Have you been searching for the best places to take photos in New York City? The Big Apple is a dream destination for street photographers, travel bloggers, and time‑lapse creators thanks to its endless vantage points and ever‑changing energy. With so many opportunities to capture something unique every time you head out with a camera, it’s easy to see why the city is so beloved. Still, creating original content requires a bit of exploration. Rooftop access can be difficult if you don’t live in Manhattan or Brooklyn, or don’t have the right connections, so it’s often best to focus on street‑level scenes and wide, panoramic views.
I originally wrote this guide before visiting New York City for the first time. As a time‑lapse photographer, I always plan my trips carefully to save time and make the experience more enjoyable. This helps me avoid the stress of figuring out where to shoot or which time of day works best for a particular sequence in an unfamiliar place. While New York offers countless incredible photo opportunities, I’m sharing just a handful of my favorite spots with you this time.
1. The Empire State Building
This location is in the center of Manhattan and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, making it an ideal spot for capturing the beauty of sunsets and nightscapes. While tripods are prohibited, small table tripods are permitted for capturing steady shots. It is advisable to be prepared for windy conditions that can be a challenge. This location has to be one of the most Instagrammable places in New York.
2. The Rockefeller Center
The deck situated at the highest point of this building is commonly referred to as “The Top of the Rock”. This area proffers awe-inspiring panoramic views and is an excellent spot for taking selfies. Nonetheless, the usage of tripods is restricted, except for small table tripods in a designated zone. Additionally, please ensure your safety as the area is often congested with people.
3. The Pulaski Bridge
The bridge is located in Long Island City, near the Greenpoint-Brooklyn border. It’s just a few minutes away from the subway station. This bridge is an ideal spot for taking photos as it offers magnificent views of Manhattan, the Empire State Building, and Midtown. Moreover, it has a side platform where you can take pictures without any disruption from cars and pedestrians. This location is ideal for fashion photography.
3. The 40 Street – Lowery St, Queens Metro Station
The view from this particular spot is truly exceptional and beautiful, and you’ll be tempted to capture plenty of pictures, especially during sunset. However, it is essential to be aware that trains arrive every ten minutes, which may cause some noise disturbance. Additionally, some curious onlookers might inquire about your photography. Notwithstanding these minor inconveniences, the overall experience is worth it. I wrote more details about this Queens spot a few years ago.
4. Central Park
Central Park has been featured in numerous movies, making it an international icon since the 1970s. Being huge and centrally located, it is hard to miss. This place is perfect for capturing some nature photographs, away from the usual noise of New York streets.
5. Greenpoint in Brooklyn
This neighborhood offers spectacular views of Manhattan. You only need access to a rooftop that doesn’t necessarily have to be a high rise because just a few feet of elevation will provide an opportunity for you to get cinematic-style shots.
6. The Brooklyn Bridge
This metal structure offers breathtaking views, particularly at night. There is ample space for you to set up your tripods and capture stunning shots from various angles. As of the end of 2023, there are no restrictions on bringing your photography equipment, so make the most of this opportunity and enjoy an evening of cinematic photography. This location fits within the list of the most Instagrammable places in New York as well.
7. Herald Square
This location is perfect for street photography as it offers multiple angles. You can capture 34th Street, Broadway, and 6th Avenue all from the same spot. One thing to keep in mind is that it’s best not to visit Herald Square late at night as the sidewalks are filled with trash bags, which can make it difficult to capture good shots. However, if you visit during the day, afternoon, or early evening, you can easily spend four hours there and never get bored.
7. The High Line
The High Line is a public park in New York City that is owned by the city itself. It is maintained and operated by an organization called Friends of the High Line, in partnership with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. This is an ideal place to spend half a day walking and looking for good angles for architecture and urban photography. Its elevation provides an advantage for capturing stunning photographs.
Follow this link for additional information on photography spots in New York City.
I hope these suggestions are helpful to you!