New York (Manhattan) Sunset - Where to be?

[swaitjd]

Any New York residents out there? I'm going to be in your fair city in a couple of weeks, and I'm really interested in getting a panoramic shot of the Manhattan skyline at sunset. My question is, where's a good place to be for such a shot, and how do I get there?

Thanks for any help!

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

The sun sets in the West in these parts, so you want to be east of Manhattan, and that would put you in Brooklyn or Queens. One of the classic spots would be the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, which gives you a view of the Financial District and the Brooklyn Bridge from an elevated vantage point. The closest subway stop is Clark Street on the 2 or 3 train.

 

[swaitjd]

David,
Thanks for the very precise instructions! Would there be a safe place on the NJ side of the Hudson that would permit me to photograph the skyline with the sun to my left or behind me? Travel instructions would again be appreciated ...

Joffre

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

I don't know the Jersey side so well, not owning a car. I bet you could take a ferry across the Hudson from the World Financial Center or Battery Park area, and that would put you someplace interesting. Go in the evening about two hours before sunset for the sun to be where you want it.

 

[avandesande]

In NJ across the hudson in Atlantic Highlands you can find overlook point, the sun is on your left and you can see the entire skyline. Overlook is the tallest point on the eastern seaboarc. It is also a good place to photograph tall ships in the bay...

Nj is pretty humid so you will want to bring a strong red filter or even give infrared a shot, the ny skyline is always hazy from here.

--Aaron

 

[Tom Duffy]

Joffre,
from the jersey side, two possibilities:
for lower manhattan: Liberty State Park in Jersey City. exit 14B from the New Jersey Turnpike and follow signs. the lower (southern part of the park overlooks the back of the Statue of Liberty with manhattan/brooklyn in the background). the upper (northern) part of the park has a nice view of the world financial center and lower manhattan.
for midtown (better in my opinion) Weehauken/West New York begining about 1/4 mile north of the Lincoln tunnel, a park runs the length of the river across from midtown, begining across from 23rd street up at least to 59th street. Best pictures are from the south end of this park, directly across from 42nd street. get there in time to scout around. be advised there is heavy traffic in the area due to the evening commute.
drop me an email if you want more info.
Tom

 

[swaitjd]

Gentlemen, your instructions are very helpful. I've used the WWW to locate the suggested spots, and they all look like interesting possibilities. Thank you very much!

 

[Jon King]

I'll second Tom's NJ comments ( I lived for a year at 60th st. in W. NY). The park in Weehawken/West New York, and the road along it (Blvd. East) are on top of a small cliff. You might also be able to get some access to the river in Weehawken, and get some river level views.

Jon