18 Cosas increíbles que hacer en Nueva York con mapas de ubicación
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If you are thinking of visiting New York City (NYC) and are looking for some of the top things to do and best Instagram photography locations to visit, then you have come to the right place. As an experienced enthusiastic photographer who has visited New York several times, I can help in choosing some of the most iconic places in the city to photograph.
It’s no surprise that New York City is amongst one of the most visited cities in the world with a vast number of photogenic locations, attractions, and social venues to keep you entertained whether you are travelling by yourself, as a couple, or with family or friends. As there is so much to see and do in NYC ala the Big Apple, and so many places to photograph in this awesome city, I have put together this list of 18 amazing things to do and see to help ensure you don’t miss out on the best things.
One key thing to bear in mind is that NYC has lots of transport options to help you get around. However, in my view, the best way to truly experience NYC is to use your own feet as much as you can, as there are so many photo opportunities happening literally around the block. So make sure you take some comfortable shoes with you!
As the list (which is in no particular priority order) is spread throughout New York City, I have included Google location maps for each attraction location, to help you to easily plan your itinerary and your way around during your trip. You can access the map by following the individual link at the end of each section, or via the grouped custom Google map showing all of the above locations at the end of the article.
1. Statue of liberty
What is it? Located in Liberty Island, the Statue of Liberty is not only America’s most iconic sight but also one of the worlds most recognised landmarks.
Why go? An extremely popular and stunning tourist attraction that was a gift from France to America in honour of the Centennial of American Independence. It took 4 months to ship to New York as 350 individual pieces in 214 crates, and 4 months to be assembled into the imposing 151 feet tall monument weighing 450,000 pounds. This truly breathtakingly beautiful statue of Lady Liberty has towered over New York harbour since 1886 and remains a world symbol of freedom.
The best way to truly appreciate the magnificence of the Statue of Liberty is to take a short boat trip to Liberty Island for that up close neck twisting personal view. You can walk around the base, enter the pedestal, or, with advance reservations go right up to the crown. Make sure to leave extra time for security and ferry lines, as Statue of Liberty tours are very popular.
You can also see the statue from a lot of other places. My favourite is the great views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline from the free Staten Island commuter ferry that shuttles between The White Hall Terminal and St George Terminal on Staten Island There are also wonderful views from Battery Park on the southern tip of Manhattan.
For Google Map location click here
2. Wall Street
What is it? Stretching for eight city blocks from Broadway to South Street, Wall Street is the main artery running through the world-famous New York City Financial District.
Why go? Wall Street is the second most famous street in NYC behind Broadway and is normally associated with 2 things… money and the film Wall Street. This street and the surrounding area are home to some of the most important exchanges in the world, including the New York Stock Exchange which is one of New York’s most influential buildings, the NASDAQ, and the New York Mercantile Exchange.
When you think of classic things to do on Wall Street, this place is one of the first to visit as it is quite impressive in person and provides a great place for some wonderful photos.
Also located nearby is the wonderful bronze statue of the Charging Bull at Bowling Green on Broadway. This 7,000-pound bronze sculpture was a gift to New Yorkers from Italian artist Arturo Di Modica. It was originally placed in front of the New York Stock Exchange but was moved to Broadway due to some sensitivity concerns. This is one of the most popular Instagram worthy photo locations in the Financial District as it is impossible to restrain yourself from trying to get as many photos of yourself in as many angles around the bull. However, do think about maybe going to see this very early in the morning if you don’t want too many other people in your ideal photo shot! And yes, be a tourist and give it a rub for good luck … no harm in doing that!
For Google Map locations click here
3. St. Patrick’s Cathedral
What is it? St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of New York’s finest examples of a Neo-Gothic church, and with 330 feet twin spires certainly holds its own among the other tall buildings of Midtown Manhattan.
Why go? Covering the length of an entire City block, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a fantastic architectural building made of brick but entirely covered in marble. Dedicated in 1879, St. Patrick’s was built to replace the City’s second Roman Catholic site of worship, St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral on Mulberry Street, which could no longer accommodate the growing Catholic population.
With its elaborately designed facade and massive bronze doors on the outside, to the magnificent vaulted ceiling, giant organ with 7,855 pipes, stained-glass windows, and numerous altars inside the church, this is an attraction that should not be missed.
