What are the best photography spots in New York City? This is a question I often answer. I spend a lot of time photographing the streets of New York City. What can I say I love this place. New York City is one of the most incredible cities in the world.
I created the best photography spots in New York City photography guide to save you some headaches. I love to explore and find new places to photograph. However, I also love to share.
In this post, I break down my favorite photography spots in New York City.
Are you are looking for amazing skies for your images? Check out my vast library of EPIC sky overlays you can use to create award-winning photos.
To this day when I visit the city, I still visit most of these spots. After all, they are the best photography spots in New York City. Don’t forget to come by and check out my New York City Photo gallery.
THE GEAR
The gear I used for all my photos: Nikon D800 with a Nikon 14-24mm and a Nikon 24-85mm. A MeFOTO tripod and a wide-angle is a must. I edit all my images with my Lightroom Presets download them and give them a try.
Best Photography Spots in New York City
1. Times Square. This is where all the action happens. Best time to shoot is at night. Gear recommended is a Wide Angle Lens and a Tripod. 
2. Grand Central Station. This place is stunning, there are a couple spots to shoot from, however, the top of the stairs is always great. There are no big tripods allowed, however, this baby tripod is.
3. Central Park. Central Park is just amazing, the best time to shoot is at night, there are fewer people. I recommend a Wide Angle Lens and a Tripod. 
4. Dumbo. This is a busy place, however, it is a must when visiting NYC. Make sure you bring a Tripod and gloves. The best time to shoot is at dusk.
5. Rockefeller Center. This is the top of the Rock. Where you can get epic 360-degree views. The best view is facing south where you can see the Empire State Building. Best time to come is sunset. I recommend a baby tripod and a 70-200 mm and a wide angle lens.
Same shot with a wide-angle lens.
6. Flat Iron Building. This is one of my favorite buildings in the world. Best time to photograph is at night. Make sure you bring a tripod.
Blat Iron Building in Black and white
7. Empire State Building. The Empire State Building. This place is epic. Make sure you go all the way to the top and look down. Best time to shoot is at sunset and at night.
8. The Subway. If you are into street photography this is a must. The subway is such a cool place to people watch and to get epic photos. Anytime is a great time to come. 
9. Brooklyn Bridge. It’s the Brooklyn Bridge, enough said. Best time to come is at night. Bring a Tripod and some clothes. 
10. Empire Fulton Ferry State Park. This park is massive and you can see lots of different angles of the New York City Skyline. Best time to come is at night. I recommend a Wide Angle Lens and a Tripod. 
11. Brooklyn Bridge Lookout. This is on the south side of the bridge and it is a really great place to catch the sunrise. Bring a Wide Angle Lens and a Tripod. 
12. World Trade Center. The architecture here is just spectacular. A must when you are in New York City. 
13. Battery Park. You can’t leave New York without checking out the Statue of LIvery. Even if it’s from the far. Come to Battery Park to get the best views of the Statue of Liberty. Bring a tripod and a 70-200 mm and a wide angle lens.
14. Pier 15 East River. This pier has epic views of the Brooklyn skyline. Best time to shoot is at dusk or at night. A zoom lens and a tripod are a must. 
Thank you for dropping in. If you fond this post useful and enjoyable, please leave me a comment below and share it with your friends. That is the best way to say thank you.
Super helpful man! As a Minnesota planning a trip to NYC in a month and looking to capture as much as possible you’ve given me a lot to work with!
That’s awesome, I’m always happy to help out. Let me know how it goes :)
Hi Eden – Just randomly came across your site and glad I did. Beautiful work here! I’m curious if you could talk a little about the tripod issue in NYC. For example, I understand the restriction in Grand Central, but with the sensitivity to cameras and tripods we hear about post-9/11, do you just set up street-side (Times Square, Flat Iron, subway system, for example), without getting hassled? Maybe I’ve always been too self-conscious, I guess, of spreading out a tripod on the streets of NYC. And do you travel with your full kit and backpack around the streets, or leave your hotel, target a particular spot with a specific lens for a very intentional shot that you have in mind? I love the city, and have access (live upstate), but have never taken full advantage like your images show. Just curious your thoughts and process. Thanks!
Tripods are allowed anywhere in the streets, in any public place, nobody will ever say anything, it’s only in the private places where they have strict rules about tripos, mainly because of safety like people tripping, etc. You should go explore, NYC is endless when it comes to photos.
Thanks for the response. And apologies – I caught that I mispelled your name.
No prob, let me know how it goes. Feel free to join my group and share your photos. https://www.facebook.com/groups/edinchavez/
I’m sharing your post! Thank you so much!
Awesome, thank you for dropping by, happy to help :)
Thanks for the info.
My pleasure, have a good time out there.
What’s the best lens for shooting from the Brooklyn promenade and Fulton ferry I want a clear shot?
It depends on the look you are going for, but a 24-70 should give you a great range. Let me know how it goes.
Great article! Thanks Edin!
My pleasure, thank you for stopping by.