Your NYC Travel Guide: 30 Instagramable Places to Visit

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As far as social media goes, we’d be lying if we said Instagram hasn’t become the standard most of us compare our perfectly filtered pictures to. It seems that nearly every occasion has the potential to be deemed Instagram-worthy—with the right aesthetic and angle, that is. And while social media certainly isn’t everything (we could all use a little self-care detox from it now and then), getting that perfect post for the ‘gram will always be one of our favorite ways to show off those hidden gems. If you’re looking for your next Insta-worthy location, it doesn’t get much better than New York City. From the streets of SoHo to the Vessel, the options are virtually endless. Not sure where to make the trek to first? Consider this your NYC travel guide to the 30 most Instagramable places to visit. Get ready to say cheese!

1. THE HIGH LINE

Located in the Meat Packing District, the High Line is a public park, though not the type of park you may be picturing in your head. On a spring or summer day, the nearly two mile space is filled with flowers and greenery—planted along a historic freight rail line that’s elevated above the streets. Hello, photo op!

2. PIETRO NOLITA

Pink eye makeup may be trending, but so is this adorable Italian restaurant. Located in Little Italy, Pietro NoLita has a pink-washed aesthetic that’ll rival your childhood bedroom (in the absolute best way). Snap a pic and grab some pasta!

3. THE VESSEL

The latest craze of the city, it seems everyone and their mother has been making a pit stop at this Hudson Yards landmark. The architecture of this public structure will let you appreciate the city from a new (150-foot high) perspective—just be prepared to get a workout with the many flights of stairs you’ll have to climb! Leg day, anyone?

4. NOMO SOHO

Stop by the NoMo Soho for drinks, a bite, or a weekend getaway. The iconic greenery-adorned archway complete with twinkling lights is the perfect setting for a fairytale-esque Instagram.

5. THE OCULUS

If you prefer a modern-industrial aesthetic, consider the Oculus for your next photo backdrop. This World Trade Center landmark features stunning architecture showcased in a crisp white for your picture-taking pleasure.

6. THURSDAY KITCHEN

Glow-in-the-dark drinks? Yes, please! Located in the East Village, Thursday Kitchen is known for their juice pouch drinks complete with glowing ice cubes—because what’s more fun than an alcoholic beverage that glows? Just be sure to get there early, as the restaurant runs on a first come, first serve basis.

7. DUMBO BROOKLYN

Complete with cobblestone streets and trendy cafes, DUMBO is the perfect Instagram location for a city girl aesthetic. An acronym for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass,” a visit to DUMBO won’t be complete without snapping some photos with the bridge as your backdrop!

8. LADURÉE

Did someone say macarons? If you want to indulge in this French favorite that’s (almost) too pretty to eat, head over to Ladurée in SoHo. Go with your gal pals for Sunday tea and pictures that will have your followers Googling the nearest macaron spot!

9. HUDSON RIVER

Take your adventures to the water for an Instagram that’ll instantly rake in the likes! Consider renting a boat, scoping out a boat tour, or hopping on the ferry for a nautical city photo op.

10. NYC MURALS

Nothing says worthy of the ‘gram quite like an Instagram mural. NYC has plenty of murals scattered about—so be on the lookout! Here are a few of our favorites.

Instagram Mural 1. Audrey Hepburn Portrait. Located in Little Italy, this colorful take on the famous actress is certainly worth taking a picture of (or with). You can find this mural between Mulberry Street and Broome Street. 

Instagram Mural 2. Burn Baby Burn. You can find this mural on the wall of Baby Brasa, a Peruvian restaurant in West Village. The bright calligraphy offers plenty of Instagram caption potential!

Instagram Mural 3. LoveWall. Covered in colorful hearts, you can find it on the corner of Mott Street and Kenmare Street in Little Italy.

11. WHILE WE WERE YOUNG

While We Were Young is the influencer hot spot that’s straight from the food Instagram of your dreams. You’ll find mouthwatering bites and photo-ready drinks amongst a wash of pastel pink and blue seating that’s totally aesthetic.

12. BROOKLYN BRIDGE

Not only is the Brooklyn Bridge a great photo destination, it’s also a great way to get in a fun, outdoor workout. Walk the bridge and snap some pictures along the way! You’ll have to be patient with this location as it tends to be packed with people, but we promise it’s worth it.

13. EAST VILLAGE

We mentioned a few East Village specifics, but we consider the East Village to be a perfect photo location in its own right. Roam the streets for some fashionista-styled pictures using the trendy boutiques, niche coffee shops, and timeless brownstones as your backdrop.

14. SÉZANE L’APPARTEMENT

Sézane L’Appartement, Sézane’s NYC location, is a clothing store that just so happens to have one of the most Instagram-worthy storefronts we’ve come across. The windows are adorned with black and white striped awnings and flower borders that demand to be photographed.

