I’ve been living in Manhattan for a month and have loved scouting new photo locations for the perfect Instagram picture. I am sharing 10 of my favorite spots in Manhattan to take photos! None of these locations require you to pay + they’re all in Manhattan. I recommend going to these places early in the morning to avoid tourists/having people in the back of your photos.

New York Public Library

476 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018

The public library is architecturally one of my favorite buildings in Manhattan. During the spring and summer, they also have beautiful flowers planted around the fence which is the perfect pop of color. Will and I just took stunning formal couple photos here and it was they look gorgeous!

Madison Square Park

11 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010

I stumbled upon this quaint park the first week we moved in and fell in love! There are a lot of coffee/matcha places nearby, and they have lots of benches. I love the colors this park has to offer.

Ralph’s Coffee

888 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10021

Not only can you get a cute coffee or pastry (check out my review here) but this little coffee shop inside the Ralph Lauren store is just as cute inside as it is on the outside! They have seating outside which is perfect for sitting down photos & a cute Ralph’s cart out on the patio.

Ralph Lauren Flagship

867 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10021

While you’re at Ralph’s, you can head to the front of Ralph Lauren. The front arch is marvelous; sometimes it is hard to get in front (they have a doorman), but if you’re lucky enough, this can be the perfect picture spot!

Anywhere on the UES

Upper East Side

While we are on the topic, anywhere on the UES of Manhattan is my fave. I love spending my mornings and afternoons here. There are perfect photo spots on every corner.

Bow Bridge

Central Park, Bow Bridge, New York, NY 10024

Inside Central Park, there are A TON of photo-worthy spots. One of my faves is the Bow Bridge, you get gorgeous views of the lake plus beautiful buildings in the back. This is a pedestrian walkway, so even if you go early, you will run into people there (but it is less busy).

Belvedere Castle

79th St. New York, NY 10024

In my opinion, this is a hidden gem when it comes to photos in Manhattan. Inside Central Park, you will find the Belvedere Castle. It gives total Love Story vibes and is an elegant fairy-tale-like photo spot.

Storefronts in Soho

Corner of Spring and Greene

A great place to shop around with your girls and get some great photos! There are so many beautiful storefronts in Soho I couldn’t just pick one. I shot here during NYFW and was obsessed with all of the amazing places to shoot.

The Met

1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028

Are you a Gossip Girl fan? Get a photo that Blair and Serena would approve of outside of The Metropolitan Museum. Get here around 7:00/7:30 am to prevent others from being on the steps for the best photo.

Little Island

Pier 55 in Hudson River Park at, W 13th St, New York, NY 10014

This is such a cool spot on the west side. This is an artificial island park with amazing views. Walk to the highest point of this island for the best views and photos (you can also see the Statue of Liberty from up here!)