If you’re looking to capture photos in NYC, you should check out some of the prime locations that offer the best panoramic views of the City That Never Sleeps.
New York, a bustling metropolis, has several naturally gorgeous areas and attractions that provide picturesque perspectives when seen from certain vantage points. We have visited New York many times, as we resided just a couple hours away by automobile. This allowed us to extensively explore it and uncover the prime photographic locations in NYC.
For those planning a trip to the Big Apple who are unsure of the prime locations to capture photographs in New York City, I’m going to offer my top recommendations. So, let`s get started.
Table of Contents
1. Top of the Rock at sunset, one of the best photos of New York
One of the finest locations in New York for photographs is the observation deck at the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center, which is among the most visited and impressive views in New York.
From here, you can capture some of the best photographs in New York since it is situated in Midtown, the most significant neighborhood in Manhattan. The viewing platform spans the 68th and 69th floors, providing 360° views of Manhattan, like iconic landmarks the Empire State Building and Central Park.
Accessing Top of the Rock is best done by booking your tickets in advance through this connection. However, if you possess the New York Pass, you can benefit from complimentary entry. A visit to this place is undoubtedly worthwhile if you want to capture the most amazingphotographs in NYC.
2. Brooklyn Bridge, the best place to take pictures in New York
The Brooklyn Bridge is a place where you can take some of the most iconic pictures of New York. And let’s not forget that it is one of the most photographed bridges in NYCand in the world.
One of the best places to capture photographs in Brooklyn is the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. This picturesque walkway also serves as an ideal viewpoint, where you can enjoy the most beautiful views of the bridge and the Manhattan skyline. Undoubtedly, it is among the best locations to photograph in NYC, especially during sunset as the city lights start to illuminate.
Another location offering some of the best photo opportunities in New York is Brooklyn Bridge Park,one of the top attractions in Brooklyn. This beautiful park provides excellent vantage points for capturing the bridge and taking captivating photographs.
Additionally, while standing in the center of the bridge itself, you can also capture uniqueviews of New York City, with the skyline peeking through the Brooklyn Bridge’s architectural structure.
3. Old Pier 1, the best place to take pictures in NYC at night
Old Pier 1, located within Brooklyn Bridge Park, is an excellent spot for capturing New York at night. From here, you can glimpse the illuminated city of Manhattan framed by the pier supports, creating spectacular images of New York.
While viewing this scenic location at night is breathtaking, many photographers also make visits during sunrise, when the first beams of sunlight permeate between the structures. After exploring the park, you’ll have an opportunity to photograph the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge, two of the most iconic landmarks in New York City.
4. Manhattan Bridge from DUMBO, one of the most original photos of New York
One of the best images representing New York City is the Manhattan Bridge viewed from DUMBO, one of the most notable neighborhoods in Brooklyn.
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This specific view has become one of the most renowned images of New York, especially since it appeared on the poster for the film “Once Upon a Time in America,” starring Robert De Niro.
5. Helicopter tour, the best way to take aerial photos of New York
For genuinely original photos in New York, there’s nothing quite like a helicopter tour.
Experiencing an aerial view of the city from above provides a unique perspective that permits capturing stunning photographs of New York from the sky. We selected this helicopter tour without doors, which is even more remarkable, as it enabled us to acquire the prime aerial photos of New York.
You can also explore our comprehensive guide about air tours of New York City to find the perfect choice that aligns with your interests and financial allowance.
6. Ferry to Staten Island, a place to take free photos of NYC’s Statue of Liberty
Taking the ferry to Staten Island provides an opportunity to capture spectacular images of the New York skyline from the water.
This complimentary ferry connects Staten Island with Manhattan and passes directly in front of the Statue of Liberty, making it one of the ideal places to capture pictures in New York. Remember that the ferry doesn’t halt at Liberty Island and you will only be able see photos from the ferry. This implies your perspectives of the statue may be somewhat remote, so, if you want a improved close-up photo, you should employ a telephoto lens.
If you wish to be able to personally see the Statue of Liberty up close, you can reserve a round-trip boat travel from Battery Park or Liberty State Park by means of this connection. This provides a chance to get even more visual records of NYC skyline.
7. Flatiron Building, one of the best places to take pictures in New York City
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To capture an image of New York City centered around the Flatiron Building, position yourself in the median directly in front or below the clock on the left side. This viewpoint fully highlights its unique Beaux Arts architectural style.
Undoubtedly, this is one of the iconic representations of New York that you shouldn’t miss, as it exemplifies the city’s famous charm.
8. Central Park, one of the most photogenic spots in NYC
Central Park, often seen as the “lungs” of New York City, is a park full of trails, lakes, and open spaces, ideal for relaxation, casual strolls, and a wide selection of outdoor exercises. It is also among the perfect places to shoot photographs in New York, as it has several beautiful corners and areas to shoot.
To capture astounding photos of Central Park, you can visit The Rock, a outcropping that affords wonderful perspectives of the park with towers in the backdrop. Another option is The Pond, regarded as one of the premier locations to photograph in Central Park, as it showcases a scenic setting with a stone bridge extending over the water.
The Lake is also a very popular location among image-capturers. It’s a place where you regularly see watercrafts with families and couples enjoying the outdoors against the backdrop of the Upper West Side. Other places within Central Park that are great for photography include the Bow Bridge, Belvedere Castle, and Bethesda Fountain.
