Cruising the Hudson: A Journey Through New York’s Timeless Beauty
After a few hiccups on my journey, I finally made it to New York City—and what better way to kick things off than a cruise down the iconic Hudson River?
The boat glides gently along the water, hugging the shoreline and offering sweeping views of the city. From here, New York feels like a movie—bridges arch overhead, skyscrapers rise proudly along the riverbanks, and the unmistakable silhouette of the Statue of Liberty comes into view. It’s impossible not to think of Taylor Swift’s lyrics: “Welcome to New York. It’s been waiting for you.”
As the cruise begins, we pass two of New York’s most famous bridges—the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge. Though they stand close to each other on what’s known as the East River (a tidal strait that branches off the Hudson), each has its own story.
The Brooklyn Bridge, completed in 1883, is the world’s first steel-wire suspension bridge. Over 140 years later, its arched stone towers and delicate web of cables still look remarkably elegant—nothing like the heavy, concrete bridges we’re used to. Spanning nearly 1.8 kilometers, the bridge was once the longest suspension bridge in the world and still connects Manhattan to Brooklyn with quiet grace.
What makes the Brooklyn Bridge even more fascinating is its backstory. It took 13 years and $15 million—an astronomical sum at the time—to build. A family of three played central roles: architect John Augustus Roebling, his wife Emily Warren Roebling, and their son Washington Roebling, who oversaw construction after his father’s death. The bridge has undergone several renovations since, including a massive $500 million restoration. It’s now a U.S. National Historic Landmark—and often listed among the most beautiful bridges in the world.
The Manhattan Bridge, completed in 1909, is younger and busier. It stretches across the East River straight into the heart of Chinatown. Over 2 kilometers long, the bridge features separate levels: cars on top, subway trains in the middle, and a lower deck for bikes and pedestrians. It may not have the Brooklyn Bridge’s old-world charm, but it’s a vital artery in the city’s fast-paced rhythm.
Then comes the main attraction—the Statue of Liberty, slowly emerging on the horizon. The captain cuts the engine, letting the boat drift so we can take in the full view. You can hear the gentle slap of water against the hull, a peaceful soundtrack for this moment of awe.
A gift from France to the U.S. to celebrate 100 years of independence, the statue was designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, with the internal iron framework engineered by Gustave Eiffel—the same Eiffel behind the famous Paris tower. Fun fact: Eiffel also had a hand in designing Vietnam’s Long Biên and Trường Tiền bridges.
Though construction began in 1876, financial delays meant the statue wasn’t unveiled until 1886. She stands tall at 93 meters, holding a torch in one hand and a stone tablet inscribed with the date of American independence in the other. Originally a reddish bronze, she’s now a soft green due to decades of oxidation. With her flowing robes, spiked crown, and broken chains underfoot, the statue represents freedom—and her presence is powerful.
As we drift farther down the Hudson, the skyline of New York towers above us. The Empire State Building, with its 102 stories and needle-like spire, pierces the clouds. Built in 1929, this Art Deco icon stands at 381 meters tall. Movie lovers might recall King Kong famously climbing its heights, while chaos unfolds in the streets below. The building remains one of the city’s most beloved landmarks.
Closer to the water, you’ll see clusters of mid-rise apartment buildings. These riverfront homes are built to withstand everything—high winds, salty sea air, and the occasional storm surge. It’s a reminder of how tough, yet beautiful, New York really is.
If you’re planning your own river cruise, experts say 6 p.m. is the magic hour. The sunset bathes the skyline in golden hues, painting the river and sky with streaks of pink and orange. But honestly, New York is stunning from the water at any hour—whether it’s early morning calm or city lights twinkling at night.
As you wait to board, it’s worth remembering how the Hudson River got its name. In 1524, Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano was the first European to chart its mouth. Nearly a century later, in 1609, Henry Hudson, a Dutch sea captain, sailed upriver in search of a Northwest Passage. Though the river already had a Native American name, “Shatemuc,” Hudson renamed it the “Great River of the Mountains.” His crew, meanwhile, called it the Mauritius River. Later, it became known as the “North River” to distinguish it from the “South River” (now the Delaware). Today, it’s simply the Hudson River—quietly carrying the stories of the past through the heart of a city that never sleeps.
So, whether it’s your first time in New York or your fiftieth, don’t skip the Hudson cruise. It’s more than just a sightseeing trip—it’s a front-row seat to the city’s soul.
