40+ Most Instagrammable Places in NYC: Best Photo Spots in New York City (From a Local) (2024)

Most Instagrammable Places in NYC From a New Yorker

NYC is easily one of the coolest and most instagrammable cities in the world! After living in New York for over 12 years, I have spent plenty of time seeking out the most instagrammable and photo-worthy places in NYC you should visit! In this list, find over 35 epic photo spots in New York City you should add to your bucket list.

I am always updating this NYC photoshoot list with the best Instagram spots since New York City is forever changing!

BTW- most of them are Free NYC places to visit!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links where I might make a small commission at nocost to you.

1. Top of The Rock

Top of The Rock is probably one of the most iconic places to take instagrammable photos in NYC! It’s also one of my favorite places since the views from Rockefeller Center are seriously unmatched.

Make your way to the top of the 3 observation decks on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors for panoramic views that include the Empire State Building!

When visiting Top of The Rock, make sure to get your tickets ahead of time. You can order them online at their website and pick a timeslot. Make sure to get there on time, so you don’t lose your spot.

For the best photos at the Top of the Rock, I would recommend planning your photoshoot early in the morning to avoid crowds or closer to sunset. NYC has pretty epic sunsets making for an epic Instagram photo.

NYC Top of the Rock Photo tip: The best places to take photos at the Top of the Rock are inside the window with the Empire State building in the back and if you are with a friend, have them go on the top deck with you on the lower deck. It makes for a really cool NYC perspective!

Address: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112

2. Radio City Music Hall

While you’re in the area of Rockefeller Center, walk over to Radio City Music Hall for another Instagrammable Must for all your NYC photoshoot needs!

To be honest, I’ve never been inside, but I’ve passed this location more times than I can count.

Additionally, if you are visiting NYC during the holidays, you will find the giant ornaments here, along with the giant candy canes and whatever else the city decides to add as a pop-up! This makes this NYC location a must for photoshoots during Christmas time!

Radio City Music Hall Photoshoot Tip: For the best Instagram photos, I’d recommend the corner diagonally across to get the full sign. Also, be careful of your time of day. The lighting mid-day can be harsh, taking away from your photo.

Address: 1260 6th Ave, New York, NY 10020

3. Times Square

Times Square is one of those places all local New Yorkers avoid like the plague. However, as a photographer, or if you have never been, it’s a must-visit and one of the most instagrammable places in NYC.

It is almost impossible to take photos without people in Times Square, but I think the chaos kind of makes the photo.

In my opinion, the best time to visit Times Square is during the week to avoid the craziness of the weekend! Times Square is also one of the best places to photograph NYC at night!

If it’s a nice day, you can walk here from Radio City Music Hall. If not, jump on the NYC subway. The best Subway line to take to Times Square is the Red Line (1,2,3).

Times Square Photography tip: Try to get the camera down low and looking up to get a really cool NYC photo with the skyscrapers and billboards!

Address: Start around 42nd Street and 7th Ave

4. Central Park

Another staple of New York City is easily Central Park. Covering over 800 acres, you can find a handful of NYC Instagram spots!

If you are limited on time, the top Central Park places to photograph are Bow Bridge and Bethesda Terrace, and Fountain. I would recommend starting your photoshoot at the famous NYC Bow Bridge and then heading to the Bethesda Fountain next.

If you are visiting NYC during the fall, also check out “The Mall” which is the famous walk path you will see all over social media! If you have time, head over to Gapstow Bridge.

Additionally, if you are visiting Central Park during the Spring, you will be able to see cherry blossom season throughout the park.

Have more time in Central Park? Other Central Park Instagrammable places include Gapstow Bridge,on the Rocks by Gapstow Bridge, and Views of the Belvedere Castle.

Central Park Instagram Tip: If possible, I suggest planning your Central Park photoshoot on an early morning during the weekend. Think around or before 8:30 AM. I have found that there are fewer crowds making better NYC photo-worthy captures!

Address: Bow Bridge, New York, NY 10024

5. The NYC Hudson Yards Vessel

Welcome to one of NYC’s newest attractions! Located in Hudson Yards, The Vessel has gotten tons of attention, especially across Instagram, for its unique Bee hive-like shape.

