No matter how long I've lived in New York City, I am always spotting new photo ops among the diverse urban and natural landscapes.
With architecturally impressive buildings, colorful street art and breathtaking skyline views from dozens of locations, NYC is a dream for photographers -- novice or professional.
My Instagram feed is filled with photos of famous places, like the five skyscraper observation decks and obscure nooks and crannies I come across when walking around the city.
Below I share with you the top places to take photographs in New York City organized by neighborhood should you find yourself in one of them.
This post is just the tip of the iceberg. Keep your eyes peeled, there's a photo to be snapped everywhere!
- Midtown Manhattan
- Central Park
- Lower Manhattan
- Brooklyn
- Best Skyline Views of NYC
- Things to Do in NYC
MIDTOWN MANHATTAN
As someone interested in architecture, I find Midtown Midtown one of the best neighborhoods to take photographs.
With the very best art-deco skyscrapers and some gorgeous beaux-art buildings, Midtown Manhattan should be a destination for your camera.
These are two of my favorite architectural styles and below I'll tell you where you can go to see the best examples of these as well as other amazing places for photos.
If you'd like to learn more about these locations when taking your pictures, join us on one of our Midtown Manhattan walking tours.
Empire State Building
Certainly one of the most recognizable buildings on the city's skyline, the Empire State Building can be seen from many locations near and far!
It's 1250 feet tall (381 m), so the panoramic views from the observation deck are outstanding. Day or night, you can't go wrong.
If you want to be a bit creative, look up from the streets surrounding the building - you will feel very small, but you will get an interesting shot.
TIP: For a cool and somewhat up-close view is at a rooftop bar in Midtown called Cloud Social at 6 W. 32nd Street. The drinks are pretty good too!
Grand Central Terminal
What a marvelous place this is to take photographs.
When I am in the area, I go out of my way to pass through Grand Central because I love so many of its features.
Just a few highlights are the celestial ceiling, the 24-carat gold-plated chandeliers, the grand staircase, and the four-sided clock, to name a few.
From the exterior, you can see the south facade and snap a picture of Roman gods Minerva, Mercury and Hercules surrounding a giant clock.
TIP: Head to the Oyster Bar on the lower level and time-travel to the 1920s with a black-and-white photo!
Chrysler Building
I feel pretty confident that the Chrysler Building is the favorite skyscraper among New Yorkers. It's mine, in any case.
Others may be taller, but the art-deco Chrysler Building is exquisite, especially when it is lit at night.
For the best photos of the building, visit the observation deck at Summit observation deck a few blocks away.
Other views can be found if you walk around the side streets though you won't get an unobstructed view of the building.
But, if you like artsy photos with contrasting architecture, you can take a picture from the outside of Grand Central's 42nd Street side and get an angled view of the Chrysler Building behind it.
TIP: If you are visiting New York City for the first time and are flying into Laguardia Airport, you'll get great views of Manhattan.
Don't be distracted by the big guys...look for the smaller Chrysler. It's a gem.
Rockefeller Center
This complex of buildings from the 1920s is another art-deco wonder.
I find that photos of the buildings themselves are hard to capture if you aren't at a great vantage point.
However, there are dozens of great photos to be had of the famous sculptures, carvings, and reliefs on the buildings and the murals inside many of them.
Choose from the Atlas statue, the Channel Garden, the Prometheus Statue on the Promenade level, and much more!
Read our self-guided tour of Rockefeller Center to find out where to go to see these works of art.
Top of the Rock Observation Deck
At 850 feet (260 m) tall, this observation deck is dwarfed by most of the midtown skyscrapers around it.
But what it lacks in stature, it makes up for with great 360-degree views of its competitors.
It's the only one of the five observation decks where you can see the others and it's this reason that makes it my choice of deck to bring my out-of-town guests.
It's also the only one with an excellent view of Central Park. (Read our post comparing NYC's observation decks).
The observation deck on the 70th floor offers a clear view of the New York City skyline without glass panels or metal fences obstructing the view.
Visit during the evening hours for spectacular shots like the one above.
New York City Public Library
On your way into the splendid beaux-art library (which is free to enter and well worth a visit), you'll pass the two most famous lions in the world.
Go over and 'pet' them for a fun NYC photo!
Visit the Rose Main Reading Room on the top floor to see its ceiling murals and chandeliers.
Sit on the steps on the outside and watch the world go by.
TIP: You can pick up free Wi-Fi here!
Summit One Vanderbilt
This 1,401-foot-tall (427 m) skyscraper at One Vanderbilt is among the top 30 tallest buildings in the world!
SUMMIT is a four-floor experience with unique features.
From its different levels, you can see the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, a bit of Central Park, and the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens.
