My Photography & Travel Guide to New York City
New York City is undoubtedly one of the most exciting photography destinations in the world.
You step out onto the sidewalk, and the energy is already moving around you. Cabs, conversations, construction, a woman selling flowers from a cart, steam rising from the grate in the street. The whole thing is running at full speed, with no ramp-up period. You are simply in it, immediately, and you either find a rhythm or you get carried along by someone else's. Either way, something happens.
I have been coming to New York for years, and it still does this to me every time. The energy is not manufactured. It is the aggregate of eight million people pursuing different things in the same square miles, and it produces a city that is genuinely unlike anywhere else in the world.
For photographers, New York offers more raw material per city block than almost anywhere. The murals in Chelsea and Bushwick are among the most ambitious public art in the United States. The cast-iron facades and cobblestone streets of SoHo reward slow walking and a wide-angle lens. The coffee shops of Williamsburg, tucked into former warehouses and industrial spaces, have a specific morning light and an unhurried pace that produces some of the most quietly photogenic interiors of any city I have photographed. And the food, quite simply, is the best and most varied collection of restaurants I have found anywhere on earth. The city earned every superlative ever written about it in that department.
Old Pier 1 in Brooklyn
From the sunrise light on the Brooklyn Bridge to the steam-lit streets of Midtown at midnight, the city never runs out of things to point a camera at. You could live here for a decade and still discover something new every week. I have, and I do.
In this Photography Guide to New York City, I share my favorite photography locations, hotel recommendations, the restaurants that define this city for me, and the practical knowledge that comes from years of shooting here. You will find everything from iconic landmarks to the side streets most visitors never find, along with gear advice and timing tips specific to the way light moves through New York's extraordinary grid.
@kobra in Chelsea
Where to Stay in NYC?
Best areas to stay for photographers:
📍 SoHo, Greenwich Village, and Central Park South are ideal bases. These areas are beautiful, walkable, and well-connected to photogenic spots across the boroughs.
There is no shortage of hotels in NYC. I have included my recommendations below, based on my personal experiences. There are, of course, many other good hotels to choose from.
Deciding where to stay in New York City (especially for the first time) can be challenging. The sheer number of neighborhoods and boroughs can be overwhelming and stressful to navigate, especially for first-time visitors. All NYC neighborhoods have distinct personalities and styles, from luxurious and trendy to family-friendly. Depending on your travel style, budget, preferences, and who you’re traveling with, choose an area with more of the locations you are hoping to visit.
@kobra
There are five boroughs in New York City: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. I recommend staying in Manhattan so you can easily get to the main attractions and sites like the Empire State Building, 1 Vanderbilt, Grand Central Station, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Central Park. For first-time visitors, Midtown is a great spot to stay in.
Here are a few of my hotel options:
Crosby Hotel - Crosby is part of the Firmdale Hotels, based in London. I love the location in Soho, right near Balthazar.
The Ritz-Carlton Central Park is located right across from Central Park. You cannot find a nicer view in NYC than from the Ritz.
The Waldorf Astoria NYC - an iconic NY hotel that has recently been renovated
Park Hyatt NY - the location of the Park Hyatt is wonderful, and its a relatively new hotel.
The Mark Hotel - the best of the best in NY, close to the Met
The Williamsburg Vale in Williamsburg is directly across the East River from the East Village in lower Manhattan. The area has a great vibe and fantastic coffee shops and restaurants.
The Langham - we recently stayed at the Langham. Fantastic staff and large rooms with kitchenettes. Highly recommended.
The Surrey - Our favorite hotel in NYC, formerly known as The Surrey, reimagined and reopened as Corinthia New York in 2024. The feeling is the same: quiet, residential, unhurried, more like staying in a private apartment on the Upper East Side than a hotel. The suites are spacious and genuinely beautiful. Close to Central Park, the Met, and everything along Museum Mile. The most elegant base in the city if you want to avoid the Midtown energy when you come home.
How Many Days to Spend in NYC
To truly photograph New York without rushing, 4–6 days is ideal. This gives you time to capture the city at sunrise and sunset, explore multiple boroughs, and fit in iconic spots and hidden gems.
