New York City Photo Spots
New York City is America’s greatest multitasker. It’s world-famous for pretty much everything, and you could spend many lifetimes trying to experience each thing the Big Apple has to offer. 🍎 Famous architecture like the Flatiron Building, the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building make up the iconic skyline that greets you as you cross into bustling Manhattan. The magic of New York creates an unforgettable experience each and every visit. We’ve rounded up the best places to take photos in New York City! 🏙️
We easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over four million memories worldwide. The magic of Flytographer is both the experience and the photos. Explore the city with a fun, talented photographer and get wall-worthy photos to relive your trip, forever. We’ve rounded up the best places to take photos in New York City, so strap on your shoes, and let’s go!
TLDR
- Find all the best places for an NYC photoshoot in Central Park.
- Watch the sunset over the city from the Gapstow Bridge and Skyline.
- People watch in Times Square and Rockefeller Center.
- Delight in the Chelsea Market at The High Line.
- Experience the hustle and bustle in Greenwich Village.
- Pose for the best photo in SoHo.
- Try a walking tour for stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Dumbo.
- Discover local artists in Williamsburg.
- Stop for a picnic and a great photo at Prospect Park or Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
- Take the Staten Island Ferry for a day trip to Staten Island.
Photo: Sehee in New York City for Flytographer. Naila and family capture memories in New York City with a family photoshoot at Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO.
1. Central Park
The 840 sprawling acres of nature in Central Park, juxtaposed by the surrounding skyscrapers, just may be one of the best photography spots in NYC. 🏙The iconic Bethesda Terrace and fountain are the heart of the park, and you can’t miss The Metropolitan Museum of Art (known simply as “The Met”) along 5th Avenue. But the best way to enjoy Central Park like a New Yorker? Simply relax under a tree with a picnic and enjoy the views – it’s one of the few photo spots in “the city that never sleeps” where time seems to slow down. 🌲
Photo: Nicole in New York City for Flytographer. Kendall and partner capture memories in New York City with a proposal photoshoot in Central Park.
2. Gapstow Bridge & Skyline
Within Central Park lies a quaint cobblestone bridge with a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline. You’ll see iconic New York buildings like The Plaza Hotel, as well as terrifyingly tall, modern skyscrapers being built before your eyes. This bridge feels frozen in time as the rest of the city grows and changes around it, making it one of the best places to take photos in New York City. ✨
Photo: Kari in New York City for Flytographer. Kaley and family capture memories in New York City with a family photoshoot at Gapstow Bridge & Skyline.
3. Times Square & Rockefeller Center
It’s one of the biggest decisions of the trip for those who love sky-high views of the city: the Empire State Building or top of the Rock? We always suggest the latter because, as our local expert said, the best view is of the Empire State Building rather than from it! As with most beautiful photoshoot locations in NYC, arrive early to score the amazing views of Manhattan and Washington Street all to yourself … plus, we love the reward of a morning coffee and bagel after an early wake-up call! 🥯
PS: If you are going to check the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center off your list, don’t forget to stop at Grand Central Terminal for the ultimate New Yorker experience (since it’s right in the middle of the two and one of the most iconic places to take photos in New York City 😉).
Photo: Samantha in New York City for Flytographer. Jennifer and family capture memories in New York City with a family photoshoot at Times Square & Rockefeller Center.
4. The High Line
Turning lemons into lemonade, 🍋 the city gave this old railroad track a makeover and made it an open, above-ground public park right next to the Hudson River. Art installations, murals, city skyline views and refreshment options create the most relaxing pedestrian walkway experience in the city, just a walk away from Midtown. It’s by far one of the best public places to take pictures in NYC. Afterward, head under The High Line to the Chelsea Market food hall where dishes and ingredients from around the world are served – the globe, and plenty of the best New York photoshoot locations, at your fingertips!🍴
Photo: Sehee in New York City for Flytographer. Allison and friends capture memories in New York City with a photoshoot at The High Line.
5. Greenwich Village
This neighbourhood, situated in Lower Manhattan, and Washington Square Park form a cultural hub where worlds collide, creating countless places to take photos in New York City. 🌎 A meeting place for the young and young at heart, you’ll find NYU students, musicians, skateboarders, chess extraordinaires and businesspeople on break mingling together in classic New York style. It’s one of those iconic neighbourhoods in NYC to take pictures that you can’t help but fall in love with. You’ll even see these streets and Washington Square Park featured in many films. Don’t miss a photo of the Empire State Building framed perfectly inside the Washington Square Arch. (Local tip: It’s pronounced “gren-itch,” not “green-witch” … or you can just call it “the Village.” 😉)
Photo: Sehee in New York City for Flytographer. Jacqueline and friends capture memories in New York City with a friends photoshoot in Greenwich Village.
