Whether you are a New York native or just a visiting tourist, New York City has countless photo-worthy destinations to see. Here’s our list of Iconic NYC destinations you need to bring your camera.
Statue of Liberty
Located on a small island south of Manhattan, this iconic statue has stood tall and proud for years looking over New York. The Statue of Liberty can be seen from various points in southern manhattan, but you can get close up shots from any NYC cruise or ferry.
Brooklyn Bridge
Connecting the boroughs of Brooklyn and Manhattan is one of the oldest bridges in the United States. If you choose to walk across the bridge, you will be able to take stunning photographs of the bridge and its cabled arches that make for a satisfyingly geometric shot. Bonus views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan skylines are also photo-worthy and well worth the visit.
Central Park
Central Park is massive, taking up around 800+ acres of land right in the middle of Manhattan. In addition to enjoying the nature, iconic locations in Central Park are must-gos to photograph. There are multiple statues, fountains, lawns, waterways, archways, and buildings to visit, with attractions including the Belvedere Castle, Strawberry Fields, the Central Park Zoo, and the Lake.
Washington Square Park
A gathering spot for artists and college students. A battleground for chess enthusiasts. A playground for children. Washington Square Park is known for its many roles, located in Greenwich Village alongside New York University. It has a stunning fountain at the center and is most famously known for its large arch honoring George Washington himself. This Washington Square Arch photo is a must to add to your NYC photo collection.
Hudson Yards Vessel
NYC's newest fascination completed its construction and opened to the public in March 2019. The towering sculpture called the Vessel, made up of 2,500 twisting climbable steps reaching 150 feet tall, is the visual centerpiece of Hudson Yards, a $25 billion urban complex located on Manhattan's West Side. The 3,200-ton structure was assembled from steel-and-concrete pieces manufactured in Italy, and makes for truly fascinating photographs rain or shine.
Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal is a commuter and intercity railroad terminal in Midtown Manhattan, as well as a world famous landmark. Known for its architecture and beautiful design, both the interior and exterior of the building is something worth capturing on your camera.
Rockefeller Center
One of the things Rockefeller Center is most recognizable for is the lower plaza that takes on many different roles throughout the year. In the summer it is home to outdoor restaurant seating and in the winter it is a popular destination to ice skate. The golden statue in the center serves for an iconic Rockefeller photo, and if you have time to visit the Top Of The Rock, NYC’s Iconic Observatory, get ready for spectacular views of the city.
Times Square
Times Square is an enormous tourist destination in New York City. In the pedestrian plazas, costumed characters celebrate the energy of the city with large crowds under the pulsing lights of towering digital billboards. Photos of Times Square at night will pop with the brightly lit colors of the electronic screens above.
Empire State Building
When it was built in 1931, this 102 story building was known as the tallest in the world at the time. Although it is now only seen as the 25th tallest in the world, the Empire State Building remains as an iconic building. Either from the ground or from over 800 feet above the street level on the observation deck, the Empire State Building is on our list of must take pictures in New York City.
Flatiron Building
This building overlooks Madison Square Park and is popularly known for its unique design and architecture. The triangular 22-story steel-framed landmarked building makes for beautiful and creative photo shots.
The Freedom Tower
One World Trade Center, also known as “The Freedom Tower”, is one of the tallest buildings in the Western Hemisphere. Depending on where you are in downtown Manhattan, you can capture a variety of great photos of this impressive and iconic building. To also get amazing views of the city from the top of the skyscraper, visit One World Observatory and get your camera ready.
Wall Street Charging Bull
Wall street is located in the center of the financial district in lower manhattan, home to the New York Stock Exchange and other large Financial firms. The bronze statue of the Bull represents optimism, strength, and prosperity of the area, which was installed in 1987 following the Stock Market Crash. More recently, a new bronze addition has been installed of a fearless girl staring straight at the iconic bull, meant to send a message about gender equality in the workforce.