The Ultimate Guide To Instagrammable Spots In New York City

UPDATED AS OF APRIL 14, 2024

New York or nowhere! I am so grateful to be able to call this city my home and I believe everyone should visit New York at least once in their lifetime. There’s so much to see and do and although I have lived here my entire life, I am always amazed by it. Below is the ultimate guide with my personal favorite New York City spots to help you plan your next trip accordingly.

OBSERVATION DECKS

No trip to the city is complete without a visit to one of the observation decks. Each deck offers different views of the city and has its advantages. I’ve listed them based on what is most recommended.

Top of the Rock – If you’re on a time crunch and can only visit one observatory, I highly recommend Top of the Rock.  It offers 360 degrees of the best views of the city and has many photo opportunities.

Photo Tip: The earlier in the day you visit you better as it tends to be crowded especially during sunset.

Summit One Vanderbilt – Summit is by far the coolest (and newest) observation deck in NYC. While it offers a few rooms, each with multi-sensory immersive experiences, the main attraction is the mirrored room with a stunning and the best view of the Empire State Building.

Visiting Tip: As it is relatively new, crowds are inevitable, and the rooms tend to be packed. The best time to go is opening but I highly recommend arriving at least 45 minutes before to grab some photos before the crowds.

Also – It is not recommended to wear short skirts or dresses in the mirrored room!

Edge – The highest outdoor observation deck in the western hemisphere will have you feeling as if you’re floating in the sky. It offers 360-degree views of the city and a glass floor to make your visit even more thrilling. If you plan your trip at the right time, you might be able to catch a pop up display to elevate your experience.

CENTRAL PARK

You can easily spend a day in this beautiful park. There’s so much to see and do and I love that it’s free! My favorite places to visit are:

• Bethesda Terrace and Fountain: I absolutely love visiting this area during the spring and fall to frame the fountain with leaves!
• The Mall: One of the most famous parts of the park – you might have seen it in a few of your favorite movies. My favorite times to visit are the fall and winter when it snows!
• Cherry Hill: By far the best time to visit is spring when the hill is decorated with beautiful cherry blossom trees
• Bow Bridge: Be sure to arrive before 8 AM as this is a very popular spot!

DUMBO

You can’t visit New York City without adding Brooklyn to your itinerary. The city’s largest borough offers some of the most delicious food and endless views of Manhattan.

BROOKLYN BRIDGE

Known as one of the most famous bridges in the world, no visit is complete without seeing the Brooklyn Bridge. The construction of the bridge is a photographer’s dream and easily offers many photo opportunities. The bridge is also ideal for great views of the city and getting your steps in!

Photo/visitors tip: The best times to visit are sunrise and sunset when the bridge is enveloped in a golden glow. Since sunset is always packed with pedestrians, I would recommend visiting before 8 AM to get the best photos without anyone in your shot!

TRAIN STATIONS

If I had to pick one symbol (besides the taxi) that screams New York, it would definitely be the train. The subway is the easiest and cheapest way to navigate around the city. I love that the city invested in renovating a few stations.

MUSEUMS AND LIBRARIES

Believe it or not but part of New York culture is the plethora of museums scattered throughout the city. You can easily plan a week’s worth of your trip getting lost in these buildings, but I understand time is of the essence so here are my personal favorites:

• The Met – I consider the MET the Queen Bee of the art world in NYC. Not only does it offer incredible pieces to view, but the building itself is a work of art! Be sure to put on your best Blair Waldorf piece and grab a photo or enjoy lunch on the iconic stairs.
• Museum at Eldridge Street – a hidden gem in Chinatown!
• Museum of Ice Cream – A pink lover’s dream.
• Color Factory – A fun immersive art museum.
• Guggenheim Museum
• The Cloisters
• Morgan Library and Museum
• Albertine

RESTAURANTS/ROOFTOP BARS

As you may know, NYC is a melting pot of diverse cultures, and this is highly reflected in the numerous restaurants across the city. Of course, it is impossible to try them all (I still am) but here are some of my favorites that are worth visiting!

• Delmonico’s – One of the most iconic steakhouses.
• PHD Terrace – Famous for their flower tunnel but prices are a bit steep.
• Daintree – Rooftop bar on top of Hotel Hendricks that offers one of the best views of the ESB.
• Eataly La Birreria – Italian restaurant with seasonal menus and décor.
• Pietro Nolita – the famous pink Italian Restaurant with the cutest door.
• Remi Flower and Coffee – Coffee shop and florist!
• Felix Roasting Co – Chic café with good coffee!
• Rolf’s German Restaurant – Famous for its elaborate Christmas décor that is up all year!
• MTEA – Bubble tea spot in Flushing.
• A Pasta Bar – Italian restaurant.
• Cafe Flor – A chic cafe that is also a flower shop.

RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL

I love the art deco look from Radio City Music Hall! It makes for a quintessential New York photo, especially with a taxi in the shot!

WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK

The main attraction is the arch and I love the Parisian vibe it gives off! WSP is definitely popular amongst locals and college students so arrive early to avoid having people in your photos.

STAPLE STREET SKYBRIDGE

This is one of my favorite parts of the city that does not get flooded with crowds so you can go at any time. It definitely gives off an old-school industrial look to your background!

PIERS

If you’re looking for somewhere to relax and cool down, head to one of the many piers! I love spending time here during a low-key weekend.

OCULUS AND ONE WORLD TRADE

After the devastating 9/11 attacks, the city invested in a new project to rebuild and pay tribute. A cost of $4 billion, a distinctive design by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and 12 years of construction produced The Oculus! It is a cool structure that is home to the World Trade Center Transportation, stores and restaurants!

Right next to the Oculus is the One World Trade Center which replaced the original twin towers. The building is the tallest in the United States and West Hemisphere!

TUDOR CITY OVERPASS

If you’re looking for a spot that will not be crowded but will offer a great backdrop for photos, head to 42nd and 1st avenue to stand on the Tudor City Bridge. This is one of my favorite spots to capture the Chrysler Building and the best part is that you can go at any time without risking crowds!

This is a popular site for Manhattanhenge, so I would only avoid it during this time.

Looks for the stairs by that will lead you up the bridge!

SOHO AND NOHO

SoHo and NoHo or South (and North) of Houston Street are known for their designer boutiques, cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and art galleries. I love the boutique feel in these neighborhoods and you can easily spend a day here!