Manhattanhenge

What to expect

Crowds start staking out the middle of wide cross-streets well before sundown, phones and cameras aimed west. As the sun drops onto the grid, traffic pauses, cheers go up, and for a few golden minutes the whole street glows. Then it's over — quick, communal and weirdly moving.

Good to know

• Wide two-way streets work best — 23rd in Chelsea, plus 14th, 34th, 42nd and 57th
• Get as far east in the street's sightline as you can while keeping New Jersey visible across the Hudson
• Arrive well ahead of sundown; the best curb spots fill early
• Watch for traffic — step out only when the crowd and signals allow
• Cloudy skies can wash it out; check the forecast before committing
• A half-sun alignment follows on the next evening if you miss the full disk

Common questions