Wondering where to take pictures in New York? If you’re researching places to take pictures, then look no further. I love to take photos and and have compiled a list of the most Instagrammable places in NYC.
This blog post is designed to help you find the best NYC Instagram spots. Here you’ll find the best restaurants, places, and activities that will help you crush it on the ‘gram. I’m glad I had an opportunity to visit the Big Apple again. I’m happy I changed my mind by exploring the best of the city.
Table of Contents
Blog Posts You Might Like
- Most Instagrammable Places in Austin
- Most Instagrammable Places in Chicago
- Most Instagrammable Places in Las Vegas
Map of The Most Instagrammable Places in NYC
Below you’ll find a map of the best places to take pictures in NYC.
1. Washington Street in DUMBO
DUMBO stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. The neighborhood is ultra charming because of the cobblestone streets and dramatic architecture left over from its industrial days. If you’re interested in getting amazing photos at the DUMBO on Washington Street, try booking a professional photographer for an hour. This street is one of the most famous Instagrammable places in NYC. Whenever I look for best places in NYC to take pictures, Washington Street almost always comes up.
Photo Tip: I recommend going early in the morning and during the week. I took photos here at 7am and there was mostly no one around and no traffic to bother me.
2. Pebble Beach
Pebble Beach is one of the most photogenic places in NYC since you can play with so many different angles. You can capture the Brooklyn Bridge with the New York City skyline. It’s an ideal place for a walk or summer picnic.
Photo Tip: Pebble Beach is great for early morning shots or sunset shots. It’s usually not too crowded.
3. Jane’s Carousel
Jane’s Carousel is one of the most well-known Manhattan Instagram spots. It features 48 carved wooden horses. Located in Brooklyn, it was originally built in 1922 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company for the Idora Park amusement park in Youngstown, Ohio. Can you think about all the history here?
Photo Tip: I recommend going at night or at sunset. The carousel will light up and give you a beautiful glow in your photos.
4. Jane’s Carousel Pier
Right in front of Jane’s Carousel is also another incredible spot to take photos. The pier offers amazing views of the Manhattan Skyline and Brooklyn Bridge. It’s an incredibly trendy NYC location!
Photo Tip: If you go at sunset, you’ll get an amazing photo like mine! Be aware this is actually a really popular spot to propose!
5. The Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most picturesque places in NYC. There is arguably nothing better than seeing the New York City skyline on a gorgeous day. The Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway begins at the intersection of Tillary Street and Boerum Place.
Photo Tip: During the summer, it gets ultra crowded. I’m talking bumper to bumper foot traffic. For the best photos, you should go very early in the morning. Videos wearing flown dresses and running down the bridge are super popular on Instagram.
6. Squibb Park Bridge
You should definitely count on the Squibb Park Bridge as one of the most Instagram worthy places in NYC. It gives you a gorgeous view of lower Manhattan lighting up at night.
Photo Tip: Use a 70mm lens (I use the Sigma 24-70mm 2.8 lens) to bring the city skyline closer to you.
7. The Oculus at the World Trade Center
Did you know The Occulus is a subway station? It is known for being a memorial to the September 11th attack on the World Trade Center. If you’re interested in doing a deep dive into the history of the Oculus and surrounding area, you can book a tour here.
Photo Tip: Go super early in the morning before everyone starts going on their morning commute. You can also go at night for the least amount of people. I went at night and the mall rent a cops were very ratchet. Unfortunately, they were more focused on heckling a tourist for having my tripod over an actual crackhead that lit a joint on the stairs. You have been warned.
8. One World Trade Center Observatory
The One World Trade Center Observatory is one of the best Instagram spots in NYC. If you’re looking for stunning views of The Capital of the World then you’ll definitely get unique photos here. The building has a three story observation deck located on floors 100-102. You can book your One World Trade Center Observatory tickets here.
Photo Tip: Go in the morning for the best views.
9. The Bean At Tribeca Skyscraper
I don’t blame New York City wanting to copy Chicago. After all, The Bean in Millennium Park is pretty darn awesome! Anish Kapoor (who designed The Bean in Chicago) is back at work with this 48 foot long and 19 feet tall bean in New York City.
Photo Tip: I suggest taking a photo across the street to be able to capture it.
10. Staple Street Skybridge
Located in Tribeca the Staple Street Skybridge is a really cool place for photos. The buildings from a long gone industrial era make for a really cool touch.
Photo Tip: The Staple Street Skybridge is excellent for street photography and edgy OOTD photos. I recommend taking your photos at 35mm (portrait) or wide angle to capture the entire bridge.