For Google Map location click here
4. One World Trade Center (9/11 Memorial)
What is it? A memorial to the lost lives of 9/11, a tragic and never to be forgotten devasting day for America.
Why go? First and foremost, because the fallen should never be forgotten. This is a place for reflection and appreciation of life for humankind. The World Trade Center’s twin 110-story towers that once dominated the Manhattan skyline were destroyed because of terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, with a tragic loss of almost 3000 lives. Two one-acre in size square reflecting pools are now where the two towers of the World Trade Center once stood. Surrounded by trees and grass, the pools are recessed, with water cascading over the sides and flowing into a central square well that never fills up. Around the pools are bronze panels with the names of all those who were killed in the attacks.
The 9/11 Memorial Museum is situated in an architecturally stunning, curving glass building, between the two pools and is constructed around the remnants of the World Trade Center, incorporating the old structures within the building. It contains thousands of images, recordings, and timelines of events, and is simply a must visit place if you are in town.
For Google Map location click here
5. Oculus Plaza
What is it? As the most expensive train stop in the world costing 4 billion dollars, the impressive all white Oculus is truly an artistic landmark in New York City.
Why go? Located within walking distance of One World Trade Center you mustn’t miss this spectacular building with its white fins and spaceship-like appearance. The Oculus was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava who intended for it to resemble a dove leaving a child’s hands. Built to serve the World Trade Center Transportation Hub, it is not only not only a commuter hub but also a trendy shopping mall with many high-end shops whether you want to buy clothes, get your phone fixed, or have a bite to eat. The cavernous hall inside is flooded with natural sunlight thanks to the large skylights, with white marble flooring enhancing the bright, sleek interior style. The combination of architectural design, bright white background and open airy internal spaces makes it a fantastic place both inside and outside for getting great photos.
For Google Map location click here
6. Brooklyn Bridge
What is it? A beautiful photogenic location popular with locals, tourists and filming companies, Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most visited attractions in New York City.
Why go? Completed in 1883, Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest and most iconic suspension bridges in the United States that connects the Manhattan and Brooklyn over the East River. With its gothic-shaped arches and suspension cables it is loved by locals who enjoy the freedom of walking, jogging, or cycling across the bridge, and tourists who enjoy the incredible Manhattan skyline views.
Although you can see it from many of the ferries, or the east side of Manhattan, the best way to experience this stunning bridge is to walk across the full length of the bridge, which generally takes about 1 hour….depending on how much time you spend taking photos of yourself, the bridge and skyline views! Although biking over the bridge is another option, the pedestrian traffic is often heavy making cycling slow and frustrating on busy days.
Do remember when walking that there are two different lanes in the bridge right next to each other, one for pedestrians and one for cyclists. Make sure you stay in the pedestrian lane or you may have to deal with a very irate New Yorker!
For Google Map location click here
7. Streets of Chinatown
What is it? Chinatown in Lower Manhattan is the oldest Chinese neighbourhood in New York City, and its narrow streets, street vendors, restaurants and lively parks provides visitors with a wonderful authentic view of local life.
Why go? There are many things to do and see in Chinatown with streets filled with bakeries, restaurants, boutiques, snack shops, herbal pharmacies, temples, wonderful galleries, and informative museums that capture the Chinese American history and lifestyle.
There is nothing better than wandering around, taking some photos, and having a bite to eat. Two of my favourite locations in the neighbourhood are Canal Street and Columbus Park. Canal Street is an interesting shopping experience with its strip of stalls and shops with vendors sometimes selling gray-market knockoff designer goods. There is the same type of touristic pleasure you get when you travel to places like Moroccan souks where you engage in friendly banter whilst bargaining for goods.
Columbus Park on the other hand is very much a place to wander around slowly, and to sit and watch life unfolding in front of you. The north side of the park is reserved for Asian card players and masters of mah-jongg, while amateur Chinese-opera performers and people enjoying Chinese dancing or doing tai-chi can be found throughout the park.
For Google Map locations click here
8. The High Line
What is it? The High Line is a former New York Central Railroad line that has been transformed into a wonderfully entertaining urban walking trail running above the streets of NYC.
