New York City has always been a magical place for anyone that steps foot on the iconic busy streets. Whether you’re interested in sight-seeing or shopping, New York City has something for everyone. Either as a tourist or a native, it is always fitting to commemorate your experience with a taxi ride, Broadway show, and of course, an Instagram picture. This city is filled with life, culture, and an aesthetic that is perfect for any feed.
There are enormous number of events happening in NYC and it becomes overwhelming for someone who visits for the first time to cover it all and not get tired at the same time. Whether you are an avid foodie, aspiring artist, or just an eager check-box tourist, NYC has something to offer to all its visitors.
This city has such a fond spot in my heart. Granted, it’s congested and either humid or blizzard-ing, BUT this city is more than amazing. It feels almost life changing. Just a few days in the Big Apple and the surrounding boroughs will leave you wanting more and more. As a solo traveler, this is a great place to visit because the public transportation is efficient and there’s just so much to do. Never a dull moment and you don’t even really need anyone to do things with. You’re bound to meet others easily.
Here are the most Instagrammable places in NYC.
1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, better known as the MET, is New York's most famous museum that is filled with culture, fashion, and history. The MET is home to some of the world’s most notable art such as paintings by Vincent Van Gogh and sculptures from the 1st Century Roman era. However, the MET is known for so much more.
The MET also features an annual Costume Institute Exhibition that is inaugurated every year in partnership with Vogue. The MET Ball, also seen as the biggest night in fashion, is a star-studded event where celebrities and designers come together to introduce the launch of the exhibits annually changing themes.
Recently, this event, hosted at the museum itself, has integrated YouTubers to the invite list. This is also an ideal Insta-worthy spot both inside and outside the museum. The MET is known for their iconic steps of the MET at the entrance where both tourists and locals sit casually and take in the city (and of course commemorate their time with a picture for social media).
The MET Prices:
| Admission + Souvenir | $32 |
| Adult Admission | $25 |
| Senior Admission (age 65+) | $17 |
| Student Admission (with valid ID) | $12 |
| Child Admission (age 12 and under) | Free |
2. Pietro Nolita
Pietro Nolita is an ideal Instagrammable place in NYC for anyone who loves to think pink. This healthy Italian restaurant, known for their pasta dishes on a night out, will give you much more than a good meal. Pietro Nolita’s all-pink aesthetic carries both in and outside the restaurant.
The interior is all pink everything from the walls, to the furniture, to the napkins on the table. Outside of the restaurant also keeps with this theme. The outdoor bench seating that leads to the underground entrance of the restaurant is fully painted pink with hints of green plants.
This minimalist pink look would complement any Instagram feed. Pietro Nolita has become such a trendy spot for pictures and pasta that they have started a series of merchandise featuring their slogan, Pink as F**k. Their merchandise, available online, features mugs, stickers, t-shirts, and more.
3. Grand Central Station
Grand Central Terminal in New York City is so much more than just another train station. This city stop is architectural experience with its gold wall detailing and teal arching ceiling. Grand Central Station is a must-see Instagrammable place in NYC for its classic New York feel and vintage aesthetic.
This station is the kind of stop that makes you wonder if walls could talk, what would they say. The busy feel of New York is perfectly encapsulated in this station and makes you feel like a true New Yorker. Aside from its Instagram appeal and New York notability, it is also a famous spot seen in classic movies and TV shows such as 'Friends With Benefits' and 'Gossip Girl'.
Whether you really have somewhere to go or you just want to do it for the gram, Grand Central Station is the stop for you. This station has 56 tracks unusually arranged on two levels. The passenger (or causal visitor) is treated to Beaux-Arts design and eye catching clock. Over 20 million people visit, in addition to passengers, making it one of the top 10 attractions in the world.
4. NoMo SoHo
NoMo SoHo is another popular restaurant that is one the most Instagrammable places in NYC. This restaurant works in tandem with the NoMo SoHo boutique hotel, but the Instagram picture on everyone’s radar is at the entrance of the restaurant. Leading into the dining area, that serves breakfast through dinner, is a long green arch that is made of plants and string lights.
This famous arch is the perfect spot not just for an Instagram moment but also for a full-blown photoshoot. Inside the restaurant as well, is a semi-outdoor area that has a modern-rustic vibe that has a sea of decorative plants, lantern lights, and walls of painted rainbow hearts. If you wanted to partner the experience with a stay at their hotel, the rooms also have an Instagram experience with their minimalist white and royal blue aesthetic.
5. Coffee and Clothes
Coffee and Clothes is a (as mentioned in its name) coffee shop with a twist. In one of the fashion capitals of the world, it is only fitting that this Instagrammable place of NYC has both a coffee and a clothing experience. Coffee and Clothes is a vibrant café that features both designer clothes and designer coffee.
This is not your typical quick and caffeinated experience because each coffee is surfaced with the cocoa-coated brand logo of a high-end fashion designer. Not only is this an Instagrammable spot in NYC but the picture you take will most likely feature your beverage opposed to yourself. Common brands featured on the coffee include Gucci, Prada, and Dior. So whether or not you can afford Gucci, you definitely will be able to drink Gucci.