The Vessel is no longer climbable. However, even if you can’t climb the Vessel, there are still a lot of really cool angles to photograph this NYC attraction.

Plus, the Hudson Yards is the new hot spot in the city, so you won’t want to miss visiting! Furthermore, if you visit during the holidays, they decorate the inside and outside of Hudson Yards!

NYC Local Tip: While in the area, take a walk down The High Line (next to Hudson Yards) down to the Chelsea Market for a bite to eat and experience New York like a local. The High Line can also be a great place to get some Instagram photos if it’s not too packed!

Address: The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001

6. The Edge, NYC

The Edge is one of NYC’s best Instagrammable spots, and with good reason! Their Skydeck is the highest outdoor observation deck in the western hemisphere, standing at 100 stories. If you want to enjoy one of the best NYC Skyline views, you will get it here!

Even if you don’t care about Instagram photos, this is still one of New York’s best attractions.

If Instagrammable places are your thing, the NYC Edge would be on top of my list!

Other rooftop decks you might want to consider visiting are the Empire State Building Skyview deck and the One World Trade Center deck.

Address: 30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001

7. Flatiron Building

Did you know the Flatiron Building is one of the most photographed buildings in NYC? There are a couple of angles you can shoot this iconic building from.

Some fun photoshoot ideas include next to the big gold clock to the right of the building, in the middle of the median, or to the left by the blooming trees (in Spring).

While you are in the area, head to Madison Square Park or Eataly NYC Flatiron for delicious food and even some more NYC photo spots!

Address: 175 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010

8. Washington Square Park

During my first year in college (and before Instagram), we would walk down to Washington Square Park just to hang out. Over 10 years later, I still love walking through Greenwich Village and sitting at Washington Square Park for people-watching and, of course, taking photos.

The park is packed at all times, so the best time to photograph the arch is early in the morning! During the winter, the fountain is off, giving you some additional photo opportunities.

*** Taking photo’s in the middle of the street is at your own risk. We came very early when few cars were on the road. ***

Address: 1 Washington Square New York, US

9. The Oculus

Located by One World Trade Center Observatory in Manhattan’s Finacial District, the Oculus is another one of NYC’s unique instagrammable places.This transit center hosts tons of shops and restaurants, and it is also known as one of the best Instagram spots.

Take note that it can be tricky to get a photo using a Professional Camera. Supposedly it’s prohibited, but you can take photos with your phone without any problems!

Fun photos can be taken from both inside and outside this unique piece of architecture.

While here, you can also visit the 9/11 memorial and even go to the Observation Deck of One World Observatory. (I would recommend The Top Of The Rock over this observation deck, though).

There is also an Eataly nearby! Can you tell I’m obsessed!?

10. Pietro Nolita in Soho

Soho has tons of Instagrammable spots (which I would need a whole separate post for), but my new favorite is outside of Pietro Nolita! If you know me, I love finding pink locations and this super cute pink corner is no exception.

Pietro Nolita is actually a restaurant boasting an equally photo-worthy inside if you have time to eat! Just make sure to have reservations.

Address: 174 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012

11. Soho Flower Mural

Soho, NYC has tons of Instagrammable spots in general, from cobblestone streets, pretty building facades, and murals. One of my favorite Soho murals is this fun flower mural by Jet Martinez. The Soho street featured below is Greene Street which has all the epic photo-worthy aspects you could hope for in NYC!

Other Instagram-Worthy Murals in Soho and around Soho NYC include:

Audrey Hepburn Mural: 176 Mulberry St, New York City, NY 10013

Color Factory Wall Mural (also Instagrammable inside the Color Factory Museum): 251 Spring St, New York, NY 10013

The Museum of Ice Cream is not exactly a mural, but it is in the Soho area and is basically made for taking Instagram photos.

Address: Mulberry & Prince Street

12. NYC L’Appartement Sézane Storefront

Love Instagrammable cafes and storefronts? L’Appartement Sézane easily has one of the most Instagrammable storefronts in NYC. It is basically screaming photograph me!

