Best Photo Spots in NYC That You Will Love

Updated: October 7, 2026

Everyone has their own way of exploring a city; my favorite is to find its most picturesque spots. I’m not into museums, but I love architecture — the older and more colorful, the better. I rarely book tours, but I search for the best views in any city and the top places to see the sunset.

I love walking the streets and discovering unexpected little nooks that give each city its unique charm. If you see it as I do and are looking for the best NYC photo spots (and beyond), you’ll love the list I’ve made.

Best Photo Spots in NYC

A little background: I’ve visited New York City almost yearly since 2007. I’ve explored many of its neighborhoods and learned to love its quirks. Lower Manhattan is my favorite area to explore. But NYC has abundant beauty, so I hope this post helps you find some of the best spots.

Stone Street in the Financial District

They say it’s the first paved street in NYC. How cool is that? This charming cobblestone treasure is filled with bars and restaurants, making it the perfect place to enjoy a summer day. Another bonus is that it’s not usually crowded (probably more so in the summer), so I’d say it’s one of the best places to photograph in NYC.

William Street (next to Stone Street)

We came down this street looking for Stone, and I had to jump out! It looks like a tiny part of Europe in the middle of NYC.

Washington Mews

For more unique NYC photography spots, stop by the Washington Mews. Washington Mews is near Washington State Park and houses NYU offices and residents. It’s a gated area but open to the public during the day. I love it when parts of the city don’t seem to belong. I couldn’t stop taking pictures. Doesn’t it look like a completely different town?

Manhattan Bridge over Chinatown, New York

If you’re coming from Chinatown, start heading up the bridge, and near the entrance, you’ll find this lovely little spot or plenty of other street shots you can take.

Top of the Rockefeller Center

Top of the Rock gives you some of my favorite NYC views, with Central Park in one direction and the Empire State Building in the other. Of course, I had to include it. Unlike the street photography spots on this list, this one requires a paid admission ticket. If you’re hoping to photograph the skyline around sunset, check the available entry times before planning your visit. Check Top of the Rock ticket prices and available times.

Brooklyn Bridge Photo Spot

Witnessing the sunrise over the Brooklyn Bridge is a must-see experience worth adding to your list. This bridge is mega crowded but perfect for pictures. The only way we could find it this empty was by waking up before New York did.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

I love the view of Manhattan from this park! This is another excellent place to catch the sunset and some of the best angles of the city—hands down, one of my favorite spots in New York.

Washington Street in Brooklyn

The Manhattan Bridge framed by the brick buildings along Washington Street makes this one of the most recognizable photo spots in DUMBO. Head to the intersection of Washington and Water Streets for that classic view, and look closely; you can spot the Empire State Building through the bridge’s lower arch.

Brooklyn Heights Promenade

We recently spent some time in Brooklyn Heights and came across this stunning view of Manhattan. It’s just a regular street with benches, but the vibes are all there. You can sit, relax, and enjoy the company of all the nearby dogs out for walks.

Westlight in Brooklyn 

Street Art in Little Italy and Nolita

I know there’s art all over NYC, but I saw so much of it in these areas. Little Italy and Nolita are fantastic spots for photography in New York. The murals add so much color and personality to these streets, and they make fun backdrops for photos beyond the usual skyline shots. Keep an eye on storefronts, walls, and doorways as you wander.

The Charm of Lower Manhattan 

I couldn’t narrow this one down, but if you stroll through my favorite neighborhoods of SoHo, Greenwich Village, and the West Village, you’ll surely find plenty of great architecture, charming nooks, and just some of the best photo spots in NYC. You’ll also find the famous Friends building at 90 Bedford Street in Greenwich Village.

Where to eat in NYC

I’ve probably been to NYC well over a dozen times, but I don’t feel qualified to make a “best places to eat” blog post. It’s too large, it’s too hard to keep up with, and I’m not a local. Still, I will share the places we keep returning to every time we visit. These are places we love and that have never let us down on any NYC trip.

1. The main point of all our returns is Clinton Street Baking Company for blueberry pancakes. You don’t understand; I’m obsessed with these pancakes. They are the best pancakes in the world, and I’ve tried many pancakes from around the world. When I’m eating them, my husband’s like, “Should I leave you two alone?” I’ve even tried to find pancakes in Chicago that can compete with Clinton’s, but they don’t come close. I love you, Clinton. Never leave me.

2. Kam Hing Coffee Shop is a tiny, unassuming bakery that has the most delicious sponge cakes in a variety of flavors. They’re fluffy, flavorful and perfect. We never leave the city without buying a handful!

photo source: instagram.com/newkamhing

3. Katz’s Delicatessen is a classic in NYC. What impresses me is that the line is always long, day or night, year-round. And the sandwich is always damn good. They always get it right. It’s worth the wait.

4. Good Thanks has become one of our regular stops while in NYC. They serve my husband’s favorite avocado toast ever, so we keep coming back every time. I don’t eat avocado toast, but I’ve got to say it’s a thing of beauty. Just look at it! I typically order their basic breakfast, and it’s also delicious. Plus, their coffee is solid.

5. Los Tacos No. 1 has some of the best tacos we’ve ever, ever had. This is coming from two Hispanic individuals who grew up in Mexican households and have visited Mexico many times. They have multiple locations in NYC, but don’t let that deter you. The quality has remained consistent. We visit the Chelsea Market location.

photo source: facebook.com/lostacosno1

There ya have it! I hope you get great photos in this beautiful city and have your own love affair with the pancakes.

What I bring for photographing NYC

I like to keep things light when I’m spending the day walking and taking photos. These are a few of my photography essentials:

• Sony a6000 camera → Lightweight, beginner-friendly
• Camera case → For long walking days
• Compact tripod → For photos without asking strangers

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