[Originally posted on my Italian blog in 2010, updated for 2026]
Are you as excited about Manhattanhenge – the most breathtaking New York Sunset – as I am? If so, save the date on your calendar NOW! I’ve been capturing this phenomenon since 2010, back when nobody else was standing in the middle of the street with a camera. 📸
Here are all my insider tips on when, where, and how to catch this awe-inspiring phenomenon that only happens twice a year. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it!
What is Manhattanhenge?
For those who might be new to the city or unfamiliar with the term, Manhattanhenge is a breathtaking event that occurs twice a year, typically at the end of May and in mid-July. The sun aligns perfectly with the Manhattan grid, creating a stunning view as it sits on the horizon, framed by iconic skyscrapers.
Why is it called Manhattahenge?
The term “Manhattanhenge” was created by astrophysicist and New York City native Neil deGrasse Tyson in reference to the term “henge”, that comes from Stonehenge, the ancient set of stones from the Neolithic that is located near Amesbury in England.
Neil deGrasse Tyson, director of the Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) and host of “Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey”, celebrates Manhattanhenge as a rare “juxtaposition of city life with cosmic life.”
Manhattanhenge 2026: Dates & Times
Mark these in your calendar now. In case you miss the “full sun on the grid” (when the sun is perfectly framed by the skyscrapers) you can always catch the still spectacular “half sun” 😉
Half Sun on the Grid:
– Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 8:14 PM ET
– Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 8:21 PM ET
Full Sun on the Grid:
– Friday, May 29, 2026 at 8:13 PM ET
– Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 8:20 PM ET
Source: American Museum of Natural History (AMNH)
9 Best Viewing Spots to See Manhattanhenge:
While you can technically catch Manhattanhenge from any east-west street in Manhattan, these are the best locations for the most stunning views:
- 14th Street & Broadway, near Union Square
- 23rd Street & Broadway, by the Flatiron Building
- 34th Street & Madison Avenue, featuring the iconic Empire State Building in your shot
- 42nd Street at Times Square, Bryant Park, Grand Central Terminal, Park Avenue Vanderbilt or the Tudor City Overpass.
- Hunter’s Point South Park in Long Island City, Queens — take the 7 train for a dreamy, skyline-wide view
A note on 57th Street: while many suggest it as a good viewing spot, I wouldn’t recommend 57th Street today as the view is now partially blocked by a newer building. I took the photo below from there back in 2010 when nobody was in the middle of the street. Just one guy casually crossing, talking on his phone, completely unaware of the spectacular glow to his left. Wild – See my notes below!
For optimal viewing, position yourself as far east as possible on these streets while ensuring you have a clear view of New Jersey across the Hudson River.
How to Watch Manhattanhenge: Insider Tips for the Best Experience
I personally LOVE filming the crowd filming the event. It’s one of my favorite things, witnessing the breathtaking sunset itself AND watching thousands of people look west, phones raised, hearts wide open. ✨
You can simply cross most intersections and catch unforgettable moments right in the middle of the street.
It’s a whole vibe.
However, if your goal is to capture the sun perfectly aligned with Manhattan’s grid, I recommend heading to:
– Park Avenue Viaduct (above Pershing Square at Grand Central Terminal – technically closed to pedestrians, and a favorite among photographers)
– Tudor City Overpass – iconic and cinematic
– Hunter’s Point South Park, Long Island City – for that dreamy, skyline-wide view
Plan to arrive at least 3 hours early to claim your “front-row seat.” Bring a long tripod or selfie stick: it’ll help you rise above the crowd and capture the glow without obstruction.
Just to give you an idea of how different the experience can be depending on where you watch it:
– I took the video at the top of this post on 42nd Street and Broadway, right near Times Square.
– The second one was filmed close to Bryant Park
– The photo above was shot from 57th Street, back before Manhattanhenge became a whole thing.
– The photo below instead was taken by my friend Gigi at 34th Street: such a great option!
Fun Fact:
Everyone (me included 😇) steps right into the streets to capture this magical moment – and I love it.
Back in 2010, I started filming the crowds too, just for fun… and my latest shots of the behind-the-scenes are wild: the crowds have grown so much as Manhattanhenge has gone viral over the years.
I started taking photos of people doing just that, stepping into the street, stopping traffic, chasing the glow way before it was a thing. It felt like a secret back then… like we were part of a little sun-chasing club 😎
Click on the pic below to see the video I took from Park Avenue and 42nd Street – above Grand Central Terminal.
Photography Tips for the Perfect Shot
Here are a few photography tips to help you get that perfect shot:
- Bring a tripod: Stabilize your camera for crisp and clear shots.
- Use a wide-angle lens: Capture the entire scene including the skyline and the glowing sun.
- Camera settings: Opt for a high aperture (F/16) and low ISO (mine were at 100) for optimal exposure and sharpness in your photos.
Reverse Manhattanhenge
A similar and much lesser-known phenomenon also happens twice a year, in early January and in late November, with the rising sun instead of the setting sun.
Reverse Manhattanhenge 2026 dates:
– January 11–12, 2026, best viewed just after 7 AM
– November 29–30, 202, best viewed just after 7 AM
Best spot: 41st Street & 5th Avenue Because it’s January or November, the streets are far less crowded … dress warm! ❄️
Manhattanhenge is a must-see NYC event!
No matter if you’re a seasoned New Yorker or a first-time visitor, experiencing Manhattanhenge is a bucket-list-worthy moment that you won’t forget.
Grab your camera or your phone, head to one of the best viewing spots, and get ready to witness the magic of Manhattanhenge lighting up the streets of NYC!
I started photographing it in 2010 when it was still a secret. Now thousands gather every year, and it’s still magical every single time. 📸✨