11. Washington Square Park
Known for its stately arch and fountain, the Park is located in the historic Greenwich Village. Washington Square Park is so recognizable as far as NYC Instagram spots go.
Photo Tip: The best time to go is early in the morning because the park is very busy at all hours of the day.
12. Love Shack Fancy
If you’re looking for some gorgeous floral shots, Love Shack Fancy is the perfect place. There are so many pretty places in NYC!
Photo Tip: This location is not time dependent and you can go at any time of the day.
13. Flatiron Building
The Flatiron Building is most Instagrammed spots in NYC. You can’t be in the city without getting a shot of the triangular 22-story, 285-foot building! There’s been a lot of scaffolding on the building since last year making it kind of ugly to take a photo in front of. Also, there’s a crazy bidding war going on for the building at the moment contributing to the chaos.
Photo Tip: If you don’t want a huge crowd, go early in the morning. To get the best shot, go to 23rd street on the sliver of sidewalk area. Or go right across the street.
14. 28th Street Subway Station
I think the 28th Street Subway Station is one of the best photo spots in NYC. If you’ve ever ridden the subway in the City That Never Sleeps, you’ll know there are rats as big as cats and it’s super grody. But hey, we like to keep it positive and the floral mural lends much needed brightness to the drab space.
Photo Tip:
15. The Vessel at Hudson Yards
The Vessel at Hudson Yards is one of the most photogenic places in NYC. Since its opening, the Vessel has become a very popular and tourist attraction. The structure is near the water so it can get very windy.
Photo Tip: Go early in the morning. The first time I took photos here, that’s what I did and I got awesome pictures.
16. Equinox Hotel
The Equinox Hotel is one of the most Instagram worthy places in NYC due to the rooftop pool and amazing views of The Vessel. You can book your stay at the Equinox Hotel here.
17. The Edge
The Edge is most Instagrammable places in New York and undoubtedly one of the most popular. It is the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere. The glass floor will definitely give you butterflies but it is so worth it! You can book your tickets to The Edge here.
Photo Tip: Go at 10am during the week when it opens for the least amount of people and crowds.
18. Fly NYON Helicopter View
The FlyNYON Helicopter Tour shows you the most aesthetic places in New York… from up in the SKY. I highly recommend doing the 30 minute helicopter tour as you get more time for photos. Seriously, this is an incredible experience and a must do for locals and tourists alike.
Photo Tip: Take your phone and your camera. I think my Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 lens was PERFECT for this excursion. It gave me zoomed out photos along with closeups.
19. Times Square
Times Square is one of the most popular Instagram spots in NYC. After all, this NYC Instagram spot is the most famous! When you think of New York, this famous area always comes to mind.
Photo Tip: Be careful of all the people in crazy costumes offering to take photos with you. You can also go early in the morning for “night” and “sunset” shots.
20. Summit One Vanderbuilt
The Summit One Vanderbuilt is the considered best Instagrammable places in NYC. This observation deck was made for Instagram! It is newest observation deck in New York City having opened in 2021. The Summit Vanderbuilt has quickly become one of the best Instagram spots in NYC. You can book your tickets to the Summit One Vanderbuilt here.
Photo Tip: Since this place is so popular, it can get very busy. Arrive right when it opens for the best photo opportunities.
21. Grand Central Station
Grand Central Station is one of the most Instagrammable places in New York because it is so recognizable. It is located in Midtown Manhattan known as a transportation hub. There’s lots of shops and restaurants here as well.
Photo Tip: It is busy at all times of the day so just play with angles and get creative.
22. Top of the Rock
If you’re looking for aesthetic things to do in NYC, then Top of The Rock should be on your list. Located in the heart of New York City, this observation deck is the perfect place to see the city from up above. Plus it offers extraordinary 360-degree views! You can get your tickets to the Rockefeller Building here.
Photo Tip: Go early in the morning for smaller crowds. I went at sunset during the week and while it was crowded, it wasn’t overwhelming.
23. Radio City Music Hall
Radio City Music Hall is one of the best Instagram spots in New York City. It’s especially cute during winter when they decorate the fountain across the street with giant ornaments. It really makes for a festive photo.
Photo Tip: This is a great spot for an OOTD. I would recommend doing something edgy or wearing red or blue to match the sign.
24. The Plaza Hotel
You’ll recognize The Plaza Hotel as an OG New York Instagram spot. After all, it was featured in the popular 90s movie, Home Alone. You can book your stay at the Plaza Hotel here.
Photo Tip: Since this location is right next to Central Park, pose across the street for the coolest photos.
