New York City is packed with incredible photo opportunities, and if you’re searching for the best New York Instagram spots, you’ve come to the right place. I was lucky enough to live in Manhattan for two years, and NYC offers endless backdrops for your Instagram feed. In this guide, I’ve rounded up over 20 of New York’s best Instagram locations. Whether you’re planning a photoshoot, looking to create stunning content, or simply want to explore the most aesthetic places in New York, this guide has got you covered.
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The Best New York Instagram Spots
Below is my Instagram Guide on the top photo spots in New York, plus tips on how to capture the perfect shot. So, get ready to discover all the very best photo locations in NYC!
Central Park: the Best Place to Take Pictures in NYC
You will most likely have heard of Central Park as it is one of the most iconic places in New York. It’s one of the most Instagram-worthy places in NYC, not just for outdoor aesthetics, but also for city lovers like me. You’ll find Instagram-worthy locations all over the park, but below, I am going to share with you the best photo spots in Central Park:
The Bethesda Terrace and Fountain
This is my favourite place in all of New York; it is just so beautiful. In my opinion, this is the most Instagrammable place in New York. I used this location for photos so many times because there are so many different options here.
From standing at the top of the terrace to sitting in front of the fountain, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
It does get crowded here, so either visit early in the morning to get tourist-free photos or find an angle to crop them out. Some of my examples are below.
NEW YORK INSTAGRAM SPOTS AROUND THE BETHSEDA TERRACE AND FOUNTAIN
Umpire Rock
Umpire Rock is a very popular NYC photo spot, especially for tourists. It is located towards the south of the park and has an incredible view of the city skyline behind it, making it a perfect New York photo location.
The Alice in Wonderland Statue
This is a perfect location for any Disney lovers. It’s a bit of a hidden Instagram spot in New York City, as many people often miss it!
BELVEDIRE CASTLE | UMPIRE ROCK | ALICE IN WONDERLAND STATUE
Belvedere Castle
This is another hidden gem. Who knew Central Park had its own castle? It’s only small, but entry is free, and it’s perfect for anyone with a princess-core aesthetic.
The Bow Bridge
The Bow Bridge is one of the most beautiful bridges you’ll come across; it is simply stunning!
Again, it will usually be crowded on the bridge itself, but you can usually take a photo to the side, avoiding too many crowds.
THE BOW BRIDGE IN CENTRAL PARK
The Conservatory Gardens
Located towards the North of the park is Conservatory Gardens. This is often skipped by tourists as it’s a little far North. It is, however,r beautiful and scenic Instagram spot in Central Park that’s worth checking out.
Central Park’s Cherry Blossoms
If you’re visiting in the spring, the park comes alive with beautiful pink blooms, and Central Park is more Instagram-worthy than ever. There are multiple places in the park to take cherry blossom photos:
DISCOVER THEM IN MY CENTRAL PARK CHERRY BLOSSOM GUIDE HERE.
CHERRY BLOSSOMS | CONSERVATORY GARDENS
The Brooklyn Bridge: an iconic NYC Instagram Spot
Quite possibly the most iconic photo spots in New York City are on the Brooklyn Bridge. If you want to get clear photos on the bridge, you’ll have to be there early. Like 6 am early. I’ve been there at 8 am and it was already crowded with tourists!
Not an early bird? Try this side angle, looking back towards Manhattan. Alternatively, visit Pier 17 for views of the Bridge in the background.
BONUS: Other great locations in DUMBO BROOKLYN include: The Granite Prospect, Pebble Beach and Janes Carousel.
THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE | PEBBLE BEACH BROOKLYN | VIEW FROM THE MANHATTAN BRIDGE
The Manhattan Bridge
While you’re in Brooklyn, don’t skip the Manhattan Bridge. From the point where Washington Street and Water Street cross, you can see the Empire State Building framed by the bridge. You can also walk over the Manhattan Bridge. It’s not as popular as the Brooklyn Bridge, but it’s one of the best hidden gems for a New York skyline photo.
Grand Central Station
Grand Central Terminal is extremely beautiful, inside and out. The steps inside became a famous Instagram location in NYC thanks to Serena van der Woodsen in Gossip Girl. You’ll find many other great photo spots here as well.
ALSO READ MY COMPLETE GUIDE TO GOSSIP GIRL LOCATIONS IN NYC.
The New York Public Library: The Most Aesthetic Place in New York
Another insanely beautiful building that is a hidden Instagram gem is the New York Public Library. Inside and outside are both so aesthetically pleasing. Plus, entry is completely free!
Head to the top of the steps at the front of the library to get photos in front of these gorgeous arches! This is one of the most perfect of New York’s Instagram spots!
