Walking on the streets of New York always feel magical especially for tourists, for how can a foreign land feel so familiar and yet you have never seen anything like it either.

Whatever reason you are here, you’ve never really seen anything until you have visited some of these iconic spots:

911 One World Observatory

The One World Observatory occupies the 100^th – 102^nd floor of One World Trade Center. The newest skyscraper in New York stands at 1,776ft, the tallest in the whole of the western hemisphere.

The whole building is a reminder of that dark September day in 2001.Rising from the ashes of 911, the view of New York will certainly take your breath away.

See forever, with the observatory’s 30ft high windows that go all the way around to give you fantastic 360 degree views of the city up to 80 meters away.

Top of the Rock

For me, this offers the best view of the city even if it does not go higher than the 70^th floor of the Rockefeller Plaza. Crowning one of the city’s iconic buildings is the Top of the Rock, an outdoor viewing deck inspired by an ocean liner’s grand deck in the1930s.

Its proximity to Central Park, vintage looking binoculars and glass panel surrounding the deck gives this observatory the most astounding views that is almost magical.

Indoor observation decks with open windows are on the 68^th and 69^th floors.

Empire State Building

This may be the most famous landmark of the city after the Statue of Liberty itself. Located at the center of midtown Manhattan, it is considered as the 8^th wonder of the modern world – Empire State Building.

Its observation deck is located on the 86^th and 102^nd floors. Visitors can have an unobstructed view that can even be up to 80 miles, well outside the city limits, on a clear day.

Metropolitan Museum of Arts

More popularly known as the MET, this museum has the largest collection of art works in all of America and is one of the most viewed all over the world. But aside from all the beautiful pieces of art in the museum, MET also offers a skyline view of the city from its rooftop café and bar – and entrance is free.

The rooftop may not be towering like the first tree, but it offers the same skyline view of the Empire State building with the Empire in it.

Liberty Island via Statue Cruises

If height is not your thing, then do not worry. You do not always have to go way up high to see spectacular views. You can go around the island on a cruise instead.

See the city’s concrete jungle outline and be filled with its magnificence from a distance via Hudson River. The cruise can give you a view of the Statue of Liberty and the New York Harbor– and it’s plenty of good backdrop for amazing selfies.

The tour leads visitors to Liberty and Ellis Island.

Liberty State Park

Get a different view of the City skyline by visiting Liberty State Park in New Jersey. The view from here is simply unforgettable especially at night when all of the city lights are on.

The park is historically significant as it was the gateway for English immigrants to the US from 1892-1954. New Jersey‘s 1,122 acre gift to the nation allotted 300 acres of the land dedicated for public recreation.

DUMBO

Another picture worthy skyline is that from Brooklyn’s DUMBO (stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass). This place was once abandoned before some artists started a renaissance in the area attracting both artistic people and tech savvy ones creating a different vibe for the area.

For best views go to Pier One of Brooklyn Bridge Park or go to a small park by Plymouth Street.

230 Fifth

Concrete is everywhere here but there is one spot in all the city that offers a rooftop garden.

The garden itself is a breath of fresh air but the best part is the view of the Empire State building and the whole city. It’s most spectacular at night.

Hudson River Boats and Sails

View the city from the Hudson River aboard a boat. The view from here of the city scape including the impressive Empire State building will not fail you. Plus, you get up close to Lady Liberty while enjoying the wind on your hair as you sail away.

Ides from Brooklyn

Experience an astounding view of Manhattan while having some drinks at The Ides, 80^th floor of Whythe Hotel.

Ides may be the best spot for the younger and trendier crowd who enjoys the night life and the view of the city as it is.

Brooklyn Barge

The Brooklyn Barge is a “waterfront community” with the main objective of conserving and restoring the East River. But it’s not all studious at the barge, it also happens to be a bar serving good food and drinks, and an awesome look of Manhattan’s skyline at sunset.

Brooklyn Bridge

A trip to the Big Apple will not be complete without experiencing the Brooklyn Bridge. Take a walk from Brooklyn to Manhattan and take in the sights of a million windows lighting up as the sun goes down.

The world’s first suspension bridge connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan built back in 1869 also happens to be one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19^th century.

It is one of the iconic landmarks of the city that allows a view of the city’s promise for all new comers as clearly as the bright lights of downtown Manhattan.

The skyscraper city is home to many different cultures all here to chase their dreams. On these dreams the city was made – each and every building and in turn, inspiring new comers to dream on as they encourage you to look up.