Best Time to Visit New York City for Photography
Spring (April–June) and Fall (September–November) are magical for photographers. Soft light, changing leaves, and fewer crowds than summer. Winters are photogenic too—especially after a snowfall in Central Park—but be ready for wind and cold. Summer has vibrant energy but harsher light and higher temperatures.
Notable photography-worthy events:
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (November)
NYC Pride (June)
Chinese New Year in Chinatown (January/February)
Village Halloween Parade (October)
Getting Around New York City
Walking is your best friend in NYC, and most photo-worthy scenes happen at street level.
For longer hauls:
Subway is fast, affordable, and photogenic in its own right.
CitiBike is excellent for exploring the waterfronts and parks.
Uber and Lyft are widely available, but can be slower during rush hour.
Where to Eat & Drink Coffee in NYC
The New York food scene has more restaurants than I can count. There is every type of cuisine in every price range imaginable. Even some of the Food Carts get awards.
These are some of the restaurants that I recently tried:
Via Carota – Rustic Italian in the West Village.
Los Tacos No. 1 – The best tacos in the city. Trust the line.
Marea - An excellent Italian restaurant on Central Park South at 240 Central Park South, facing the park. The seafood pasta is exceptional and the room is one of the most elegant in Midtown. A strong choice for a special dinner after an afternoon shooting in the park.
Balthazar - no trip to NY is complete without going to Balthazar
Mitr Thai - if you are in the mood for Thai food, Mitr is a great option.
Lilia (Williamsburg) - if you are in Brooklyn, this is a delicious spot for Italian food.
ABC Kitchen - The cuisine of Chef Jean-Georges is always exceptional
The Bar in the Baccarat Hotel -one of the coolest bars in NYC
Eleven Madison - One of New York's most celebrated dining experiences and the holder of three Michelin stars. Chef Daniel Humm's restaurant pivoted to a fully plant-based menu in 2021 and retained its three stars, then in October 2025 reintroduced meat and seafood to the menu alongside its plant-based offerings. It is no longer exclusively vegan but remains one of the most thoughtful and ambitious tasting menu experiences in the country. At $365 per person for a full tasting menu, it is a commitment. It is worth it.
There are, of course, thousands of restaurants in the city, so I have only scratched the surface of the food options in NYC.
Favorite Pizza, Bagels & Coffee Shops:
Zucker's - another wonderful bagel shop
Barney Greengrass - a NY institution—has the best salmon I have ever had
Zabar's - a NY institution for wonderful provisions and bagels
Culture Espresso - a fantastic coffee shop with delicious cookies
Aux Merveilleux de Fred - the Paris Pastry Shop has locations in NY, and it is delicious.
Lafayette in SoHo - a cafe and bakery that is very popular with Instagrammers, with the "it" dessert of the year.
L’Industrie Pizza - super popular with delicious pizza
Lucia Pizza of Soho - great pizza in Soho
Copper Mug Coffee - my favorite coffee shop in NY
Russ & Daughters - another NYC institution with incredible bagels and smoked salmon
Pop-Up Bagels - It is worth going to NYC just to try these bagels. The best bagels we ever tried.
Photography Gear & Advice
In terms of gear, you do not need to bring too much with you. It will be much easier to move around the city with less gear, especially since the city is so spread out.
Camera: Canon EOS R5 Mark II, Sony A7R V, or Nikon Z8. Leica Q3
Lenses:
Wide-angle (16–35mm) for architecture and interiors
Standard zoom (24–70mm) for everyday city shooting
Telephoto (70–200mm) for skyline compression and street candids
Accessories: Lightweight tripod (for night shots), circular polarizer, ND filters, and a drone (only allowed in specific, pre-approved areas—not legal in most NYC airspace).
What to Photograph in NYC...
Below, I have listed my favorite locations in NYC. Here is a Google Map with each location (Downloadable Google Map).
Best Photography Spots in New York City
Here are some of the top photography locations in NYC you won’t want to miss:
Top of the Rock: Best skyline view of Midtown with the Empire State Building perfectly in frame. Located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, not the Empire State Building. The 70th-floor observation deck gives you the classic mid-Manhattan composition. Book tickets in advance online.
Central Park at Bow Bridge: Gorgeous in every season. Early morning is best.
Brooklyn Bridge: Walk across at sunrise for fewer crowds and east-facing light.