They do tend to change decorations throughout the season, which makes this Nolita location fun to come back to throughout the year.

Address: 254 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012

13. Instagrammable Photos from the Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in New York and is very instagrammable. Even if you didn’t care about taking Instagram photos, this tourist attraction should be on your list! From unique architecture to the skyscrapers in the distance, there are so many photo opportunities!

From the City, you walk fully across the Brooklyn Bridge right over to Dumbo, Brooklyn. The best time to take photos on the Brooklyn Bridge, IMO is super early in the morning before 8 AM on a weekend!

The Bridge has Instagram-worthy photo shoot locations at all angles, but don’t spend all day here, so you can make it to Dumbo for the famous Manhattan Bridge photo! The bridge is just over a mile long.

Brooklyn Bridge Entrance From Manhattan

From Manhattan, you can take the 4, 5, or 6 trains to the Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall stop. You can also take the J or Z trains to the Chambers Street stop, which is closest to the Pedestrian Walk Way.

Brooklyn Bridge Entrance From Brooklyn

From Brooklyn, you can enter from Washington Street between York Street and Prospect Street. This will lead you to the walkway itself.

14. Brooklyn Bridge Park

Once you’re in the Brooklyn neighborhood, Dumbo, to the left and the right of the bridge is Brooklyn Bridge Park.

From here you can see epic views of Manhattan, and the instagrammable photo spots are endless! I especially like the view from Janes Carousel and Pebble Beach, which are both very popular Instagram spots.

If you make your way down the pier where the bridge is now on your right side, you will also find my second favorite view from Brooklyn Bridge Park, where the pylons stick out of the water. From here you can see the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty from afar.

If you decide to stay in Brooklyn, the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is known to have the most Instagrammable rooms and views!

15. Famous Manhattan Bridge Photo Spot in Dumbo Brooklyn

If you made it to the Brooklyn Bridge, it’s totally worth making it over to the cross-sections of Waters Street and Washington Street for the Instagram-worthy photo of the Manhattan Bridge.

This particular intersection is probably the most instagrammable spot in Dumbo, Brooklyn.

Because of this, the street becomes packed with people while also being an active street that cars are driving down. For the best photo opportunity, it is best to arrive here around 8 AM.

By 10:30 AM you will see a huge difference in the number of people.

NYC Insider tip: DUMBO stands for Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass! For some really amazing pizza, head to Ignazio’s Pizza right under the Brooklyn Bridge. Their pizza is amazing… seriously!

16. Squibb Park Bridge

Another one of my new favorite Instagrammable Instagrammable places in NYC is the Squibb Park Bridge, which is near the Brooklyn Bridge on the Brooklyn side. Just walk down the Brooklyn Bridge Park Greenway up to the Bridge. This new popular Instagram spot offers a different perspective of the NYC skyline.

If you are driving, we were able to find parking on Willow Street which allows street parking on Tuesdays. The streets do alternate side parking in this area. You will walk through the playground and down to the bridge.

It is especially beautiful during the fall in NYC!

17. The Brooklyn Heights Promenade

If you are already by Squibb Park Bridge, then you should continue to take a short walk to the iconic Brooklyn Heights Promenade (Esplanade).

From here, you will be able to see the full skyline of NYC, offering Instagrammable photos and reels, since we all know video is the new favorite thing to do. The Promenade stretches 1,826 Ft. above the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE). It is located just about 5 minutes away from Squibb Park Bridge.

18. Grand Central Station, NYC

Besides being a great place to just experience NYC, Grand Central Station is also a great photoshoot location. Having been the backdrop to countless movies, photoshoot or not, Grand Central Terminal needs to be on your NYC list! Please note that you may not be able to use a tripod while here.

19. Flushing Meadows Park

Looking to get out of the City and explore Queens? Then check out Flushing Meadows Corona Park, especially in the spring! This park is the 4th largest park in NYC and was a part of the 1939 New York World Fair.

My two favorite Instagram spots here include the giant Globe, and during the spring (cherry blossom season), there are a ton of blooming pink trees that resemble cherry blossoms!

Additionally, you might recognize this was the filming spot for Men in Black 2.

