The 15 Best Instagram Spots in NYC
🗽 photo opportunities in NYC🗽
(directions and locations are all linked)
Here’s a list of Nyc’s top photo destinations this fall! From gorgeous foliage to underrated nyc gems, get ready to make your instagram feed pop this season!
#1. DELMONICO’S
A New York icon that opened in 1837, DELMONICO’S steakhouse can be a wonderful backdrop for a daytime (or evening) photoshoot. it is Closed by 9:30PM each evening - allowing visitors to take advantage of the quiet streets and evening street glow!
The most updated train station in New York City! The city invested over $16B for the renovations and the result is a must-see! Moynihans massive glass ceilings provide a portrait- style glow that can be accessed year-round.
📸 Be sure to check out #10 and #15 for bonus lists! 📸
#3. Grand Central Station at the Midtown, Taxi rank
There is so much to photograph at Grand Central, but you can also take some fun photos outside at the taxi rank or in one of the iconic New York restaurants. Grand Central is actually closed from 2am - 5:30am so if you’re wanting solo photos, that’s the time to go!
On East 42nd St.between Vanderbuilt and Lexington Ave
#4. TIMES SQUARE
Even though the sights and sounds may be a bit overwhelming, the 55 giant LED displays lighting up the night sky in Times Square, offer endless photo opportunities!
#5. THE OCULUS
With its striking architecture and remembrance of 9/11, the Oculus forms the centerpiece of the World Trade Center transportation hub. It is open 24 hours a day, and There are plenty of photo-worthy opportunities both inside and out!
#6. The Highline
The Highline is a free attraction for locals and visitors alike. The elevated park runs for 1.45 miles along the west side and offers many exciting photo opportunities!
We prefer to enter near Chelsea Market on 10th Avenue and 15th Street. By Subway – take the A, C, E, or L train to the 14th Street (8th Avenue) station.
#7. SOHO -BROADWAY
Broadway is a must-see in SoHo. It stretches over 13 miles through Manhattan, dividing SoHo from Nolita and Little Italy. Among SoHo's most notable streets, it is home to Bloomingdales, Sephora, AllSaints, and the Levi's Store as well as a number of other retailers. Additionally, nearby side streets are lined with luxury shops such as Gucci and Prada.
HOW TO GET TO the general ‘SOHO area’ BY SUBWAY:
3 major lines all stop in SoHo including:
6 | on Spring Street
NRW | on Prince Street
ACE | on Spring Street
#8. FLATIRON BUILDING
With the view of the FlatIron Building plus the adjacent clock, this area makes for great photos. there are multiple cherry blossom trees that bloom in the spring, so if your’e planning spring photos for 2022- be sure to remember the flatiron!
Pro Tip: shooting from low angles will provide the desired images without having a ton of other people in the background. This a very helpful ‘rule to REMEMBER’ when shooting in high-traffic areas of nyc!
#9. Radio City Music Hall
If 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!
If you are planning on visiting NYC during the holidays, you will see giant ornaments, candy canes…and swans coming for 2021. makeing this NYC location a must for photoshoots during Christmas time!
#10. Central Park (bonus list here)
Taking up over 800 acres, Central Park is one of the most photogenic places in New York City. Here are the Best Central Park Photo Spots that Every Photographer will Love. I have linked multiple places and their locations so you can create your own iconic photo session!
Bethesda Terrace (and the adjacent fountain)
Wollman Rink (seasonal) — Closest Entrance: Center Drive. W 59th St.
Mall and Literary Walk (this is the ideal spot for fall foliage)
Ladies Pavilion (perfect in the spring)
Additionally, if you are visiting Central park during the Spring, make sure to check out the cherry blossoms throughout the park.
#11. Washington Square Park
Who doesn’t love an arch?
The Washington Square Arch is a marble triumphal arch that sits in Washington Square Park, in the Lower Manhattan neighborhood of Greenwich Village. One the most photogenic places in New York.
It has a unique vibe and it’s almost always filled with people playing chess in the square.
🔽 don’t forget the #15 Hotel guide 🔽
#12. NEON SIGNS
Whether you are taking a picture of Nathans hot dogs or the Whyndam New Yorker hotel, there are plenty of iconic neon reflections to choose from.
NYC guides has an article on iconic signs & their locations.
article here
#13. Madison Square Park
If you’re in the Flatiron area, pop right over to Madison Square Park! This park and adjacent are complete with beautiful benches, statues, and tons of flowers blooming in the Spring and Summer!
#14. subways & stations
The topic of 'best nyc subway stations to photograph' might merit a whole article, for today I'm going to tell you how you can get the shots featured here!
Riding The 7 Train toward queens: . The 7 train has views of the NYC skyline is just a beautiful and unique perspective for pictures too. You just have to take the subway towards Queens and it will go above ground after the Queensboro Plaza Stop.
take the d from Manhattan to Brooklyn - you’ll recognize the iconic orange mta seats on the d- line that will take you across the bridge with an unobstructed view of the city!
The World Trade Center station - it is an amazing place for photos. why? It’s incredibly clean. if you’ve spent any time riding on the NYC subways — you’ll understand that is ‘enough said’.
#15. HOTELS (bonus hotel list here)
It's easy to find beautiful hotels with great views in New York. Here below are some of my favorite Instagram-worthy hotels:
the Plaza - a must-see new York icon!
The Royalton Park Avenue – rooftop pool with a view of the Empire State Building (featured image here was taken at the Royalton).
TWA - truly 1960’s! this iconic hotel is probably the most unique in nyc!
Arlo Soho – large rooftop with great views
m Social: happy hour starts at 4pm, take advantage of unobstructed times square views.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge – from pools to hammocks, you will find plenty of photo ops in this gem!
public hotel – housing the gold lighted escalators you’ve probably seen online!
The beekman –unbelievable lobby with floor to ceiling view & skylights in the atrium!
Mandarin Oriental – amazing rooms with views of central park
Hyatt Centric Times Square - Amazing rooftop with gorgeous views of the Chrysler building
The Williamsburg Hotel – you have 100% seen these bathrooms on Instagram!
the Baccarat Hotel – Located in the heart of Manhattan, this hotel is one of most luxury venues in the city.
Roger New York - gorgeous boutique hotel with large entree stairwell with a chic and classic vibe.
Innside new york - wonderful staff that is happy to accommodate photographers. Photo below taken from their rooftop!
scroll over the images below to see which hotel it was taken at! (desktop view Only)
innside NEw YOrk
The Royalton park avenue
the Rodger
the Williamsburg hotel
the Wagner hotel
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Photographers (and their Instagram pages) in order of appearance:
kurt c | nelson M | Sean o | inspired theory | Gabriel F | Francia f | opoline | oui love photography | dushawn | Kunal G | Scott h | modelscapes | simonvelu |
If you’d like to connect with any of the photographers featured here, feel free to drop me a note below:
Follow me on Instagram @ashleymlands
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ashleymlands.com 2021 ™️
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