Are you looking for Instagram worthy spots in New York City? If the answer is yes, then you’ve come to the right place because I’ve got a long list of epic NYC photo spots for you to share on the gram! From iconic landmarks and epic skylines, to hidden gems and less known attractions. Here are 17 Best Instagram Worthy Spots in New York!
17 Best Instagram Worthy Spots in New York
1. CENTRAL PARK
Central Park is the perfect way to kick off this list! This park is huge and the photo-ops are endless, and I mean ENDLESS! Everywhere you look you’ll see beautiful fountains, meadows, ponds, lakes, bridges, skylines; it has it all.
Here’s a list of all of my favorite spots in Central Park:
- The Mall
- Bethesda Fountain
- Bethesda Terrace
- The Loeb Boathouse
- Bow Bridge
- Gapstow Bridge
- Conservatory Water
PHOTO TIP: I would suggest that you first bookmark all the spots you want to visit within Central Park and create a route. The park is way too big to explore without some sort of plan. I would also say it’s better to visit midweek or early morning to avoid huge crowds.
2. TIMES SQUARE
I don’t think there’s a more Instagrammable place than Times Square! The lights, the people, and the energy – there’s just something so magical about it. Sure, it’s super crowded and hectic at all times but I think you can actually create and capture something spectacular here!
PHOTO TIP: Set your camera aperture to f/1.4 or lower if you want to blur the crowds surrounding you. Or, lower you shutter speed and stand super still as people walk around you in order to capture their blurred motion while you still remain in focus.
3. EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
The views from the top of the Empire State Building are EPIC! Not to mention, this building is iconic and almost synonymous to New York! Make sure to visit and capture some incredible photos to share on the gram!
PHOTO TIP: Sunset and sunrise are the best times to capture those soft golden hues!
4. TOP OF THE ROCK
You can capture the most amazing views of the city and of the Empire State Building from Top of the Rock! They have a large indoor and outdoor deck where you can spread out and capture your photos even on the busiest days. It’s definitely one of my favorite observation decks in all of New York!
LOCATION TIP: Make sure you book your tickets in advance! I once tried to book my tickets the day of and the time slot I wanted was sold out. Try to book at least 1-2 days in advance, earlier if you’re visiting during a holiday or summer. Also, finding the ticket station can get a bit confusing if you enter the building through the center court/Rockefeller Center, it’s best to enter via 50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue.
5. GRAND CENTRAL STATION
Grand Central Station is not only an iconic train station, it’s also one of the most photographed spots in New York since 1913. The main concourse features a stunning celestial ceiling with constellations and a famous gold clock that sits right in the center, making it a very Instagram worthy location!
Check out Instagram Worthy Spots in San Francisco next!
6. FLATIRON BUILDING + DISTRICT
Head over to the corner of 5th Avenue and 23rd Street for some jaw-dropping beautiful architecture. The Flatiron Building is an eye-illusion type of structure that is literally shaped like a flatiron. It’s super cool and you can capture some amazing shots here. You should also explore the surrounding areas, they’re just as mesmerizing.
PHOTO TIP: Walk over to the corner of 5th Avenue and 24th Street and take a picture at the crosswalk so you can capture the entire building AND the Tiffany Street Clock.
7. THE VESSEL
The Vessel at Hudson Yards is one of the newer tourist attractions that opened to the public in 2019. It’s a honeycomb-like structure that rises 16 stories and consists of 154 flights of stairs. With so many different angles and perspectives, this location is super fun to photograph.
PHOTO TIP: Have your photographer or tripod squat down and angle your camera upward in order to capture the entire structure.
LOCATION TIP: You can visit the Vessel completely FREE within the first hour of operation! Otherwise, it’s $10 per person.
8. THE HIGH LINE
The High Line is an elevated park above ground that was once a subway track. It has then been redesigned and turned into a linear style park that runs for 1.5 miles; from the Meatpacking District, through Chelsea Market, all the way to the Hudson Yards. The Park features tons of city views, seating steps with street views, lush plants and greenery, and art installations. The photo opportunities here are unreal!
PHOTO TIP: Visit an hour before sunset to catch the sun going down between the buildings, this will make for an epic photo!
