Best NYC Instagram Spots: 12 Fun Ideas from a Local
From the iconic NYC skyline to the Statue of Liberty, to the Brooklyn Bridge, there’s an endless stream of stunning photo ops in NYC. Having grown up in this incredible city, I rounded up my personal top 12 favorite spots where you can have Instagram-worthy moments and also enjoy some of the coolest spots around town. Check them out and share your stories and posts with me on Instagram!
corner of barrow st. & commerce st.
This charming corner home in the West Village neighborhood makes for a beautiful photogenic shot. It’s easy to get here by car and public transportation and best of all — it’s free and open to the public!
The Vessel in
Hudson Yards
An epic, architectural masterpiece, The Vessel, is composed of 154 flights of stairs, 2,500 individual steps, and 80 landings — all of which you can climb and snap photos on! It sits in the middle of NYC’s famous Hudson Yards. Social distancing precautions are in place, so click here to book your visit to The Vessel today. For FREE, same day, time-specific tickets, visits onsite begin at 9:30 a.m.
Delmonico’s restaurant
One of the first fine dining establishments in NYC, Delmonico’s is 184 years old and sits in NYC’s financial district. It’s a historic building and fine dining establishment not to be missed for its steaks, or its social media-worthy photo-ops!
Dumbo, Brooklyn
Dumbo stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass and is probably Brooklyn’s most Instagram worthy spot. Squeezed between the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges, the Dumbo waterfront and neighborhood boast some of the best views and photo ops. Its cobblestone streets, river views, and old school NYC vibes will have you snapping away in no time!
house of oldies
Located in the West Village, this small record shop offers in rare and out-of-print vinyl — from vintage rock, rhythm and blues, and soul records. The store’s blue awning is bright and calls attention — making it perfect for a bright Instagram shot.
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
A visit to the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed museum is unlike any other museum visit in NYC! Arguably one of the most important buildings in Wright’s career, it sits on Manhattan’s Upper East Side right near Central Park’s Jackie O. Reservoir. It’s known for its spiral ramp and a domed skylight — perfect for any cityscape Instagram page.
Radio city music hall
Home of the Rockettes, Radio City Music Hall is a perfect photo at any time of the year. Head across 6th Avenue and don’t miss a picture of the oversized ornaments.
Washington Square Park
Located at West 4th Street, Washington Square Park is positioned at the center of the historic Greenwich Village. You’ll find artists, dancers, and musicians perform live events there, which make for the perfect city shot! The famous Washington Square Arch also makes for the perfect backdrop.
6th ave & w 12th st. view of jefferson market library
This corner in the West Village offers one of the most iconic buildings in the distance, this vantage point provide a backdrop of Manhattan’s Financial District and the Jefferson Market Library.
Group of Four Trees art sculpture
Reminesant of a coloring book, the Group of Four Trees art sculpture by Jean Dubuffet is located in front of the Chase Manhattan Building in the Financial District. You can walk under and around this sculpture, so it’s very interactive —making it for a very fun whimsical piece of art to capture!
webster hall
Located in New York City’s cool East Village, the iconic Webster Hall was built in 1886 and has hosted performances and events across all spectrums of culture and music.
Central Park
Explore the 840 acres of New York’s most important and largest park. Snap cute holiday photos at some iconic landmarks in the park like The Mall, a pedestrian promenade leading to Bethesda Fountain.
Looking for more ways to explore the city? Check out some of my favorite NYC staycation spots for inspiration.