USA Manhatten from Empire State

On the roof of the Empire State, looking towards the freedom tower.

Basically, bring at least a zoom, like a 24-105mm to be flexible with framing and being able to take both wide and tighter shots.

A wider or even fisheye lens might also lead to some interesting pictures. As a general rule, if you cover the range between 20mm and 200mm, you're all set to make some decent shots from this spot.

I was there mid afternoon I guess. Time of day is always important, as we know as photographers. But the cloud cover and the way it let through some sunlight also contributed a lot to the look of this shot. In photography, luck, or the way circumstances line up at the moment you're there, play a big part. My recommendation, if you're at a spot you won't visit for a long time, take lots of shots. Throwing out shots later is no problem, regretting that one shot you didn't take is.

Although it's just the rooftop of some building essentially, they charge you a pretty penny for the privilege to go up there. Skip the ride if at all possible! It's third rate, you don't learn anything new and if you're first up there, much less people will obstruct your view.

Nobody needs travel info to get to manhattan.