If you, like us, want to seize some original pictures of New York, consider hiring a helicopter tour, as it provides an unusual aerial viewpoint of Central Park.
9. Times Square, an ideal spot to take images of New York at night
Times Square is one of the prime areas for taking images in New York City. It’s a lively region both day and night, full of street performers, shops, eateries, theaters, and much more. In reality, after traversing this area, you can comprehend why New York is known as the City That Never Sleeps.
For mesmerizing nighttime images highlighting the extensive vigor of New York City, I highly advise investigating the streets surrounding Times Square, particularly when the elaborate signs of the city’s most prestigious theaters illuminate beside immense neon advertisements and state-of-the-art digital billboards.
For the perfect panoramic shot of Times Square with the whole scene captured, positioning yourself on the iconic Red Stairs at TKTS Pavilion is advisable. It’s definitely one of the top spots for photography in New York.
10. St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Atlas, one of the top places for a photoshoot in New York
Experiencing St. Patrick’s Cathedral is considered one of the prime activities to partake in when in Manhattan. This site has been recorded on the National Register of Historic Places in New York and is one of the most renowned cathedrals in the state, as well as the largest Neo-Gothic style church in North America. Beyond its historical and artistic importance, what makes it one of the best places to photograph in NYC is the intriguing contrast it exhibits in the center of towering skyscrapers.
To capture this impressive building of worship, you`ll need to put some distance between yourself and the subject. Standing directly behind the sculpture of the Greek titan Atlas at the front of Rockefeller Center provides a viewpoint to skillfully frame one of the finest cityscapes of New York: the sculpture from the rear, with St. Patrick`s Cathedral appearing in the background.
11. Pebble Beach, the perfect place to take pictures of the New York skyline
Pebble Beach provides a unique setting for capturing cool photographs of New York City. Located near Main Street in DUMBO, it`s a small stone coastline situated in a green area next to the Manhattan Bridge. Swimming isn`t allowed here, but you can shoot magnificent photographs of the New York skyline, and even glimpse Jane’s Carousel from this spot.
Images taken at Pebble Beach demonstrate just how beautiful the setting can be both during the day and at night. Choosing to visit around sunset and waiting for city lights to illuminate allows one to capture magical moments when the town comes to life. It is undoubtedly among the best activities to engage in New York at night since it is usually quite peaceful.
12. The High Line, one of the best New York photo spots
The High Line is not only one of the best New York photographic spots but also one of the city’s most stunning locations. This elevated park is built on old railway tracks and stretches from the Meatpacking District in Chelsea to Harlem, passing through iconic spots like Chelsea Market, Hudson Yards, and The Vessel.
It’s undeniably a brilliant place to take exceptionalimages of New York City, as its raised viewpoint offers a novel and original perspective. Additionally, it’s a place where you can appreciate and photograph public art. And best of all, it’s one of the best free activities to do in New York.
13. The EDGE, one of the best photo spots in New York
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I can assure you that spending time at The EDGE is worthwhile, as the perspectives from the observation deck are absolutely stunning. Indeed, it is the highest viewpoint in New York and all of the Western Hemisphere, making it a must for anyone searching for a truly exceptional location for a pictorial representation in New York.
To access it, one will need to reserve a ticket using this link, but if you possess a New York Pass, you can enter at no cost.
14. Dyker Heights, the best place to take pictures in New York City at Christmas
Dyker Heights is considered the ideal location to capture pictures in New York City around Christmas, a time when neighbors beautifully adorn their homes and yards with dazzling lights and decorations, drawing visitors.
I must inform you in advance that you’ll witness a variety of displays, from simple to extravagant, complete with music that synchronizes with the lights and large inflatables. But this is precisely what makes it a good place to take photographs in NYC.
Dyker Heights Boulevard spans from 83rd to 86th Street in Brooklyn. To experience this magical neighborhood, I propose taking this guided tour from Manhattan. Be advised that most locals switch off their lights around 9 p.m., so it is better to be here as early as possible to capture the illuminated roads and ornaments in all their glory. It is undoubtedly one of the finest things to do in New York during the holidays, as it generates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
15. Manhattanhenge (Tudor City Overpass), one of the most photogenic spots in NYC
Throughout Manhattanhenge, you have the chance to seize unforgettable and exceptional photographs in New York. This phenomenon, also known as the Manhattan Solstice, emerges twice per year when the sun aligns flawlessly with Manhattan’s streets during sunset. The exact dates may vary from year to year, depending on the summer solstice, but typically fall between May 28-30 and between July 11-13.
While you can witness this natural occurrence on several streets, the best viewing locations include 34th Street near the Empire State Building, and 42nd Street from the Tudor City Overpass, near the Chrysler Building. Undoubtedly, it ranks among the most famous images of New York. When Manhattanhenge occurs, both locals and tourists come here to marvel at this magical moment, so, if you want to secure a good spot, make sure to get there early.
Here are the recommendations! Now you have an understanding of where to capture the best photographs of New York, so I hope your camera is prepared to document these extraordinary moments during your visit. Here is a map so you can easily locate these amazing spots for taking pictures in NYC.
If you happen to know of other aesthetically pleasing photo locations in New York, please feel free to share them in the comments below. I’d love to discover new gems during my next visit!
Wishing you a fantastic time in New York!
