Manhattan Skyline Tours and Activities
6,517 Reviews

Perhaps the most common backdrop for opening scenes of movies for the past several decades, the Manhattan skyline is New York City's shining beacon, designed to impress and inspire. From historical fixtures like the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building to One World Trade Center, the man-made masterpiece dazzles at any time of day and from any vantage point in the NYC area.
The Basics
From land, water, and air, there are plenty of ways to admire the Manhattan skyline. Take a cruise on the Hudson River, East River, or New York Harbor for views of the city skyline and other landmarks including the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, or walk across the Brooklyn Bridge or Manhattan Bridge, an activity that provides the chance to see the skyline at your own pace. For aerial views, head to the top of Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, or One World Observatory, or opt for a helicopter tour for a VIP-style experience in the Big Apple.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The skyline is broken into two notable sections—Midtown Manhattan and Lower Manhattan.
- The walk from One World Trade Center to the Empire State Building is about three miles (five kilometers).
- If you want to visit a skyscraper observatory such as that at the Empire State Building, consider a skip-the-line ticket to avoid the typically long wait.
- For water views without booking a cruise, hop on the free Staten Island Ferry.
When to Get There
Consider the time of day for your viewing based on what you're looking for. If you want great photos, avoid the middle of the day, when the sun is high; for a romantic atmosphere, opt for a dinner cruise or nighttime stroll. Go during the holidays for the chance to admire the skyline in the snow and see the landmark buildings decked out in seasonal decorations.
Famous Buildings in the Manhattan Skyline
The 102-story Empire State Building is possibly the most iconic piece of architecture on the planet, built in 1931 in Art Deco style. The Chrysler Building and Rockefeller Center offer more Art Deco examples, while the Time Warner Center, 4 Times Square, and One World Trade Center (aka Freedom Tower) feature modern architecture.
Address: New York City, New York, USA
54 Tours and Activities to Experience Manhattan Skyline
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Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight
1036
Catch a bird's eye view of the Big Apple during this helicopter ride in Manhattan. Look out over the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, the financial district and more. You’ll also spot top sights like Ellis Island and the Empire State Building during this unique sightseeing flight of one of the world's most iconic cities.
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From
$180.60
$34.40 savings
From
$180.60
$34.40 savings
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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New York Helicopter Tour: Manhattan Highlights
236
See New York City’s breathtaking skyline and the many iconic sights of the city on this helicopter flight. Soar over the Big Apple with an exclusive sightseeing tour of the Manhattan skyline and beyond, including the Empire State Building and Central Park, plus the Statue of Liberty. A variety of departure times are available throughout the day to fit into almost any schedule.
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From
$234.00
From
$234.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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New York Manhattan Scenic Helicopter Tour
548
New York's iconic landmarks, mighty rivers, and islands are even more impressive from the air. On this tour, soar over Manhattan’s most famous sights in a helicopter and enjoy spectacular aerial views of the Big Apple. There's plenty of time time to see Liberty Island, the Empire State Building, and Governor’s Island.
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From
$289.00
From
$289.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour
384
Get up close and personal with Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty on a tour that covers two NYC landmarks. Listen to the live narration from you guide through your own personal headset; enjoy priority access to the ferry; and get the best views of Manhattan as you cross New York Harbor by boat. Plus, if you upgrade, ascend the Statue of Liberty pedestal for privileged views of the city skyline.
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From
$64.99
From
$64.99
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Full-Day New York "Must See" Small-Group Tour plus One World Observatory Ticket
401
Take in all the highlights of New York City on this comprehensive, one-of-a-kind tour. Explore the Big Apple like a New Yorker, as you walk, ride the subway and take the Staten Island ferry. Visit Times Square, the Broadway Theater District, Grand Central Terminal, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and much more. Entrance to the One World Observatory is also included.
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From
$109.00
From
$109.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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New York City Harbor Lights Cruise
1103
Experience the lights of New York City at sunset on this twilight cruise along the Hudson River and into New York Harbor. Book your ticket in advance online to spare any fuss on the night, and set sail to enjoy the illuminated landmarks while learning about the city from a guide’s informative commentary. A great way to end a day of sightseeing or kick off a night on the town.
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From
$41.00
From
$41.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Statue of Liberty and New York City Skyline Sightseeing Cruise
62
Many of New York City's most memorable landmarks can be seen from the water and this cruise lets you see the sights without the crowds. Hop aboard a 1920s-style yacht and set sail around New York Harbor, Liberty Island, and the Hudson River. While on-board, sip an included drink as you admire views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty from the solarium or open-air deck.
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From
$60.00
Price varies by group size
From
$60.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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New York Premier Dinner Cruise
552
Forget trying to snag a hard-to-get reservation at New York's hottest restaurants du jour. Instead, indulge in a delicious 3-course dinner during the cruise on an all-glass boat around New York City that offers you an up-close look at the Statue of Liberty and other famed sites. As a live pianist plays relaxing music for you, take in the immense view of one of the world's great cities and enjoy a delicious pre-set dinner by the on-board executive chef. Upgrade to enjoy a romantic or first class VIP experience including a private table and French sparkling wine.
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From
$208.68
From
$208.68
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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NYC Skyline Tour
6
The skyline is one of New York City’s most impressive features, and though there are several observation decks and rooftop bars in the city, none offer as complete a view as a helicopter ride. With this helicopter tour, you can admire the Manhattan skyline in its entirety, making it ideal for travelers who want to see it all and are short on time.
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From
$217.60
From
$217.60

