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Best Instagram Spots in Manhattan, New York

Bethesda Fountain, Central Park during autumn

New York City is the most Instagram friendly city I’ve ever visited. Every borough offers something different and if you see my Instagram you’d understand how Manhattan was my favourite. Walking around the streets with (almost) every lane looking aesthetic Manhattan has some really cool Instagram spots. Some hidden, some out in the open. If you have a similar eye for aesthetics like me, then New York City is a place for you! I haven’t travelled much, but amongst all the cities I have been to (check here) NYC is definitely amongst the top five.

Those who follow me on Instagram you know about my very recent trip to New York. It was my second time in the city. I had done loads of research before my trip and one of my aim (apart from having a great time) was to create a content bank for my Pinterest and Instagram. That meant loads and loads of research reading blog posts, watching videos and scrolling on Pinterest. I have kept the tourist spots to a minimal since that is not something I enjoy photographing much and hence is not my aesthetic.

CENTRAL PARK

A pose idea of a girl under cherry blossom tree in Central Park, Manhattan, New York.
Cherry Blossom
Lake viewing area in central park, Manhattan, New York.
Lake Viewing Area
Bethesda Fountain, Central Park during autumn
Bethesda Fountain

Ever came across a movie based in New York City without any snippets of Central Park? I don’t think so. Visiting Central Park during different times of the year provide different experiences and photo opportunities. It’s difficult to not fall in love with this place.

CHELSEA

Picture of the exterior facade of the Chelsea food market
Chelsea Market
Inside the Starbucks reserve in Chelsea, Manhattan, New York
Starbucks Reserve
Souvenier cup from Starbucks reserve in Chelsea, Manhattan, new York
Starbucks Reserve

As per their website, ” Iconic culinary destination Chelsea Market has become an internationally-renowned brand and is considered one of the greatest indoor food and retail marketplaces in the world today.” Even during my last trip to New York City (read here) I wanted to visit this area but couldn’t. There is also a Starbucks Reserve right next to it so do pop in to try some rare coffee blends and understand the entire process if interested. Did I mention this a great spot to pick up some souvenirs?

CHINATOWN

facade of old authentic shops in chinatown, Manhattan, New York
Chinatown
hustle bustle in the lanes of chinatown in Manhattan, New York
Lanes of Chinatown

New York houses multiple distinct cultures and I for one am here for it. A day I could be walking around the Little Italy and could be in Koreatown the very next day. Chinatown is located in the Lower East Manhattan and could possibly be home to the best ramen I’ve had. Apart from food, it is also known for its vibrant culture, nightlife, tearooms and colourful neighbourhoods.

EAST VILLAGE

Girl posing in the lanes of east village for instagram in Manhattan, New York.
East Village
Colourful exposed brick building facade in east village, Manhattan, New York.
Gorgeous facades in East Village
Girl posing on the steps in east village for instagram Manhattan New York
East Village

If you’re somebody who loves facades and quaint streets, East Village is a must on your list. One of the most instagram friendly spot here is the Stuyvesant Street which I could not sadly get a picture of due to the rains (New York weather needs to make up its mind) but nonetheless, the facades and the townhouses were worth a short stroll.

FINANCIAL DISTRICT

Stone Street, instagram spot, Manhattan, New York
Stone Street (image taken from Pinterest)

Sharing the border with Tribeca, Financial district is one of the most touristy spots. With The Charging Bull, World Trade Centre, Oculus and many more sights to enjoy spending an entire day roaming around here is easy. Also, would highly recommend walking through the Stone Street grabbing some food and drinks at any sit down place or just walking while munching.

METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART

Metropolitan museum of art
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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MET is located on the upper west side and a great place for drawing inspiration from. It is a great photo spot and so worth spending at least half a day at and if I, who does not come from a fine arts background can enjoy spending 4-6 hours then you will too.

SOHO

The Laundress, store facade in soho, Manhattan, New York.
The Laundress, SOHO
The Dutch, SOHO, Manhattan, New York.
The Dutch, SOHO
Lanes of SOHO, Manhattan, New York
SOHO (image taken from Pinterest)

South of Houston or SoHo is every shoppers go to. Cobbled streets with cast iron structures; designer showrooms on very block; street vendors on very corner; this is how I remember SoHo. The always buzzing neighbourhood has everything you’d want for a day out and more. In my opinion, weekdays are better for truly exploring SoHo as the streets get packed very easily on weekends.

THE EDGE

The Edge- NYC
View of the City (Image taken from Pinterest)
The Edge
Arial Observation Deck (Image taken from Pinterest)

Hundred floors above the city, this observation deck offers view of the city like none other. It is the highest outdoor observation deck in all of Western Hemisphere. The Edge offers jaw-dropping view of the New York State Building, Empire State Building, Williamsburg Bridge, Central Park and many more iconic tourist spots.

TRIBECA

Tribeca Bridge, Tribeca, Manhattan, New York
Tribeca/ Sky Bridge

Situated the south of Manhattan, Tribeca offers a stunning view of the Hudson River and a great variety of restaurants. Known for the famous instagram spot Tribeca Sky Bridge, the area is rather slow paced during the day but perfect for an evening stroll and good food.

WEST VILLAGE

Gay Street Photography, West Village, Manhattan
Gay Street
Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park (Image taken from Pinterest)
Little owl F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Apartment in West village, Manhattan, New York
Little Owl

With stores ranging from a local boutique to the high end brands like Burberry, West Village is home to the modern LGBTQ movement. The highly photogenic village is ideal to spend a day shopping, drinking, exploring and clicking pictures. Some of my favourite spots include the Gay Street, Washington Square Park, Bedford Street, Grove Court, Little Owl (F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Apartment).

 

So that’s it for this post! Hope you found it helpful!