isabel

Obviously great views of NYC can be had from places like the ESB and the top of the rock. But can anyone think of any places with interesting/decent views that someone can get to for free. On another post someone suggested there was a good view of Union Square from the top floor of Filene's Basement. That reminded me that in several places I've traveled to there were fabulous views from public places like stores and malls as well as all the bell towers, etc that you can pay to go up in. Any suggestions?

mclaurie

Great views from the Brooklyn Bridge. Walking the bridge from Brooklyn to Manhattan is a common reco. The Manhattan Bridge also has good views.

The Promenade in Brooklyn also has postcard views (while you're over in Brooklyn) and has been used in lots of movies.

The views from the free Staten Island ferry.

In warm weather the view from the roof of the Metropolitan museum is nice but it's currently closed.

Then I can think of some views that will cost something small
>#7 train from Queens into Manhattan
>Roosevelt Island tram
>the restaurant in Saks Fifth Ave. has some nice views from the window tables
>the Broadway bar at the Marriott Marquis overlooking Times Square

lizziea06

Many people come to the Winter Garden in the World Financial Center to view the World Trade Center site.

There are a lot of bars/lounges with great views - Rise at the Ritz in Battery Park, 230 Fifth

nytraveler

If you mean the top of a building for free - since 9/11 there is a lot more security and I doubt you'd be allowed to do that. Unless it's an apartment house you live in - or a rooftop bar or restaurant.

Though there are lots of lower level free views as noted above.

There are also great views coming over the Triborough bridge at night - or the GW. but you really need a car (I think you can technically go over the latter on foot or bike - not sure since 9/11 - but it would be a huge trek.)

Michael

You get a nice view as you do the loop to go into the Lincoln tunnel on the Jersey side. It's best at night.

Margo_Chester

Nice views from the bar at the Mandarin Oriental in the Time Warner Building. You can either sit and enjoy a drink or if you just want to checkout the view, stay to the left of the bar area and walk over to the large windows to check out the view; I've seen many people do it and it is not disruptive to the people in the lounge area.

ekscrunchy

It's not up high, but the park at the east end of 57th Street, on the square where the UN Secretary General lives, has great East River and 59th Street Bridge views that may be familiar to you if you have seen Woody Allen's Manhattan.

ellenem

Not free, but for less than $6 each way you can ride the ferry from West 34th St to Port Imperial in Weehawken, New Jersey. You get great views up and down the Hudson River including the entire west side of Manhattan. The ride across takes about 7 minutes.

Gekko

* Pentop bar, Peninsula Hotel

* Rise, the bar at the Battery Park Ritz

* 230 Fifth, a bar across from Madison Park

* the bar on the roof of the Gansevoort Hotel

Notice a trend?

wantsomesun

The view from the Cloisters up here in the very northern part of Manhattan has stunning views of the Hudson River, George Washington Bridge and the Pallisades in New Jersey, and you have no idea you are still in Manhattan surrounded by woods.

jodeenyc

There is a La Quinta on 32nd Street that has a rooftop bar. Great for taking in the Empire State Building and having a drink on a nice evening.

MFNYC

To add to the list of rooftops, The Shelbourne Murray Hill has great views fro mthe roof, but it's only open during the summer months.

GoTravel

Is it still free to get up to the Rainbow Grille?

You'll have to sell a kidney to afford a drink but the view is spectacular.

TarheelsInNj

Driving over the Queensboro Bridge into Manhattan at night is absolutely stunning. You feel like you're going to drive right into the skyline!

isabel

Great replys. Thanks. And there are several that I have never done that I can't wait to try out.

Margo - the Mandarin Oriental in the Time Warner Building - that's exactly the kind of place I'm looking for. Can you really just walk over to the windows without anyone stopping you? Do you think they'd stop you if you took some photos out the window?

ekscrunchy - I'd heard that the benches that were there in the movie are no longer there. But can you still get a good view from there. So much of the east river is hard to get to because of the FDR Drive. So what happens at the end of 57th street - do you go under the FDR?

mclaurie

I don't know whether you can actually go over to the window for photos if you're not staying there or having a drink. Dress decently and give it a try. Worst case is they turn you away. Someone may ask "can I help you?" and you should be prepared with an answer.

As to Sutton Place & 57 st., it's actually a park and you're over the FDR. Read this
http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_...n.php?id=12748

Margo_Chester

Yes, you can definitely go over to the windows look out and take a photo; it's not a problem and no one will throw you out. Take the elevator to the 35th floor, and when you step out of the elevator walk straight ahead, past the Chiluhy sculpture and the bar/lounge area is right there. (There is a sit down restaurant straight ahead on the left - don't go in there unless you plan on eating there – but do check out the menu on the table outside the door). At the lounge area stay to the left when you walk through it toward the windows, otherwise you are walking directly through the bar patrons, and that won’t go over so well. You do not have to be staying at the hotel to use the bar or take a peek out the windows.

If you decide to stay and have a drink there, wine starts at about $9 a glass and goes up from there, and they also serve non-alcoholic drinks like iced tea. The service is nice and you are not rushed. Reservations aren’t necessary, but if you make them they will sit you at the windows - if you request it and the seats are available. Otherwise you can just “show up” and have a drink if you wish.

And for one of the most elegant ladies’ rooms, take a direct right when you step off the elevator. Very nice.

Governator

Within and behind the World Financial Center atrium there are nice views across to Jersey City. Then take the ferry (dock is just north of the WFC) across to Colgate and experience great views of lower Manhattan. On the Jersey City side walk over to the Hyatt hotel. Go up one level to the bar and you'll have great views of lower Manhattan , and the Verazano bridge. I recommend doing this at night.