The Best of the Best : Top photo spots in New York City

New York City is one of the most photogenic cities in the world.

Whether you're a professional photographer or a casual Instagrammer, you'll find endless opportunities to capture stunning images of the city's iconic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and diverse culture.

But with so many options, how do you choose the best photo spots in NYC?

In this post, we'll show you some of our favourite places that will make your photos stand out from the crowd.

From skyscrapers to street art, from bridges to parks, these are the locations that will make you fall in love with New York all over again.

• Squibb Park Bridge

This bridge is not only a great way to access Brooklyn Bridge Park, but also a fantastic place to snap some stunning shots of the skyline and the river. Let me show you why I love this bridge and why you should visit it too!

Address: Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA

• Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is a popular tourist attraction that attracts millions of people who are hoping to snap a picture with New York’s skyline in the background. With the Manhattan skyline or the iconic architectural design of the bridge as the backdrop in your photos, you will be sure to have pictures to be proud of forever.

If you’re looking for the most iconic Brooklyn Bridge pictures, you’ll want to not only get the bridge but also the Manhattan skyline. Position yourself on the Brooklyn side of the pylons so you are shooting towards the city, and you’ll get views of the Freedom Tower and South Seaport.

• Jane’s Carousel / Park View of Brooklyn Bridge

Jane’s Carousel is a beautiful and nostalgic item to see along with spectacular views of the NYC skyline. The carousel was restored by Jane Walentas to its original paint and all and then gifted it to the city. Anyone is free to take pictures inside the pavilion or on the concrete apron outdoors for personal use.

• Dumbo- Manhattan Bridge View

The Dumbo Manhattan Bridge view is a popular spot for taking photos in New York City. The neighborhood area where you will be capturing your photos is called Dumbo which stands for “Down Under The Manhattan Bridge Overpass”. With the tree-lined cobblestone streets and the red brick buildings on either side of you, taking some photos here is a must1. This photo spot is open 24 hours a day, every day.

If you are looking to capture some great photos you need to visit early in the morning to beat the crowds, preferably before 9 am.

• Times Square

Times Square is a popular location for tourists and photographers alike. If you want a variety of photos, then visiting Times Square in different weather conditions is a great idea. You can capture different moods, different lighting, etc. It’s a great tip for how to take a picture in Times Square. You’ll get lots of photos, and the area can look totally different in the sunshine, compared to the rain.

• The New York Times building and around

The New York Times building is famous for being the headquarters of The New York Times newspaper. The building was designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano and opened in 2007. The building is designed to be as transparent and permeable as possible. The lower section of the building is the newspaper’s newsroom, nicknamed ‘the Bakery’ because the journalists work all night here preparing the next day’s paper.

• Central Park

Central Park is one of the most famous parks in the world and is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to New York City. The park is welcoming to all ages and is free to explore with few locations inside the park actually charging a fee.

Central Park is a great place to escape the crowds of NYC and get away from the noise and chaos. The park has eight special areas which are called “quiet zones.” In these zones, you cannot play music without headphones, and dogs have to be on leashes. Running, cycling, and sports are not allowed—but relaxation is.

Finally, one more great reason to visit Central Park is that you can explore it at your own pace. You can walk if you want, but if you are looking to give your feet a break, you can hire a pedicab driver to show you around. This is the perfect way to pick up cool facts about the park while seeing more than you possibly could on foot.

• Radio City Hall

Radio City Music Hall is an entertainment venue and theater at 1260 Avenue of the Americas, within Rockefeller Center, in the Midtown Manhattan neighborhood of New York City. It is nicknamed “The Showplace of the Nation” and is famous for its Art Deco architecture and stage shows.

Since its opening in 1932, more than 300 million people have gone to Radio City to enjoy movies, stage shows, concerts and special events. The most famous show is not even a concert or event at all. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular has been a holiday tradition since 1933 and features the Rockettes.

• Grand Central Station

Grand Central Terminal is more than a train station. It’s a hub of activity with free family-friendly holiday events. It’s a gorgeous, restored Beaux Arts building. And it’s a great place to wile away a few hours indoors if it is raining, snowing or just too cold to walk around outside. Visitors come to shop the annual Holiday Fair and The Shops at Grand Central, and dine at one of Grand Central’s amazing restaurants and bars.

Grand Central Terminal is one of the most-visited destinations in New York City for a reason—it’s packed with sights, history, architecture, dining, and shopping all under one magnificent roof. While you’re here, why not make the most of it with a historical tour, a reservation at one of our restaurants, or a shopping trip?

• Vessel

If you are looking for a unique and memorable experience in New York City, you might want to check out Vessel, the stunning spiral staircase that towers over the Hudson Yards Public Square. Vessel is a 16-story structure that consists of 154 flights of stairs, 2,500 steps, and 80 landings, offering spectacular views of the city and the river from different heights and angles. It was designed by British designer Thomas Heatherwick and opened to the public in March 2019.

Vessel is more than just a staircase; it is an interactive artwork that invites visitors to explore and climb its intricate honeycomb-like shape. You can walk up and down the stairs at your own pace, or simply enjoy the scenery from one of the many landings. Vessel is also a great place to take photos, as it provides a striking contrast to the surrounding skyscrapers and the High Line park.

• Roosevelt Island

If you are looking for a hidden gem in New York City, you might want to visit Roosevelt Island, a narrow strip of land in the East River between Manhattan and Queens. Roosevelt Island has a rich and fascinating history, as well as plenty of attractions and activities to enjoy. Roosevelt Island is a great place to discover a different side of New York City. It has something for everyone, whether you are interested in history, nature, or technology. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore one of the most unique islands in the world!

• Oculus

Did you know that the oculus in New York has a special feature that honors the victims of 9/11? The oculus is the centerpiece of the World Trade Center Transportation Hub, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. It resembles a bird being released from a child’s hand, symbolizing love and hope. The oculus has a large skylight that opens every year on September 11, from 10:28 a.m. to 3:55 p.m., the exact duration of the 2001 attacks. During this time, the sun shines directly through the skylight and illuminates the main hall, creating a "wedge of light" that represents the absence of the Twin Towers. This feature was inspired by the design of the World Trade Center Memorial, which has two reflecting pools in the footprint of the towers.

• Bryant Park

Bryant Park is a 9.6-acre public park located in the New York City borough of Manhattan. It is centrally located in the heart of Manhattan and completely surrounded by skyscrapers. Only a block away from Times Square and adjacent to the New York Public Library, you will find it at the intersection of 42nd and Sixth Avenue. The park has a French-style merry-go-round, open year-round, plus a well-maintained lawn, with chairs and tables. The outdoor Reading Room has picture books and summertime story times. In winter, you can take a spin on the free ice-skating rink.

xoxo, Angela & Lali, from Chasefortravel