Fashion Brands Featured: Pradamm, Gucci, Adidas, Louis Vuitton, Nike, Christian Dior, Hermés
6. Glossier
Glossier is a popular skin care/beauty brand known for this minimalist yet colorful aesthetic. Despite its growing popularity, Glossier only has permanent locations in New York and Los Angeles, making it an exclusive experience for their in-person customers. Because of this exclusivity, Glossier has made great effort to really make it an experience.
Inside their store, is access to all their products as well as unique interior designing that makes it a stand-out Instagrammable place in NYC. Inside the store keeps up with their pastel feel with complementary colors and plenty of mirrors for the perfect mirror selfie. Most mirrors in Glossier story have printed sayings such as you look good, that have become a Glossier staple.
Inside the store is also an oversized version of their products that are attached to the wall and floor that really makes you feel like you are stepping inside your own beauty bag. This design not only lets you play with endless beauty products but also your Instagram game.
7. Bronx Zoo
If you widen your map, you'll find the Bronx to be an interesting option filled with family-friendly attractions, dining and accommodations. This multicultural borough on the edges of the Big Apple sits ready to help you make memories, enjoy meals and sleep well throughout your stay. Here are a few lesser-known ideas and options—and some well-known but often overlooked places—for a true New York experience.
The Bronx has its famous Zoo. You could spend all day there. Spanning 265 acres, the Bronx Zoo welcomes families through its famed front gates to take a walk on the wild side for the day. Over 700 species of mammals, reptiles and other animals reside here, and the zoo is home to the first established modern vet hospitals for animals.
Winding pathways take you past penguins, apes and towering giraffes, and a children's zoo lets your little ones get up close for hands on interaction with a variety of furry friends. Stop for lunch at the Dancing Crane Cafe before heading to a monorail ride through the "Wild Asia" exhibit.
New York City's Little Italy might have a reputation as a tourist trap, a neighborhood where locals don't venture — unless they are stopping by the San Gennaro Festival. The truth is, Little Italy is home to a few hidden gem restaurants that everyone who is visiting New York City should try at least once.
Yes, Little Italy gets crowded, and there are waiters standing outside almost every door trying to tempt passersby inside, but if you know where to go, you can find some great Italian food. From beautiful backyard spaces to dishes like lobster ravioli and chicken breast coated in pistachio sauce, these restaurants offer locals and out-of-towners alike unforgettable dining experiences.
Little Italy is an excellent choice for a walk when you are into good coffee, Italian delicatessen and Italian Gelato. Grab the kids and head out for a fun food-filled walk through the Little Italy in Bronx. The aura still harkens back to Ellis Island days, while authentic Italian cooking can be had from mom-and-pop restaurants on virtually any corner.
Share a pie with your family before diving into truly gourmet Italian ices in a range of flavors. The area is completely walkable and quite safe for daytime excursions with the little ones. Take your little sailors to the City Nautical Museum before heading to play in Ambrosini Field.
8. New York Botanical Garden
Brooklyn has its Museum and Botanical Garden. Located next to the zoo, the New York Botanical Garden offers lush greenery, bold blooms and a relaxing landscape make a great place to wind down after a busy day with the kids at the zoo. The newly renovated Edith Haupt Conservatory is home to some of the rarest palms and plants from around the globe.
Stroll through while the sun filters through the glass dome to dapple your walk. Every day at the gardens offers a new experience for families to enjoy, from seasonal celebrations to educational programs based on different plant species.
9. Williamsburg
Among the things to do in New York City, after taking the pictures of the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and Times Square, forget about the tourist guides and get into the real city. It's beautiful now. It is visually stunning, especially just after sunset when the lights seem much brighter and more colorful.
It's lovely to look at but there's not much to do. It isn't fun anymore. The video game parlors and cheap restaurants are gone, in favor of national chains and tourist traps.
10. Coney Island
In summer, hop the subway to Brooklyn's Coney Island to soak up some rays, enjoy a world-famous Nathan’s hot dog, ride the landmark Cyclone roller coaster, and catch a Brooklyn Cyclones baseball game. Note that Brooklyn also has a growing number of less-expensive hotels, all near subway lines.
Let yourself be seduced by all the neighborhoods like Meatpacking District, where you can enjoy the most lively nightlife in the secret spots of New York City. Go to Harlem with its new restaurants where you can enjoy the most New York jazz, Williamsburg, the most hipster neighborhood, Upper East Side with Central Park where you relive movie scenes and much more.
Other Notable Instagrammable Places in NYC:
| Sight-Seeing | Restaurants | Shopping |
|---|---|---|
| Times Square | Taco Electrico | Tiffany's at Fifth Avenue |
| Brooklyn Bridge | Pastagram | Macy's Herald Square |
| Empire State Building | While We Were Young | Naked and Famous Denim |
| Statue of Liberty | Eataly | Acne |
| Central Park | Bar SixtyFive | Meatpacking District |
