[Originally posted on my Italian blog in 2010, updated for 2024]
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’m excited to share 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 buildings.
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 2024 Dates:
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” 😉
- Tuesday, May 28 at 8:13 pm – half sun
- Wednesday, May 29 at 8:12 pm – full sun
- Friday, July 12 at 8:20 pm – full sun
- Saturday, July 13 at 8:21 pm – half sun
Best places 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. You can also take the 7 train to Queens for a unique perspective of the sunset from Hunter’s Point South Park in Long Island City.
Insider Tips:
While you can simply cross most of the streets to capture the best moments, I’d suggest you to get to Park Avenue Vanderbilt (above Pershing Square at Grand Central Terminal – technically not open to pedestrians), Tudor City Overpass, and Hunter’s Point South Park in Long Island City at least 3 hours ahead to secure your “front-row seat“.
Bring a long tripod or selfie stick to rise above the crowd.
Just to give you an idea of all different locations: I took the video at the top of this post on 42nd Street and Broadway (near Times Square), the second one near Bryant Park, the pic above was from 57th Street before they added new buildings (I would not suggest 57th Street now as the view is partially covered by a new building), and the one below was taken by my friend Gigi at 34th Street.
Fun Fact:
Everyone (me included 😂) gets in the Streets to capture this incredible phenomenon, so in 2011 I also started to film the crowds behind-the-scenes… since the phenomenon has becoming largely more popular since then, my latest pictures of the crowds are impressive!
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: A wide-angle lens will allow you to capture the entire scene, including the stunning 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. The Farmers’ Almanac suggests the intersection of 41st Street and 5th Avenue as a prime spot to catch the view of the sun rising over the city skyline, and others suggested the Weehawken waterfront in New Jersey. Reverse Manhattanhenge took place on January 11, 2024, at 7:11 am and the next one is expected in late November.
Manhattanhenge is a must-see event!
Whether 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!