If I can be honest, I think that SUMMIT is a bit over the top.
If you want amazing views, the other decks are just as good if not better. SUMMIT feels a bit gimmicky to me.
I've talked to people who disagree with me, so it's really about what kind of experience you want.
Times Square
The most commonly photographed view of Times Square is that of the One Times Square building nestled between huge billboards on all sides.
To get this iconic shot shown below, stand on the red TKTS stairs just below 47th Street and face south. (Read about TKTS here).
Nighttime is by far the best time to get your pictures as the area is lit up and simply electric!
Roosevelt Island Tram
This 4-minute cable car ride between Manhattan and Roosevelt Island is 250 feet above the East River and offers sweeping 360-degree views of New York City.
The trip is fast so have your camera out and set to the appropriate shutter speed.
I usually take videos when I ride the tram with out-of-town guests since a good photo is hard to get when moving.
Get some tips on where to stand in the gondolas for the best pictures from our post on the Roosevelt Island Tram.
Once on the island, there are several points where you can find incredible skyline views like the one above.
You can get amazing pictures of the Midtown Manhattan skyline at several points on the island, like Four Freedoms Park.
Read more from our Guide to Roosevelt Island.
TIP: When I do go over the tram to Roosevelt Island, I like to ride back on the NYC Ferry.
Take the Astoria route down to Wall Street for a 37-minute ride with amazing views from the water. It's just $4.50 for priceless views!
Radio City Music Hall
For the best photographs of the grand marquee of this historic venue, stand on the southwest corner of 6th Avenue and 50th Street.
Night shots are superior to daytime as the neon lights shine bright!
If you want pictures of the lush interior, take a Radio City Music Hall Tour.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Across from Rockefeller Center is one of the most recognizable cathedrals in the world.
St. Patrick's is the largest neo-Gothic Roman Catholic cathedral in America and is absolutely photo-worthy.
Step inside for exquisite images of stained glass, vaulted ceilings and more. Read about the cathedral here.
Flatiron Building
This remarkable architectural landmark is hard to capture in a photo from street level.
I suggest you go to the southern end of Flatiron Plaza, a pedestrian triangle between 5th Avenue, Broadway and East 23rd Street.
Crouch down to capture a view of both the 5th Avenue and Broadway sides of the building.
If you'd like to learn about some of these locations (and others) while snapping your pics, consider one of our Midtown Manhattan walking tours.
CENTRAL PARK
Central Park’s 843 acres (400 hectares) of meadows, hills, lakes, and ponds, are an oasis in an urban jungle.
The park has dozens of beautiful sites making it an incredibly nice place to take pictures.
Below are three spots to check out.
Read this post on Central Park Photography for six other special spots your camera lens will love, like Bethesda Fountain, Bethesda Terrace, the Bow Bridge and others.
For guidance that takes you to the best sights in the park, take one of our Central Park walking tours.
Gapstow Bridge
This quaint bridge crossing over The Pond is a picturesque spot.
It's a five-minute walk from the park entrance at the corner of 5th Avenue and W. 59th Street.
Looking at a photograph of this locale, one would not believe this is New York City!
While beautiful year-round, I find it extra pretty in October when the leaves change colors.
Sheep Meadow
Once sheep grazed here, but now you’ll find sunbathers and frisbee players frolicking in this green meadow.
I like to come here with friends to picnic. Find out my favorite picnic spots in Central Park.
The Dakota Building, where John Lennon lived, is visible if you want to include it in your photo.
Wollman Rink
This ice skating rink, with the tall buildings surrounding it, is one of the best NY city backgrounds and makes for a very recognizable photo.
That's because it appears in many movies, including several Christmas movies.
Like Christmas movies and want to see where they were filmed in New York City? Consider our pay-what-you-like NYC Christmas Movie Tour!
TIP: Why not go ice skating there if you are here in winter? Read more about ice skating in New York City. My favorite rink is at Bryant Park's Winter Village.
LOWER MANHATTAN
Here you will find some of the city’s historic and grandest structures, its sleekest and tallest skyscrapers and two unique urban parks.
One World Observatory (Freedom Tower)
For serious photographers, this is one of the popular NYC photo shoot locations.
Unlike the other observation decks in the city, you are allowed to bring a DSLR camera and take high-quality photos.
No matter what kind of camera, your photos from this 1,776-foot tower will be as spectacular as the 360-degree views of New York City and beyond.
9/11 Memorial
The memorial is a solemn, yet peaceful place. Its two massive cascading fountains are great for a landscape shot.
If you'd like a close-up, the fountains are rimmed with granite in which the names of 9/11 victims are engraved.
Often there are flowers placed near a name and close-ups of these images are very special.
