For the last few months, we searched every corner of the city to come up with a list of the most instagrammable places in NYC.
There’s no city quite like New York City. No matter your interest, you can never run out of things to do. Every time we cross off something on our NYC bucket list, we end up adding 5 more.
It’s also true with restaurants closing and opening and new pop ups appearing weekly, many of them made just for Instagram.
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Last Updated: October 11, 2020
27+ Most Instagrammable Places in NYC
Nowadays, it’s common to use Instagram for travel inspiration. And although we prefer slow travel rather than hopping from place to place, we know everyone travels differently.
We also know we’re extremely lucky to travel for a living, but most people have limited vacation days. If you want to see as much as possible in a short amount of time, we put together NYC’s instagrammable spots all in one place so you can easily plan your trip.
We also featured a few murals near the bottom, but since murals are constantly being painted over, we tried to focus on the spots that are going to stick around.
30 Rockefeller Plaza, 10112, map
Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s still one of our favorite views of the city. We’ve been twice already, and dragged our friend, Debbie, who was born and raised in NYC and she agrees. Funny how if you’re born and raised, you never visit any of the tourist attractions. You can see more photo inspiration on IG here.
Local Tip: Sunset gives you the best views and photos since it doesn’t open anywhere near sunrise most of the year.
1000 5th Ave, 10028, map
The Met is the largest art museum in the US. It’s massive and you can easily spend several days here. Our favorite photo spot and where we take a breather is in the Temple of Dendur wing. It’s beautifully lit with the floor to ceiling windows. We especially love the reflections you get.
Local Tip: It’s no longer pay as you wish for visitors. If you have a NY, NJ, or CT ID, it’s PAYW. If you’re a. local, it’s the perfect time to get your ID NYC.
1071 5th Ave, 10128, map
The Guggenheim’s unique architecture makes the building fun to photograph inside and out.
Local Tip: Take home the best souvenir from your trip to New York from Capture. It’s the easiest way to book a New York City Vacation Photographer. Visit JoinCapture.com or download their iPhone app to book your session.
89 E 42nd St, 10017, map
Watch people come and go through one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. Get different perspectives from the ground level, up the stairs, and don’t forget to look up at the ceiling too.
Local Tip: While you’re there, stop by the food hall to get some banana pudding from Magnolia’s and coconut creme donuts from Doughnut Plant.
Central Park, map
You can make an entire list of photo spots with Central Park locations alone. Some of the most popular spots are Bethesda Terrace and the Mall. We even found some secret waterfalls.
175 5th Ave, 10010, map
This is one of the most iconic buildings in the city. It’s an extremely busy area with cars and people constantly flowing through, which can make it tough to shoot photos. I’ve never had the patience to get the photo on the crosswalk, but we’ll make it happen. I’m just waiting for the next big snow storm when it will be completely empty.
Times Square, map
If you’ve never been, you can’t miss it. There’s nothing quite like it. If you live here, it’s the absolute worst since there are tons of tourists who don’t know the proper etiquette of walking in NYC. If you’re a visitor, though, it would be like visiting Paris and never seeing the Eiffel Tower.
Gansevoort St and Washington St, map
They did a lovely job building this urban park on an old rail line 30 feet above street level. You get a mix of city and river views. It gets extremely crowded on weekends and holidays, so if you’re going here for the green space to find your zen, be sure to visit early in the morning.
9. Barneys New York in Chelsea
101 7th Ave, 10011, map
The beautiful white spiral staircase at the downtown Barneys is an IG fave. You may get a few dirty looks if you don’t intend to buy anything.
Photo Tip: Don’t forget your wide angle lens.
254 Elizabeth St, 10012, map
This french clothing store is usually decorated with flowers or other seasonal decor. While we were living in NYC, we noticed it switched a few times over the course of the year. Sometimes they put a bicycle outside decorated in flowers too.
50 Bowery Street, 10013, map
Head to the roof of 50 Bowery Hotel for drinks and a view. There are two patios to get different views and they have a rotating collection of art to enjoy. It’s such a beautiful space. I would love to have all my private parties here.
174 Elizabeth St, 10012, map
I’m not sure when pink became the official favorite color of IG, but it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most instagrammable places in NYC. Pietro Nolita’s interior and exterior is pink AF. You’ll find people stopping by to snap photos with the bench outside.
Local Tip: The food wasn’t bad but nothing to rave about either. They now have a cute outdoor space set up for diners.
Doyers St, 10013, map
Can you recognize this Chinatown street from movies and tv? It’s famous for the sharp bend. We got lucky and captured some photos while the street was painted as a large dragon.
Local Tip: Stop by Taiwan Pork Chop House for some delicious cheap eats (it’s cash only).
373 Broome St, 10013, map
Cha Cha Matcha not only has pretty drinks and dessert, but they don’t taste half bad.
Note: They recently got some bad publicity for their owners being racist and their unfair treatment of employees. We went a few times early on, but haven’t gone back since. No judgment here if you do, but it’s always good to stay informed.
16. Brownstones of Greenwich Village
Greenwich Village, map
Brownstones are those classic homes you see on TV shows and the movies. Think Sesame Street and the stairs that lead up to the front door. Greenwich Village is one of the most popular spots people like to go to find them, but they’re practically everywhere. The photo below was taken in Williamsburg (Brooklyn).
The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001, map
This is one of the newest and most popular spots in NYC. As the centerpiece of Hudson Yards you can take photos of this unique structure from outside or from the different levels as you explore all the shops and restaurants.
photo: @simplyyue
135 W Broadway, 10013, map
We still haven’t eaten at this historical 1810 bi-level townhouse but did stop by for a photo.
