Manhattanhenge 2025: When, Where & How to See It
Twice a year, New York City’s grid aligns with the setting sun in a way that stops people mid-step and drivers mid-street. Known as Manhattanhenge, this natural-meets-urban event draws thousands with cameras in hand and necks craned westward. Whether you’re a photographer, a planner, or simply curious, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of Manhattanhenge 2025.
What Is Manhattanhenge?
Manhattanhenge refers to the two evenings each year when the sun sets in perfect alignment with Manhattan’s east-west streets. The term plays off “Stonehenge,” where the sun aligns with the ancient stones during solstices. Unlike its prehistoric counterpart, Manhattanhenge is an accidental marvel, courtesy of city planning and Earth’s tilt.
When to See Manhattanhenge in 2025
In 2025, the dates fall just after the summer solstice:
- Full Sun on the Grid:
- May 29, 2025 – 8:13 PM
- July 13, 2025 – 8:22 PM
- Half Sun on the Grid (sun bisected by the horizon):
- May 28, 2025 – 8:13 PM
- July 12, 2025 – 8:21 PM
To get the best view, arrive at your chosen spot about 30–45 minutes early.
Best Viewing Locations
For the clearest line of sight to the sunset, head to one of these cross streets and look west toward New Jersey:
- 14th Street
- 23rd Street
- 34th Street (bonus: Empire State Building)
- 42nd Street (bonus: Chrysler Building)
- 57th Street
Wide streets help reduce visual clutter and enhance symmetry.
Tips for Seeing It
Want a smooth experience? Keep these in mind:
- Arrive early: Crowds form quickly, especially at popular spots.
- Check the weather: Clear skies are a must.
- Use a tripod: For photography, it helps in low light.
- Bring a zoom lens: To capture the sun between skyscrapers.
- Be safe: Avoid stepping into traffic for the shot.
Why It Draws Crowds
Part of the draw is visual—the fiery sun framed by glass and steel. But it’s also the rarity and timing. A city built for business pauses for a few moments of symmetry. For many, it’s a reminder of scale and seasonality, carved in light between skyscrapers.
Manhattanhenge isn’t just a solar event—it’s a brief, annual sync between human design and nature’s rhythm. You don’t need to be a local to appreciate it. Just show up, look west, and let the city stand still for a minute.
More…