Address: Between Grand Central Pkwy and, Van Wyck Expy, 11354

20. M Tea Flushing

If you make it out to Queens, NYC, then you should most definitely check out this instagrammable NYC cafe bubble Tea spot called M Tea!

Not only do they have good food and drinks, but they have also decorated the inside specifically for having really fun photoshoots! This includes this very cute air balloon, swings, and decorated walls.

21. Summit One Vanderbilt

This epic observatory is truly unique and has become one of the newest Instagrammable places in NYC. From glass elevators, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and mirror rooms, you will definitely want to add Summit One Vanderbilt to your NYC Instagram list!

Because there are a ton of mirrors, be careful wearing short skirts, since you can see right up them. I made this mistake, lol. I have never seen the Empire State Building or Crysler Building up so close. I highly suggest visiting!

Because it is so popular, it can be a little tough to get photos. I would avoid mid-day and weekends if you can. If you are patient and wait, it clears up a little, and I find that the 3rd room still has good photo spots with fewer crowds (after the silver balloons).

All the NYC decks have a price associated with them, so personally, the Edge Summit One, and Top of the Rock would be my go-to, since they really have the best photo-worthy views.

Address:45 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017 Entrance located on the Main Concourse of Grand Central Terminal

22. Stuyvesant Street

Another great photo spot is at Stuyvesant Street. It is actually one of the oldest streets in NYC. For the perfect Instagram photo, stand right by the light post!

23. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Located near Prospect Park, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden offers a plethora of photo opportunities! One of my favorite times to visit the garden is during the spring when they have Cherry Blossom season and tulip season!

You can also check out the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx if you love taking photos in the garden.

NYC Insider tip: Try to go just before their Cherry Blossom festival and very early in the morning when they open for those Instagram-worthy photos!

Address: 990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225

24. The Morgan Library and Museum

This local and hidden gem is not only an absolutely beautiful library to visit, but it is also very photo-worthy. It is one of my favorite places to take people!

NYC photo tip: I would recommend a wide-angle lens with a low aperture since the lighting is difficult.

25. The MET Steps

This one is for all those Gossip Girl Fans! Don’t hate me, but I have never watched the show. Can we still be friends? Although the steps don’t necessarily speak to me, I couldn’t not add these iconic steps to my NYC Instagram spots!

If you are visiting New York, you should definitely take a peek inside this museum though!

Address: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028

26. The Guggenheim

Another museum that makes the NYC Instagram list is The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. This museum houses modern and contemporary art. So what makes this museum Instagram-worthy? The unique architecture brings Instagrammers and tourists alike!

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27. Lillie’s Victorian Establishment

If you are visiting during the holidays, Lillie’s Victorian Establishment has one of the best NYC Christmas displays that is super Instagrammable in Union Square! Inside, they are a bar with tons of additional decorations.

28. Stone Street

Known for having a great restaurant scene, this cobblestone street is also perfect for photoshoots. So, you can enjoy great food and nice pictures all in one! During the winter you may even be able to see the street covered in snow!

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29. The Chelsea High Line

From the Hudson Yards, head up onto the High Line for some additional Instagrammable shots! Because the Highline is extremely popular, I would recommend getting to the Highline early. This elevated train platform was turned into a pedestrian walkway and greenspace.

It offers incredible skyline views (including the Empire State Building), along with cool photo opportunities over the street. You can find a lot of cool shots as you walk through it!

30. Tudor City Bridge

You have most certainly seen this Instagrammable NYC spot before! The Tudor City Bridge is located right by the Midtown Tunnel and is extremely popular for taking photos during sunset! At certain times of the year, the sun will line up perfectly between the skyscrapers making a really interesting shot! Additionally, you get some great views of the Chrysler Building.

31. Magic Hour Rooftop Bar

While most rooftop bars are Instagrammble places in NYC, The Magic Hour Rooftop Bar brings it to the next level with pink everything! With Instagrammble co*cktails and food, to their decor and Empire State Building views in the background, I would recommend getting a reservation to visit! Better yet, if you plan to stay at the MOXY NYC Times Square, this is your rooftop!

