There is nothing quite like the hustle, bustle and magic of New York City! I've visited the big apple six times now - at least once a year for the last five years and twice in 2018! I like to think I know my way around by now, but New York is a whole 'nother world and it never ceases to amaze me how difficult it can be to get across Manhattan whether by car, foot, or subway.
Between all of my trips, though, I've been able to visit almost all of the most instagrammable spots in NYC. It seems like every time I visit, a new Instagrammable cafe has popped up....there is always something new to see! If you're heading to Manhattan soon, here are some of my favorite photo spots that you won't want to miss...although I will say, just a random street pic in New York often turns out better than a photo almost anywhere else!
Top of the Rock
The best views in all of New York! You do have to purchase a ticket (I recommend doing it ahead of time) but it is SO worth it. On one side you can look out over central park and on the other side you have the best city skyscraper view.
Brooklyn Bridge
It's a bit of a hike but the Brooklyn Bridge pics are EPIC. I would recommend getting to the bridge just after sunrise if you want a picture without people in the background. The best views come from the Brooklyn side with the Manhattan skyline in the background. The Brooklyn Bridge Park also offers fantastic views!
Washington Square Park
It's like a mini version of the Arc de Triumph! The park itself is bustling with people sunbathing (it seriously reminded me of Paris). It can be busy, but often the street corner behind the arc is empty and will get you a people-less photo!
Times Square
Probably the busiest spot in all of New York BUT, it's incredible! The lights are so bright it is almost like daylight. If you want a shot with no people, you might want to go at 3 a.m....but seriously. I'd also recommend a tripod and DSLR camera so you can capture the movement / freeze frame time and get a little better quality than this iPhone pic!
Flat Iron Building
It can be a bit hard to find the right angle, but the Flat Iron Building is one of my favorites! The sun sets behind it, so if the timing and sky is right, the photos turn out beautifully. There is also a side street with a crosswalk that makes that "walking across the street" picture a little bit easier to achieve.
Central Park
If you're visiting in the fall, Central Park is a MUST! The foliage is incredible (especially in late mid-late November). The Gapstow Bridge, Bow Bridge and "The Mall" will get you the best photos.
NoMo SoHo
This hotel looks absolutely dreamy! But even if you aren't staying here, you can still grab a photo under the beautiful archway covered in greenery.
The High Line
The High Line is an old railway that has been turned into a park / walking trail. It is really cool to see and there are some great shots along the way.
Grand Central Station
Because everyone needs that "Someone saw Serena getting off a train at Grand Central" photo. The lighting isn't great, so I'd recommend using a tripod and/or a DSLR camera that can freeze time or capture movement depending on the shutter speed.
The Taxi Shot or the Subway Pic
Two NYC staples! Getting these pics sounds easy, but timing is everything. Finding a subway with no people in it is only done by luck! Cabs are everywhere, but you gotta be speedy to get the perfect shot.
Rooftop Views
Oftentimes, hotels have the best rooftops! I love Kimpton Ink28's or Jimmy at the James.
TV Locations
If you're a fan of FRIENDS, Sex and the City, Breakfast at Tiffany's or Gossip Girl, you'll love stopping by the character's homes and major filming locations.
FRIENDS's Apartment: 90 Bedford Street
Carrie Bradshaw's Apartment: 66 Perry Street
Holly Golightly's Apartment:169 East 71st
The Palace Hotel (Serena): 455 Madison Avenue - actually called Lotte New York Palace
The Empire Hotel (Chuck): 44 West 63rd - they have Gossip Girl themed drinks at their bar!
The Campbell (Serena & Nate Scene): 15 Vanderbilt Avenue - it's actually a cocktail bar!
IG Friendly Restaurants
Pietro Nolita: everything is pink!
Coffee & Clothes: they make latte art from designer logos
Serra by Birreria: my FAVORITE happy hour spot in the city. I've been coming here since before it was popular! It is the rooftop of Eataly and it actually means "greenhouse" in Italian. The decor changes with the seasons; I've seen it be an Alps Sky Lodge, an Italian Coast Resort, and I've seen it covered in snowflakes, flowers and more! I also have to say they have one of the best cheese boards I've ever had plus they brew their own micro brews!
The Butcher's Daughter: white walls and green plants and pretty plates, oh yes!
5th Avenue Storefronts: one of my favorite NYC Christmas photos! The lighting just before sunset is perfect, right after they turn the Christmas lights on, but keep in mind the buildings block a lot of the sunlight so you might need to arrive earlier than you would think. The earlier you go, the less people! The crowds come to see the lights.
The Tree at Rockefeller Plaza: a must! But be warned, it is a mad house the closer you get to Christmas. I'd recommend visiting in late November just after the tree is put up.
Radio City Music Hall: an iconic shot! There is a Christmas tree above the sign and everything lights up!
Wollman Iceskating Rink in Central Park: the backdrop of the city is everything! I'd recommend getting there as soon as they open to avoid having a crowd in your photo (I wasn't lucky enough to do so).
Rolf's Restaurant: the wait is NUTS and people are packed inside like sardines, but it's a cool place! They have ornaments dangling from every inch of the ceiling. I believe the decor stays up year round, so you could always visit during the summer and save your pic for later.
Plus a Few Places I Have Yet to Make it To
The Oculus: the World Trade Center PATH station terminal
DUMBO: the iconic picture of the Brooklyn Bridge from the street between two brick buildings
The Vessel: a part of the Hudson Yards Redevelopment Project, this gigantic piece of art is actually a staircase that is meant to be climbed. I am dying to know what the view from the top looks like! I hope it's worth all the steps.
Finding and capturing "the spot" when visiting a new place is one of my favorite things to do! Do you have a favorite photo spot in New York?
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