DUMBO: Iconic Manhattan Bridge shot from Washington Street. Map it
The Vessel & Hudson Yards: Futuristic shapes and light.
The High Line: Elevated views, street art, and modern architecture.
Chinatown & Lower East Side: Grit, color, life—perfect for street photography.
Grand Central Terminal: A classic long exposure location.
In addition to the photography locations below, all of NYC offers great opportunities for People, Street Photography, Street Art, and Food Photography. The essence of the spirit of NYC is the people. If you can capture some good people shots, it will help tell the story of NYC.
Captured from Brooklyn
Old Pier 1 in Brooklyn
Old Pier 1 is a classic location with a view of the Manhattan Skyline. You can take photos at Sunrise or Sunset, and you will need a Wide Lens, a tripod, and an ND Filter.
Old Pier 1 at Sunrise
Dumbo - Manhattan Bridge
Another classic shot in NYC is the DUMBO location under the Manhattan Bridge. It is only a 5-minute walk from the Old Pier 1. I recommend planning to visit this location very early in the morning unless you want to include dozens of Instagrammers and influences in your shot!
Empire Fulton Ferry State Park
The park is located just to the right of the DUMBO spot. It is a 5-minute walk. So you could shoot the first 3 locations in 1 morning. From the Empire Fulton Ferry State Park, you will want to shoot towards the Brooklyn Bridge. The long exposure photo below was taken with a 10 Stop ND and a 3 Stop ND for 5 minutes.
Sunrise
1 Vanderbilt Place (45 E 42nd St)
Visiting Summit One in 1 Vanderbilt Place is a fantastic interactive experience. Vanderbilt 1 is a new high-rise and a new attraction that is located right next to Grand Central Station. One of the best things about this location is that you can capture the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building. It includes 3 floors of magical views. The floor is also mirrored, so the effect it creates is very unique. While it is expensive to visit, it is well worth it. There is even a bar on the top floor serving drinks.
The Inside of the Building Has lots of Mirrors
This location, in my opinion, is better than 30 Rockefeller Plaza or taking photos from the Empire State Building.
One last shot of the Chrysler Building
Times Square
Times Square is packed with tourists and all sorts of interesting characters (i.e., the Naked Cowboy). You will see flashing neon lights and giant digital billboards. Broadway is also located in the same location. Times Square is big, bright, and unforgettable.
There is always some crazy things to see in Times Square…
Bethesda Fountain in Central Park
One of Central Park's most iconic features is Bethesda Terrace, a large plaza with two levels, an arcade, and a fountain. You might remember the location from countless movies, including a John Wick movie.
Morgan Library (225 Madison Avenue at 36th Street)
The Library was the personal library of financier and collector Pierpont Morgan. The Library includes an enormous collection of his books, drawings, and manuscripts. If you are lucky, you will be there when no one is in the room.
Usually the library is very busy. So getting some detailed shots was my only option on this last visit.
The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine (1047 Amsterdam Ave)
The church is extraordinary. It looks like they took a church from France and placed it in NY. We were lucky enough to have the Cathedral to ourselves one hour before the public was allowed to enter.
The Oculus Center (185 Greenwich St)
The Oculus is a huge transportation hub designed by Santiago Calatrava. It is where 12 subway lines converge. It also includes dozens of restaurants and retailers.
Central Park
Walking through Central Park on a Spring day is one of the things to do when visiting New York. It is not just for photography. It is a great place to unwind and think about everything you have seen.
Did you know there is a castle in Central Park? Yes, there is-- it is located on top of a rock formation known as Vista Rock, and it is called Belvedere Castle.
SoHo
Soho (South of Houston Street), is a neighborhood in Lower Manhattan.
There are tons of great restaurants, designer boutiques, and high-end art galleries. It has a great vibe and I would highly recommend walking through this neighborhood. One of my favorite places to eat in NY is Balthazar.
SoHo is well known for its elegant cast-iron facades and cobblestone streets. This area is perfect for street photography.
Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal is a commuter rail terminal located at 42nd Street and Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. It has been a landmark since it opened in 1913 and is a beautiful place to photograph.
A 4 Minute Long Exposure
While Tripods are not allowed, there are tons of places to put down your camera for a long exposure shot.
