With social media and smartphones with amazing cameras, taking and sharing pictures is easy, right? And, I believe there is no doubt that the coolest thing about traveling is not shopping, but the memories from our experiences. Is there anything better than remembering the trip looking at the pictures we took? I love photography and New York City is the perfect city for those who enjoy taking good shots! Check this amazing list with 30 Insta-worthy spots in NYC!
The Vessel – opened early this year at Hudson Yards, Vessel was designed by Thomas Heatherwick. It has more than 154 flights of stairs, 2500 steps – it rises 150 feet above the ground; it seems a labyrinth and is breathtaking. Fantastic. The best thing about it is that you can take amazing pictures from inside and also from outside!
Squibb Park Bridge – Squibb Park Bridge connects Pier 1 with Squibb Park in Brooklyn Heights, while providing a beautiful perspective of the city. The bridge is a plus – you can get great pics from there. Plus, seeing the sunset from this spot is just magical.
Edge – the new observation deck in NYC features breathtaking views – it is an experience unlike any of the other observatories in the city. The open platform is wide, large, does not give that feeling of overcrowding. It is also full of cool photo opportunities. More information!
Brookfield Place – when in downtown, go to Brookfield Place. This upscale mall has a beautiful outdoor area, overlooking the Hudson River and the Jersey City and Hoboken skyline, as well as marina boats. You can even see the Statue of Liberty from afar!
Pier 17 – this area was all revitalized as it was severely hit by Hurricane Sandy. Several shops and restaurants are opening – and the whole external area can be explored, including a great spot for beautiful photos.
Domino Park – the six-acre, privately-funded park, designed by the lead designers of the High Line, is part of Two Trees’ redevelopment of the former Domino Sugar Factory site into a mixed-use office and residential community in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. There is an incredible view that contemplates the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center, and the wonderful Williamsburg Bridge.
Cruises – Taking a cruise is an opportunity to look at the city in another way and to have dozens of wonderful photo opportunities!
Freeman Alley – this alley in Soho is full of street arts, and also features a super charming restaurant, Freeman’s – the entrance is also very cute!
Williamsburg Bridge – when we talk about bridges in NYC, everyone thinks about the Brooklyn Bridge. However, the city has other wonderful bridges and one of them is the Williamsburg Bridge. Crossing it by bike or on foot is gonna provide you a lot of great photos opportunities.
West Village – one of the most charming neighborhoods in the city where you will find super charming buildings and staircases. Walking down Gay Street, Perry Street, and its surroundings will provide you beautiful memories – and photos!
Hudson River Park – Hudson River Park is a super-large park on the edge of the Hudson River. There are a lot of piers in the southern part and they provide this amazing view of the Downtown part (note that: Piers 34, 26 and 25!).
Governors Island – this island is next to Manhattan. The place is beautiful and offers some amazing views to Manhattan’s skyline, New Jersey, Hudson River, Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty. Last year, they opened a new area: The Hills. I can assure you: you will take amazing pictures from there.
Carl Schurz Park – this beautiful park is located in the Upper East Side and has an amazing view of East River. You can see Randalls Island, Roosevelt Island, and the Queensboro Bridge.
Central Park – it’s very likely that Central Park is already on your trip itinerary. But I’ll leave my tip: for me, one of the most iconic and classic views of the park is the one that shows The San Remo building, the one with two towers. You will see this building from many places in the park, but I love seeing it from the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, the lake that is located in the north of the park.
Williamsburg – besides being one of New York’s coolest neighborhoods, Williamsburg, which is in Brooklyn, also has a beautiful view of Manhattan in East River State Park. The tip is to go there on Saturdays to enjoy the Smorgasburg, a food fair that runs from April to November. To get there, use the L line.
Red Hook – to the southwest of Carroll Gardens, beyond the BQE, the formerly rough-and-tumble industrial locale of Red Hook remains a secluded neighborhood, thanks to the lack of subway stops, which makes it perfect for a day out exploring. It is not a touristic explored area, which is a pity, because there are a lot of things to do. The view from there is very beautiful.
Brooklyn Bridge – it is an NYC classic and full of photo opportunities! Usually, it is very crowded but maybe you can get lucky as me and get the perfect shot (you have to be fast!) or you can wake up early and have the entire bridge for you!
Brooklyn Historical Society rooftop – the Brooklyn Historical Society building – featuring West Elm, Time Out Market and Cecconi’s has a beautiful and free rooftop with amazing views of the Brooklyn Bridge, the city’s skyline and Manhattan Bridge.
Whitney Museum – located in the Meatpacking, near Hudson River, this museum is dedicated to contemporary American art, with a special focus on works by living artists. Whitney is dedicated to collecting, preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting American art, and its collection—arguably the finest holding of twentieth-century American art in the world—is the Museum’s key resource. The place has also a rooftop with a wonderful view. Address: 99 Gansevoort Street.
Coney Island – this beach in Brooklyn is full of photo opportunities – mainly because of Luna Park. The atmosphere has a vintage vibe! But go beyond the boardwalk and the park and walk to the fish pier – it is magical, especially at sunset.
Manhattan Bridge – you will see this bridge when you cross Brooklyn Bridge and you can get a perfect picture when you arrive on the Brooklyn side. See that Empire State is exactly under the bridge. This spot is at Washington St & Front St.
Brooklyn Heights Promenade – Is an elevated boardwalk located in the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood and provides incredible views of the Manhattan skyline!
Roosevelt Island – On the South of the island, you get this picture. It is the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park, a park built in honor of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, open from 9 am to 7 pm (closed on Tuesdays). The park has a modern design and is beautiful. Not to mention that you appreciate the beautiful view of the East River.
Long Island City -Hunters Point South Park, a park next to the East River, is in Long Island City (Queens) and has beautiful views of Manhattan (you can see the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Roosevelt Island, Queensboro Bridge, and even One World Trade Center).
Pepsi Sign -the iconic Pepsi sign is located in Long Island City, at Hunters Point South Park. It has a vintage design and you can see it from some points of the city (like East Manhattan and Roosevelt Island).
Liberty State Park – located in Jersey City, this park has an amazing green area, with space for activities like walking, running, cycling, besides picnic and barbecue. But the highlight here is the location: the views are breathtaking. Check out the post with more details.
Westlight Rooftop – Westlight, a rooftop at 22° floor of The William Vale hotel, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, has a perfect view. The sunset is amazing.
Bushwick – Bushwick is located in the northern part of Brooklyn and became the stronghold of many street artists. It is like an open-air gallery with a lot of street arts.
Unisphere -Unisphere was designed by the architect Gilmore D. Clarke for the New York World’s Fair of 1964-65, 120-foot-diameter. During the summer, the fountain is turned on and the monument even more beautiful. It is located in Corona Park, a super large park – there is also a zoo there – and that’s where also US Open takes place. The New York Hall of Science is also located at Corona Park.
Did you like these tips? Soon, I will write another post!
Content creator and journalist in New York City. Here, I share lifestyle, beauty, NYC tips, thoughts, and the struggles about living in the most amazing city in the world! I’m not gonna pretend to be another person: I’m a Brazilian immigrant and I think this is my soul, it is part of who I am. I hope you enjoy my content! Follow me on Instagram!
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