I did not feel comfortable in enclosed areas. Even with the pandemic under control, this is still my favorite way to get around the city and to other parts surrounding the city like Roosevelt Island, Rockaway Beach and LIC.

Pro-Tip: Buy your tickets through the NYC ferry app and make sure to leave some extra time if you need to be somewhere. The ferry is wonderful, but sadly the subway is the fastest way to get around most of the city.