New York City is unquestionably one of the world's most instagrammable cities. Whether a resident or a first-time visitor to the city, you can't resist taking photos as you walk by. Here are the best instagrammable places in NYC to take Instagram-worthy photos.
13 Most Instagrammable Places in NYC
1. Times Square
If you are visiting New York for the first time, Times Square is a must-visit and among the most Instagrammable places in NYC. This place has catchy signs and bright lights that make snapping photos easy. Besides, this is where you must snap photos for Instagram to "prove" to your followers that you actually visited New York City.
Image Source: freireweddingphoto.com
Due to this place's popularity, there are a lot of crowds most of the time, making it nearly impossible to take photos without people. Still, on the other side, I think the bustle makes the photo. Therefore, I believe the best time to visit this place is during the week to escape the weekend frenzy.
The TKTS red stairs are our favorite photo spot in Times Square. Looking south from there provides some beautiful views of Times Square. And due to the place's lighting, Times Square is among the best spots to take photos at night.
- Location: Midtown Manhattan
- Address: 42nd Street and 7th Ave
- Opening Hours: 24/7
2. Central Park
Central Park is unquestionably one of New York City's most popular parks. The park covers over 800 acres, offering a few hidden gems and NYC Instagram spots your followers will envy. Besides, the park is well-known for its beautiful landscaping, lakes, and rolling hills.
Image Source: wherearethosemorgans.com
The most popular photo spot in Central Park is Bethesda Terrace. It's an arched, interior walkway that connects the magnificent Bethesda Fountain to the Mall. The design is exquisite and complements the natural beauty of Central Park.
If you're visiting Central Park during the Spring, you are lucky because you will be able to see cherry blossoms throughout the park. On the other hand, if you're visiting NYC during the fall, don't miss "The Mall," the renowned pathway you have seen all over social media.
The Bethesda Fountain and the famous NYC Bow Bridge are our favorite photo spots. I recommend taking Instagram photos on an early Saturday or Sunday morning since there are fewer crowds.
- Location: Midtown Manhattan
- Address: Bow Bridge, New York, NY 10024
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Opening Hours: 24/7
3. Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge is one of the world's iconic and longest suspension bridges, measuring 1.1 miles (1.8 kilometers). There are several photo options for your Instagram feed, ranging from unique architecture to distant skyscrapers. Moreover, with its spectacular views of the New York City skyline, it's a must-visit for any visitor to NYC.
Image Source: locallens.com
The best time to take Instagram photos on the Brooklyn Bridge is sunrise. The colors are usually stunning, and it captures the splendor of New York City in a single photo. Although sunsets are also beautiful, you may not enjoy them as much because of the many tourists. Conversely, during the summer, the bridge is tremendously crowded so if you want to take the best photos for your Instagram followers, take them early morning hours.
- Location: Lower Manhattan
- Address: Brooklyn Bridge, New York, NY 10038,
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Opening Hours: 24/7
4. Manhattan Bridge
From the Brooklyn Bridge, you can go to the intersection of Washington Street and Waters Street for photos on the Manhattan Bridge. Besides, Manhattan Bridge is one of the most Instagrammable places in Dumbo (District Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), Brooklyn. Furthermore, walking across the bridge offers stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Image Source: jakubredziniak.com
Still, within the Manhattan Bridge, you will see Gantry plaza state park. After taking your photos on the bridge, walk along the park by the East River. Here you can get beautiful photos of Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge. The best time to take Instagram photos is around 8 am since the bridge has an active pathway.
- Location: Downtown Manhattan
- Address: Manhattan Bridge, New York, NY 11201
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Opening Hours: 24/7
5. Brooklyn Bridge Park
If you are still within the Brooklyn neighborhood, Dumbo, the Brooklyn Bridge Park, is located on both sides of the bridge. The views of the midtown Manhattan skyline from here are spectacular, and the photo spots are limitless. Besides, at the park, you can also see the Statue of Liberty from far.
Image Source: nycphotojourneys.com
Additionally, you will enjoy the views from Pebble Beach and Janes Carousel, both well-known Instagrammable places in NYC. Our favorite photo spot is at the park, where the towers usually stick out of the water; turn on your right side from the bridge.
- Location: Lower Manhattan
- Address: 334 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 1120
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Opening Hours: 24/7
6. The Edge, New York City
If you are never afraid of heights, this is one of the best instagrammable places in NYC. The Edge is one of the tallest outdoor sky decks in the world, offering a 360-degree view of New York City. While you are 100 floors up, you can take some beautiful Instagram photos that best show off the Manhattan skyline.
Image Source: dailymail.co.uk
While in New York City, you can visit rooftop decks such as the One World Trade Center observatory, the Top of the Rock, and the Empire State Building Skyview deck at a fee. In my opinion, the Edge is my favorite place for taking Instagram photos since it provides the best photo-worthy views.