15. MILK & CREAM CEREAL BAR

Cereal meets ice cream? Yum! For a sweet pic and a sweet treat to match, head on over to Milk and Cream Cereal Bar. Consider this a must on your summer photo op list and don’t forget to save a pic for National Ice Cream Day! 

16. FLATIRON BUILDING

There are some landmarks that we’ll never get tired of seeing on our feeds, and one of those is the Flatiron Building. The 22-story building is the ultimate street-style shoot backdrop.

17. SUNDAY IN BROOKLYN

Whether you’re looking for a Sunday brunch or Sunday dinner spot, Sunday in Brooklyn is at the top of our list of recs. Some picture-worthy favorites they’re best known for include yummy breakfast favorites like malted pancakes. Delish.

18. SOHO

While you’ll find NoMo Soho and Ladurée here, SoHo itself is a great place to walk around and happen upon great photo ops. Sometimes the best ‘grams are taken when you’re not searching for a specific location! We love the street aesthetic of this trendy neighborhood.

19. ROLF’S GERMAN RESTAURANT

Who said twinkle lights, ornaments, and garland was only for the winter? Rolf’s German Restaurant is decorated for the most wonderful time of the year, year-round—AKA it’s a seriously magical location for some photos (and delicious German cuisine)!

20. CENTRAL PARK

Of course, the city isn’t all street art, skyscrapers, and trendy restaurants. Enjoy the outdoors and take a step back from the bustling atmosphere by heading to Central Park for a photoshoot that combines nature and the city lifestyle.

21. THE MET

Add a bit of culture to your feed by heading to the Met. With changing exhibits and an immaculate collection of art, there are plenty of Insta-worthy pieces. If you don’t have time to head inside, stop by for a photo on the iconic Met steps!

22. GUGGENHEIM 

Another museum worth visiting for the ‘gram, the Guggenheim not only features artwork perfect for an artsy ‘gram, it also is a work of art in itself! Head there to capture a picture of the mesmerizing rotunda architecture.

23. GRAND CENTRAL

You may find yourself traveling the city through Grand Central, but it’s more than a transportation hub. We particularly love the 12-story, high ceiling adorned with zodiac constellations, though you’ll find there are quite a few photo-worthy spots within the building.

24. CACIO E PEPE

Have a soft spot for Italian food? So do we! If you’re on the hunt for some seriously mouthwatering pasta and the ultimate boomerang, look no further than Cacio e Pepe. This restaurant has made a name for itself with its namesake pasta, which is dished out of a giant cheese wheel—we’ll say no more!

25. SERRA BY BIRRERIA

A rooftop is the ultimate Instagram-worthy location. Add food and drinks into the mix and we’re there! Serra by Birreria decorates based on season. You’ll find a garden of flowers come spring and summer and faux snow-covered greenery and twinkled lights in the fall and winter.

26. WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK

Take a picture under the famous archway, camped on the grass, on a park bench, or in front of the fountain at Washington Square Park. This Greenwich Village spot makes for a beautiful photo location both day and night.

27. 230 FIFTH ROOFTOP BAR

Did we mention we love rooftop bars? Head to 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar and use the Empire State Building as your photo backdrop. In the summer, be sure to try their frosé. In the winter, the rooftop has heated igloos to keep you warm!

28. LA MERCERIE

Did someone say brunch (or dinner)? With a floral decorated archway and plenty of natural window lighting (the key to any quality ‘gram), we’re not sure if we love La Mercerie more for their delicious breakfast vignettes or photo-worthy atmosphere.

29. CONEY ISLAND

Have a fun, carefree photoshoot at Coney Island in Brooklyn! You’ll get plenty of great pics on the boardwalk, capturing everything from yummy treats to carnival rides. Cue the nostalgia! 

30. HOBOKEN

While (of course) not NYC, Hoboken is a great photo spot for those who want the city skyline as their backdrop. Head to Pier A (one of our favorite parks along the water) and snag a pic featuring the Freedom Tower!

10 NYC INSTAGRAM CAPTION IDEAS

Of course, once you have your Instagram-worthy pictures, you’ll need to think of a caption to go with it. Rather than resorting to the city emoji, considering using one of the following 10 NYC Instagram caption ideas!

NYC Instagram Caption Idea 1: Taking a bite out of the big apple.

NYC Instagram Caption Idea 2: Taking the city on one Instagramable location at a time.

NYC Instagram Caption Idea 3: I see more city days in my future.

NYC Instagram Caption Idea 4: Find me in the city that never sleeps.

NYC Instagram Caption Idea 5: Lost in the skyline.

NYC Instagram Caption Idea 6: Conquering the concrete jungle one photo at a time.

NYC Instagram Caption Idea 7: Up all night in the city that never sleeps.

NYC Instagram Caption Idea 8: Fell in love in a New York minute.

NYC Instagram Caption Idea 9: When in New York…

NYC Instagram Caption Idea 10: Big city dreaming.

Next up: Check out our best tips for looking photo-ready in our article, 10 Beauty Tips for a Camera-Ready Look.