25. Central Park Bow Bridge
Central Park is one of the best places to take pictures in New York City. I didn’t think it was that pretty in winter because all the trees were dead, but any other time of year looks incredible!
26. Albertine Bookstore
When it comes to beautiful New York pictures, you can’t go wrong with the Albertine Bookstore. This stunning bookshop has been on my list forever and I was so excited to be able to take photos here. After all, just look how stunning the celestial ceiling is!
Photo Tip: This location isn’t heavily time dependent. I went during the week and I was super quiet upstairs. No one bothered me or told me to stop taking photos.
27. The Met Steps
If you’re looking for aesthetic New York pictures Gossip Girl edition, you need to snap a photo here.
Photo Tip: I went around 4pm. Two thirds of the steps were roped off. Once they took it off, I was able to snap this quick photo with no one in there.
28. The Statue of Liberty at Ellis Island
Were you actually in the Big Apple if you didn’t visit the Statue of Liberty at Ellis Island? My Italian grandfather came over via the great migration in the early 1900s. The Statue of Liberty is on of the most famous Instagram places in NYC. Gifted to the USA as a sign of friendship from France, when one thinks of America, they also think of Lady Liberty. You can book your Statue of Liberty Tour here.
The Most Instagrammable Restaurants in NYC
Many of the most Instagrammable restaurants in New York City are located in lower Manhattan.
29. 230 Fifth Bar
The 230 Fifth Bar is one of the most aesthetic NYC places. This bar is a live music venue and restaurant located in the heart of NYC. It is also New York City’s largest outdoor Rooftop Garden. Guests can walk in at any time and order at the bars. The seating is open so you can sit wherever you’d like.
Photo Tip: This bar was definitely built for Instagram so come with your outfits and shots in mind.
30. Cha Cha Matcha
Cha Cha Matcha has fabulous matcha and creamy matcha ice cream. I personally love Japanese matcha (the more like dirt it tastes, the more I like it). But this cafe is a super popular Instagrammable place in NYC. There’s almost always a line too!
Photo Tip:
31. Pietro Nolita
Pietro Nolita is one of the most Instagrammable places in lower Manhattan. It should make your list of cute places in NYC because it’s so pink and girly! The Italian restaurant describes itself as a “unique pink jewel box in the heart of Nolita.” They don’t take reservations and there’s almost always a wait, but it is so worth it!
Photo Tip: While you’re waiting to eat, you can take super cute photos on the pink bench outside.
32. Serra by Birreria at Eataly NYC Flatiron
Eataly in the Flatiron building is one of the most aesthetic places in NYC. There’s one in Chicago, but the one in New York changes their decorations seasonally.
Photo Tip: Go right when it opens at 11am during the week for the best unobstructed photos.
33. La Esquina
La Esquina is a very tasty Mexican restaurant. They have a super cute Jarrito display outside their building.
Photo Tip: Take a photo in the morning sipping a Jarrito or a Coke. Seriously, it looks so cute!
34. Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge
I didn’t realize how Instagrammable NYC actually is until I visited Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge. It’s located at the Moxy in Times Square. Their decor changes seasonally and it is truly a feast for the eyes. They encourage you to make a reservation because it is so popular.
Photo Tip: Go during the week when it opens at 3pm.
35. Museum of Ice Cream NYC
The Museum of Ice Cream is the creme de la creme of cute places in New York. Any and all puns intended. You can book your tickets to the Museum of Ice cream in NYC here.
Photo Tip: This place is super busy, but the staff is awesome and always willing to help take photos.
36. PHD Terrace Midtown
PHD Terrace Midtown is one of the most Instagrammable places in New York City due to its famous flower tunnel. The flowers change seasonally. I got the winter rose tunnel.
Photo Tip: I went at 9pm on a Sunday night for photos. There was no one there and I was able to get in and get out quickly.
37. Tiny’s and the Bar Upstairs
This building is a historical 1810 bi-level townhouse that showcases New American fare in a dimly lit, rustic setting. If you’d like to eat there with no wait, Monday is a great time to visit. You can make a reservation for Tiny’s and the Bar Upstairs here.
Photo Tip: Wear something pink to blend in with the building.
I hope this post gives you all the inspiration to take cute insta pics in New York City. I guarantee you’ll definitely be getting all the aesthetic pictures of New York!
Free Seoul E-Book
Do you love South Korea?
Enter your name and email address and click the button below to receive your Easy Seoul Travel Guide so you can travel like a local!
1 Comment on 35+ Most Instagrammable Places in NYC
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
nice post