Do any of the subways emerge from their tunnels to above-ground and offer views? Do any of them cross bridges or is it all via tunnels?

I am headed for NYC tomorrow, when I get totally pooped out from walking I usually get on the bus for a long sightseing kind of ride and wondered if there are any subway rides that are worth taking?!

Take the Q train which goes over the Brooklyn Bridge for wonderful skyline views.

7 train to or from Queens has nice views of the Manhattan midtown skyline (comes out of the tunnel after Hunters Pt stop, best views between there and Queensborough Plaza stop) and as a bonus between 45th Rd and Queensbourough Plaza stop you go by 5Pointz which has interesting grafitti art. At Queensbourough Plaza you can get off and go downstairs to take the 7 or N back to Manhattan. As an aside, if you get off the first stop in Queens (Vernon Blvd), and walk about 3-4 blocks down to the East River(there is a park, it may be called Gantry, I don't pay close attention), it has nice views of midtown, Empire and Chryser Bldgs and Queens 59th st bridge.

I would not say its worth going out of your way for, but if you find yourself on the 7 train with some extra time, consider it.

Yes, the views of the Skyline on the 7 are magnificent! Contrary to what you hear about New Yorker's, I was at the window admiring the view and every young man around me was offering me his seat (and I am just over 50...). Highly recommend.

Just to clarify, the Q train (also the B, D and N) goes over the Manhattan Bridge so you get a great view of the BB...

There are NO subways above ground with the Brooklyn Bridge. I also like the J train over the Williamburg, can ride to Marcy St. and get the next train back. My nephews loved riding in the first car. Also the 1 train goes way above ground in Harlem.

This might be out of the way but.....Check out the A train to Far Rockaway. It goes over water than along the beach.