PL Picks: 15 Hot Spots in NYC
Here’s a list of NYC’s top destinations this fall! From gorgeous foliage to underrated gems, you don’t want to miss these New York Destinations!
#1. DELMONICO’S
A New York icon that opened in 1837, DELMONICO’S is the name of a series of restaurants that operated in New York City, with the present version located at 56 Beaver Street in the Financial District of Manhattan.
The original version was widely recognized as the United States’ first fine dining restaurant. Beginning as a small cafe and pastry shop in 1827, Delmonico’s eventually grew into a hospitality empire that encompassed several luxury restaurants catering to titans of industry, the political elite and cultural luminaries. In many respects, Delmonico’s represented the genesis of American fine dining cuisine, pioneering numerous restaurant innovations, developing iconic American dishes, and setting a standard for dining excellence.
Moynihan Train Hall is an expansion of Pennsylvania Station, the main intercity and commuter rail station in New York City, into the city's former main post office building, the James A. Farley Building. Currently The most updated train station in New York City! The city invested over $16B for the renovations and the result is a must-see! Moynihan’s massive glass ceilings provide a portrait- style glow that can be accessed year-round.
Be sure to check out #10 and #15 for bonus lists
#3. Grand Central Station at the Midtown, Taxi rank
Celestial ceilings, a main hall that ushers guests from one adventure to another. There are architectural details and finishes throughout that whisper to every guest, "I was built with love". The Glory of Commerce sculpture by Jules-Félix Coutan stands at the south entrance of the building, hinting at the true magnificence to be found inside.
Grand Central Terminal’s pièce de résistance, however, is the celestial mural on the main concourse ceiling -- a stunning rendition of Johann Bayer's 1603 star atlas. Over the years, the ceiling has been renovated and repaired numerous times. After it was completed in 1998, the restoration entailed a bit of controversy among art historians, especially with respect to the mural depicting some constellations of the zodiac and nearby stars. The timeless beauty, however, endures. It serves as yet another reminder of New York City's enduring spirit, its stories, and the places you'll go - all starting at Grand Central Terminal.
On East 42nd St.between Vanderbuilt and Lexington Ave
#4. TIMES SQUARE
Even though the sights and sounds may be a bit overwhelming, the 55 giant LED displays lighting up the night sky in Times Square, offer endless photo opportunities!
#5. THE OCULUS
With its striking architecture and remembrance of 9/11, the Oculus forms the centerpiece of the World Trade Center transportation hub that is open 24 hours a day. The Oculus is home to 12 subway lines, the World Trade Center PATH station, and dozens of retailers, serving over a million people every week. The main floor bustles with commuters, shoppers, and visitors, plus weekly programs, from farmers' markets and art exhibits to musical performances and retail events.
#6. The Highline
The Highline is a free attraction for locals and visitors alike. The elevated park runs for 1.45 miles along the west side and offers many exciting photo opportunities!
PL tip: We prefer to enter near Chelsea Market on 10th Avenue and 15th Street. By Subway – take the A, C, E, or L train to the 14th Street (8th Avenue) station.
#7. SOHO -BROADWAY
Broadway is a must-see in SoHo. It stretches over 13 miles through Manhattan, dividing SoHo from Nolita and Little Italy. Among SoHo's most notable streets, it is home to Bloomingdales, Sephora, AllSaints, and the Levi's Store as well as a number of other retailers. Soho's cast iron buildings were built by a variety of pioneers in urban architecture. Cast eventually became iron the metal of choice in the late 19th century.
HOW TO GET TO the general ‘SOHO area’ BY SUBWAY:
3 major lines all stop in SoHo including:
6 | on Spring Street
NRW | on Prince Street
ACE | on Spring Street
#8. FLATIRON BUILDING
With the view of the FlatIron Building plus the adjacent clock, this iconic are of NYC is a must for first time visitors. There are multiple cherry blossom trees that bloom in the spring, so if you’re planning spring photos for 2022- be sure to remember the flatiron!
Pl PHOTOGRAPHY TIP: Shooting from a low angle will result in the desired images without an excessive number of people in the background. for high-traffic areas of New York City, this is a very helpful photography tip to remember!