- Location: Hudson Yards
- Address: 30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001,
- Entrance Fee: Child ages 6 - 12, online from $33 on-site $35. Adult ages 13 - 61. online $38. on-site $40. Senior ages 62+, online $36 on-site $ 53
- Opening Hours: 8 am -12 am from Monday to Sunday
7. Washington Square Park
Washington Square Arch was built in the late 1800s to honor the centenary of George Washington's inauguration. The park is one of Manhattan's most famous landmarks and a popular location for photo shoots. Besides, the park is regarded as the heart of Greenwich Village. The place serves as a gathering spot for performers, artists, students, activists, and other creative community members.
Image Source: tripadvisor.com
This legendary Washington Square Park is full of magic; spectacular street acts, cotton candy sunsets, and endless sightings of French Bulldogs. You can stop by on a clear day, take photos in front of the Washington Square Arch, and take photos of the Empire State Building.
- Location: Lower Manhattan
- Address: 1 Washington Square, New York
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Opening Hours: 24/7
8. Oculus at the World Trade Center
The Oculus at the One World Trade Center is one of the world's most magnificent architectural achievements. The structure was once a subway station but serves mainly as a transportation hub linking lower Manhattan with New Jersey. The building is made up of multiple steel-clad steel ribs that spread up and out.
Image Source: cnewyork.net
The building is also surrounded by great stores, restaurants, and leisure spaces on both sides. Besides, it was designed by Santiago Calatrava and Daniel Libeskind and serves as a reminder of the 9/11 attacks.
For your Instagram photos, we recommend taking them in the morning, early hours, or late at night. Our favorite spot is on the west end of the Oculus building; you can get instagrammable photos with perfect symmetry.
- Location: Lower Manhattan
- Address: 185 Greenwich St, New York
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Opening Hours: 24/7
9. Grand Central Terminal
The Grand Central Terminal was built in 1871 and has been renovated several times, but the original architecture and details are still there. It is a stunning structure to take photos in and should be on your list of places to visit in New York City.
Image Source: nycphotojourneys.com
Our favorite photo spot at the Grand Central Station is Vanderbilt Hall. This vast hall, which serves as the main entry, includes historical décor and an impressive ceiling. To take the best Instagram photo, bring a tripod, camera/phone, and use a long exposure to eliminate all the people walking around.
- Location: Midtown Manhattan
- Address: 89 E 42nd St, New York
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Opening Hours: 24/7
10. The NYC Vessel at Hudson Yards
The Vessel is a newly-opened building within Hudson Yards on Manhattan's West Side. It has gained popularity on Instagram for its distinct Bee hive-like design. Besides, it has become among the most instagrammable places in NYC. The Vessel is a 15-story-high public art piece with stairwells and 80 observation platforms.
Image Source: earthtrekkers.com
Unfortunately, this iconic building was closed indefinitely following reported suicide cases. So, you can't climb to the top. However, you can still take instagrammable photos at the entrance since there are still plenty of fascinating views. Besides, Hudson Yards is decorated both inside and outside during the holidays.
- Location: 20 Hudson Yards
- Address: Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001
- Entrance Fee: $10 per person, free for children under 5 years of age
- Opening Hours: Close, but you can take nice photos outside
11. Radio City Music Hall
You can stop by Radio City Music Hall for captivating NYC pics if you are within the Rockefeller Center neighborhood. Radio City Music Hall was initially constructed as an entertainment facility and opened in 1932. Although the interior of the building is stunning, the place is most known for its spectacular neon signs on the front.
Image Source: unsplash.com
If you visit NYC during the holidays, you will find the big decorations, the giant candy canes, and other decorations the city decides to put as a pop-up. This makes this NYC spot ideal for Christmas photoshoots. Besides, its convenient location allows visitors to easily capture memorable Instagram photos with NYC aesthetics, especially at night.
- Location: Midtown Manhattan
- Address: 1260 6th Ave, NY 10020, New York
- Entrance Fee: Free (if you are taking the photos outside the building)
- Opening Hours: 24/7
12. Staple Street Skybridge
Staple Street Skybridge connects two historic brick buildings in Tribeca and offers you a feel of what the beautiful city looked like in the 1800s for a taste of old NYC. It is located over one of the city's smallest streets. Though the bridge itself is not accessible to visitors, the cobblestone and alley streets below make for stunning Instagram photos, especially if you're wearing smart, city-inspired clothing.
Image Source: jauntguide.com
Furthermore, Skybridge is one of the most iconic Instagrammable places in NYC. At first, you might mistake Staple Street for being like any other street in New York City. But, looking above, you will notice a cast-iron bridge connecting two buildings with different addresses. Besides, the three-story-tall bridge was previously used to connect several areas of the New York Hospital.
- Location: Tribeca
- Address: 9 Jay St, NY 10013, New York
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Opening Hours: 24/7
13. Flatiron Building
You can take Instagram-worthy photos at the Flatiron Building. There are a few different angles from which to photograph this stunning building, making it one of New York City's most photographed iconic buildings.
Image Source: girlwiththepassport.com
Some great photo spots include next to the large gold clock on the building's right side, the median, and the blossoming trees to the left during Spring. Another good thing with the building is that it's located near Madison Square Park, where you can head out for a meal or a drink and even more New York City photo spots.
- Location: Midtown Manhattan
- Address: 175 5th Ave, NY 10010, New York
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Opening Hours: 24/7
Featured Image Source: hotels.com