Why go? Located on Manhattan’s West Side, the High Line (High Line Park) is about 1.45 miles long and runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District (just south of West 13th Street) through Chelsea, to West 34th Street at the north end, running parallel to 10th Ave for most of the way. It can be accessed at various points along the route, some of which offer stair access only, and others with elevator access.
It is about 2-3 stories above street level with a variety of beautiful plants and trees planted along the way, art installations, benches, street artists, food vendors, and lots and lots of amazing views of the city skyline. One of the most popular parts of the trail is the view from the “10th Avenue Square & Overlook”. This is an artistic spot built like an amphitheatre with wooden benches that you sit on whilst you enjoy the views of 10th Avenue and surrounding streets through a glass window that has been created by removing a section of the surrounding wall structure’s steel beams.
For Google Map locations click here
9. Flatiron Building
What is it? The captivating Flatiron Building is a famous triangular shaped skyscraper that is one of the most recognised landmarks of NYC.
Why go? Designed by Chicago’s Daniel Burnham as a vertical Renaissance palazzo with Beaux-Arts styling, the Flatiron Building (originally called the Fuller Building) is an architecturally stunning 22-story building clad in ornately styled white terracotta. The building is 877 meters (285 feet) tall, was built in 1902, is shaped like an iron, and fits perfectly within the triangle formed by Fifth Avenue, Broadway, and 23rd Street. It is so iconic that the whole district, the Flatiron District of Manhattan, is named after it.
With its striking angles and stark design, it is no surprise that the Flatiron Building is one of Manhattan’s most photogenic landmarks, making it a popular destination for tourists and keen photographers who are looking for great scenic backdrops for selfies or fine art photographs.
For Google Map location click here
10. Empire State Building
What is it? The Empire State Building is one of New York City’s most famous landmark skyscraper buildings in the Manhattan skyline and also has one of the best panoramic observation deck views in the city.
Why go? The Empire State Building opened in 1931 and was the world’s tallest building at 1,454 feet (443.2 m) until the construction of the World Trade Center in 1970. Topped with a mooring mast for airships, the 102-storey building immediately became a landmark and a symbol for NYC. It has been featured in many films including the original 1933 version of the film “King Kong” with the memorable scene of Kong climbing to the top of the building.
It is repeatedly one of the world’s most “Instagrammed” landmarks on its own right as a skyscraper building, but also has the added touristic attraction benefit of having two observatories at the top with astounding views of the Manhattan skyline.
The lower main 86th Floor Observatory deck is one of the highest open-air observation decks in the city and wraps around the building’s spire to provide incredible 360-degree views of New York, Brooklyn, Queens, and beyond. On clear days you can see up to 80 miles with the breathtaking view spanning six states and offering glimpses of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Delaware.
The enclosed viewing area of the 102nd Floor Top Observatory Deck observatory takes the Empire State experience even higher, with more incredible 360-degree views through the floor-to-ceiling windows on all sides. You will be able to see the entire length of Manhattan and several of NYC’s most famous landmarks, including the Chrysler Building, Rockefeller Center, One World Trade Center, Central Park, Times Square, and The Statue of Liberty.
Open 365 days a year from 8 am to 2 am, visiting the observation deck of The Empire State Building is one of the must do things as you haven’t seen New York until you have experienced this amazing view.
For Google Map location click here
11. Times Square
What is it? Times Square is the beating neon filled heart of Manhattan’s Midtown West, and the venue of the famous New York New Year’s Eve celebrations with the midnight “ball drop” as tons of confetti rain down over the gathered crowds.
Why go? Lined with huge, brilliantly lit neon digital billboards and screens, Times Square is a busy, seductive, and constantly packed absolute must visit location in New York at any time of year. You can spend hours exploring the main strip and side streets, eating in the various restaurants and bars, sitting in Duffy Square watching street performers, tourists, and locals, or taking numerous selfies and photos of the square from the top of the popular red glass bleachers above the TKTS Discount Booth.
It is one of the most-visited places in the world and pulsates with an energy that is hard to find anywhere else due to the heady mix of neon lights and vibrancy of people having lots of fun. Although it is a stunning place during the day, in my and probably most people’s eyes, Times Square really comes to life after sunset as the vibe goes up another notch.