Address: 485 7th Ave 18th floor, New York, NY 10018

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32. Charlotte Beach in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

If you want an epic skyline view over the water in your photos, then you should consider adding Charlotte Beach, located in Marsha P. Johnson State Park to your list! This is actually the same place they hold Smorgasburg on Saturdays in the summer, so it is a win, win if you’re also hungry!

You can walk right up to the water and sit on the rocks or get creative with angles. What is great about this Instagram spot is that no matter how crowded it is, you will still get a great photo of NYC in the background!

Address: 3236 N 8th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

33. Taiyaki NYC Japanese Ice Cream Williamsburg

If you do make it out to Williamsburg and also want to add some Instagrammable food to your NYC bucket list, add Taiyaki NYC Japanese Ice Cream!

Not only is the ice cream great, but they make the coolest waffle-tasting cone in the shape of a mermaid/fishtail and turn the top into a cool piece of artwork! They also have a location in Manhattan as well!

Address: 294 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY

34. Coney Island

Coney Island is most well-known for its Boardwalk area and Luna Park. From famous amusem*nt park rides like the Cyclone and the Wonder Wheel, you can imagine there are some great photo opportunities.

Some favorites are in front of the Wonder Wheel inside Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusem*nt Park, on the Coney Island Boardwalk by Nathan’s Hot Dogs, on the Pier, and from the beach looking towards Luna Park.

36. Gantry Plaza State Park

Located just across the water in Long Island City (LIC), you can find some additional great Instagram shots at Gantry Plaza State Park. One of my favorites is by the large neon Pepsi Sign. On a clear day, you will also get great photos of the NYC skyline.

36. The Plaza Hotel

Another staple is photos with or of the Plaza Hotel. Overlooking Central Park, this NYC Staple is so photogenic. During the holidays, they usually do a really fun fountain display as well!

The Plaza Hotel is to the right of the below photo.

Address: 768 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019

37. Instagrammable Cafes

Technically I have a whole post on cute and Instagrammable cafes in NYC, but since you’re here, some of the cutest cafes include:

• Hutch and Waldo
• Maman
• Cha Cha Matcha
• Remi Flower & Coffee
• Stumptown Coffee Roasters
• Ralph’s Coffee

38. Other Iconic Photo Spots in NYC

While I wouldn’t necessarily consider these places “Instagrammable,” they are still iconic spots in NYC that people love to photograph, and since this is basically a list of photo locations in New York here they are!

• Charging Bull
• Views from the Staten Island Ferry
• The Subway Signs
• One World Trade Center
• World Trade Center Memorial Reflecting Pools

What to Know Before Visiting These Instagrammable Places in NYC

Wondering how many days you need to check out these Instagram Spots in NYC? I’d say you can hit most of these photo locations with 4 days in NYC.

In general, anywhere from 3-5 days gives you a good amount of time to see most of New York City and even explore outside the city a little.

However, please note, the city is forever changing with new pop-up shops, murals, street art, and so on, so while I do my best to keep this list up-to-date, things could change.

NYC has tons of additional photoshoot opportunities during the holidays. I cover most of them in this Holiday NYC Itinerary.

The best way to get around NYC to these instagrammable places is by walking and public transportation. Here is an NYC Subway guide! If it’s really cold during your visit, you can also use Uber or Lyft.

Getting around the city by car can take longer, however.

If you are planning to visit a lot of paid attractions, getting one of the New York Passes is the best way to save money. All of them work great, it just depends on what pass has the most attractions you want.

• NYC Sightseeing Pass Here
• NYC City Pass Here
• GoCity PASS

Lastly, if this is your first time in New York, you might find this guide on things to know before visiting NYC helpful and where to stay in NYC!

NYC Most Instagrammable Places Wrap-up

This covers my favorite Instagram spots in NYC! As you can see, NYC has tons of Instagrammable places to get that perfect photo! Do you think any New York City photography spots should be added to this list? Let me know in the comments below!

If you love Instagram guides, also check out my favorite Instagram places in Long Island, NY, Philly, Puerto Rico, Savannah, Charleston, and Rome!

Learn about my favorite travel outfits and Camera Gear!

NYC Photo-worthy highlight