The Best Views of the NYC Skyline from New Jersey

There is a famous local saying: "The best thing about New Jersey is the view of New York." While Manhattan has incredible skyscrapers, you cannot fully appreciate the sheer scale and beauty of the skyline while you are standing underneath it. For the absolute best, panoramic, unobstructed views of New York City, you must stand on the western banks of the Hudson River in New Jersey.

The Hoboken Waterfront

Just a few miles from MetLife Stadium, the city of Hoboken features a continuous, beautifully paved waterfront walkway (Pier A Park and Pier C Park) that stretches along the Hudson River. From here, you have an unparalleled, ground-level view of the entire West Side of Manhattan, stretching from the Freedom Tower in the south all the way up to the Empire State Building and Hudson Yards. It is the best place in the region to take sunset photos.

Other Spectacular Viewpoints

• Liberty State Park (Jersey City):

  This massive state park in Jersey City offers the absolute best view of the Financial District skyline (Lower Manhattan) and provides incredibly close, unobstructed views of the back of the Statue of Liberty.

• Hamilton Park (Weehawken):

  Located high up on the Palisades cliffs (the site of the famous Alexander Hamilton duel), this park offers an elevated, sweeping view of Midtown Manhattan. It is arguably the most dramatic overlook in the entire metropolitan area.

• The NY Waterway Ferry:

  Take the commuter ferry from Port Imperial (Weehawken) or Hoboken across the river to Manhattan. The 8-minute ride across the Hudson River costs about $10 and offers stunning, moving vantage points of the city that rival expensive tourist cruises.

If you are staying in a New Jersey hotel during the World Cup, dedicate an evening to walking the waterfront. Seeing the Manhattan skyline light up as the sun sets over the river is a memory you will never forget.