A visit to the Big Apple will present you with dozens upon dozens of photo opportunities, whether you’re after selfies in front of major landmarks, trendy dishes, or popular shopfronts.
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New York City is a place where amateur photographers and professionals alike can get their fill, snapping pictures and filling camera rolls day in and day out. But what if you’re after a sunset photoshoot?
That’s a little trickier in the City That Never Sleeps, thanks to its abundance of skyscrapers and tall buildings. Even in open-air spaces like Central Park and Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, you won’t find too many wide-open fields with views of the sky.
However, a recent study from Popsa, an AI-driven photo printing resource, analyzed the location metadata of millions of sunset images uploaded to the site in 2025. (Personnel did not view photos—they were analyzed using their metadata, which is stored in the actual image.)
The results? A list of great locations where you can watch the best sunsets in New York City, from waterfront hangout spots to iconic landmarks. If you’re a traveler who loves a sunset sailing tour or a sunset cocktail hour, keep these locations in mind for your next adventure in NYC.
Best sunsets in New York City, according to Popsa
According to data analysis by Popsa, these New York City locations offer some of the best sunset photo ops in the entire city.
- SUMMIT One Vanderbilt: Head to the 91st floor of SUMMIT’s Transcendence installation (it’s a popular city tour that you can book online) right as the sunset begins. You’ll be treated to an infinite reflection of golden light thanks to the exhibit’s mirrored floors and ceiling.
- Rockefeller Center: The Top of the Rock offers an open-air deck with 360-degree views of the city, including the Empire State Building and Central Park—which are a sight to behold when golden hour hits.
- Brooklyn Bridge Park: This 85-acre park is a treat for travelers regardless of the hour because it offers unspoiled views of Lower Manhattan’s iconic skyline. That being said, it’s even more impressive when rich light reflects off millions upon millions of shining skyscraper windows.
- Empire State Building: You can book a trip to the 86th open-air deck of the Empire State Building for a sunset slot. It comes with a quick tour, then a commanding view of the city as the sun starts to sink into the horizon.
- Edge NYC: Intrepid travelers will love Edge NYC, a triangular platform that juts from the building’s 100th floor. You’ll feel like you’re standing on top of the world as you stare across the city at sunset. If you’re really brave, you can check out the City Climb.
- Brooklyn Bridge: Similar to the Brooklyn Bridge Park, the Brooklyn Bridge offers amazing views of Lower Manhattan. It’s a bucket-list adventure to walk across the bridge for many visitors—but you’ll have an even more memorable experience if you visit during the golden hour.
- Central Park: Spanning nearly 900 acres, Central Park offers dozens of calming hideaways, trails, and fields to enjoy. From Bow Bridge to Bethesda Terrace, you can find a great spot to snap sunset photos with your group.
- The Vessel at Hudson Yards: At the northern edge of The High Line, you’ll find a unique structure that sort of resembles a honeycomb. Given its location on the West Side of Manhattan, it’s an excellent spot to watch sunset as the sun sinks into the New Jersey horizon.
- One World Trade Center: The 102nd floor of One World Trade Center offers a 360-degree interior observation deck, giving you expansive sunset views in every direction.
- The High Line: You can wander up and down this narrow park as it weaves between the Meatpacking District all the way up to 34th Street. Along the way, you’ll find dozens of great spots to snap photos as the sun sets toward the west. Don’t forget to stop off at The Vessel at Hudson Yards, mentioned above.
You can learn more about the Popsa study and methodology directly on the site.