I suggest setting some time aside to explore the memorial grounds. You might want to visit the 9/11 Museum as well.
Staten Island Ferry
Taking the Staten Island Ferry is one of the very best things to do for free in NYC.
It runs around the clock seven days a week, even on holidays, so no matter when you are here, hop on board for free and get ready for the spectacular views of Lower Manhattan!
The ferry passes the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island so you can get a pretty close picture.
You'll also see at a distance the Brooklyn Bridge and the Brooklyn shoreline.
I highly recommend you add a ride on the ferry to your itinerary. It's a short round-trip excursion (under an hour).
It's a commuter ferry, but I take it for fun sometimes in the summer for the free cool breeze!
High Line
An elevated railroad repurposed into a 1.45-mile-long park with a pedestrian walkway offers unbelievable photo-ops.
The park is lined with industrial buildings from the early to mid-20th Century and modern gems like the “Iceberg” building (the IAC building designed by Frank Gehry).
Of course, as a fan of architecture, I find the High Line the most interesting park in the city.
You can get close-ups of its unheralded flora and fauna as well.
Nearby is the Chelsea Market, where you can grab food before or after your photo session!
Because of its detailed, fascinating history, you might want to take a guided tour. We offer a High Line walking tour you might like to join!
Edge
The views are unbelievable from this 1,100-foot-tall (340 m) observation deck on the 100th floor of 30 Hudson Yards.
The observation deck is a one-of-a-kind design. It's a triangular-shaped platform with all glass panels.
I think the platform design deserves to be in a photo itself -- like the picture above.
Another great shot to take is from the small section of the floor that is glass. You can see straight down to the streets 100 floors below!
Little Island
This is one of the most unusual urban parks you’ll come across in the United States, if not the world.
This 2.4-acre park rests on 132 concrete piles rising from the Hudson River.
The best location to photograph Little Island from is Pier 57 at the end of W. 15th St. and 11th Avenue, the view in the photo above.
From here you can see the island in the foreground and the skyline of the southern part of Lower Manhattan, including the towering One World Trade Center.
The Vessel
This unique 150-foot tall (47 m) sculpture/spiral staircase is a must for lovers of modern architecture. It's one of the most Instagrammable places in NYC.
If possible, use a wide-angle lens to capture this amazing structure.
Though visiting the inside of The Vessel is not currently possible, it may reopen to visitors in the future.
Other notable buildings and sculptures to photograph
- The Oculus
- Trinity Church
- National Museum of the American Indian
- Charging Bull sculpture
- Woolworth Building
For more awesome Lower Manhattan sights that you’ll want to photograph, see our post on things to do in Lower Manhattan.
BROOKLYN
From its beautiful brownstones, skyline views of Manhattan, the extraordinary Brooklyn Bridge, and cutting-edge street art, Brooklyn is a photographer’s dream!
Brooklyn Heights Promenade
Located in Brooklyn Heights, this is THE place to get pictures of the Lower Manhattan skyline.
It is undoubtedly one of the most amazing photography spots in NYC.
Take it from me, I lived in Brooklyn Heights for years!
Any time of day or night the views from the Promenade are incredible.
Before or after you snap your pics, explore the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood where you can take pictures of the beautiful leafy streets lined with brownstones.
Brooklyn Bridge
This magnificent suspension bridge is one of the most famous locations in New York City and likely the world.
A walk across this bridge is a must-do while you are in NYC!
There are lots of photos to take: of the bridge's arches, the skyline, and the harbor.
For a seamless experience, see our post on crossing the Brooklyn Bridge.
A nearby locale to get great photographs of the bridge and the harbor is Brooklyn Bridge Park in nearby DUMBO.
Manhattan Bridge
Head to DUMBO's Washington Street for what is one of the most iconic and best NY city images - the Manhattan Bridge perfectly framing the Empire State Building in the distance.
To find out where to go to get this shot, read our post on things to do in DUMBO.
By the way, if you are wondering how the neighborhood got its name, read our post on the interesting story on the origin of the name DUMBO.
Coney Island
This oh-so-iconic NYC location is ripe for photographs!
With its historic boardwalk, amusement park, ocean views, and a real cast of characters, Coney Island is a place to be creative with your shots.
It's easily reached by multiple subways and there are a lot of things to do there so grab your camera and go!
Set on 52 acres at the northern end of Park Slope, this botanic garden has so many lovely photo opportunities.
One locale is the Japanese Hill and Pond Garden, constructed in 1914.
In the springtime, the cherry blossoms are stunning!
The BBG has some free entrance days throughout the year.
If you are on a budget like me, you'll appreciate that there are many free and sometimes free museums and attractions in NYC.
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