The Best NYC Photo Spots
Having lived in New York City for almost a year and a half now (crazy how quickly time flies) I have spent a lot of time scouting the city for all of the very best NYC photo spots, and I’ve put together of some of my favorite photo spots in New York City to help you out the next time you’re looking to get that perfect Instagram shot! This list is constantly growing, and I’ll be updating it as I find new spots, so be sure to save it to come back to!
Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge always makes for absolutely gorgeous photos! To get the best view of Manhattan, enter on the Brooklyn side. The pedestrian entrance is on Washington Street, about two blocks from Front Street. It’s hidden under an underpass, but there is always a hot dog cart parked right in front of it, so look for that! Be sure to wear comfortable shoes if you plan on walking the whole way across (which I definitely recommend doing!) and I would STRONGLY discourage wearing heels like I am in this picture because they get stuck in the gaps between the wood— I ended up having to take them off and go barefoot…
Another thing to remember is to go early if possible. The Brooklyn Bridge is a huge attraction and is almost constantly packed, so if you can get there first thing in the morning, you’ll have a better chance of getting a shot without crowds of people in the background.
Pebble Beach
65 Plymouth St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Located in DUMBO just off of Main Street, Pebble Beach may be one of my all time favorite photo spots in the city. The views of Manhattan are absolutely unbeatable, and the sunsets are breathtaking. Photos here are gorgeous year round, and if possible I’d recommend going about an hour or so before sunset for the most gorgeous golden hour lighting. While you’re here, stop by Luke’s Lobster for a lobster roll!
Manhattan Bridge
At the intersection of washington street & water street
I’m sure you recognize this classic NYC photo spot, as it’s arguably one of THE most instagrammable spots in Brooklyn. On any given day you’ll find photographers, influencers and even the occasional bride and groom set up shooting in this famous spot. While the background is gorgeous, it is harder to get a picture without anyone else in it due to how popular the spot is, and it actually is on a road, so make sure to watch for cars! If possible, try to go on a cloudier day, because it is really hard to get a good shot here in direct sunlight.
Central Park Rocks
Off of the 5th ave. + 59th Street Stop
There are a ton of different rock formations in Central Park, and they all have gorgeous views of the city, but the ones I shoot at most (because they’re right on the edge of the park and the easiest to get to) are near the Gapstow Bridge (which also made this list!) Enter off of the 5th ave. & 59th street stop. These rocks are super instagrammable all year round, but I think they’re especially stunning in the fall when all of the leaves are bright shades of orange and red.
Gapstow Bridge
East Side at 62nd
While the bridge itself isn’t quite as stunning as the Bow Bridge (see below) the classic city backdrop more than makes up for it. To me, there is something so NYC about this spot, I think it’s because my first introduction to NYC was Eloise at the Plaza. Of all of the spots in the park to get a city view, this is definitely my favorite one!
Bow Bridge
Mid-Park at 74th Street
Bow Bridge is another one of my favorite NYC photo spots. In the fall, you have gorgeous, colorful leaves, in spring you’ll find cherry blossoms, and in the summer you can watch the row boats passing by below. It can get pretty crowded, so try to go during a week day, or if you must go on a weekend do your best to get there as early as possible! I was in the park last weekend for a picnic and I avoided this bridge because it was so crowded that you could barely walk across. That being said, this spot is definitely worth fighting a crowd for if you have no other choice but to go on a weekend, and is in one of the prettiest areas of the park to walk around and explore, too!
Bethesda Terrace
72 Terrace Dr, New York, NY 10021
If you’re a Gossip Girl fan, you may recognize this next instagrammable spot as the spot where Blair and Chuck got married! It truly is one of the most romantic spots in NYC, as there is always live music playing (and it’s always impressively good) and I’ve actually witnessed proposals here on two separate occasions. There are so many different photo ops in this one area. I’ve shot underneath the terrace, in front of the terrace, in front of the fountain, and along the stairs going up to the top of the terrace. The amount of instagrammable options alone makes this spot an absolute must!
Upper West Side Neighborhoods
81st Street - Museum of Natural History Stop
If you’re looking for a charming NYC neighborhood background with a ton of pretty photo-ops all in one place, get off at the Natural History Museum stop and explore the surrounding neighborhoods. You’ll find gorgeous, classic looking brownstones, rows of colorful homes and pretty staircases everywhere you turn. If you go, do make sure to be respectful, as this is a neighborhood and people live in these homes. Also, try to go on a day when you can check out the Natural History Museum while you’re there, too!
Washington Square Park
It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, Washington square park is always alive with activity. Chances are, you will not be able to get a picture without people in the background, but I’ve found that you’re best bet to get minimal people in your shot as well as a full view of the famous arch is to sit on the edge of the fountain, across from the arch and shoot from there!
Washington Mews
Between 5th Ave + University Place
Washington Mews is just north of Washington Square park, but looks like you’ve stepped out of NYC and into an entirely different city. It is a gated, cobbled street with picturesque colorful buildings decorated with flower boxes in the windows, and ivy scrolling up the sides.
Times Square
You know a round up of NYC photo spots would not be complete without Times Square. While most locals do their best to stay far, far away, I do think it makes for some fun pictures that just SCREAM New York City, and stopping there for a quick picture is an absolute must, in my opinion. Times Square is almost always packed with people, so I would recommend going as early as possible to beat the crowds, and your best bet at getting a shot with minimal strangers in the background is to sit on a ledge like this, and then do your best to block any people who happen to be behind you with your body.
New York Public Library
476 5th Ave
The iconic New York Public Library has been seen in dozens of films and TV shows, and makes an absolutely gorgeous photo background. I personally think this background is really fun with a dramatic skirt/dress. While you’re in the area, check out Bryant Park and the shopping on 5th ave!
Gunther Building
473 Broome Street
Soho is another area with gorgeous photo backdrops (and gorgeous people) everywhere you turn, but this spot across from the Gunther building is one of my favorites. I love the juxtaposition of the pretty, classic architecture next to the sticker covered light post, and the nice neutral white background of the building with fun pops of yellow from the traffic lights. If you’re lucky, you may even be able to catch a taxi going by in the background.
Soho blue building
Corner of Spring St. + Mercer
Another fun Soho spot not too far from the last one, I love the color this building adds to a neutral outfit shot, and I love that there is a pretty “floor” to stand on, instead of just your typical concrete! I think all of the intricate details of this spot make it the perfect spot to shoot a simple, understated outfits.
NYC is obviously filled with amazing places to take pictures, and this list is just the tip of the iceberg. I’ll be adding to it as I find places, so be sure to bookmark it or save it to your Pinterest board for the next time you’re on the hunt for the perfect NYC photo opp!