Hamilton Park (New Jersey)
Another perfect location to get an incredible view of Manhattan. It is also where the duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr took place in 1804. Have you watched the play Hamilton?
"Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We fought for these ideals, we shouldn't settle for less." Hamilton
A 5 Image Pano
Sunset
The night we went to Hamilton Park, we were treated to incredible light and a Full Moon over the 1 Vanderbilt. The light was changing so quickly that I took a series of photos to show the changing conditions.
The Colors of The Sun Reflections
The conditions were changing every few seconds. After a few more minutes (thanks Erik Kuna) the moon was perfectly aligned over 1 Vanderbilt. Such an epic night!!
One more…
Fashion Photography
New York City is the center of Fashion in the US. We arranged a model shoot in a photography studio on the 22nd floor of a building overlooking the Empire State Building. We took photos of a beautiful model, @millymholmes. This is something out of my normal photography, so it was challenging but fun.
@millymholmes
Street Photography
One of the best places in the US for Street Photography is New York City. There are so many options and interesting people to photograph.
From Zabar’s
That time I was having lunch in Little Italy and there was a fire in the building next to the restaurant
Looking up…
Walking around I found the Pershing Diner
A few more images of the city
Graffiti
I love photographing Graffiti, and New York City has some of the best Graffiti in the world. I have published 2 books that are on Amazon Graffiti.
I was particularly interested in seeing a few pieces by Eduardo Kobra is one of the most talented Street Artists. You will find his work all over the world. One of my favorites is the photo below called "Tolerance" of Mother Teresa and Gandhi.
Tolerance by Kobra
I love this one of Run DMC
This piece is called “the Immigrants.
Bayonne, NJ by Cape Liberty Cruise Port
The final location is again from a spot in New Jersey. It is located right next to the Cape Liberty Cruise Port, where there is a park. From this vantage point, you get a view of the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building.
Radio City Music Hall
The hall is a masterpiece of Art Deco architecture, featuring luxurious interiors designed by Donald Deskey.
Fulton Subway Transport Hub
This is a very cool metro stop to shoot.
Vessel in Hudson Yard
A remarkable piece of public architecture — 154 interlocking staircases, 2,500 steps, and a honeycomb geometry that is extraordinary to photograph. Access has been restricted since 2021 following a series of tragedies at the site. Before making a special trip, verify the current access policy at hudsonyardsnewyork.com, as it has changed multiple times. The surrounding Hudson Yards plaza and The Shed arts center are always worth visiting, regardless.
Union Market Farmers Market
This is a fantastic location for Street Photography
New York Taxis
I love these older, classic NYC Taxi cabs. They are hard to spot, so if you see one, make sure to photograph it.
David Bowie Mural
The striking David Bowie mural by Brazilian street artist Eduardo Kobra is located at 837 Jersey Avenue in Jersey City, New Jersey, painted on the side of the Cast Iron Lofts building. Completed in 2016, this 180-foot-tall tribute to the iconic musician is one of @Kobra's tallest works and a prominent feature of the Jersey City Mural Arts Program.
Festivals & Events in NYC
Plan your trip around one of these for unique photography opportunities:
Tribeca Film Festival – May
SummerStage in Central Park – June–August
NY Fashion Week – February & September
New Year's Eve in Times Square – Iconic, if you're brave enough
Open House New York – October offers access to restricted spaces for architecture buffs
Final Thoughts
New York City rewards the patient and the persistent. Not every shot is handed to you. The best frames come from showing up early, staying late, and being willing to walk an extra ten blocks just to see what is around the corner.
I have lost count of how many times I have visited this city. And every single trip, I come home with an image I did not plan for. That is the thing about New York. It is always performing, always shifting. You just have to be there with the camera ready.
If there is one moment that has stayed with me, it is standing at Hamilton Park in New Jersey on a May evening with photographer friend Erik Kuna, watching a full moon rise and align perfectly over 1 Vanderbilt as the city lit up below it. The light was changing every few seconds. I was shooting as fast as I could. That is New York at its best: completely unscripted, completely extraordinary.
Go. Walk until your feet hurt. Shoot until your battery dies. Then find a great bagel, charge up, and do it again.
