I love a good day trip to the city! Exploring the different neighborhoods, trying new restaurants, getting pictures etc… Many are familiar with the iconic and classic photo spots of NYC: Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge, etc… I’ve recently discovered some lesser known photo-ops in the city and have taken some great photos in these spots. Here are 12 instagrammable photo spots in New York City that are both iconic and lesser known to check out during your next visit!
1. The Washington Mews
The Washington Mews is a small cobblestone street located near NYU and Washington Square Park. This charming street is lined with old-fashioned homes which were once horse stables. The buildings have been re-done since previous centuries and are now luxury homes. I love taking photos here during the spring and summer months as the vines on the buildings and shrubbery are in full bloom and add a lot of color.
LOCATION: Between University Place and Fifth Ave, and Washington Square N and E 8th Street.
2. The High Line
The High Line is an elevated park that stretches about 1.45 miles long on NYC’s west side. The famous park offers beautiful views of the cityscape, some greenery and art sculptures.
LOCATION: Western Manhattan alongside 10th Avenue from W 30th Street to Gansevoort Street
3. The Brooklyn Bridge
One of the most iconic photo spots in New York is the Brooklyn Bridge as it offers a picturesque view of the skyline. It tends to be quite crowded on a sunny weekend, so keep that in mind if you are planning to do a photoshoot. I like to get my pics on the end of the bridge closer to the Brooklyn side, as I find the Manhattan side to be more crowded.
Check out my blog post on How to Spend the Perfect Day in Brooklyn
4. Pebble Beach/Brooklyn Bridge Park Areas
There are plenty of photo opportunities within Brooklyn Bridge Park. You can sit on the lawn of Bridge Park and snap a casual photo with the skyline or either of the two bridges (The Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge) in the backdrop. I personally love taking photos at Pebble Beach, a small riverside beach with a classic view of Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge.
LOCATION: Parks and beach can be accessed off of Plymouth Street or Furman Street
5. Washington Street, DUMBO, Brooklyn
Washington Street is one of the most famous spots in Brooklyn to take pictures. Located in the DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn, this cobblestone street offers a remarkable view of the Manhattan Bridge with the distant Empire State Building situated right in the center. You can capture this photo by standing on Washington Street between Front Street and Water Street.
6. In Front of the Museum of Natural History
This is a spot I came across last year while in the city, and I just loved the gated look with lots of flowers and greenery.
LOCATION: 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024
7. Outside Byrant Park Grill
Another famous spot to visit, especially during December and January when the Bryant Park Ice Skate Rink is open. The Bryant Park Grill is a restaurant that is beautifully decorated on the outside. I snapped some pics here a few months ago and loved the abundance of greenery and vines on the building.
LOCATION: In Bryant Park, 25 W 40th Street
8. Fort Greene Park, Brooklyn
Fort Greene Park, a park with history that dates back to previous centuries, is home to 30 acres of land. I took some photos here last year during the fall season and think this park is worth checking out! You can take pictures near The Prison Ship Martyrs’ Monument where you’ll find a widespread staircase. There are also some grassy areas with lots of plant-life and trees great for a nature-y aesthetic, plus opportunity to get picturesque brownstones in the background.
LOCATION: Dekalb Avenue and S Portland Ave, Brooklyn
9. South Portland Ave, Brooklyn
If you are looking for a great spot to shoot some street style pics, then you’d love South Portland Ave. This street is home to beautiful brownstones and it makes for a more unique photo opportunity.
10. Brookfield Place
Located south of Tribeca, Brookfield Place is a beautiful luxury mall that lies along the Hudson River. You can get some cool pictures here with the boats and views of the Hudson. The interior of the mall is also nicely decorated and can make for some nice photos as well.
LOCATION: 230 Vesey St, New York, NY
11. Central Park
A classic spot to visit while in the city is Central Park. The 2.5 mile-long park is home to numerous photo spots! You can grab a pic at Central Park Lake, and you can even rent a boat at the Loeb Boathouse and paddle through the lake. Other spots within the park that make for great photos are: Bow Bridge, Belvedere Castle, Bethsheda Terrace/Fountain, Gapstow Bridge, The Carousel and more!
12. Untermyer Gardens and Conservancy, Yonkers
I came across this gem of a place last year as I was searching for nearby gardens in the tri-state area. Untermyer Gardens is located in Yonkers and I drove in from New Jersey as they have a parking lot on the premises. It is free to visit this location, and you can easily spend a few hours here wandering around and taking in its beauty. If you are looking for a garden aesthetic with European influence, then this is a great spot to visit!
LOCATION: 945 N Broadway, Yonkers, NY
While there are definitely way more than 12 Instagrammable photo spots in NYC, these are just a few that I’ve loved recently! Feel free to check out the location of each photo spot via the map below.
Comment below your favorite NYC photo spot!
