New York Dearest
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The Best of New York · See and do · Photo spots

My favorite New York Instagram accounts.

In my order, from my own visits, updated September 2026. 14 places.

New York City attracts swarms of photographers, and some of the best in the world call the city home. Here’s my honest take on best New York City Instagram accounts. The tips, the tricks, and what to skip entirely. As such, there’s an abundance of inspiring New York City Instagram accounts that highlight the city’s charm, food, and attractions. In this post I’ll give you the rundown of the best NYC based Instagram accounts that do the city justice and explain where to eat, what to do, and what to expect.

Antonina PattizI went to every one · how I decide

Antonina’s favorite New York Instagram accounts, 2026

  1. Brittany Eliza Kunkel (@brittanyeliza.photo)OtherAn ambassador for both Nikon and DJI Global, Brittany Eliza Kunkel’s Instagram page is full of spellbinding photos and reels of New York City.
  2. Joe Thomas (@joethommas)OtherJoe Thomas, professional architect photographer by trade, is one of the most talented New Yorkers.
  3. Jacob Santiago (@jacobsantiago)OtherJacob’s ability to capture the essence of the Big Apple across everyday moments makes his one of the best New York City Instagram accounts to follow.
  4. Davina Tan (@heydavina)OtherDavina Tan has one of the dreamiest Instagram accounts about New York City, posting a ton of daily life content including street scenes, cafes and food-photography.
  5. Matthew Ritchie (@matt.ritchie)OtherMatt Ritchie has a masterful use of light, his sunset/sunrise photos are stunning.
  6. New York City (@newyorkcity)OtherBoasting a staggering 1.5 million followers the account feels much like that of a friend who moved to the Big Apple.
  7. Kelly Kopp (@newyorkcitykopp)OtherHe posts a lot of dreamy reels, and has a knack for being at the right place at the right time to capture magic.
  8. Nicolas Heller (@newyorknico)OtherDubbed the unofficial talent scout of New York, Nicolas “Nico” Heller is responsible for bringing to light some of New York City’s brightest and most unique characters.
  9. Subway Creatures (@subwaycreatures)OtherOne of the best Instagram pages from New York City is Subway Creatures, which helps you see the underground mayhem from your phone screen.
  10. Overheard New York (@overheardnewyork)OtherOverheard New York helps put these eavesdropped gems on the stage they need to shine.
  11. New York City Explore (@newyorkcity.explore)OtherIt’s a great follow for folks traveling to the city, as well as locals hoping to stay up to date with all the fun things happening around the city.
  12. New Fork City (@new_fork_city)OtherFeaturing daily photos of tantalizing dishes served at various restaurants in the Big Apple, this New York City Instagram account will keep followers informed (and hungry) while exploring the city.
  13. Bodega Cats (@bodegacatsofinstagram)Other · Upper East SideWith a mix of heartwarming and humorous snapshots, the account has gained popularity to the tune of +500k followers.
  14. Marco Lombardi (@marcosworldnyc)OtherThrough his account, Marco covers all five boroughs and spotlights cheap eats with fast-talking enthusiasm and charisma.

Antonina’s favorite New York Instagram accounts, 2026

The seal

If you're on this list, this is yours.

I went, and I said in my own words that it's worth your time. Nobody paid for that and nobody can. The seal says so, and it links back here, so anyone who sees it reads the whole list and how I decide.

Put it on your site, in the window, on the menu. Keep it linked when it's on the web and keep the words on it. That's the whole ask.

The code. Paste it where the seal should sit.

<a href="https://newyorkdearest.com/rankings/new-york-instagram-accounts/">
  <img src="https://newyorkdearest.com/rankings/new-york-instagram-accounts/badge.svg"
       alt="Antonina’s favorite New York Instagram accounts, New York Dearest, 2026"
       width="240" height="240">
</a>

How it looks

Antonina’s favorite New York Instagram accounts, New York Dearest, 2026

On a light site

Antonina’s favorite New York Instagram accounts, New York Dearest, 2026

On a dark site

The files

SVG, lightSVG, darkPNG, lightPNG, dark

SVG for the web, the 1200 px PNG for print and social. Both carry the year.

Is one of these yours? Tell me and I confirm it's you and send the files.

The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 16 Epic NYC Instagram Accounts For Inspiration & Entertainment.