New York City is an overly populated city that is competitive with trendy spots. You have the opportunity to photograph historic sites in your own style, or brand new spots that are always opening up! As a photographer, or someone who just loves to take pictures, you could spend weeks finding hidden gems in this amazing city.
In this guide, I will go over the most Instagrammable Spots in NYC with exact locations, photography tips and of course.. example photos for inspiration for your own photos! New York City has so much to offer and this guide is just scratching the surface!
Psssst… If you are traveling to NYC soon, don’t forget to check out my other guides: 48 Hours in NYC & Couples Guide to NYC in the winter.
There’s a high chance that this post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you), that goes directly towards little Rosie’s dog treats!
Top of The Rock
Top of the rock is located at the top of the Rockefeller Center. You have to pay $30-$45 to get to the top, but you will get a breathtaking view of NYC’s skyline – with the empire state building in the view too!
It costs slightly more to go up during sunset, but I believe it’s worth it because you will be able to see the views during the day, at sunset, and when all the lights begin to turn on! Just a fair warning, because this is the most beautiful time to go to the Top of the Rock, it is also the most crowded! Make sure you get up there early to claim your spot 🙂
Brooklyn Bridge / Dumbo
The Brooklyn Bridge is the most popular bridge in NYC that links Manhattan to Brooklyn. You can either walk or drive all the way across the bridge, but the best picture spot is the side closest to Brooklyn. This way you get the entire Manhattan skyline in your photo!
Dumbo is located off the bridge on Water and Washington St. This is a cobblestone street that gives you the perfect view of the Washington Bridge. One of the most photogenic streets in New York!
Hey, like these photos?! They were edited with my one-click Lightroom Presets!
Grand Central Station
Grand Central Station is filled with picturesque spots, it’s hard to just pick one! The trickiest part about this spot is, it’s extremely busy! You will have to be patient getting a picture, but in my opinion… I think the picture turns out better the busier it is in the background!
This spot is right when you walk in and walk down the stairs. You get a view of the entire station and all the busy people running around in the distance!
Times Square
Times Square is located right in the center of Manhattan and has spots all over where you can sit and take a picture with the billboards in the background.
How did I get a picture with no one in the background you may be thinking? If you stay out bar hopping long enough, Times Square will be completely deserted, ha!
Central Park
Whether you have a magical horse and carriage or not, this spot in Central Park has an outstanding backdrop! Located at the Cherry Cove fountain near the most popular proposal place in NYC, Bow Bridge. You get the trees, lake, and a piece of the skyline in the background. So beautiful!
Rockefeller Center (Winter Time)
If you are going to New York City in the winter time, ice skating at Rockefeller center is a big bucket list item! If you time it well enough, you can even get the Rockefeller Christmas Tree in your shots!
I love this spot because it’s not only a great spot to take some pictures, but such a fun activity to do with friends or a date!
Psst… Don’t forget to check out my Couple’s Guide to NYC in the winter for more date night ideas!
Westfield World Trade Center
Westfield World Trade Center is located near the 911 Memorial and museum. You can snap a few shots of this picturesque, all white mall AND get some souvenir shopping done. This mall is ginormous and has a subway and train station link right to it, so if you are traveling during the winter you can avoid being out in the cold!
Statue of Liberty
To get to the Statue of Liberty, you will have to pay for a ferry to take you to the island. The tickets are fairly inexpensive, considering it’s a full day excursion. These tickets are only ~$18.50, and include Ellis Island too!
To walk around the bottom of the Statue of Liberty, it is free (other than the ferry cost). If you would like to take the stairs up to the pedestal, there is an additional ticket you need to buy.
Around the bottom of the Statue of Liberty are shops, restaurants, and a grass area to sit and take pictures.
Empire State Building
Obviously, the empire state building is the most popular Instagrammable spots in NYC. You get a beautiful view of the skyline, but beware that it does cost a pretty penny!
In my humble opinion, I think the view from the Top of The Rock is twice as pretty for half the price and half the crowds. But, if this is your first time traveling to NYC it is one of those big “bucket list” experiences!
Okay, that’s a wrap! I hope you love all of these Instagram spots in NYC and if you want a map to all of these places to remember, just fill out your info above and I can email you a map.
Like I said before, NYC is the most picturesque city that has new things popping up every second. It’s so easy to recreate shots with your own twist and add new perspectives that haven’t been done before.
If you love big city travel, here are some other guides that I think you would love!
Thanks so much for stopping by 🙂
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[…] If this is your first time to New York City, I would tack on an extra day to see the famous sites such as Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and Wall Street. I have an entire guide for 48 hours in New York City you can check out that covers these sites. Or if you are just there to take fabulous pictures, check out my guide on 9 most Instagrammable spots in the city! […]