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 and soak in the hustle and bustle of Times Square.
- 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.
- Get the best view of the Empire State Building at Rockefeller Center.
- Experience the heart and soul of Greenwich Village in Washington Square Park.
- Go up 100 stories to the EDGE Observation Deck at of Hudson Yards.
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 – Gapstow Bridge. 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
As one of NYC’s most dazzling photo spots, Times Square delivers that quintessential New York energy you’re after! For the best shots of those iconic bright lights and billboards, arrive early before the crowds flood in – trust us, having the “Crossroads of the World” almost to yourself is worth the early wake-up call! Plus, you can reward yourself with a morning coffee and bagel from one of the nearby cafes after capturing your perfect shot. 🥯 Don’t forget to experiment with long exposures at dawn to catch the streaming yellow taxis and the glow of those world-famous LED screens!
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
The charming neighbourhood of Greenwich Village, situated in Lower Manhattan, is a cultural hub where worlds collide, creating countless photo opportunities in New York City. 🌎 It’s one of those iconic areas you can’t help but fall in love with, where winding cobblestone streets meet historic brownstones and hidden cafes. You’ll find NYU students, musicians, and businesspeople on break mingling together in classic New York style. These picturesque streets have been featured in countless films, and every corner seems to tell a story. (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. Rockefeller Center
When it comes to sky-high views of Manhattan, here’s an insider secret: Top of the Rock offers the most spectacular photo ops in the city! As our local expert always says, the best view is of the Empire State Building rather than from it. Arrive early to score amazing panoramas of the Manhattan skyline all to yourself. While you’re in the area, don’t miss Grand Central Terminal – it’s just a short walk away and offers some of the most iconic photo opportunities in New York City, from its celestial ceiling to the grand staircase. 😉 The combination of these Midtown landmarks makes for an unforgettable photography adventure!
Photo: Flytographer in New York City. Belinda and family capture memories in New York City near Rockefeller Centre.
9. Washington Square Park
The heart and soul of Greenwich Village beats in Washington Square Park, a meeting place for the young and young at heart. Here, you’ll discover a vibrant scene of street performers, chess extraordinaires, and skateboarders creating the perfect backdrop for authentic New York moments. Don’t miss the park’s most iconic photo opportunity: capturing the Empire State Building perfectly framed inside the Washington Square Arch – it’s one of the most Instagram-worthy shots in the city! Whether you’re photographing the famous fountain or catching the golden hour light streaming through the arch, this park offers endless creative possibilities. ⛲️
Photo: Kari in New York City for Flytographer. Carly and partner capture engagement memories in New York City in Washington Square Park.
10. The Edge Observation Deck
Looking for a fresh perspective on the city? The EDGE Observation Deck at Hudson Yards offers the most dramatic viewing experience in New York! Jutting out 100 stories high, this glass-floored observation deck literally lets you step out into the sky for breathtaking photos of Manhattan. For the most jaw-dropping shots, position yourself on the glass floor and capture the city streets far below, or lean against the angled glass walls for a perfectly dramatic pose. Early morning visits reward photographers with stunning golden light washing over the cityscape, while sunset creates a magical atmosphere as the city begins to twinkle to life. 🌇 Don’t miss the outdoor stairs for an elevated perspective that makes you feel like you’re floating above the Hudson River!
Pro tip: Book your tickets in advance and arrive about 30 minutes before sunset to catch both daylight and nighttime views of the city.
Photo: Anna in New York City for Flytographer. Kyle 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! 📸
35,000+ 5 Star reviews from across the globe!
“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