Stay Connected
If you would like to join a future photography workshop, visit my Workshops page for current offerings and upcoming dates. You can also connect with me on Instagram (@chasinghippoz) and Facebook, or subscribe to the newsletter for travel photography tips, destination guides, and behind-the-scenes stories from more than 75 countries. I look forward to sharing the journey with you.
Photography Locations Nearby
My Photography & Travel Guide to Washington, DC The closest major photography destination to New York and, in my opinion, one of the most underrated in the United States. Monuments at sunrise with no crowds, the cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin, and more street photography per square mile than almost any American city. A natural companion to an East Coast photography trip.
My Photography & Travel Guide to Charleston, South Carolina A four-hour flight or a long drive south, but worth every minute. Charleston surprised me. The pastel antebellum architecture, the Spanish moss, the French Huguenot Church, the markets at dawn. It photographs like a European city that somehow ended up in the American South.
My Photography & Travel Guide to Stowe, Vermont A four-hour drive north from the city puts you in a completely different world. Covered bridges, rolling farmland, and some of the best fall foliage light in the Northeast. If you are visiting New York in October, add a few days in Stowe and you will not regret it.
Finally—a beginner-friendly photography guide that makes sense.
If you've ever picked up a camera and thought, "Now what?" this is the book for you.
Photography Made Simple is written for adults who are just starting out and want a clear, encouraging, real-world approach to learning photography. Whether you're using a DSLR, mirrorless, or just your smartphone, this guide walks you through the basics—without the jargon or tech overwhelm.
Inside, you'll learn:
The only camera settings you really need to know to get started
How to shoot sharper, more intentional photos using light and composition
Simple tips for portraits, landscapes, travel, and everyday life
What gear you do (and don’t) need
How to create better photos without upgrading your camera
You’ll also get practical exercises, cheat sheets, and tips for organizing and editing your images—plus the confidence to shoot off Auto Mode for good.
This is not a textbook. It’s a friendly guide to seeing the world with fresh eyes—and finally capturing what you see the way you imagine it.
📸 Format: PDF download
Pages: 100+
Perfect for: Beginners, hobbyists, and anyone ready to take better photos without the stress
Join Me for a DC Evening Monuments Photography Workshop!
📸 Washington, DC Evening Monuments Photography Workshop
$99 per person | Max 6 participants or $199 Private
Love photography and iconic views? Then grab your camera and join me for a golden hour photo walk through Washington, DC’s most breathtaking monuments—right as the city lights up!
Throughout the year, I host small group workshops and offer private walking photo tours (1–6 people) tailored to your style and pace. But this group workshop is a crowd favorite: a two-hour guided adventure as we chase reflections, long exposures, and those postcard-perfect twilight shots.
Who This Workshop Is For
Beginners who want to learn how to use their camera
Travelers visiting DC
Photographers who want iconic shots without crowds
What You’ll Learn:
Getting to Know Your Camera and Settings
Creative composition tricks to elevate your shots
How to work with changing light, reflections, and motion
Long exposure tips for amazing nighttime images
We’ll Photograph DC Icons Like:
The Jefferson Memorial
Lincoln Memorial
Washington Monument
The US Capitol
The White House
and a few other locations
Where We Meet:
We’ll start near the Tidal Basin. Parking is available at the lot near Floral Park (by the paddle boats on Maine Ave—click here for the map).
Recommended Gear:
Bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses (think 24-70mm or 24-105mm), a sturdy tripod, and, if you have them, an ND filter and remote shutter release. I’ve got one tripod to lend—just email me ahead of time to reserve it.
All Skill Levels Welcome!
Whether you're just getting comfortable with your camera or looking to take your skills to the next level, this workshop is designed for you. I’ll guide you step-by-step—from finding the right settings to composing striking shots—so you can feel more confident behind the lens and come away with photos you'll be excited to share.
Fitness Level: Easy Breezy
No hills, no hustle—just a relaxed stroll on paved paths with plenty of photo stops.
What’s Included:
• Personalized instruction in the field
Weather Policy
What happens if it rains? DC weather in spring and fall can be unpredictable. We can reschedule.
Cancellation Policy:
• Full refund if canceled 48+ hours in advance
• No refund for late cancellations unless your spot is filled
Have Questions or Want to Book a Private Tour?
Email me directly at vito@chasinghippoz.com
*Contact me to schedule your session
