THE MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN NEW YORK CITY

NYC INSTAGRAM GUIDE FOR STUNNING PHOTOS

If you’re searching for the most Instagrammable places in New York City, look no further! I was lucky enough to live there for two years and will now share with you the best photo locations NYC has to offer. Whether you’re looking for photos of iconic NYC landmarks or want to discover a hidden gem, this guide is perfect for you!

WHERE ARE THE MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN NEW YORK?

Below is my complete New York City Instagram guide. Get ready to discover all the very best photo locations NYC!

CENTRAL PARK

You will most likely have heard of Central Park as it is one of the most iconic places in New York, it’s also one of the most Instagram-worthy places in NYC. I am going to tell you the Best photo spots in Central Park below:

THE BETHSEDA TERRACE AND FOUNTAIN

This is my favourite place in all of New York, it is just so beautiful. In my oppion, 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.

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.

UMPIRE ROCK

Umpire Rock is located towards the south of the park, it has an incredible view of the city skyline behind it making it a super popular NYC photo location.

THE BOW BRIDGE

One of the most beautiful bridges you’ll come across. The Bow Bridge 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 people.

ALICE IN WONDERLAND STATUE

This is a perfect location for any Disney lovers. It’s a bit of a hidden Instagram spots in New York City as many people often miss it!

THE BOW BRIDGE | UMPIRE ROCK | ALICE IN WONDERLAND STATUE

BELVEDERE CASTLE

This is another hidden gem. Who knew Central Park had its own castel? It’s only small but entry is free and its perfect for anyone with an princess-core aestetic.

THE CONSERVATORY GARDENS

Located towards the North of the park is Conservatory Gardens. This is often skipped by tourists as its a little far North. It is however beautiful and a scenic Instagram spot in Central Park thats worth checking out.

CHERRY BLOSSOMS

If you’re visiting in the spring, the park comes alive with beautiful pink blooms. There are multiple places in the park to take cherry blossom photos.

DISCOVER THEM IN MY CENTRAL PARK CHERRY BLOSOM GUIDE HERE.

Cherry Blossoms East Side of Central Park

BELVEDERE CASTLE | CHERRY BLOSSOMS | CONSERVATORY GARDENS

THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE

Quite possibly the most iconic photo spots in New York City is on the Brooklyn Bridge. If you want to get clear photos on the bridge, youll have to be there early. Like 6am early. I’ve been there at 8am and it was already crowded with tourists!

Not an early bird? Try this side angle, looking back towards Manhattan. Alternitevly, 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

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 on e 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 locations in NYC thanks to Serena van der Woddsen 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

Another insanely beautiful building that is a hidden Instagram gem is the New York Public Library. Inside and outside are both so aestetically pleaseing. Plus, entry is completely free!

THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART

The steps of The Met is another location that was put on the map by Gossip Girl. I passed here multiple time 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 extrmenely 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. Its also beautiful inside and worht visiting.

TIP: the museum is closed on Wednesdays. It’s a good day to get step photos as its usually quieter but avoiud wednesdays if you want to go inside!

BOOK MET ENTRY TICKETS HERE.

THE MET CLOISTERS

This is a real hidden gem, and one of the most Instagrammable places you will find in New York. It’s ocated 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.

READ MY FULL GUIDE ON THE MET CLOISTERS HERE.

THE STEPS OF THE MET | THE MET CLOISTERS | THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

THE UPPER EAST SIDE

I was lucky enough to call the Upper East Side my home and it is just full of stunning archetecture. The buildings clostes to the park, just off Fifth Avenue are the most grand. Personally, I prefer the Upper East Side to SOHO, although SOHO is one of the most famous photo locations in Manhattan for influencers.

Upper East Side Instagrammable places New York

TOP OF THE ROCK

I have to say, I think this is th best rooftop for your NYC Instagram photos. I love this cityscape and you can get a variety of different angles here. Unfortunately, these views arent free but a trip to New York wouldnt be complete without visiting an observation deck!

BOOK TOP OF THE ROCK TICKETS HERE.

THE MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK

You may reccognise this buiding as Constance Billard School form the Gossip Girl series. It was also used as the school Charlotte York’s children attend in the new Sex and the City series Just Like That.

This building is very aestetic and one of the most unique photo backdrops in NYC. It’s located further North than the Met Steps, neer Conservatory Gardens that I mentioned earlier.

BOOK TICKETS TO THE MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK HERE.

THIE 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.

Gossip Girl Location - Museum of the City Of New York

THE MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK | THE HIGH LINE

THE PLAZA HOTEL

One of New York Cities most iconic hotels. The Plaza is beautiful, especially at Christmas! The doormen often dont let you inside unless youre a hotel guest or have a reservation for the restraunt/ 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, I already mentioned you’ll find some beautiful buildings on The Upper East Side (which includes Fifth Avenue but another popular sectin of this street is between the Plaza Hotel and Rockefeller Centre. Here you’ll find many luxury boutiques, perfect for some NYC street photography.

Fifth Avenue is especially Instagram-worthy at Christmas time.

INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES NEW YORK - FIFTH AVENUE

HARRY WINSTON & DIOR – FIFTH AVENUE | THE PLAZA HOTEL

PARK AVENUE

Park Avenue is truly iconic New York photo opportunity. Of course, watch out for traffic when takign photos int he road.

ROOSEVELT ISLAND

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, you can see both the Empire State Building and The Chrysler Building in the NYC skyline.

BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN

The Brooklyn Boatanic Garden is a beautiful city escpe to visit, and it’s an easy subway journey from Manhattan. I highly reccomend it in cherry blossom season!

READ MY GUIDE TO THE BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDENS HERE.

Instagrammable Places New York - Park Avenue

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 to discover where to take Instagram photos in NYC!