The famous New York City skyline has been featured in countless movies and is the subject of many photographic prints and postcards. There are a variety of vantage points throughout the New York area that offer unparalleled views of famous New York buildings. Whether you want a view from the top, or you're content on viewing the NYC skyline from the ground, there is no shortage of places to view the skyline of New York.

The New York City skyline is especially spectacular from the Brooklyn Bridge Park. The park was once a parking lot and to this day New Yorkers refer to Brooklyn Bridge Park as "Main Street Lot." In addition to offering unobstructed views of downtown Manhattan and the Empire State Building, the park also features acres of land for picnicking and sporting activities as well as a large playground.

A ride aboard the Staten Island Ferry offers a great vantage point for viewing the skyline of New York. Although the main purpose of the ferry is to transport residents of Staten Island to the burroughs of Manhattan, the free 25-minute boat ride offers visitors a chance to to see the New York skyline as well as Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. The ferry makes 109 trips each day, so there is never any waiting for a ferry ride. Once you get to Staten Island, hop aboard a city bus and visit the beach or attractions such as the Alice Austen house, the former home of a famous photographer.

Liberty State Park, which is technically located in nearby New Jersey, is located on New York Harbor, just 2000 feet from the Statue of Liberty. The area, which is now a favorite spot to view the New York skyline, was once a busy industrial area and later a decaying dump site. Today, the park consists of over 1,000 acres of green space. The park also offers picnic facilities, a playground, and several monuments. The biggest attraction is the Liberty Science Center, a museum that contains an Omni Theater and several floors of science related exhibits. Many postcard pictures of the New York City skyline are taken from Liberty State Park.

Taking the elevator to the observatory at the top of the Empire State Building, one of the main buildings that make up the NYC skyline, often tops the list of things to do on a New York vacation. For a fee, visitors can visit the 86th floor observatory or the observatory at the 102nd floor to view the New York skyline. The observatory is open 365 days a year and offers high-powered binoculars to view the skyline of New York, as well as places to purchase souvenirs.  You can also learn about the history of the Empire State Building and its role in society. 

Top of the Rock is an observation deck at the top of Rockefeller Center, a central fixture of the NYC skyline. Standing 850 feet above the street, the attraction offers clear views of Central Park, the Empire State Building, and other famous landmarks. Top of the Rock offers both indoor and outdoor observation decks as well as exhibits, concessions, and souvenir stands.