Waterways Surrounding New York City

New York City is defined by water. The metropolis sits at the confluence of several major waterways:

• Atlantic Ocean – to the southeast, via Lower New York Bay.
• Hudson River – forms the western boundary of Manhattan, separating it from New Jersey.
• East River – a tidal strait separating Manhattan from Brooklyn and Queens.
• Harlem River – separates Manhattan from the Bronx.
• Long Island Sound – lies to the northeast, beyond the East River.

These waterways have shaped NYC's history as a global port, enabled transportation, and created iconic waterfronts. Bridges, tunnels, and ferries stitch the boroughs together across these natural barriers.