NOW OPEN: Cruise around Statue of Liberty & Manhattan Skyline Pier 36
6
Even travelers with limited time can enjoy some of the best views in NYC with this quick Big Apple sightseeing cruise. Meet up at Pier 36 to set sail in the East River, where you can expect standout skyline views from the ship's deck. Relax and enjoy views of top area sights—like the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges—and make your way to see the iconic Statue of Liberty.
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From
$27.72
From
$27.72
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Best of Brooklyn Half-Day Food and Culture, Bus and Walking Tour
635
Take a bite out of New York City’s hippest borough on this half-day Brooklyn food and culture tour. From traditional ethnic eateries to culinary hotspots that spark national dining trends, your guide will show you where to eat like a local. Snack on kielbasa and pierogis in the Polish enclave of Greenpoint, satisfy your sweet tooth in DUMBO, and get a taste of farm-to-fork freshness in trendy Williamsburg. Vegetarians can be accommodated.
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From
$125.00
Price varies by group size
From
$125.00
Price varies by group size
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
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New York City Luxury Bus Tour with Harbor Cruise
63
See New York City’s highlights on a 5-hour tour by luxury bus and harbor cruise, and experience the Big Apple in style and comfort. Cruise through Wall Street’s soaring concrete canyons, capture moving images of the 9/11 memorial, then continue to the elegant avenues that line Central Park. Pause to explore Grand Central Terminal and the Met, and board a sightseeing cruise across the New York Harbor. Enjoy sweeping views of the city from the water, where the Statue of Liberty gazes across to the unforgettable Manhattan skyline.
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From
$109.00
From
$109.00

Taste of NYC Tour
13
Get unobstructed views of the New York City skyline and the Statue of Liberty on this helicopter tour. With a small group of just six people or fewer, you'll enjoy an intimate atmosphere while hovering above New York's most famous attractions. Listen to in-depth commentary from your guide, see more of the city in less time, and take advantage of the chance for epic aerial photo ops from your bird's-eye view of Manhattan.
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From
$155.00
From
$155.00