#9. Radio City Music Hall
If you're in the area of Rockefeller Center, walk over to Radio City Music Hall for an iconic taste of the City.
Radio City Music Hall is an entertainment venue and theater at 1260 Avenue of the Americas, within Rockefeller Center, in the Midtown Manhattan neighborhood of New York City. Nicknamed "The Showplace of the Nation", it is the headquarters for the Rockettes, the precision dance company.
#10. Central Park (bonus list here)
Taking up over 800 acres, Central Park is one of the most photogenic places in New York City. Here are the Best Central Park Photo Spots that Every Photographer will Love. I have linked multiple places and their locations so you can create your own iconic photo session!
Bethesda Terrace (and the adjacent fountain)
Wollman Rink (seasonal) — Closest Entrance: Center Drive. W 59th St.
Mall and Literary Walk (this is the ideal spot for fall foliage)
Ladies Pavilion (perfect in the spring)
Additionally, if you are visiting Central park in the spring, you can expect to see beautiful cherry blossoms throughout the park
#11. Washington Square Park
Who doesn’t love an arch?
The Washington Square Arch is a marble triumphal arch that sits in Washington Square Park, in the Lower Manhattan neighborhood of Greenwich Village. One the most photogenic and charming places in New York.
"This area has a special feeling, with people playing chess in the square, live music, and a sense of community.”
Don't miss Hotel Guide #15
#12. NEON SIGNS
Whether you are taking a picture of Nathan’s hot dogs or the Wyndham New Yorker Hotel, there are plenty of iconic neon reflections to choose from.
PL Picks: our friends at NYC guides have an article on iconic signs & their exact locations — read it here
#13. Madison Square Park
If you’re in the Flatiron area, take a moment to explore Madison Square Park!
Madison Square is a public square formed by the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway at 23rd Street in the New York City borough of Manhattan. The square was named for James Madison, fourth President of the United States. You’ll find benches, eateries, open grass lawns, and plenty of squirrels here!
PL Tip: Feeding squirrels is not recommended. They are much braver than you might imagine!
#14. subways & stations
The topic of 'best nyc subway stations to photograph' might merit a whole article, for today we’re going to tell you how you can get the best views of NYC from the subway!
Riding The 7 Train toward queens: . The 7 train has views of the NYC skyline is just a beautiful and unique perspective for pictures too. You just have to take the subway towards Queens and it will go above ground after the Queensboro Plaza Stop.
Take the D from Manhattan to Brooklyn - you’ll recognize the iconic orange mta seats on the d- line that will take you across the bridge with an unobstructed view of the city!
The World Trade Center station - It’s incredibly clean for a NY Subway station and offers it’s own unique tribute to the victims of 911 & their families.
#15. HOTELS (bonus hotel list here)
It's easy to find beautiful hotels with great views in New York. Below are some of the most iconic and unique that NYC has to offer!
The Plaza - a must-see new York icon (pictured left).
The Royalton Park Avenue – rooftop pool with a view of the Empire State Building (featured image here was taken at the Royalton).
TWA - truly 1960’s! this iconic hotel is probably the most unique in nyc!
Arlo Soho – large rooftop with great views
M-Social: happy hour starts at 4pm, take advantage of unobstructed times square views.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge – from pools to hammocks, you will find plenty of photo ops in this gem!
Public hotel – housing the gold lighted escalators you’ve probably seen online!
The Beekman –unbelievable lobby with floor to ceiling view & skylights in the atrium!
Mandarin Oriental – amazing rooms with views of central park
Hyatt Centric Times Square - Amazing rooftop with gorgeous views of the Chrysler building
The Williamsburg Hotel – you have 100% seen these bathrooms on Instagram!
the Baccarat Hotel – Located in the heart of Manhattan, this hotel is one of most luxury venues in the city.
Roger New York - gorgeous boutique hotel with large entree stairwell with a chic and classic vibe.
Innside New York - chic and modern hotel amenities with quiet lounging areas throughout!
The Beekman
Do you enjoy this post? Pin it for later!
Other articles you may enjoy
The Rockefeller Center Ice Rink in NYC opens on October 12, offering an iconic experience. Enjoy skating with the Midtown skyline backdrop, whether you’re in the autumn spirit or ready for the holidays.