Dec 23, 20247 min read

Must Shoot: Best Photo Spots in New York City

New York City, with its iconic skyline, vibrant neighborhoods, and diverse culture, offers a treasure trove of opportunities for photographers looking to capture the essence of the city that never sleeps. Whether you're a seasoned pro or an amateur enthusiast, here's a curated list of the top photo spots in the Big Apple.

Before diving in, it's worth reinforcing that New York is best experienced by simply walking. Even if it's your first visit, the city feels strangely familiar from all the movies and TV show you've seen, but also so much more than you expect. So many of the city's signature experiences take place on foot, so pull on your walking shoes and hit the streets to discover the best photo spots in New York City.

Washington Street

One quintessential New York City image is captured from Brooklyn, in the area known as DUMBO (Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass) at the intersection of Water Street and Washington Street. From here, the buildings of Washington Street (wonderful in their own right) align perfectly to give a beautiful view of the Manhattan Bridge with the Empire State Building framed perfectly by the bridge structure. Take this photo from a low to the ground angle to make the most of any reflections on a wet day or to capture details from the cobbled street.

Street view of damp cobblestone road with red brick buildings, cars parked along the sides. Manhattan Bridge towers in the background. — At the intersection of Water St. and Washington St. you will find a classic NY shot, with the Manhattan Bridge and the Empire State building in perfect alignment.

The Brooklyn Bridge

A timeless favorite, the Brooklyn Bridge offers fantastic photo opportunities from various angles. Capture the bridge from either Brooklyn or Manhattan, or simply walk the bridge itself and take that iconic shot - a central composition with the cables making a stunning symmetrical pattern. The pedestrian walkway also gives panoramic views across the city from downtown up to mid-town. All the major New York buildings are visible, from One World Trade in the financial district to the Chrysler building and the Empire State in Midtown.

View of Brooklyn Bridge at sunset, featuring its stone arches and cables. New York City skyline and Freedom Tower are visible in the background. — Morning light highlights the arches and cables of the bridge in this view towards Manhattan.

Brooklyn Bridge spanning blue water, set against a clear sky. City skyline with buildings visible in the background. Urban, architectural scene. — Whether from the land or water, the view of the Brooklyn Bridge is always a compelling one.

Statue of Liberty

A symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty is a must-capture landmark. Head to Liberty Island for classic shots or take the Staten Island Ferry for a free and stunning view of Lady Liberty with the Manhattan skyline in the background. Some of the best shots of Lady Liberty can be taken across the Hudson River in New Jersey, but no matter where and how your shoot this historic landmark, be sure you make time for her in your schedule.

Statue of Liberty against a pink and blue sky, holding a torch and tablet inscribed with "JULY IV MDCCLXXVI," symbolizing freedom. — For a classic view of the statue of Liberty, take the Staten Island Ferry, or take the always fascinating tour which includes historic Ellis Island.

Times Square

Known as "The Crossroads of the World," Times Square is a neon-lit spectacle that comes alive day and night. The vibrant billboards and bustling energy make for dynamic street photography. Try capturing the lights reflecting off the rain-soaked pavement for an added touch.

Street vendor at night in Times Square, NYC. Busy with cars and bright billboards; visible text reads "The Lion King." Lively atmosphere. — The motion blur from the traffic is a great way to convey the dynamism of the city.

Skyline Shots

The Manhattan skyline is iconic, whether captured from New Jersey or from Brooklyn or Queens, it is worth seeking out a spot you like and waiting for the light to be right. You can't go wrong with dramatic sunsets and sunrises or a full moon over the city.

New York City skyline at dusk with One World Trade Center reflecting sunset hues. Calm water in foreground, creating a tranquil mood. — Golden hour view of downtown Manhattan

Silhouette of the NYC skyline against a vivid orange sunset. The sun sets directly behind a tall skyscraper, creating a striking halo effect. — The sun framed against the Manhattan skyline.

One World Trade & The Oculus

One World Trade - aka The Freedom Tower - is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and the skyscraper rises above the New York City skyline unlike any other. The view from the observatory on the 102nd floor offers an uninterrupted panorama across the entire city. Take time to remember and reflect at the National September 11th Memorial and Museum just to the south. Also worth a visit is the Oculus - a transit hub, which thanks to the design of Santiago Calatrava (which resembles a child's hands releasing a dove), doubles as one of the most interesting and photogenic architectural gems in the city.

One World Trade rises against a blue sky with clouds. A large, square fountain pool of the 9/11 memorial is in the foreground. Calm atmosphere. — One World Trade and the 9/11 Memorial.

Busy Oculus terminal with people moving quickly under a high, curved ceiling with vertical beams. Bright, spacious, with colorful signposts. Calm mood. — The Oculus is much more than a transit hub and makes a great location for photography and people watching.

Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock

For a breathtaking panoramic view of Manhattan, head to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at Rockefeller Center. This vantage point provides a stunning perspective of Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the surrounding skyline. Sunset and nighttime shots from this elevated perch are particularly magical. Equally compelling is a simple vertical shot from the plaza showing the height and scale of this landmark building, or the sculpture of the greek titan, Prometheus, which is said to be the most photographed monumental sculpture in all of NYC.