For Google Map location click here
12. Watch A Show In Broadway
What is it? Broadway, a famous road in Manhattan, is recognised worldwide as the heart of the Theatre District in New York City and is home to many of the city’s best theatres and shows.
Why go? For local and international tourists and New Yorkers alike, seeing a Broadway show is a special experience that should not be missed. Sometimes called the “Great White Way” because of the dazzling lights surrounding the popular Times Square section of this avenue, there are around 40 theatres in and around Broadway all vying for your undivided attention.
As theatre tickets can be a bit expensive, tourists looking for discounted same-day tickets to popular Broadway and Off-Broadway musicals, plays and other arts events shows, flock to the TKTS booth at the bottom of the red glass bleachers in Times Square to queue for tickets.
For Google Map location click here
13. Grand Central Station (Grand Central Terminal)
What is it? From its massive celestial ceiling to its secret ‘whispering gallery’ and numerous restaurants, Grand Central Terminal (often called Grand Central Station) is a truly spectacular train station like no other in the world.
Why go? Built by the New York Central Railroad and first opened to the public in 1913, the iconic Grand Central Station is packed with interesting sites, a rich history, impressive architecture, and a lot of shopping and dining options under one roof. It is one of the busiest subway and train stations in the world with multiple subway lines connecting to different parts in and beyond the city.
There are so many things to do at the station that is worth planning on spending a few hours exploring. One of the best highlights is without doubt the main concourse. Here you can walk up the Grand Staircase to gaze out and admire the splendour of the 275 feet long concourse as commuters flurry back and forth, or to look at the spectacular beautifully restored celestial ceiling featuring 12 constellations and 2,500 stars, before wandering down to have a close up view of the most famous clock in New York City, the information booth clock (also known as the “Crown Jewel of Grand Central”).
Another must do is the Whispering Gallery where people can be found with faces pressed into the corner and speaking to walls as the gallery can transmit sound from corner to corner so clearly that you can converse with a friend at the lowest whisper and still hear each other!
Last but not least, eat, eat and then eat some more! There are many wonderful places to eat whether you want a nibble, simple or fancy dining, and if you are a fan of oysters, well you are in for a treat!
For Google Map location click here
14. Bryant Park
What is it? A wonderful oasis in the center of the busy city with a range of free and engaging activities to keep you occupied for hours whether you want to kick back and relax, play some games, people watch, or dine out.
Why go? Known locally as Manhattan’s Town Square, Bryant Park is a wonderful must-visit place with colourful seasonal gardens, a beautiful green lawn with tables and chairs, plenty of al fresco restaurants offering you a scenic view as you dine, and a free ice-skating rink in winter that is always popular. It also has an outdoor Reading Room that runs in the summer where everyone can freely access carts with books, periodicals, and newspapers or listen to public readings, programs, and story times without the need for cards or identification, keeping with the original intention of the reading room when it first opened in 1935 as a place for everyone to enjoy reading.
There are lots of activities to try yourself or to watch others do, like playing ping pong, the French balls game Pétanque, chess, checkers, or backgammon, as well for those with children having a ride on the lovely Le Carrousel a French-style merry-go-round that revolves to the sounds of French cabaret music. It is without doubt, one of the most pleasurable ways of spending time in New York especially in summer whether you are lying on the lawn, sipping a coffee or cocktail, chatting with friends, or simply reading a book as life revolves around you.
For Google Map location click here
15. Top of the Rock Observation Deck
What is it? The centrepiece of the Rockefeller Center, the Top of the Rock is the observation deck at the top of the 70-story Art Deco Rockefeller Plaza skyscraper that provides 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline and the best panoramic view of Central Park.
Why go? This is one of the best observation decks in New York City that will give you spectacular views of the city day or night.
From the south, you will get fantastic views of the Empire State Building, midtown and downtown skyscrapers, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and New York Harbor. The north provides awesome views of Central Park and the Upper East and West Sides, the 57th Street skyscrapers, Harlem, and all the way to Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.
From the east view, you get great panoramic vistas of Midtown East including the majestic Chrysler Building, the MetLife Building, and further towards Queens. Lastly for sunset in particular, head towards the west view for gorgeous golden-lit photos of the setting sun across the west side skyline, the Hudson River, and across towards New Jersey.
