Manhattanhenge: Where to Watch It and How to Shoot It

Twice a year, locals and tourists flood the streets of Manhattan to see the Manhattanhenge: a one-of-a-kind sunset framed by New York's famous streets.

This alignment of the sun with Manhattan's streets (the east-west grid) happens twice a year: in late May and mid-July.

It's a hugely popular event, and people turn out in droves, sometimes blocking the streets, to photograph these epic New York sunsets.

Below you'll find everything you need to enjoy this astronomical event: when Manhattanhenge is, where to watch it, and a bit of its history.

When Is Manhattanhenge 2025?

The first Manhattanhenge, or Manhattan solstice, of 2025 happened on Wednesday, May 28 at 8:13 pm (half sun) and Thursday, May 29 at 8:12 pm (full sun).

You can still catch the second Manhattanhenge of 2025, on Saturday, July 12 at 8:22 pm (half sun) and Friday, July 11 at 8:20 pm (full sun).

Keep in mind that the weather can make or break the view. If it's cloudy or raining, seeing the alignment will be very tough.

So you don't waste your time, check the forecast a few days ahead.

Where to Watch Manhattanhenge

To catch the full Manhattanhenge (the complete alignment of the sun with Manhattan's streets), follow these tips:

Get in position at least half an hour before, as far east as possible on 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd, or 57th Street (or any nearby cross street), making sure that when you look west you can still see all the way to New Jersey (check out other must-do activities during May in New York).

It's important to stand in the middle of the street to take in the sunset completely. So pick safe spots.

I say half an hour early because there are plenty of photo hunters just like you competing for the best sunset views.

Take photos and send them our way so we can share them with the Newyorkando community! 🙂

Best Spots to Watch the Sunset

One of the best places to see Manhattanhenge is the Tudor City overpass, a pedestrian walkway above 42nd Street on the east side of Midtown Manhattan. From there you'll watch the sun drop beside the Chrysler Building.

Another photographer favorite is the Park Avenue Viaduct, near Grand Central Station. The view is incredible! The problem is that it's a roadway with no pedestrian access, so police usually move people along.

But as I said before, any Manhattan street running east to west with a clear view toward New Jersey works.

Here's a list of the go-to streets with the best Manhattanhenge views:

📍 On 34th Street the sun sets right next to the Empire State Building. Unfortunately the view isn't what it was in years past (new construction has gone up and the treetops have grown a lot).

📍 On 42nd Street, the sun frames famous Times Square.

📍 14th and 23rd Streets are wide, which gives you great views of the sun.

📍 145th Street in Upper Manhattan has another prime view of the phenomenon and fewer people.

📍 Hunters Point in Long Island City, Queens offers an unconventional view of Manhattanhenge. Note that the UN building blocks part of the horizon.

Tips for Photographing Manhattanhenge

⏰ Show up at least 45 minutes early and pick a street with two-way traffic. Those are wider.

📷 You don't need a professional camera. Phones in HDR mode capture the sunlight beautifully.

🚦Stand in the middle of the street (keep an eye on the traffic light), that's the best framing.

🩷 The most exciting part of Manhattanhenge isn't just the sun, it's sharing the moment with thousands of people packing Manhattan's streets to watch it.

Where the Word Comes From

For trivia lovers: the name Manhattanhenge was coined in 2002 by Neil deGrasse Tyson, an astrophysicist at the American Museum of Natural History, as a nod to the way the sun aligns with the stones at Stonehenge.

The museum's website posts more information about the Manhattan solstice as the dates approach.

If you're an early riser and you're traveling to New York in winter, you can catch the reverse phenomenon around the winter solstice: the sun aligns at sunrise with the Midtown Manhattan grid.

Is Manhattanhenge Worth Seeing?

Any event that brings thousands of people together to look at the sky is worth it. In particular, this alignment of the sun with the Midtown Manhattan grid marks the start of summer in New York.

The days get longer, the weather warms up, and the school year in New York City is winding down. All of that turns this astronomical event into a spontaneous street party you shouldn't miss.

And before I sign off, here are a few recommendations so you can pair Manhattanhenge with other seasonal highlights.

If you're in New York in May or July there's plenty to do, from outdoor concerts to film festivals and food fairs. Read all about it 👇🏻

🔗 What to do in May in New York
🔗 Summer plans in New York
🔗 Guide to July in New York