New York City’s skyline is one of the most iconic in the world, with Manhattan’s towering skyscrapers painting a memorable silhouette. But some of the best views of Manhattan aren’t from within Manhattan itself—they’re from Brooklyn. From the Brooklyn waterfront to hidden rooftops, Brooklyn offers some unbeatable vantage points for soaking in the majesty of the skyline. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned New Yorker, this guide will take you to the best places in Brooklyn to see and photograph the stunning Manhattan skyline.
1. Brooklyn Bridge Park
One of the most popular spots to capture breathtaking views of Manhattan is Brooklyn Bridge Park. This sprawling, 85-acre park stretches along the East River waterfront from DUMBO to Brooklyn Heights, offering countless angles to view Manhattan’s iconic buildings. Each section of the park provides unique perspectives, so plan to explore multiple areas to get the best shots.
Highlights:
- Pier 1: Offers a wide, open view of Lower Manhattan, including the Freedom Tower and the Statue of Liberty in the distance.
- Main Street Park: Located in DUMBO, this section has a small beach area that offers a framed view of the Manhattan Bridge with the skyline behind it, a must-see for photographers.
- Pier 2: Head here to capture the cityscape with an artistic twist, as its paved basketball courts and urban design create a great foreground for city shots.
Best time to visit: Sunset is prime time for photography, as the golden hour casts a warm glow over the skyline. At night, the lit-up buildings and reflections in the East River create a magical effect.
2. Pebble Beach in DUMBO
Nestled between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, Pebble Beach in the DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) neighborhood offers a rare riverside view of Manhattan framed by two of NYC’s most famous bridges. The small, rocky beach area adds a unique foreground to your photos, especially when the water is calm enough to capture reflections.
Highlights:
- Framed Views: Pebble Beach offers a view of the Brooklyn Bridge to the left, the Manhattan Bridge to the right, and Manhattan’s skyline in between, creating an unbeatable panorama.
- Iconic Photo Spot: This spot is especially popular with photographers and Instagrammers for its dynamic backdrop and perspective.
Best time to visit: Early morning to avoid crowds, or in the evening to capture the lights of Manhattan as they reflect off the river.
3. Brooklyn Heights Promenade
For a classic, elevated view of Manhattan, head to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. This 1,800-foot-long pedestrian walkway sits atop the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, providing a stunning, unobstructed view of Lower Manhattan. From here, you can see the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, and even the Empire State Building.
Highlights:
- Panoramic Views: The promenade offers one of the best panoramic views of Manhattan, perfect for wide-angle shots.
- Park Benches: Take a seat on one of the many benches and watch the boats go by, or bring a picnic and enjoy the view.
Best time to visit: The Brooklyn Heights Promenade is beautiful at any time, but late afternoon or evening is best for photography as the lighting softens, and you can capture the sunset and city lights.
4. The Rooftop at Time Out Market New York
For a unique, elevated view in the heart of DUMBO, visit the Time Out Market rooftop. Located in Empire Stores, this rooftop provides a sweeping view of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges with the Manhattan skyline in the distance. Plus, you can grab food and drinks from some of the city’s best eateries, making it a great place to relax and take in the scenery.
Highlights:
- Rooftop Dining: Enjoy a meal or drink with a view from the rooftop’s seating area while soaking in the stunning skyline.
- 360-Degree View: Beyond the Manhattan skyline, you can see parts of Brooklyn and the Statue of Liberty from here.
Best time to visit: Try to catch sunset from the rooftop, when the city is bathed in golden light. Even after dark, the illuminated skyline is spectacular.
5. St. Ann’s Warehouse Garden
For a more secluded and peaceful spot, the garden at St. Ann’s Warehouse in DUMBO offers another great perspective of Manhattan. This hidden gem is located near the Main Street section of Brooklyn Bridge Park and has beautifully maintained gardens with a view of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline.
Highlights:
- Secluded Vibe: Fewer tourists find their way here, so it’s often quieter and less crowded.
- Perfect Framing: The trees and plants provide a natural frame for the Manhattan skyline, adding a different element to typical cityscape photos.
