New York is one of the world’s most visited destinations. There’s so much to see and do in the ‘city that never sleeps’ that you will almost need a holiday to get over your holiday! If you’re looking for some respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, sightseeing New York from the water on a cruise up the Hudson River will give you an entirely different perspective on the city’s landmarks.

Whether you choose a day or an evening cruise, sightseeing New York from the deck of a boat frees you from the crowds and allows you to see the city virtually unobstructed. Although you will not be able to actually touch and feel sights like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and the Brooklyn Bridge, you will be able to see them in the context of the city skyline which only serves to emphasise their scale.

Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty

Ellis Island is New York’s symbol of immigration, having been the gateway to the US for over half a century, and nearly 12 million immigrants were processed there on their arrival to America. Sightseeing New York’s famous Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty which stands proudly as a beacon of France’s friendship, cannot help but make an impact on even the most unpatriotic visitor. The Immigration Museum on the island is well worth a look and, standing in its Great Hall where all the immigrants were processed, it is easy to imagine their feelings of apprehension at their brave new world. As you cruise past the island and on up the Hudson River, the lady of the moment, the Statue of Liberty, will stay in view long after Ellis Island disappears.

Brooklyn Bridge

One of the oldest suspension bridges in the USA, the Brooklyn Bridge spans the East River connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn. Driving across this magnificent structure is one thing, but cruising underneath it, craning your neck as the massive pylons slip by overhead, is completely another. Sightseeing New York’s famous Brooklyn Bridge from this angle will give you an idea of the scale of the architecture. It took nearly thirteen years to complete and is a marvel of engineering. If you’re passing through on an evening cruise, the bridge is strategically floodlit making it an even more striking sight.

The Empire State Building

If you’re a trifle scared of heights then a boat cruise up the river is the perfect way to appreciate the Empire State Building. During the day, sightseeing New York from the water you will be able to marvel at the sheer magnitude of the building as it dwarfs the surrounding skyscrapers of the city skyline. As the sun glints off the magnificent 102 storey Art Deco building, it is easy to see why it has been named as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Under the cover of night, the structure becomes even more impressive with a light show that perfectly showcases the elegant curves of this astounding piece of architecture.

Author Bio: Marta Sanders-Cooper is the New York Destination Expert for Shorex, specialising in unique and unmissable, expert-led tours & excursions in major cities around the world, for the best in city sightseeing. New York tours are custom made and constructed from an extensive menu of activities, attractions and excursions, many of which are unique to Shorex.

Category: Travel
Keywords: sightseeing. New York