Church St, 10006, map
The Oculus instantly became a favorite photo spot as soon as they opened its doors. There are often seasonal events in the main hall and even some pop-up concerts. We randomly happened to pop in during a free Christmas concert with Nick Jonas.
Brooklyn Bridge, 10038, map
Whether you start on the Manhattan side and head over to DUMBO or vice versa, take the chance to walk across Brooklyn Bridge and shoot photos along the way.
Local Tip: Remember that when you’re standing in the middle for photos, one half of this is a bike lane. People use it to commute back and forth, so to avoid getting run over or pissing people off, be aware of your surroundings.
Washington St & Water St, map
This is easily one of the most popular photography spots in NYC even long before Instagram. When we had our wedding photography biz, we saw so many engagement sessions shot here.
In case you were wondering, DUMBO is a neighborhood of Brooklyn and stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. There are a few more photo spots in this area, so give yourself some time to explore the area.
Local Tip: This is a functioning street so be sure to watch out for traffic. New Yorkers do not like to be inconvenienced, though I think people in Brooklyn are a little more laid back than in the city.
Manhattan Bridge Pedestrian Path, 11201, map
This easy to access beach gives you great views of the city, Manhattan Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge, and Jane’s Carousel.
53-83 Water St, 11201, map
Head to the rooftop of Empire Stores to get another view of the two bridges and the financial district. The color-changing DUMBO sign is also here at the ground level.
Old Dock St, 11201, map
About a hundred feet away from Empire Stores is this restored 1922 carousel with a view of the skyline and two bridges. It was far too crowded when we went, so we might try to head back in the winter.
Note: Closed Tuesdays. See hours here.
4-09 47th Rd, 10007, map
Many of the best views of the Manhattan skyline are from outside of the city. Just across the East River, you’ll find Gantry Park. It has a large Pepsi-Cola sign from where the old factory used to be and it tends to be quieter than the riverside parks in Brooklyn.
9 Jay St, 10013, map
Interestingly enough, we found out after we visited, that this skybridge connects two apartments. When it’s listed, you have buy both units. Anyone have an extra 50 million lying around?
Stone Street, 10004, map
It’s covered with tables and tents all summer, so you won’t get a clear street like the photo below. I took off my poofy winter coat for a quick photo.
Instagram Murals in NYC
Though most the murals are changing over constantly, there are a few still worth mentioning.
- Audrey Hepburn Mural (176 Mulberry St, 10013, map) – This one seems to be sticking around.
- Bowery Mural (76 E Houston St, 10012, map) – it will be different every time you visit, but there’s always something interesting there. Below is when Banksy made a comeback in Mar 2018 to protest the imprisonment of Zehra Dogan. It was tagged a week later.
- Yes Mural (York Street & Jay Street, 11201, map)- both sides of the bridge
Instagram Desserts and Food
- Eggloo (60 Mulberry St, map) – Ice cream in a bubble waffle cone
- Taiyaki (119 Baxter St, map) – Ice cream in a fish cone
- Flour Shop (177 Lafayette St, map) – the rainbow cakes don’t taste very good, but they’re pretty and it’s a cute spot for rainbow photos.
- Bibble & Sip (253 W 51st St, map) – cutest Totoro macarons
- Pizza Beach (167 Orchard St, 10002, map) – Interior
- Citizens of Chelsea (401 W 25th St, map) – Photos of brunch and Interior
- The Corner Deli (106 Kenmare St, 10012, map) – The exterior. Also, go next door to Eileen’s cheesecakes for the fluffiest cheesecakes you’ll ever find.
- MTea (36-56 Main St, Flushing, 11354, map) – Brand new boba shop that is absolutely made for photo ops. It’s all pink! See the photo below.
photo: @tourdelust / blog
Map of NYC Instagram Spots to Help You Get Around
More Instagram Spots in NYC
Have more time? Here are some more instagram spots to check out.
- Armani 5th Ave (717 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022, map)
- Radio City Music Hall (1260 6th Ave, 10020, map)
- Love Statue (W 55th St & 6th Avenue, 10019, map)
- Belvedere Castle (Central Park, map) – currently under construction and can’t be accessed.
- Delmonico’s (56 Beaver St, 10004, map) – currently under construction and completely covered in scaffolding.
- Vessel (20 Hudson Yards, 10001, map)
- Manhattanhendge (Seasonal)
- Brooklyn Botanic (990 Washington Ave, 11225, map) – During Cherry Blossom season. More Cherry Blossom spots here.
Check out the Video
Favorite Instagram Props
Most Instagrammable Hotels in NYC
These are some hotels made famous on IG.
- Ace Hotel, NoMad (mid-range)
- Arlo NoMad (mid-range)
- NOMO SoHo (mid-range)
- Hotel 50 Bowery (mid-range)
Where to Stay in NYC – Our Favorite Hotels
- The Plaza, Central Park South / Midtown East (luxury) – for your classic NYC experience since it’s an iconic part of the city.
- Four Seasons NYC, Midtown East (luxury) – the nicest hotel we’ve stayed at as far as amenities go.
- Library Hotel, Murray Hill (luxury) – most memorable and our all time favorite out of all the hotels we’ve stayed at. Try to get the corner room. There are only a few of them, and they are always sold out.
- The Frederick Hotel, TriBeCa (mid-range)
- Hostelling International NY, Manhattan Valley (budget)
How many of these have you been to? Do you use Instagram to plan your trips?
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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, which is one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found both near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in NYC.
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