Best time to visit: Afternoon and evening are great times to visit, especially if you want to avoid the crowds and catch some beautiful lighting on the skyline.
6. The Rooftop at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
The 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge offers one of the most exclusive and luxurious views of the Manhattan skyline. The hotel’s rooftop bar and lounge are open to the public, giving non-guests access to a gorgeous view of Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge. With its infinity pool, greenery, and upscale design, this spot feels like an urban oasis.
Highlights:
- Infinity Pool View: For guests, the infinity pool offers a stunning backdrop of the skyline, but you can still enjoy amazing views from the bar.
- Rooftop Bar: Sip a cocktail or enjoy a small bite while taking in the cityscape.
Best time to visit: The evening is ideal for enjoying cocktails and watching the skyline light up. Keep in mind that weekends can get busy, so consider visiting on a weekday for a more relaxed vibe.
7. East River State Park (Marsha P. Johnson State Park)
East River State Park, recently renamed Marsha P. Johnson State Park, is located in Williamsburg and offers spectacular views of Midtown and Lower Manhattan. This park has a more open view compared to DUMBO’s waterfront and includes picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing day by the water.
Highlights:
- Skyline from Midtown to Downtown: From this vantage point, you’ll have a sweeping view of both Midtown and Lower Manhattan, including landmarks like the Empire State Building and the Freedom Tower.
- Ample Space: The park is spacious, giving visitors plenty of room to sit, picnic, or walk along the water.
Best time to visit: Head here in the late afternoon to catch the golden hour as it illuminates the skyline, or early morning for a quieter experience.
8. Domino Park
Domino Park in Williamsburg offers unique waterfront views with an industrial twist. Built on the site of the old Domino Sugar Factory, the park’s design incorporates remnants of the factory and boasts plenty of seating areas, a playground, and even a taco stand.
Highlights:
- Industrial Aesthetic: The factory structures create a unique contrast against the Manhattan skyline, adding character to your photos.
- Great for Families: With a playground and wide-open spaces, Domino Park is a family-friendly spot with fantastic views.
Best time to visit: Sunset is perfect here, as the warm light adds contrast to the industrial elements. The park is also photogenic at night, when the Manhattan skyline is reflected in the East River.
9. Greenpoint Waterfront
For a quieter, off-the-beaten-path experience, head to Greenpoint. Known for its creative community and scenic waterfront, Greenpoint offers stunning views of Midtown Manhattan. You’ll find a mix of local hangouts, small piers, and parks along the waterfront, perfect for a leisurely stroll with skyline views.
Highlights:
- Midtown View: Greenpoint’s vantage points are particularly good for seeing the Midtown area, including the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building.
- Laid-Back Atmosphere: Less crowded than DUMBO or Brooklyn Heights, Greenpoint offers a peaceful environment to enjoy the views.
Best time to visit: Early morning or dusk, when the sunlight creates a warm glow over the Midtown skyline.
10. Bushwick Inlet Park
Another favorite for locals, Bushwick Inlet Park provides a relaxed, open space with fantastic views of the Manhattan skyline. The park is located between Williamsburg and Greenpoint, and its waterfront setting is ideal for unwinding with a skyline view.
Highlights:
- Great for Picnics: Bring a blanket and some snacks, and enjoy a quiet picnic with the best backdrop imaginable.
- Unobstructed Views: The park’s positioning offers clear views of Manhattan from Midtown down to Lower Manhattan.
Best time to visit: Late afternoon and early evening are perfect for a relaxing sunset picnic as the skyline transitions from day to night.
Final Thoughts
Brooklyn offers some of the best vantage points for admiring the iconic Manhattan skyline, from luxurious rooftops and peaceful parks to artistic and industrial spaces. Whether you’re a photographer, a nature lover, or just looking for a great spot to relax, there’s a perfect viewpoint in Brooklyn for everyone.
For the ultimate skyline experience, try visiting a few of these spots at different times of day to capture Manhattan from every angle. From sunrise to sunset and after dark, each Brooklyn location brings a unique perspective on the city, offering endless opportunities to fall in love with New York’s unforgettable skyline.