Skyscraper at night with branches decorated in white lights in the foreground, set against a dark sky, creating a festive mood. — Rockefeller Plaza during the Holidays.

Prometheus statue in a fountain, black-and-white, surrounded by flags in front of a building with a classic architectural facade. — The Statue of Prometheus, the 1934 guilded, cast bronze sculpture by Paul Manship, looks over the lower plaza at Rockefeller Center.

Strawberry Fields and Central Park

From the historic streets in lower manhattan to Grant's Tomb on W122nd street, history is everywhere in NYC. The beautiful Strawberry Fields memorial between 71st and 74th on Central Park West is dedicated to a more recent historical figure - the late Beatle, John Lennon, who lived in the adjacent Dakota building. The famous "Imagine" mosaic in the center of Strawberry Fields makes for an evocative photo - particularly in black & white. From Strawberry Fields, head to New York City's green oasis, Central Park, where views from the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain to the Bow Bridge, are the stuff of photographer's dreams. The park's natural beauty and the juxtaposition of nature against the urban backdrop make for a never-ending set of compositions.

Mosaic circle with "IMAGINE" in the center, surrounded by fallen leaves on a patterned pavement, creating a reflective mood. — Measuring 34 ft across and made of black and white marble tiles, the Imagine mosaic, commemorates the life and death of musician John Lennon.

Guggenheim Museum

Frank Lloyd Wright's 1959 masterpiece is an architectural icon and a great place to capture classic photos as well as find something new. With its top-heavy spiraling form, the design was a note-worthy rule-breaker from day one. Take the elevator to the top floor and walk down, marveling at the spiral shaped floor plan and the modern art it contains. Another great opportunity to use black and white to up the contrast and focus on the lines of this amazing space.

Empire State Building

Few things are more synonymous with New York City than the Empire State Building and a visit to this landmark is on everyone's must visit (and must shoot) list. Take time to head to the observation deck to soak in the views of the city and surrounding area - whether clear or foggy the experience is one of a kind. Remember also that some of the best shots are of the building itself and not just the views from the top. Visible from all over the city, there are not shortage of options for a great view of this classic New York landmark.

Flatiron Building

The triangular Flatiron Building, so named because of its resemblance to a cast-iron clothes iron, is one of the world’s most notable skyscrapers as well as one of the most photographed. Head to Union Square Park for the "front-on" view which can be much enhanced by moody weather or from using black and white against a cloudless sky.

Grand Central Station

An architectural masterpiece, Grand Central Terminal boasts a stunning celestial ceiling, majestic concourse, and intricate details throughout. Photograph the hustle and bustle of commuters during rush hour or wait for a quieter moment to highlight the elegance of this historic transportation hub. Don't forget the smaller details, like the brass concourse clock or the beautiful chandeliers.

Busy Grand Central Terminal with crowds, American flag overhead, and ornate architecture. Offers a warm, bustling atmosphere. — Bustling Grand Central Station during a busy holiday rush hour.

Ornate chandelier in Grand Central Terminal, NYC. Illuminated against large arched windows with blue hue, creating an elegant ambiance. — The chandeliers are a highlight of the beautiful interior of Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Station.

Street Scenes

So much of what makes New York City a compelling photography location is the endless compositions and subjects offered up by just simply walking around. Whether you shoot on your smartphone, or the latest digital full frame, keep your camera at the ready to take your street photography to the next level.

Blurred train passes by as man ascend subway stairs at in a dimly lit station. — The subway is a rich source of inspiration for some candid, on-the-go, photography that is uniquely New York City.

Urban scene with vibrant abstract sculptures in blue, red, yellow, and green. Graffiti covers buildings, one with a rainbow flag. Airplane trails in sky. — Art is everywhere in New York, so keep an eye out for great graffiti and street art as you wander the streets of the City.

St Patrick’s Cathedral

Across the street from the Rockefeller Center and the Atlas Statue is the neo-gothic St Patrick’s Cathedral. The detail of the facade is outstanding and the spires tower above the street below. Of course, they are in turn overlooked by the modern glass skyscrapers that are everywhere in the city which makes for a great contrast in your compositions. Take time to go inside as the interior of this famous cathedral is no less spectacular.

St Patrick's gothic cathedral with intricate spires stands before a modern glass skyscraper under a clear sky, creating a contrast of old and new architecture. — Known as "America's Parish Church" St. Patrick's Cathedral is the largest Roman Catholic cathedral in the United States.

The High Line

Transformed from an abandoned railway into an elevated park, the High Line offers a unique perspective of the city. Capture the blend of nature and urbanity, with art installations and architecture along the way. Sunset and golden hour shots are particularly enchanting.

Highline NYC in the blue hour — The High Line is a public park that transformed an unused elevated rail line into dynamic public space.

Take Your Own Journey

As you can see, New York City is a visual feast for photographers, offering a diverse array of settings to explore and capture. From the glittering skyline to the hidden gems of its neighborhoods, the city provides endless opportunities to tell a unique story through the lens. So, grab your camera, hit the streets, and immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of the Big Apple.