10 Instagrammable Places In New York City, USA - Updated 2024

Ryan Joshua
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 4 min read
instagrammable places in nyc

As Taylor Swift’s song says, “Welcome to New York, it’s been waiting for you!” Its busy streets, amazing skyline and bright city lights make New York City a dream destination for every Instagrammer. The Big Apple boasts a lot of places and spots which are just waiting to be captured and be discovered as you stroll around the city. From the most historic places to the tallest skyscrapers to the most modern ones, we have compiled all of the best and the most photogenic and Instagrammable places in New York City, for you to discover and capture on your next visit.

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From transportation tips to medical essentials and everything in between, the New York City local guides share all the must-know information to help you plan your trip.

1. Grand Central Terminal

The Grand Central Terminal In New York City</div>
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Wenchao Wang used under CC BY 3.0

The Grand Central Terminal indeed is one of the most recognized New York tourist spots. In fact, every tourist, first time in New York or not, can recognize the Grand Central Terminal as soon as he or she enters. That is mainly because the terminal has appeared in a lot of movies that features the city. This popular train station is always filled with people walking to and fro. With this, capturing the spot with long exposure can be great for your Instagram feed.

Grand Central Terminal

Address: 89 East 42nd Street

Website: Grand Central Terminal

Opening hours: 5:30 AM - 2:00 AM

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2. One World Observatory

There may be a lot of things for you to experience and discover while you’re in New York City. However, there is only a single way for you to truly see them all. See all of New York as you ascend to the One World Observatory, located on the top three floors of the One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the whole Western Hemisphere.

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3. Panna II Indian Restaurant


It may not be one of the best Indian Restaurants in the whole New York, but the Panna II Indian Restaurant has its hundreds of string lights to boast for. In fact, the main reason people flock to this restaurant is that of their ‘one-room Mardi Gras’ setup and not their food. You just have to bring your own drink and get ready to take a pose at the most popular Indian restaurant on the internet.

Panna II Indian Restaurant

Address: 93 1st Avenue #2

Website: Panna II Indian Restaurant

Opening hours: 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM

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4. Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty was given by France as a gift and has arrived and unveiled in New York City in 1886. Since then, the said statue became a national symbol of freedom and opportunity for everyone that comes to the United States, hoping to have a better life in the Americas. While you can visit the island itself inexpensively (you have to endure the long reservation list, though), you may just end up capturing a photo that is too close to the statue so we suggest taking a photo of the Statue of Liberty from a distance instead.

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New York City Tour Guide

Hiram Jacobs

Hiram Jacobs

I am a licensed New York City Department of Consumer Affairs Tour Guide and a native New Yorker. Over the years, I acquired considerable experience organizing solo tours of the major European and East European capitals of the world, Canada's largest cities and Australia's most popular cities, Washington, DC, Atlanta, New Orleans, and San Francisco. During my international travels, I participa... Read more

Tours by Hiram

New York City Tour Guide

Stephanie Eley

Stephanie Eley

I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more

Tours by Stephanie

5. Pietro NoLita

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Pietro NoLita is the perfect spot for girls who would like to be like Barbie for just a while. It is an Italian restaurant that features the color pink on almost all of its interiors while integrating a 1950s theme in it. The restaurant is a bit small inside and its storefront is even smaller. But just be patient in getting in this place as it is always crowded with groups also wanting to have some photos.

Pietro NoLita

Address: 174 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012

Website: Pietro NoLita

Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM

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6. Central Park

The lushness of the greens and the serenity of the open spaces makes Central Park a very perfect spot for your next Instagram posts. Not only that, the fact that the Central Park sits at the middle of the Manhattan buildings and skyscrapers makes it more breathtaking than ever. On your next visit to the park, make sure to have your photos taken at the amazing Bethesda Terrace that leads you to the fountain. The arches are also a great spot for your photos, and its hard to miss them as there are around 20 of them all around the park.

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7. Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is known as one of New York’s most iconic Instagram locations. This famous bridge that links Manhattan and Brooklyn, offers amazing panoramic views across the city, starting from the downtown up to the mid-town. From the bridge, you can see all of the most iconic New York buildings such as the One World Trade Center, the Chrysler building and the Empire State.

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8. Niagara Falls, New York

Niagara Falls in one of the best and most breathtaking waterfalls in the world. It also acts as a natural boundary between Canada and the United States, making it a must stop for people who cross the border. Have the best panoramic views of this magnificent waterfall from the tower observation deck or from the rainbow bridge. Make sure to visit the whole Niagara Falls Natural Park during the morning or at dusk to avoid huge crowds, and make sure to bring a rain sleeve for your cameras to protect your stuff from the mist of the falls.

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9. Manhattan Skyline

Made popular by the countless movies and shows that feature the skyline as their backdrop for their most breathtaking scenes, the skyline of Manhattan is one of the qualities which makes New York entirely unique among other super cities in the world. Hop on a tour of the Manhattan skyline and get to see for yourself the amazing skyscrapers such as the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building that will surely pop out from your Instagram feed.

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10. Times Square

Times Square is probably the first thing that comes into your mind when you think of the best photography spots in New York City. Well, we can’t blame you since the busyness of the people walking to and fro, plus the huge advertisement screens, fabulous Broadway shows, the entertainers that are scattered along the streets, and other entertainment scenes are something that you shouldn’t miss especially when you’re visiting the city for the first time. The best time to capture the best of Time Square is around 8:00 AM where there is still fewer crowd.

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Be photo ready in New York City

New York City is indeed a dream destination for people that love urban jungles and great cities. Aside from your usual tourist spots such as the Empire State Building, 9-11 Memorial, Chrysler Building and the Central Park, there is a lot more in New York for you to discover. So grab your phone and your camera and capture all of New York’s beauty to flaunt on your Instagram Feed now.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Ryan is a Computer Engineer with a heart for traveling and writing. Born in Pasay City, Philippines, and raised in Melbourne, Australia, he is now based in the Philippines' City of Smiles, Bacolod...Read more

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