9. LITTLE ISLAND
Little Island is New York’s newest park! This structure sits over water at the edge of Pier 54/55 and features 100 concrete pilings shaped like tulip petals and breathtaking flowers beds! And don’t even get me started on the stunning views of New Jersey, the One World Trade Center, and even the Statue of Liberty! This location screams Instagram worthy!
LOCATION TIP: Visiting the park is entirely free! However, to ensure the safety of visitors, they are limiting the number of park visitors through timed entry. You can make your reservations here.
Read Top Things To Do & See in NYC next!
10. SOHO
SoHo is a trendy, artsy neighborhood in lower Manhattan. It is well known for designer boutiques, fancy chain stores, high-end galleries, fashionable crowds, and restaurant and nightlife hotspots. But my favorite part is the architecture and design. You can find cobblestone streets and cast-iron-facade buildings that make for the perfect photo backdrop!
Here’s a list of some of my favorite Instagram worthy photo spots in SoHo:
- Green Street
- Polo Ralph Lauren
- NOMO SOHO
11. WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK
Want a taste of Paris during your trip to New York? Head over to Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village and take photos of the stunning arch that was modeled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris! This park is also perfect for people-watching and live music.
PHOTO TIP: Sit alongside the fountain and have your photographer use the arch to frame you AND the Empire State Building!
12. SUBWAY
Listen, you can’t come to New York and not ride the subway, your trip just wouldn’t be complete! Make sure you capture this moment so you can share all the crazy subway experiences with your IG friends!
PHOTO TIP: Pose at any subway entrance or take it underground and capture the subway’s movement! Whatever you choose, it’s going to be an unforgettable New York experience!
13. THE OCULUS
The Oculus is NYC’s latest transportation hub and one of the most beautiful structures in the city. The architecture and design is sleek, modern, and truly captivating. From the outside it looks like a bird about to spread its wings wide open. On the inside, the large skylights and white marble floors flood the airy space with dreamy natural sunlight. It’s truly awe-inspiring and one of the most unique spots for photo-taking!
LOCATION TIP: The Oculus is not just a railway station, but also a shopping mall with tons of luxury stores and fine dining. Make sure to visit with plenty of time if you want to explore more than just the entrance.
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14. BROOKLYN BRIDGE
Oh, the Brooklyn Bridge has to be one of my ultimate favorites! I love photographing this beautiful, iconic 19th-century landmark! I am just obsessed with how the Neo-Gothic architecture contrasts so perfectly with the modern buildings that make up the Lower Manhattan City skyline and serve as this landmark’s backdrop. Taking photos at this location is just an absolute dream!
PHOTO TIP: Visit during sunrise to avoid crowds and swarms of people photobombing your photos! And try to avoid taking photos midday (especially during summer), there is no shade and the harsh light can sometimes be unflattering.
LOCATION TIP: There’s a bike lane and a pedestrian lane — avoid stepping over or walking down the bike path, bikers won’t hesitate to ring their bell or yell when you step in their lane. Also, make sure you take water if you visit during summer, it can get pretty hot and you will most likely tire out while crossing the entire bridge!
15. OLD PIER 1
After you cross over to Brooklyn, head over to Brooklyn Bridge Park and find Old Pier 1 for some amazing unobstructed views of the skyline. Here, you can capture a super cool photo of NYC, the East River, and the remains of a decaying pier.
16. DUMBO
DUMBO is one of the Brooklyn neighborhoods that is located right at the foot of Brooklyn Bridge, the name stands for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass.” You can find this super Instagrammable location on Water and Washington Street.
I seriously don’t know if this was somehow planned but the lower arch of the Manhattan Bridge frames the Empire State Building perfectly, making it one of the most incredible photo spots ever!
17. PEBBLE BEACH
Lastly, to close off this list, Pebble Beach is right past the DUMBO photo spot and it’s part of Main Street Park. It offers scenic views of the city, views of Brooklyn Bridge, and access to Jane’s Carousel. Another perfect spot for all of your Instagram photos!
I hope you enjoyed this list of 17 Best Instagram Worthy Spots in New York! Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions! And don’t forget to pin this for later!
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