Earlier this Spring, Mr R and I headed to New York City for a four-night bustling city break. Whilst both of us had been before, there were more neighbourhoods and places we were excited to explore. In this post, we share a few places we discovered for the best vantage points of the Manhattan skyline.
Restoring Beauty & Nature: The High Line
We entered the enchanting High Line at Hudson Yards. This former disused railway line has been transformed into a breathtaking park that seamlessly blends remnants of its railway history with nature and captivating art installations. You’ll find plenty of places along the way that you’ll want to stop and soak in all the glimpses of the city above, below and alongside you.
Find out more: Highline https://www.thehighline.org/
Mural by Kelsey Montague Art
The Unexpected Gem: Little Island
Less than a 10-minute stroll from the High Line's entrance at Gansevoort & Washington, we stumbled upon Little Island. We stopped by the food kiosk for a refreshing ice-lolly treat. If you're in the mood for something a little more substantial, you'll find sandwiches, hot dogs, and salads as well. Little Island is a beautiful location right on the river, with gorgeous vistas of the city amongst a lush garden setting. Keep in mind that this gem can get quite busy.
Find out more: Little Island https://littleisland.org/
Sky-high Views: Edge
Edge, an outdoor viewing platform, offered us sky-high views of New York. Currently the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, its 360-degree views include iconic landmarks like the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and the Statue of Liberty - all fantastic to see from up high. Whilst not for me - there is also a glass floor section that adds an exciting perspective.
Find out more: The Edge https://www.edgenyc.com/
Pockets to Escape to: Brooklyn Bridge Park
If you want a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle, Brooklyn Bridge Harbor Park is a treasure. Whilst there are busy spots, we found perfectly peaceful places further west, towards Pier 5. We highly recommend a visit - one particularly picturesque spot allowed us to sit and gaze at the Statue of Liberty, surrounded by nature. Our journey continued with a walk along Brooklyn Heights Promenade and through Squibb Park, revealing stunning vistas of Manhattan, with elegant homes and apartment blocks lining the way.
Find out more: Brooklyn Bridge Park https://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/
The Freebie: The Staten Island Ferry
We opted for the outdoor seating as it was a gorgeous day and headed towards the back for an unparalleled view of Manhattan. Keep in mind that the side passing the Statue of Liberty tends to be the busiest and as it's a free commuter ferry, aim to avoid peak commuting hours for a more leisurely experience.
Find out more: Staten Island Ferry https://siferry.com/
Where we satisfied our appetites:
We enjoyed some fabulous places for eating and drinking. Some of our favourite places included:
Urban Hawker: Indulge in flavourful Singaporean street food at this cool venue.
Mace Bar in Greenwich: Listed in the World’s Top 50 bars, sip on delicious cocktails. My favourite was a rum punch concoction.
Don Antonio's: Experience mouthwatering pizza perfection.
Time Out Market in Brooklyn: We stopped off for a quick drink, but there are plenty of diverse cuisines to explore.
% Arabica: A great place to stop off for coffee in DUMBO
The interior at Urban Hawker, NYC
The interior at Urban Hawker
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Pizza at Don Antonio’s
Chicken Rice at Urban Hawker NYC
Chicken Rice, Urban Hawker
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Mace Bar
Our four nights in New York City were a whirlwind of breathtaking views, scrumptious bites, and memorable art. It left me full of inspiration and itching to draw the mesmerising skyline. Hope this inspires you to explore these fantastic vantage points and create your own memories. I'd love to hear your experiences!