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Watch the Manhattanhenge in May and July 2023 in New York City

During the year, you’ll be able to witness a spectacular phenomenon in New York, the Manhattanhenge.
It’s a really great tip in New York since you just have to stand in a particular direction and enjoy the show.

I’ll explain everything you need to know about this event every year in New York: how, when, and where it occurs, and of course, you’ll get to see some great photos!!!

What’s the Manhattanhenge?

It occurs twice a year when the sunset perfectly aligns with the east-west streets on the main street grid in Manhattan.
It’s also called the Manhattan Solstice.
Every year, the event takes place twice for two days:
– One day you can see the sun in full, also known as Full Sun on the Grid

Manhattanhenge in New York

– On the other day you can see half of the sun, also known as Half Sun on the Grid

Manhattanhenge in New York

Why is it called the Manhattanhenge?

The word “Manhattanhenge” is a neologism between Manhattan and Stonehenge.
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England, where stones are aligned with the sun at a certain time of the year.
Kind of like this 🙂

Manhattanhenge in New York

When does it occur in New York?

This circumstance occurs twice a year.
Here are the dates and times for the Manhattanhenge 2023*:
– May 29, 2023 (8.13 pm): Half Sun on the grid.
– May 30, 2023(8.12 pm): Full Sun on the grid.
– July 12, 2023 (8.20 pm): Full Sun on the grid.
– July 13, 2023 (8.21 pm): Half Sun on the grid

*Information from Dr Jackie Faherty, American Museum of Natural History

Where can we see the Manhattanhenge in New York?

To witness the event, you need to stand according to the Commissioner’s Plan of 1811 from 14th street to the neighborhood of Washington Heights.
Here are the best streets to see, enjoy and take photos:
– 14th street
– 23rd street
– 34th street
– 42nd street

What’s the best tip to watch and take great pictures?

Besides standing on the streets cited above, the best tip I can give you is to stand on Tudor City Bridge located between Grand Central and the UN, as shown below:

From there, you’ll be able to see everything, but get there soon!

Manhattanhenge in New York

Can we see the sunset and enjoy the same view on another date?

Yes, it’s called the Winter Solstice in New York.
You’ll be able to see the sun rising in the East, also aligned with the streets of New York.
It applies to the same streets.
Every year, the event occurs between December 5 and January 8.

Here are some spectacular photos taken in the streets of New York

Memo

My fist trip to New York was in 2007 when I was working for an airline company. I was born in the US, I lived in Mexico, in Europe in between Belgium, Spain and France… Well, let’s say I know about travelling! I bring my experience of NYC to the blog, to provide the best travel tips you could imagine!

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Watch the Manhattanhenge in May and July 2023 in New York City

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  1. Sophie mummbke says:
    I wanted to see it years ago.
    We live in Texas so it was amazing ….
  2. Dan says:
    “You’ll be able to see the sun setting in the East” would be big news. But this should have said “RISING” (for the December and January versions).
  3. R Wendel says:
    One detail this article left out (probably because it would be so obvious to residents) is the you need to pick your spot on the EAST SIDE of Manhattan, that is, anywhere between 5th and 1st Avenues,
    the closer to 1st, the better. This gives you a maximum number of buildings to frame the sunset. If you were to stand at 10, or 11th avenues, you’ll probably wonder what the fuss is all about, since there’s very few buildings between you and the Hudson river. So, again, watch it from 1st or 2nd Avenue, but certainly no further west than 5th Avenue, or you’ll be disappointed!!
  4. Jennie says:
    I am leaving nyc on 25may, does that mean I can’t see manhattenhenge? Even in other angles or other streets?
  5. Cosmo says:
    FYI: according to the American Museum of Natural History/Hayden Planetarium resource, Full Sun On The Grid takes place July 11th, not the 12th.

    http://www.amnh.org/our-research/hayden-planetarium/resources/manhattanhenge