The Top of the Rock has three levels of indoor and outdoor observation decks on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors with incredible unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline from all sides. The outdoor 70th floor deck (my favourite) has no metal or glass enclosures and is therefore perfect for taking incredible skyline pictures.
Photo tip – As you would expect, floor-standing tripods are not allowed but you can use a small flexible/bendable camera/phone tripod on the wall and barriers of the outdoor enclosure to help you get those perfect sharp photos at night.
For Google Map location click here
16. Central Park
What is it? One of the most famous parks in the world! Set in the middle of the city, Central Park is a spectacular man-made escape from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, providing access to a wide range of open green spaces and attractions including 8 artificial ponds and lakes.
Why go? It is the most frequently visited urban park in America and covers a huge area that is half a mile wide and 2.5 miles long, providing free access to 693 acres of wonderful man-made gardens, meadows, and forests. You can easily spend the whole day in the park exploring the various fountains, monuments, sculptures, bridges, a lovely castle, numerous children’s playgrounds, a winter ice-skating rink, and the zoo. It is loved by locals and tourists, and is always filled with people jogging along the pathways or relaxing on the grass, musicians taking solo turns or jamming as a group, and friends strolling, riding, or going for a pedicab or horse carriage rides.
Some of the most popular places to visit include the Bethesda Fountain and Terrace, Belvedere Castle, The Imagine Memorial in Strawberry Fields, the Alice in Wonderland Statue, the Central Park Zoo, and the gorgeous lake with its attractive Loeb Boathouse. This is without doubt, one of the highlights of visiting New York and if time permits certainly warrant spending a full day to really appreciate the many beautiful parts of the park.
For Google Map location click here
17. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir
What is it? The Reservoir is the largest water body in Central Park, with a 1.58-mile running track that provides joggers, casual strollers, and photographers with one of the best views of the park as you look out over the reservoir against the fantastic backdrop of the Manhattan skyline.
Why go? The reservoir stretches from 86th to 96th street and provides a wonderful peaceful route to amble along or jog whilst appreciating the calmness of the blue waters and the majestic skyline. Some of the attractions around the reservoir apart from the Stephanie and Fred Shuman running track are:
- Bridge No. 28, also known as “Gothic Bridge” because of its ornate Gothic-inspired design, is one of the most photographed attractions in this area because of the way it is set into the landscape and the elaborate curves of its cast-iron elements.
- Safari Playground, also known as the “Hippo Playground”, is one of the most popular children’s playgrounds in Central Park with lifelike sculptures of hippopotamuses scattered around a “river.”
Photo tip – You should aim to get to the Stephanie and Fred Shuman running track before generally 1pm if you want to get the best photographs of the classic view of the reservoir and Manhattan skyline. The sun will be in the most favourable position up until then rather than in front of you and towards the Manhattan skyline which will result in blown out white skies in your photos.
For Google Map location click here
18. Baseball game at the Yankee Stadium
What is it? Whether you are a baseball fan or not, you should if time allows pay a visit to the Yankee Stadium in the Bronx to watch the New York Yankees (and their fans).
Why go? You have no doubt seen an American movie or two where people are enjoying watching a baseball game, cheering, eating, and drinking, and trying to catch one of those balls that occasionally go into the crowd. Well, nothing beats experiencing that on your visit to New York, especially with a visit to the Yankee Stadium.
The New York Yankees are one of the 2 professional baseball teams in New York City and are one of the most successful professional teams in American history. The “Yankees” (also known as “the Yanks”, “the Bronx Bombers” or simply “the Bombers“) have been the team of some of the most famous names in baseball history including Joe DiMaggio, Whitey Ford, Mickey Mantle, Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. So get yourself to a game, have some hot dogs, burgers, popcorn and drinks and have yourself a wonderful experience.
For Google Map location click here
The above list will hopefully have given you a lot of helpful tips for places to visit in this absolutely amazing city. There is so much to do that I am sure you will come back with many wonderful memories and photos that you can proudly share on Instagram or other social media of your choice.
Need a little help finding your way in New York?
I have created a custom Google map showing all of the above locations to help you visualise and plan your trip. You can save this on your phone Google map app to have an easy way to navigate to the sights. Have a get time and do drop me a comment to let me know how it goes.
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