New York Instagram Guide: The Most Instagrammable Places in The Big Apple

It is New York City, the ultimate dream for an Instagrammer: iconic skyline, pulsating neighborhoods, and legendary landmarks. From the dazzling lights at Times Square to the tranquil pathways at Central Park, the Big Apple is a city of continuous photo ops. This guide will take you to the most 'grammable spots in NYC—perfect for letting your feed feel a bit of that city magic.

1. Top of the Rock

The Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center offers one of the best views over Manhattan. It is from here that the iconic city skyline is shot, with the Empire State Building standing proud in the front view and Central Park sprawling across the background. Catch a sunset to see the stunning color display over the city.

2. DUMBO

DUMBO in Brooklyn is famous for its cobblestone streets and the beautiful view of the Manhattan Bridge that is captured between brick buildings. This is Washington Street and Water Street crossing, which will be a must for that perfect photo opportunity when the bridge and Empire State Building perfectly align right in the back.

3. Brooklyn Bridge

The walk across the Brooklyn Bridge is just quintessential New York. Be certain to take those stunning views of Manhattan and capture some great shots of the architectural beauty of the bridge itself. If possible, try to get on early in the morning to avoid crowds and catch the bridge with nice soft morning light. Don't forget to shoot some looking back at the skyline!

4. Central Park

It is an oasis in the middle of the concrete jungles that make up the active life of towns and cities. Much awaits being seen, and relished, from Bow Bridge to Bethesda Terrace. During the fall, it is bathed in riotous colors to turn out into one of the most picture-perfect parks. Climb up Belvedere Castle or row out on the lake in a small boat for looking at things from new angles.

5. Time Square

Lit by its lights, big neon advertising billboards, and a sea of people, Times Square itself at night is a dream for any photographer. Let the night come alive with all the energy of the view. A photo from the top of the Red Steps—an aerial view—or one that captures street performers frozen in time could add a vibrant, dynamic ingredient to the stream of your Instagram feed.

6. Flatiron Building

The Flatiron Building is one of the most photogenic buildings in New York; people can't resist it. Most people think the best views of the building are from across the street, at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway inside Madison Square Park. But for an even more iconic shot, photograph the building against the backdrop of a clear blue sky or dramatic sunset.

7. The Ship at Hudson Yards

The Vessel is an avant-garde wonder, consisting of interlinking stairways in an amazing honeycomb pattern, nestled between buildings in Hudson Yards. Photographers from all walks of life run to it for those unbeatable vantage points and breathtaking pics. This golden hour has left the scale and symmetry of The Vessel needing several angles to frame this humongous structure.

8. Oculus at World Trade Center

The Oculus is an outright wonder of modern architecture and design, credited to the architect Santiago Calatrava. Boasting its being a transportation and shopping hub, mostly expressed fondness comes from fans of minimalist and abstract photography. It features high-reaching white arches with a space-age design. Capture the interior from different levels to provide perspective on its grandeur and scale.

9. The High Line

This is a linear park laid along the bed of an old elevated railway track running between Manhattan's West Side, fully covered in greenery and objects of art, with very special city views. Do one very photogenic walk, where the cityscape and nature have fused into a perfection spot for that perfect shot.

10. Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park is a New York institution, and the arches make for great photo opportunities both in daytime and at night. Capture the arch silhouetted against the skyline, or come after dark when the park fills with street performers and local artists in search of a iconic NYC capture. For a really iconic NYC capture, photograph the chess players and generally bustling energy of the park

 

How to Take That Instagrammable Picture in NYC

It therefore follows that schedules should be planned to correspond to the light. The famous skyline and landmarks of New York look best in either soft early-morning or late-afternoon light. Avoid midday if the light is harsh; consider night shots for a different atmosphere.

Play with Angles-PERSPECTIVE: Do not hesitate to try different ways of framing and composing a shot. Shoot from a reflection, frame your subject with architecture, or lay on the ground for great angles.
Use color to your advantage, New York is a city with a kaleidoscope of contrasting colors. Add some street art, murals, and city lights to the frame—it will fill your photo with color and make it unrepeatable.

Watch out for the crowds: New York is a city that bustles non-stop, and popular locations can get really, really crowded. Shooting during early mornings or on weekdays yields the best shots with no people in your background. Capture the

Energy of the City: The New York environment is dynamic and full of life. Don't shoot the landmarks but actually capture the people and hustle during those moments when the city becomes alive. New York City is that inspiring source for every photographer and all the geeks of Instagram. From towering skyscrapers to quaint neighborhoods, this pulsating city has something in store for one at almost every corner.

Follow the below guide to the most Instagrammable places in the Big Apple to get your feed full of a story about your visual adventure in New York. Happy snapping in the city that never sleeps!