See and do · Photo spots · 2026
My favorite photo spots in New York.
In my order, from my own visits, updated September 2026. 25 places.
As a local, I often get asked about the best Instagram spots in NYC, which typically results in a long list of classic places I take most visitors. I thought it might be handy to share my personal list on here, just in case others find it helpful too. This guide covers all the Instagrammable locations in NYC I frequent, let’s get to it!
- DUMBOStreet · DUMBOHome to trendy shops, great eateries and an overall easy-going vibe, this is the only place you want to be on a warm spring night.
- Brooklyn BridgeLandmark · DUMBOThe Brooklyn Bridge adorns New York City’s epic skyline and stands as an iconic symbol for the Big Apple.
- The Bow Bridge in Central ParkLandmark · Central ParkIt’s one of the most photographed attractions in Central Park and one of the most Instagrammable places in New York City.
- Museum of Ice CreamMuseum · SoHoWith so much to explore (and a chance to sample ice cream) it’s no wonder this is one of the most Instagrammable places in NYC.
- WestlightBar · WilliamsburgThe bar has floor to ceiling glass panels that offer a 360° view of the city and makes for one of the most Instagrammable places in NYC.
- Top of the RockLandmark · MidtownThe panoramic NYC views from this iconic building makes this one of the most popular observation decks in NYC and one of the most epic Instagrammable places in NYC.
- Grand Central TerminalLandmark · MidtownGrand Central Terminal quickly became one of those Instagrammable places in NYC that everyone knows, whether they’ve visited or seen it in a movie.
- Ralph’s CoffeeCafe · Upper East SideIt’s impossible not to feel under-dressed, unless you’re on the way to the Met Gala, but trust me when I tell you, this is a one of the most Instagrammable places in NYC.
- Oculus MallLandmark · Financial DistrictWhat makes this one of the best spots for instagram photos in NYC is the impressive interior (pop in and see for yourself!).
- The VesselLandmark · Hudson Yards/ChelseaServing no real purpose, the 150 foot honeycomb structure sits tall and is abstract enough that curious minds can’t help but flock to it.
- South Street SeaportStreet · South Street SeaportThe neighborhood is full of beautiful restaurants, colorful boutiques and even a museum.
- Washington Square ParkPark · Greenwich VillageThe welcoming atmosphere makes Washington Park a great NYC park for people-watching and one of the most Instagrammable places in NYC.
- Steps of the METLandmark · Upper East Side (Met)Take a picture for your Instagram on the stomping grounds of the one and only, Queen B.
- The High LinePark · Meatpacking/ChelseaThe High Line is one of the most Instagrammable places in NYC thanks to the abundance of blooms that hug the railway.
- Little IslandPark · Meatpacking/ChelseaAccess won’t cost you a penny making this one of the best Instagrammable places in NYC.
- SoHoStreet · SoHo
- Times SquareLandmark · Times SquareEasily one of the most Instagrammable places in NYC, Times Square (specifically at night) is something everyone should experience at least once on their trip.
- Radio City Music HallTheater · MidtownThere are few Instagrammable places in NYC as instantly recognizable as Radio City Music Hall.
- Time Out Market RooftopMarket · DUMBOThe views of Manhattan make for one of the best instagram spots in NYC.
- Jane’s CarouselLandmark · DUMBOWith the New York City skyline as your backdrop and the twinkling lights from the carousel, it’s not hard to see why we consider this one of the most Instagrammable places in NYC.
- The MallPark · Central ParkThe Mall is instantly recognizable to any Rom-Com lovers out there and is one of the best instagram spots in NYC.
- Bethesda TerraceLandmark · Central ParkIt’s hard to imagine more charming Instagrammable places in NYC than this gem.
- DanteBar · West VillageWhichever location you choose to visit, it’s one of the best spots in NYC for Instagram photos.
- Pier 17 (Seasonal)Landmark · South Street SeaportDrawing people from all over the city, not only does this perfectly orange pumpkin arch make for great photos, the Brooklyn Bridge as the backdrop is stunning.
- Neighborhood/StoopsStreet · West Village, Upper West Side, Upper East Side, DUMBO, WilliamsburgSome of the most Instagrammable places in NYC are quite literally right under your nose and a stone’s throw away.
- 1
DUMBO
Street · DUMBO
Home to trendy shops, great eateries and an overall easy-going vibe, this is the only place you want to be on a warm spring night.
