Top 15 Spots to Visit and Photograph in New York City

During my stay in New York City from July 2011 to January 2015, I was searching in Google for the best photographic locations in Manhattan, mainly for cityscapes and street photography with some sample images consolidated in a single page for a quick reference. I have got many sites and blogs on Google, but unfortunately, none of them are well documented and convincingly good from a photographer’s point of view. However, for a regular tourist, those are quite relevant and helpful. As I was looking completely from a photographer’s perspective, needless to say, I was quite disappointed. And that time, I decided I would create one to accomplish such a need for all the photographers who are new in New York City and want to capture images of the best photographic locations in the city.

Here are my top 15 favorite spots, click on the thumbnail images below to explore the individual location and discover about the place in further detail. In some cases, I have added maps for the exact spot you need to stand for photographs. There are many more places that could be part of the top 15 listings such as Washington Square Park, a very interesting place for street photography. This list has been prepared to lean towards on landscape or cityscape genre, and thereafter street and other photographic opportunities. Any landmark locations in NYC are in general good for street photography as well.

  • Brooklyn Bridge Park 
  • Main Street Park
  • On Brooklyn Bridge
  • Times Square
  • Bryant Park
  • World Trade Center and Nearby Area
  • Wall Street
  • Central Park
  • Grand Central Terminal
  • Empire State Building
  • New York Public Library
  • Hoboken 
  • New Port
  • View of New York City from Robert F Wagner Junior Park
  • Staten Island Ferry
Brooklyn Bridge Park

This is undoubtedly the most beautiful place for cityscape and landscape compositions, you can have an exotic view of the Lower Manhattan skyline along with Hudson and wooden structures. Lots of street photography opportunities in the summer evening. And in winter, this place has a different view and feel. Overall, this is the test best stop in New York City for first-time photographers in NYC.

 Main Street Park

View of Lower Manhattan with Brooklyn Bridge in the middle ground and in the foreground you will have boulders for making good compositions. In the evening, you can use people seating on the stairs for interesting foreground as well. Also, the Manhattan Bridge on the right side has a huge opportunity for photographic compositions. This place offers street photography opportunities with locals and tourists, kids, young couples. This is a must-visit place and a treasure for photographic exposure.

 On Brooklyn Bridge

On the bridge, you will get hundreds of street photography options for sure at any point in time. From the bridge itself, you can have a view of the city skyline. The architecture of the bridge, wires, and ropes make great photo compositions. Cars and other vehicles go just beneath it, gives slow shutter choice.

 Times Square

The main area of Times Square is good for street photography for sure, making stories, portraits. You can have local people as well as tourists. This is a very crowded place, you will have different and interesting activities in the same spot. It’s nearby area and buildings, high rises offer good cityscape opportunity.

 Bryant Park

Again, in all different seasons, this place is different. I love summer and winter both – equally interesting and charming. People are decent, photo-friendly. I have many memorable and nice experiences from this place. One of my best locations for street photography, not just photography- it’s fun to be there and have some time with draught beer.

World Trade Center and Nearby Area

Explore the area near the World Trade Center, Zuccotti Park, WTC Memorial, inside the WTC Path station –  you will have many cityscapes and street photography opportunities.

Wall Street

Old structured buildings, busy streets, local office going people, tourist – all will offer many photographic opportunities. Nearby is the Battery park, you can have many activities there. In April, cherry blossom time, there are few trees that blow your mind. Trinity Church is close by. Water Street, Fulton Street is a gold mine for street photography.

 Central Park

Nothing much to say about Central Park. I must say visit this park in all seasons if possible. Winter is terrifically beautiful with snow, kids playing across, and many unusual activities. A different part of it has a different feel and lots of photographic decisions you can make from here.

 Grand Central Terminal

An architectural wonder, street photography options, slow shutter choices, portraits – many photographic compositions are possible from here. I have spent hours in this spot. and each time I went there, I returned with good images.

 Empire State Building

Apart from photography, the experience itself is amazing. This is the tallest building in mid-town and from its top, almost the entire city is visible. Excellent photography option and overall experience. Also, Rockefeller tower is another good alternative choice. From Rockefeller tower, you can photograph the Empire State Building, which is a plus.

New York Public Library

I love the architecture of the entire building – inside and outside. Photography is allowed inside the building, but not with a tripod. So alongside building interior, you can have people images. Outside of the building is also good for street images and architecture.

 Hoboken

From here, you can have a full view of the New York City skyline. You can make panoramas of 180 degrees or even more.

New Port

Lower Manhattan skyline with Hudson in the foreground. Wooden structures in the Hudson can offer excellent foreground choice.

View of New York City from Robert F Wagner Junior Park

Absolutely not known by many people. I loved this place for its serene beauty and calmness. Completely different mood and feel from the rest of the city. You can see a nice sunset from this place over Hudson.

Staten Island Ferry

Free ferry service after half an hour interval. From the ferry, take pictures of the Lower Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty. Use a long lens if you want to get close.