6. SoHo
One of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Lower Manhattan is SoHo, the abbreviation for “South of Houston Street.” It’s the premiere shopping district of New York, so keep your wallets fully stocked (or opt for some drool-worthy window shopping 👜). Boutique hotels, independent designers and luxury shops line the sidewalks; make sure you’ve donned your most fashionable outfit. But don’t let the fashion stop with shopping – this is one of the trendiest places to take pictures in NYC!
Photo: Sehee in New York City for Flytographer. Brittany captures memories in New York City with a headshot photoshoot in SoHo.
7. Brooklyn Bridge & Dumbo
Is there anything more iconic than a sunrise stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge? 🌅 We recommend starting on the Manhattan side, so you can end your walk in Dumbo (which stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) for views and photo opps along the water of Manhattan, including the One World Trade Center. This popular Brooklyn neighbourhood has been revamped from its industrial roots into a hotspot for dining, recreation and shopping. Don’t forget to take a stroll through Brooklyn Bridge Park, it’s one of the best parks to take pictures if you want somewhere less busy than Central Park. Pebble Beach is our favourite NYC photo spot along the East River.
Photo: Sehee in New York City for Flytographer. James and partner capture memories in New York City with an engagement photoshoot at Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO.
8. Williamsburg
This trendy neighbourhood, a short train ride from Manhattan, is a hipster’s paradise, where live music, galleries and artisan-run shops bring a creative, cool vibe to every block. 🎶 “Locally made” is king here, and it’s a neighbourhood made for wandering with tons of places to take unique NYC pictures. You’ll likely discover a hole-in-the-wall spot or Instagrammable street art that can’t be found in any blog, and that’s the beauty of Williamsburg! 😎
Photo: Anna in New York City for Flytographer. Brooke and family capture memories in New York City with a hometown photoshoot in Williamsburg.
9. Prospect Park & Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Central Park may be the best-known park in NYC, but it’s certainly not the only sprawling green space to be enjoyed. ☀️ Prospect Park, located in the heart of Brooklyn, is another beautiful outdoor place to take pictures. It’s certainly less crowded than its more popular counterpart and you can surround yourself with NYC nature photography spots. Don’t miss the Brooklyn Botanic Garden for art installations, fun events and, of course, beautiful flowers! 🌻
While you’re in Brooklyn, don’t forget to venture to Coney Island to experience Instagram spots at the retro fairground!
Photo: Flytographer in New York City. Tien-An and family capture memories in New York City with a hometown photoshoot.
10. Staten Island
When viewed from Manhattan, the famous Statue of Liberty can be … well, disappointing. Check off much better views of the city and the Statue of Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry’s observation deck as you make your way to NYC’s greenest borough. 🚢 There are countless NYC picture spots to find during a day trip to Staten Island, which has beaches, wildlife refuges and botanic gardens.
Photo: Sehee in New York City for Flytographer. Ryan and partner capture memories in New York City with a proposal photoshoot.
Capture Memories in New York City
Ready to immerse yourself in the energy of NYC, from Central Park to Chinatown? Choose one of your favourite photo locations and book a shoot with one of our amazing NYC Flytographers! 📸
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“Working with Jacqueline was an incredible experience. As a photographer, she has an extraordinary ability to connect on a soulful level, which made our collaboration in New York truly special. Jacqueline’s patience and keen eye for detail helped bring out the best in me, resulting in stunning photographs. Her professionalism and warm demeanor made the entire process enjoyable and memorable. I highly recommend Jacqueline to anyone looking for a talented and dedicated photographer.”
Dominique
Times Square
“Monika was incredible! From start to finish, she made everything perfect for us. She was so friendly and flexible with planning, she had great suggestions, she was friendly and knowledgeable, and most importantly, the pictures turned out amazingly well. We absolutely love our pictures and were so impressed with how Monika made the whole process so special and easy for us. We felt so lucky that we had her to help guide us and be there that day.”
Barry
Gapstow Bridge & Skyline
“Nicole was absolutely amazing! She was extremely helpful in picking a perfect location for my proposal. Afterwords she went above and beyond to make sure we got pictures all across central parks most iconic places. She provided great communication before the shoot and made us feel totally comfortable during the entire engagement shoot session!”
Kendall
Central Park
