Without a doubt the Empire State Building gives you the best view of NYC, but where are some other places that give a good/nice view of NYC(not just Manhattan), of which are open to the public? I have seen on this site the view from the top of the Penn hotel gives you a nice view of Manhattan (particularly at night) and have have also seen in a travel guide the top level of the Metropolitan museum of art gives a nice view of Central Park.

This is a no brainer. The most photographed perspective of lower Manhatten is from Brooklyn Heights, followed by the place where the most commercials and music videos are shot: under the Brooklyn Bridge on the Brooklyn side. To arrive at both these vistas a strongly suggest walking across the Brooklyn Bridge - which is excellent vantage point #3.

My favorite view is from New Jersey. I suggest going to the ferry on the westside by the Javitt's Center and taking the ride across the Hudson. You can get out on the other side and walk around and have a drink at the restaurant on the landing. It is a commuter ferry so it is really cheap and takes about 5 minutes. Any commuters out there have more details?

The Rainbow Room (the bar) at Rockefeller Center. Have a drink and watch the Empire State Building light up.

To add to Ellen's suggestion, The New York Waterway Ferry runs several boats to different parts of NJ. The best view may be from the heights in Weehawken as you be able to see the entire skyline. Take the Weehawken Ferry and then walk up the ramp to the hill. There is a park along the promenade. The ferry is $10 round trip.

You can also take the PATH train to Hoboken. The Hoboken waterfront runs parallel from Downtown NY to Midtown.

Ditto on the Brooklyn Heights promenade. Take the 2/3 to Clark St. and walk a couple blocks west, or as someone suggested, walk across the bridge. Also, at night in particular, go down to River Cafe area, a 5 minute walk from the end of the promenade and the lighting is very nice with tress and such.

Just wanted to add that from Brooklyn, you can only see the southern end of the island. From NJ you can see all the way north to the GW Bridge and as far south as the Statue of Liberty. Great idea to walk up to the Weehawken Heights. There is a park up there with statues that indicate where Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr had their duel.

Thanks for the replies.
Neil and Mike, thanks.
Ellen or Ryan would you have any idea on the frequency of the Weehawken ferry or where to purchase tickets (maybe a website?).

The ferry to weehawken can be found at www.nywaterway.com

The same company also operate a ferry to Hoboken (Hoboken also accessible by PATH train for $1.50 each way), and in Hoboken you can walk to Stevens College which has a "lookout point" which sits on top of a cliff and also has a clear view from the GW Bridge to the Verazano.

Hoboken is also a nice town to walk around the main street, if you need dinner recommendations in town reply and i'll give u some favorites.

Thanks thereuare, thanks for the info on the ferry service and offer for recommendations for dinner. I'm travelling solo and am not intending on having too many restuarant meals, but if you have any recommendatyions for quick bite on the upper west side it would be appreciated.

I really know more about the NJ side than the NYC side, but since you may come over to Hoboken anyway, this is what i would suggest....

Come to Hoboken and stop at Vito's Deli at Washington St and 8th, (get anything sandwich with fresh mozzarella and you'll be set!). Take the sandwich up to the Stevens' Point and sit on a picnic table while enjoying your lunch and the view.

BTW, the deli's in Hoboken are known for their fresh mozzarela, pronounced "mutz", as most make their own and take great pride in it.

Brooklyn Heights Promenade. Hands down the best view of NYC at night. If you are talking intown viewing the Empire State Building, obviously, has the best all city view. If you really want to see NYC as a whole I recommend getting a fun pass ($4 at the token booth) and canvassing the city on the Subway! Take it from someone who lives here though-- you just cannot see it "all" in a week or 2! Have fun!