The 25 Best Places to Take Pictures in NYC
25 Best Places to Take Pictures in NYC
Are you looking for the best places to take pictures in NYC? There are so many incredible viewpoints of the world’s most iconic city. Whether you’re looking for pictures of Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, or the Empire State Building – New York City has the most memorable places for you! But with so many fun things to do in NYC, it can be challenging to find places that aren’t filled with tourists. Keep reading this article as we reveal the best views in NYC to take pictures of the Big Apple.
Best Places in NYC to Take Pictures
From hotels and landmarks (like Grand Central Station) to iconic treasures and hidden gems, there are tons of Instagrammable places and one-of-a-kind photo spots in NYC. They say a picture is worth a thousand words so here are our picks of the Instagram worthy shots around the city.
1 | Westgate New York Grand Central | If you love history and appreciate architecture from yesteryear, you will love the scenes around Tudor City where the historic Westgate New York Grand Central is located. From your balcony you will get a sensational view of Midtown Manhattan, the NYC Cityscape and night lights. One word – breathtaking!
WHERE: 304 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, USA | WHO: 212-986-8800
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2 | Old Pier 1 – Brooklyn | Old Pier 1 offers one of the best views of the Skyline. The view next to the iconic Brooklyn Bridge is breathtaking and you can capture incredible shots of One World Trade Center and the rest of NYC’s financial district from the same spot. Furthermore, the area is spacious and offers plenty of places to sit down and enjoy the views in the summer. Why not enjoy a picnic?
WHERE: Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA | WHO: N/A
3 | Brooklyn Bridge Park | Brooklyn Bridge Park is one of New York’s most iconic parks, offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and lots of places to sit and relax. It’s also a tremendous spot to capture shots of the iconic bridge with the skyline in the background and East River for that perfect Instaworthy pic!
WHERE: 334 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA | WHO: 718-222-9939
4 | Brooklyn Bridge | Although various superb spots surround Brooklyn Bridge, it’s hard to beat taking photos while walking across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. It’s one of America’s oldest bridges and it offers truly iconic shots of the skyline of Lower Manhattan. It does get very busy, so it’s an excellent idea to get there 30 minutes before sunrise during the summer. But, if you don’t mind crowds, you can come here at sunset to marvel at its beauty.
WHERE: Brooklyn Bridge, New York, NY 10038 | WHO: N/A
5 | Time Out Market New York Rooftop Bar | Fancy a drink? NYC is full of incredible bars – with many great views – and Time Out Market New York Rooftop Bar offers one of the best sights. You can see stunning views of Brooklyn Bridge and the skyline from the rooftop as you enjoy your favorite beverage. Best of all, the roof offers non-obstructed skyline views which is very hard to find in the Big Apple.
WHERE: 55 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA | WHO: 917-810-4855
6 | Bow Bridge | Bow Bridge is the most famous bridge in the iconic Central Park. The cast-iron bridge which looks like a beautiful bow spans throughout the park creating the perfect picture worthy spot. It doesn’t matter what season you visit, you can take wonderful pictures of this majestic greenspace. Capture fall colors in October/November, trees cloaked in white during winter months, the revival of nature that comes with spring or the bustle of activities in summer. Whatever time of year you visit, have your camera ready for amazing shots.
WHERE: Central Park, Bow Bridge, New York, NY 10024 | WHO: N/A
7 | Top of the Rock | The Top of the Rock offers a truly phenomenal birds eye view of the Big Apple, including views of Downtown, Midtown, and even Central Park. The viewpoint is on top of the iconic Rockefeller Centre, and the observation decks are on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floor. Another fun fact, the 70th floor offers 360 degree views of the city which attracts millions of photographers each year.
WHERE: 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112, USA | WHO: 212-698-2000
8 | The Empire State Building | The Empire State Building is one of the world’s most legendary buildings and the views from the observation deck are simply historic. The best sights can be viewed from the first deck which stands at over 1,050 feet above the NYC ground. Although it costs extra to get up there, the view from the 102 floor is also majestic at 1,250 feet high with 360-degree views.
WHERE: 20 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001, USA | WHO: 212-736-3100
9 | Times Square | Many people regard Times Square as the center of the western world, and the views from the iconic landmark at night are spectacular. A popular place to take pictures is the elevated stand, which you can find in the middle of the Square. From the top of the stand, you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of the scenery and take awesome photographs of the neon lights. You can also sit down, relax, eat some food, and enjoy the city buzz. You’ll feel like you’re at the center of the world!
WHERE: Manhattan, NY 10036 | WHO: N/A
10 | Flatiron Building | New York City is famous for its excellent early 20th century architecture, and one of the finest examples is the legendary Flatiron Building. The building is 22 stories high and a photographer's dream in the Big Apple! Moreover, you can hire a camera at the nearby Fujifilm Photo Wonder Shop for free if you need a camera for a day.
WHERE: 175 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010 | WHO: N/A
11 | 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar | If you’re looking for spectacular Manhattan rooftop bars – and there are so many – you should check out 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar. You’ll enjoy utterly super views of the Midtown skyline with unobstructed views of the Empire State Building. The bar also has stunning outdoor lights and outdoor movie nights. What can be more perfect?
WHERE: 230 5th Ave, New York, NY 10001 | WHO: 212-725-4300
12 | Grand Central Terminal | When it comes to iconic train stations around the world, it’s very hard to beat the Grand Central Terminal. Photographers adore the arched ceilings, the central clock, and the various chandeliers. Furthermore, during the rush hour, the station is absolutely packed, so you’ll feel the true buzz of NYC (ideal if you like people watching.)