- 2
Brooklyn Bridge
Landmark · DUMBO
The Brooklyn Bridge adorns New York City’s epic skyline and stands as an iconic symbol for the Big Apple.
- 3
The Bow Bridge in Central Park
Landmark · Central Park
It’s one of the most photographed attractions in Central Park and one of the most Instagrammable places in New York City.
- 4
Museum of Ice Cream
Museum · SoHo
With so much to explore (and a chance to sample ice cream) it’s no wonder this is one of the most Instagrammable places in NYC.
- 5
Westlight
Bar · Williamsburg
The bar has floor to ceiling glass panels that offer a 360° view of the city and makes for one of the most Instagrammable places in NYC.
- 6
Top of the Rock
Landmark · Midtown
The panoramic NYC views from this iconic building makes this one of the most popular observation decks in NYC and one of the most epic Instagrammable places in NYC.
- 7
Grand Central Terminal
Landmark · Midtown
Grand Central Terminal quickly became one of those Instagrammable places in NYC that everyone knows, whether they’ve visited or seen it in a movie.
- 8
Ralph’s Coffee
Cafe · Upper East Side
It’s impossible not to feel under-dressed, unless you’re on the way to the Met Gala, but trust me when I tell you, this is a one of the most Instagrammable places in NYC.
- 9
Oculus Mall
Landmark · Financial District
What makes this one of the best spots for instagram photos in NYC is the impressive interior (pop in and see for yourself!).
- 10
The Vessel
Landmark · Hudson Yards/Chelsea
Serving no real purpose, the 150 foot honeycomb structure sits tall and is abstract enough that curious minds can’t help but flock to it.
- 11
South Street Seaport
Street · South Street Seaport
The neighborhood is full of beautiful restaurants, colorful boutiques and even a museum.
- 12
Washington Square Park
Park · Greenwich Village
The welcoming atmosphere makes Washington Park a great NYC park for people-watching and one of the most Instagrammable places in NYC.
- 13
Steps of the MET
Landmark · Upper East Side (Met)
Take a picture for your Instagram on the stomping grounds of the one and only, Queen B.
- 14
The High Line
Park · Meatpacking/Chelsea
The High Line is one of the most Instagrammable places in NYC thanks to the abundance of blooms that hug the railway.
- 15
Little Island
Park · Meatpacking/Chelsea
Access won’t cost you a penny making this one of the best Instagrammable places in NYC.
- 16
SoHo
Street · SoHo
SoHo (which stands for South of Houston Street) is one of the most charming neighborhoods in the Big Apple and it shouldn’t be missed if you’re looking for the best Instagrammable spots in New York City.
- 17
Times Square
Landmark · Times Square
Easily one of the most Instagrammable places in NYC, Times Square (specifically at night) is something everyone should experience at least once on their trip.
- 18
Radio City Music Hall
Theater · Midtown
There are few Instagrammable places in NYC as instantly recognizable as Radio City Music Hall.
- 19
Time Out Market Rooftop
Market · DUMBO
The views of Manhattan make for one of the best instagram spots in NYC.
- 20
Jane’s Carousel
Landmark · DUMBO
With the New York City skyline as your backdrop and the twinkling lights from the carousel, it’s not hard to see why we consider this one of the most Instagrammable places in NYC.
- 21
The Mall
Park · Central Park
The Mall is instantly recognizable to any Rom-Com lovers out there and is one of the best instagram spots in NYC.
- 22
Bethesda Terrace
Landmark · Central Park
It’s hard to imagine more charming Instagrammable places in NYC than this gem.
- 23
Dante
Bar · West Village
Whichever location you choose to visit, it’s one of the best spots in NYC for Instagram photos.
- 24
Pier 17 (Seasonal)
Landmark · South Street Seaport
Drawing people from all over the city, not only does this perfectly orange pumpkin arch make for great photos, the Brooklyn Bridge as the backdrop is stunning.
- 25
Neighborhood/Stoops
Street · West Village, Upper West Side, Upper East Side, DUMBO, Williamsburg
Some of the most Instagrammable places in NYC are quite literally right under your nose and a stone’s throw away.
Antonina’s favorite photo spots in New York, 2026
The seal
The places on this list can show it. It links back here, so a reader sees the whole list and how it was made. No fee.
The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: The 30 Most Instagrammable Places in NYC (Local’s Guide).