NYC Statue of Liberty Tall Ship Sailing Cruise
172
Admire New York City's famous skyline from the water on this afternoon cruise. Choose from two departure times and set sail around New York Harbor on-board a historic sailboat. Enjoy incredible views of Manhattan and spot landmarks such as One World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. While on-board, help raise the sails or even take a turn navigating the ship.
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From
$45.00
From
$45.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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OPENED: New York City Sky Line & Statue of Liberty Sightseeing Cruise Pier 36
12
Cruise the New York Harbor in style—and enjoy a speedy and convenient way to see some of its highlights—on this seamless sightseeing cruise. Pick from multiple convenient departure times, make your own way to Pier 36, and hop aboard your vessel. Get comfortable indoors or on the outer decks, and keep your camera at the ready: you’ll glide past the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island, and more.
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From
$21.32
$5.34 savings
From
$21.32
$5.34 savings
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Private Sopranos Sites Tour
261
Go on a ‘Sopranos’ filming locations tour unlike any other—one led by a guide who was an actor on the show. Immerse yourself in the shadowy world of Tony Soprano and the gang, and get in touch with your inner boss as you visit more than 40 recognizable sites from the hit HBO series. See Pizza Land, Father Phil’s parish, the Bada Bing! nightclub, and the restaurant used as Vesuvio.
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From
$175.00
Price varies by group size
From
$175.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Deluxe Private SUV Tour: Best of NYC
51
Skip the hassle of getting around in New York City with a local guide and a private SUV. This tour of Lower Manhattan shows you the best of the borough, including historic Greenwich Village, SoHo, TriBeCa, Chinatown, and Little Italy, among other neighborhoods and sites. Learn about the history of each place and hop out to take photos as often as you like. Upgrade to a half-day tour to explore Upper and Mid-Manhattan too.
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From
$675.00
per group
From
$675.00
per group
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Guides required to regularly wash hands
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OPENED: Statue of Liberty Boat and Ellis Island 60 Min Sightseeing Cruise
21
Secure your ticket in advance for this New York Harbor sightseeing cruise: prebooking will spare you the fuss of ticket-buying in Manhattan. Settle indoors or out on the 3-level Lady Liberty paddleboat and pass under the Brooklyn Bridge for views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Manhattan’s skyline, including One World Trade Center. Choose a departure to suit you and upgrade to add access to Liberty Island’s grounds.
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From
$30.00
From
$30.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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New York Alive After Five Cruise
104
Experience New York City in a whole different light on this entertaining happy hour cruise along New York Harbor. See the best of the Big Apple’s iconic landmarks — like One World Trade Center’s Freedom Tower, the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty — while soaking up the energetic atmosphere on board. Choose from a variety of cruise options to include beer and wine or an unlimited open bar. Relax, mix, mingle, make new friends and have a good time on this popular 2-hour cruise.
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From
$44.90
From
$44.90
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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New York Premier Lunch Cruise
28
Forget trying to snag a reservation at New York's hot restaurant du jour. Don't wait in line at a popular eatery, either. Instead, indulge in a delicious lunch during this 2-hour cruise on an all-glass boat around New York City that offers you an up-close look at the Statue of Liberty. As a live pianist plays relaxing music for you, take in the immense view of one of the world's great cities and enjoy a delicious pre-set lunch by the on-board executive chef.
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From
$95.63
From
$95.63
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

New York City Secrets of Grand Central Terminal Tour
79
Millions of travelers pass through Grand Central Terminal, but most never discover the secrets of this Manhattan showpiece. This tour lifts the lid: spotlighting the origins and evolution of the beaux arts train station from its heyday to disrepair and restoration. Spot detail and design quirks; and hear stories of its past that will give you a deeper understanding of the building than you could get alone.
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From
$35.00
From
$35.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Circle Line: NYC Liberty Cruise
441
See the highlights of New York City from the water on this sightseeing cruise along the Hudson River. Ideal for first-time visitors who want to see as much as possible and avoid waiting in traffic, this cruise offers views of the Manhattan skyline, One World Trade Center, and the Empire State Building, plus close-ups of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
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From
$31.00
From
$31.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Champagne Brunch Sail in New York City
24
Savor the traditional New York City brunch with a serious twist on this Big Apple champagne sailing cruise. Tuck into a full buffet, complete with coffee, tea and Prosecco. Enjoy homemade muffins, breads and bagels, plus meats, cheese and more. Relax on board as you make your way through the placid waters surrounding the city and take in epic skylines as you enjoy brunch. This cruise is capped at 40 people, which ensures there's plenty of room on deck. Beer, wine, cocktails and soft drinks are available for purchase.
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From
$109.00
From
$109.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Brooklyn Bridge Photography Tour with NYC Skyline Views
16
One of the most photogenic attractions in New York City is the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, which is the star of the show on this Brooklyn photography tour designed for photo fanatics. Get ready to snap great pictures once you meet-up with your group of fellow photo enthusiasts on the Manhattan side of the bridge. As you walk across, capture the bridge's bold design, admire the views of the Manhattan skyline, and even get a few tips on lighting and composition from your guide.
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From
$100.00
From
$100.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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