WHERE: 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, USA | WHO: 212-340-2583
13 | Pebble Beach | Pebble Beach is one of the best places in NYC to see the Manhattan skyline. You’ll find the beach next to the iconic Brooklyn Bridge (also offering amazing views of the bridge). The best time to visit the beach is at sunset, where you can capture the sun falling over the great city as the city's iconic lights turn on. Perhaps you’ll enjoy sunbathing here during the summer?
WHERE: 65 Plymouth St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 | WHO: N/A
14 | The Metropolitan Museum | The Metropolitan Museum, next to Central Park is one of the best photographer dream spots in the city. Take snaps of historic art, exhibitions, and the various statues you’ll find throughout the museum. And if you’re looking for the ultimate Instagram photo –the main lobby and grand staircase, both offer incredible historic architecture worth capturing with a few snaps.
WHERE: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028, USA | WHO: 212-535-7710
15 | Washington Square Park | If you’re looking for excellent architecture, you’ll love taking photos of Washington Square Park. Once you arrive, you’ll find the iconic marble Washington Arch, which the city built between 1890 and 1892. You can also find a beautiful fountain and various benches to sit and take photos. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle, Washington Square it’s a superb place to bring your camera.
WHERE: Washington Square, New York, NY 10012 | WHO: 212-639-9675
16 | Washington Street | One of New York City’s most photographed areas is Dumbo, located on Washington Street. From here, you’ll find stunning views of Manhattan Bridge. The best time to go is at sunrise because it’s a very popular photography shot, but it’s worth getting up early to capture historic shots of Manhattan Bridge.
WHERE: Washington St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 | WHO: N/A
17 | One World Trade Center | New York City built One World Trade Center is the same location as the Twin Towers. The building is the tallest in NYC, standing at over 1776 feet tall. The observation deck offers the highest views of the city, and arguably the most impressive views. You can take shots of the Statue of Liberty and the whole of Manhattan.
WHERE: 285 Fulton St, New York, NY 10007, United States | WHO: 844-696-1776
18 | The Dakota | The Dakota is one of New York City’s most beautiful buildings and one of the most excellent photo opportunities in the Big Apple – but the building only became very famous after the murder of John Lennon, which sadly took place at its entrance. If you’re a Beatles fan, you’ll enjoy taking photos of this place. Nonetheless, it’s a superb spot for any architecture enthusiast.
WHERE: 1 W 72nd St, New York, NY 10023, USA | WHO: 212-362-1448
19 | Chinatown Views From Manhattan Bridge | Photographers can get incredible pictures from the Manhattan Bridge. You’ll find a hole in the fence as you walk across the bridge, and it offers amazing views of NYC’s famous Chinatown. Furthermore, as you can continue across the bridge, you will find amazing views of the NYC skyline at night or during the day.
WHERE: Manhattan Bridge, New York, NY 11201 | WHO: N/A
20 | 5 Pointz | New York City is famous for many things, but it’s especially famous for its graffiti and artwork. Graffiti is still fully legal at 5 Pointz, so you can see some of the city’s most incredible graffiti artwork from here. In addition, artists from all over the globe create graffiti at 5 Pointz, making it a super cool attraction for people from every corner of the world.
WHERE: 45-46 Davis St, Long Island City, NY 11101 | WHO: N/A
21 | The Oculus, Church Street | The Oculus is one of the world’s most photographed places, and it attracts millions of photographers yearly. The Oculus is within New York’s financial district, and the building serves as the gateway to the World Trade Center and Wall Street. Visitors adore the stunning contemporary architecture of this building.
WHERE: Church St, New York, NY 10006, USA | WHO: N/A
22 | Coney Island | Coney Island is one of NYC’s most iconic spots for tourists, and it’s also home to many incredible photography locations. The theme park includes the famous Wonder Wheel, offering amazing views of the surrounding areas. In addition, Coney Island is stunning at night when the lights begin to turn on.
WHERE: Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY 11224 | WHO: 347-677-3962
23 | Brooklyn Botanical Garden | The Brooklyn Botanical Gardenis one of the best spots in NYC to take a pic or a hundred. The 52-acre garden is a springtime wonder with more than 70 cherry blossoms, corn poppies, water lilies, Japanese hydrangeas and countless blooms. If you’re a lover of nature or appreciate the colors she brings, this is an amazing spot to take pics.
WHERE: 990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225 | WHO: 718-623-7200
24 | Morgan Library | New York City is home to many libraries, and many of them are world-famous thanks to the movies. Nonetheless, the Morgan Library is superb if you’re looking to take photographs. The library hosts countless historical manuscripts and artifacts, and the architecture is truly stunning. The building dates back to 1906, which is pretty old by Manhattan standards.
WHERE: 225 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016 | WHO: 212-685-0008
25 | Chelsea Market | When you visit NYC, it’s very important that you take some time to stroll around Chelsea Market. You’ll find an excellent market with ample photography shots, including some of New York’s most unusual shots. Visitors can also enjoy shopping, street food, and gorgeous architecture as they explore the market and take photos at their will.
WHERE: 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011 | WHO: 212-652-2111
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Last Tips On The Best Places To Take Pictures In NYC
NYC has so many incredible places to take photos, and it can be overwhelming. That said, many of the places above are often quiet and offer the most breathtaking shots. Of course, some of the places are incredibly touristy – but there’s a good reason for that. New York City is one of the world’s truly great megacities, and if you bring a camera, you’ll take some of the greatest photography of your life.
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