New York City / 16 photo spots
16 Instagram spots in New York City worth stopping for
Skyscrapers, bridges and side streets: New York packs more photo spots into a few square miles than most cities manage in total. These 16 are the ones worth stopping for.
Manhattan Bridge at DUMBO
The Manhattan Bridge frames the Empire State Building when shot from Washington Street in DUMBO. Go on a weekday morning to get the crosswalk without the crowd.
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Privacy detailsBrooklyn Bridge
The wooden walkway of the Brooklyn Bridge gives you the skyline in one direction and the bridge cables in the other. Walk it from Brooklyn toward Manhattan around sunrise for the emptiest deck.
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Privacy detailsFlatiron Building
The Flatiron's wedge shape looks best from across Fifth Avenue, where the full triangle fits the frame. A low angle from street level makes the 1902 facade look even taller.
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Privacy detailsTop of the Rock
Top of the Rock looks straight at the Empire State Building with Central Park stretching behind it. Book a sunset slot so you catch daylight, golden hour and city lights in one visit.
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Privacy detailsCentral Park
Bow Bridge, Bethesda Terrace and the lake boats give you three different shots within a short walk. Early morning brings still water and soft light on the paths.
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Privacy detailsWashington Square Park
The marble arch lines up with Fifth Avenue and the Empire State Building behind it. Stand under the arch at midday when the light falls evenly on both sides.
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Privacy detailsStuyvesant St.
One of the oldest streets in Manhattan, Stuyvesant Street runs diagonal through the East Village grid. The crooked angle and old brick houses read well in a simple straight-on shot.
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Privacy details42nd St. and 2. Ave.
The intersection of 42nd Street and Second Avenue stacks skyscrapers into a dense canyon shot. Shoot down the avenue at blue hour when the windows and streetlights switch on.
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Privacy detailsTribeca Skybridge / Staple Street
The Staple Street skybridge connects two buildings over one of the shortest streets in Manhattan. Frame the bridge from the middle of the cobbled street below.
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Privacy detailsWest Village / Gay Street
Gay Street is a short curved lane of brick townhouses in the West Village. The bend in the street gives portraits a quiet, residential backdrop.
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Privacy detailsRadio City Music Hall
The neon marquee of Radio City Music Hall spells out the show in lights over Sixth Avenue. It photographs best after dark, when the sign is lit.
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Privacy detailsGrand Central Station
The main concourse pairs a vaulted, star-painted ceiling with arched windows and a brass clock. Stand on the east balcony stairs around mid-morning for the light shafts through the windows.
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Privacy detailsHigh line Park
The High Line runs above the streets of Chelsea on a former rail track, with planting beds and city views alternating. Walk it north to south in the late afternoon and shoot through the railings.
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Privacy detailsChina Town
Canal Street and the side lanes pack signs, lanterns and shopfronts into dense, colorful frames. Side streets like Doyers Street work well for tighter shots without traffic.
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Privacy detailsTimes Square
Billboards stack light on every side of Times Square, brightest after sunset. Get above the crowd from the red steps at Duffy Square for a clean wide shot.
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Privacy detailsHudson Yards New York
The Vessel's linked staircases form a honeycomb you can shoot from inside or below. The plaza around it stays open late, so evening shots come with fewer people.
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