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Metropolitan Museum of Art: a Perfect Photo Spot
The steps of The Met are another location that was put on the map by Gossip Girl. I passed here multiple times a week, and there were often girls dressed like Blair posing for photos.
Even if you’re not a Gossip Girl fan, this is an extremely beautiful building and a must-visit when you’re in New York. While posing on the steps is free, you need a ticket to go inside. It’s also beautiful inside and worth visiting.
TIP: The museum is closed on Wednesdays. It’s a good day to get step photos as it’s usually quieter, but avoid Wednesdays if you want to go inside!
The Met Cloisters: a Secret Instagram Spot in NYC
This is a real hidden gem, and one of the most Instagrammable places you will find in New York. It’s located to the North of Manhattan and often overlooked. It’s included in the Met Museum admission ticket, but you need to visit both on the same day.
The Met Cloisters has a beautiful Italian-style garden which is perfect for capturing Instagram content or just beautiful photos in general!
READ MY FULL GUIDE ON THE MET CLOISTERS HERE.
THE STEPS OF THE MET | THE MET CLOISTERS
The Upper East Side
I was lucky enough to call the Upper East Side my home, and it is just full of stunning architecture. The buildings closest to the park, just off Fifth Avenue, are the grandest. Personally, I prefer the Upper East Side to SOHO, although SOHO is one of the most famous photo locations in Manhattan for influencers.
Featured below (left to right): The Ukrainian Institute of America, Merrymount School and Ignatius Lolita Church.
Top of The Rock
If you’re looking for a simply breathtaking New York Instagram spots, look no further than Top of the Rock! These cityscape views are just incredible, and you can get a variety of different angles here. Unfortunately, these views aren’t free, but a trip to New York wouldn’t be complete without visiting an observation deck!
BOOK TOP OF THE ROCK TICKETS HERE.
The Museum of the City of New York
You may recognise this beautiful New York Instagram location as Constance Billard School from the Gossip Girl series. It was also used as the filming location for the school that Charlotte York’s children attend in the new Sex and the City series, Just Like That.
This building is very aesthetic and one of the most unique photo backdrops in NYC. It’s located further North than the Met Steps, near Conservatory Gardens that I mentioned earlier. You can visit the front of the building, where my photos were taken, for free, but you need to book a ticket to go inside the museum.
BOOK TICKETS TO THE MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK HERE.
The Highline
The High Line is a more edgy photo location. A disused railway track, originally for transporting goods in and out of the city. This is a cool free activity in New York and also has some great locations for Instagram photos.
THE MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK | THE HIGH LINE
The Plaza Hotel: A Luxury New York Instagram Spots
The Plaza is one of New York City’s most iconic hotels. It is so beautiful, especially at Christmas! The doormen often don’t let you inside unless you’re a hotel guest or have a reservation for the restaurant/bar. However, you can get a beautiful view of the exterior from the Gapstow Bridge in Central Park.
BOOK A LUXURY STAY AT THE PLAZA HERE.
Fifth Avenue
Fifth Avenue runs the length of Manhattan and is full of New York Instagram spots. I already mentioned you’ll find some beautiful buildings on the Upper East Side (which includes Fifth Avenue but another popular section of this street is between the Plaza Hotel and Rockefeller Centre. Here you’ll find many luxury boutiques, perfect for some NYC street photography.
The stores on Fifth Avenue are all such instagrammable places in New York as they are so glamorous, especially at Christmastime.
HARRY WINSTON & DIOR – FIFTH AVENUE | THE PLAZA HOTEL
Park Avenue
Park Avenue is a truly iconic New York photo opportunity. Of course, watch out for traffic when taking photos on the road.
Roosevelt Island: A Secret Spot with Great Views
A short cable car (or ferry or subway) ride from Manhattan is Roosevelt Island, the views from over the East River towards Manhattan are amazing, and you can see both the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building in the NYC skyline.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a beautiful city escape to visit, and it’s an easy subway journey from Manhattan. I highly recommend it in the cherry blossom season!
READ MY GUIDE TO THE BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDENS HERE.
PARK AVENUE | BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDENS | VIEW FROM ROOSEVELT ISLAND
Thank you so much for reading my travel guide on the most Instagrammable places in New York City. I hope I’ve helped you discover the best New York Instagram Spots!
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
PERFECT FOUR DAYS IN NEW YORK ITINERARY
COMPLETE GUIDE TO CHRISTMAS IN NEW YORK
WHICH NYC SKYSCRAPER SHOULD YOU VISIT?
ALL THE GOSSIP GIRL LOCATIONS IN NYC
7 HIDDEN GEMS IN NEW YORK CITY
Happy Exploring,
