Take the roosevelt island tram from 59th street/lex for basically an aerial tour of midtown. Costs standard subway fare but youre floating above the east river with insane views

Roosevelt island itself is boring unless you like concrete and quiet. But that 3-5 minute ride each way? Totally worth it for photos alone

Goes every few minutes during rush hour. Sunset is obvious choice but even midday you get views that cost $40+ from observation decks