New York City has to be one of the most photographer friendly cities in the world. With loads of unique buildings, its epic skyline, and stunning bridges NYC is a must visit for photographers. With so much to see my friend Phil Martin (@phil.martin) and I (@someguy) headed to NYC capture some of the most iconic photo spots in the city. Since both of us love using Instagram we had to visit the best spots to photograph in New York City.
If you haven’t taken a trip to this incredible city be sure to stop at all of these epic sights, it is full of photo ops!
Here is my list of the best places to take pictures in NYC:
1. Top of the Rock
Top of the Rock has to be one of the best skyline views of New York. The only downside is that tickets are $26 and often require a wait. We rushed to get there before sunset but sadly the first available tickets were 2 hours later, so I recommend buying tickets online.
In addition to the view of the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center you can get a great view of Central Park from the north side of the building.
2. 9th Street Path Station Tunnel
With its dirty but clean looks and it’s unique ceiling pipework the 9th street Path tunnel speaks for itself. If you head down to the platform you’ll see a great view of the stairs and pipes as well.
9th st Path on Google Maps3. World Trade Center Path Station (The Oculus)
One of the newest additions to NYC the Calatrava-designed Path station at the World Trade Center is pure beauty. Dubbed the Oculus, its unique design was chosen so that sun rays would hit the World Trade Center footprints every September for the autumnal equinox.
WTC Oculus on Google Maps4. Fulton Center Skylight
When Fulton Center opened up hundreds of photos of its unique skylight flooded my Instagram feed. If you want additional angles you’ll have to pay to get into the subway system.
5. The Vessel in Hudson Yards
One of the newest additions to New York City is the Vessel in Hudson Yards. The incredibly unique structure is a series of stairs that loops around to an incredible height.
You can get free tickets online for specific time slots but if you want to pay $10 per ticket you can show up anytime on the date you choose.
It only takes about 15 minutes to climb the stairs and get to the top of the Vessel.
When photographing the Vessel I recommend brining a wide angle lens and playing around with as many angles as possible.
The Vessel on Google Maps6. Flatiron Building
The Flatiron building is probably one of New York City’s most iconic buildings due to its unique triangular shape. We visited on a rainy overcast day but there’s plenty of cool shrubbery to frame your shots.
Flatiron Building on Google Maps7. Dumbo Manhattan Bridge View
On Water/Washington street in Dumbo you’ll get an epic view of the Manhattan Bridge along with the Empire State Building in the background. Just be sure to watch out for cars that occasionally drive down this street’s unique cobblestone road.
You can also walk a block up to the coast and see the New York City skyline from Pebble Beach.
Dumbo View on Google Maps8. Tudor City Bridge
The bridge above 42nd street in Tudor city allows for some epic views of NYC traffic and a great view of the Chrysler building. It’s even better in the summer when the trees have bloomed.
This is a great spot to shoot day or night, plus if you show up at night parking is usually easy.
Tudor City on Google Maps9. Delmonico’s Restaurant
In addition to the Flatiron building Delmonico’s has a fantastic street corner to capture.
Delmonico’s Restaurant on Google Maps10. Radio City Music Hall
About a block from Top of the Rock be sure to stop by Radio City Music Hall and see its iconic signage. The reflections are especially beautiful when the streets are wet from rain.
Radio City on Google Maps11. Times Square
I couldn’t make a list about New York City without including Times Square. Granted it’s a packed tourist mess but it’s still the most popular Instagram spot in the world.
Ironically I didn’t take any photos in Times Square but I’m sure you are familiar with what it looks like.
Times Square on Google Maps12. Aerial Photos From a Helicopter
Flying from a helicopter can give you a unique perspective of the big apple! There are plenty of companies that do heli rides around the city but I used FlyNYON on their 15 minute doors off flight. If you have some extra cash I think it’s well worth the experience.
If you do book a flight I recommend bringing two camera bodies since they don’t let you switch lenses during the flight.
13. George Washington Bridge
There are plenty of cool angles you can capture of the George Washington bridge as it spans over the Hudson river.
George Washington Bridge on Google Maps14. Anything with One World Trade Center
You can see One World Trade Center just about anywhere in lower Manhattan. It’s fun to line up streets in your shots of this massive building.
The photo above was taken through a puddle outside of the Fulton Center.
One WTC on Google MapsLet us know some of your favorite spots in NYC to photography in the comments!
There are also plenty of places not included on this list that are worth checking out such as Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the George Washington Bridge.
You guys didn’t hit up the High Line? And I highly recommend you check out Albertine Books the next time you’re in the city!
OMG that looks awesome! well now I need to go back -_- I have seen the highline in posts before. I’ll have to do an update on my next visit 😛
Haha right??? SO good. But you hit up a lot of great spots. I still haven’t gotten that iconic DUMBO Brooklyn Bridge shot yet. (But I also avoid leaving the island…)
Awesome photos! How did you get the one with the puddle? Is the camera actually under the water, or just very close above the surface?
Haha I wish it was as fancy as putting the camera underwater, basically get as close to the puddle as possible. The photo you’re seeing is flipped so the main image is actually the reflection.
Nice guide! I love New York with it’s vibrant atmosphere. A perfect place for travel photographer!
Best regards
Lukas