" I get out of the taxi and it's probably the only city that looks better in reality than on the postcards, New York ." Milos Formann
Whether the most sought-after Instagram spots, amateur photographer locations or simply a nice souvenir photo location, there is something for everyone in New York.
No one knows the most Instagrammable places in New York City better than someone who studies them professionally... who also happens to live here (me!)
Below you will find a list of the best places for street photography in NYC, the best places for outdoor photos in NYC, a handful of hidden gems and Instagram spots in NYC that will be the envy of all your followers.
New York is not only one of the most exciting and famous cities in the world, but probably one of the most photogenic and photographed metropolises on the planet. From skyline and night photography to portraits, architecture, street photography, nightlife and wildlife, New York has it all. And here are some of the best photo locations.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but there are some places you must visit on your first visit to New York .
Washington Street in Dumbo
Dumbo has become one of Brooklyn's hottest neighborhoods. To get the perfect shot, stand at the intersection of Water Street and Washington Street in Dumbo - you'll notice that the two buildings frame the Manhattan Bridge perfectly, and the Empire State Building is perfectly angled through its pillars. We stop here on the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn tour.
Sunset between the skyscrapers. 42 Street between 5th and 6th Ave
Depending on the time of year, you can catch the sunset here between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. When the traffic light turns red, run quickly to the middle of the street and capture this unique moment.
The skyline from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade
Probably the most beautiful view of the Manhattan skyline seen from Brooklyn and the perfect place for a souvenir photo, especially at night when the lights of the Manhattan skyline twinkle. Also one of the stops on our Panorama Night Tour .
Squibb Park Bridge at night
Every Instagrammer has this photo location on their radar when visiting New York and that's no wonder because at night it is one of the most photogenic locations in New York. Needless to say, our Panorama Night Tour also stops here .
The Edge
The highest outside viewing platform. The Balcony, with a breathtaking view of the skyline, on the 100th floor, is the undisputed number one photo location among the outdoor viewing platforms. Tickets are available here .
Summit
You might get the impression that One Vanderbuilt Summit was designed almost exclusively for Instagrammers and photographers, but aside from the great photo opportunities, visiting this viewing platform is a true experience. Tickets to this observatory are available here .
Grand Central Station
Unlike other train stations in Midtown Manhattan (Penn Station and Port Authority), Grand Central is a gem. In fact, it is one of the most beautiful buildings in all of New York. (Pro tip: The best photo can be taken from the stairs of the Apple Store or the stairs opposite.)
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The stairs at the MET Museum
All Gossip Girl fans know it and you can finally feel like Blair Waldorf for a day by stopping by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and taking a photo on the famous steps.
Try to get there earlier in the morning or late in the evening to avoid having a lot of people in the background of your photos. Tickets for the MET.
Top of the Rock
Tickets are required to visit the Top of the Rock (also known as the top of Rockefeller Center), but it's worth it for a photo like this.
The best light is early in the morning or just before sunset. Tickets for Top of the Rock are available here.
Flatiron Building
A New York institution. You can't visit New York without taking a shot of the triangular, 22-story building. The best viewing angle is from the small triangular island at 23rd Street between Broadway and 5th Avenue.
One World Trade Center Observatory
It's the tallest building in the city and if you've never been to New York, I can't recommend the 1WTC Observatory enough. I live here and was still blown away by the view and the experience.
The building features a three-story "observation deck" located on floors 100-102 - so if you're afraid of heights, you might want to think twice. Tickets for the 1WTC are available here.
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