New York City's Most Unique Places To Photograph

While you can take some stunning photographs at Empire State Building, Times Square, and Central Park, it may be worthwhile to take yourself and your camera somewhere off the beaten path tocapture the images of some of the city’s hidden gems. Here’s our list of the most unique places to photograph in NYC.

Freedom Tunnel

Named after graffiti artist Chris ‘Freedom’ Pape, the tunnel opened in the 1930s and fell into disuse. It then became the site of a shantytown that housed a homeless community and some graffiti artists. Most notably, Freedom used the tunnel walls to start spray painting, and created some remarkable artwork. For him, the tunnel and his artwork were a way to express himself. With sunbeams perforating the ceiling, the tunnel creates an interesting blend of darkness and natural light.

Freedom Tunnel, New York, NY

1. Snug Harbor

Botanical Garden, Building

The Snug Harbor Cultural Center was originally built as a home for retired sailors

Located along the north shore of Staten Island near the ferry, Snug Harbor has a big collection of architecturally-significant and unique 19th-century buildings. Once a home for aged sailors, some of the buildings and grounds are now used by arts organizations. The grounds are beautiful, clean and well-maintained, and it’s a great place to photograph or to be photographed on a special day.

2. The High Line

Park

The High Line is a urban public park built on an elevated freight rail line on Manhattan’s West Side. No matter the season, you can take a stroll along this rail line and take some vivacious spirit of NYC. Gently-illuminated architectural features after sunset are one of its highlights.

3. City Hall Station

Hiking Trail, Train Station

This beautiful subway station was inactive for nearly 69 years. Located beneath City Hall, this station was intended to be a showpiece and featured tall tiled arches, brass fixtures and skylights. The station closed in 1945 but has recently been reopened for visitors.

4. Roosevelt Island Tram

Building, Hiking Trail

Taking the Roosevelt Island Aerial Tram is a fun and easy way to get a spectacular view of Manhattan, and all you need to ride is a MetroCard. The tram takes passengers to the Roosevelt Island in a few minutes, and the ride there will provide a breathtaking skyline view of the city.

5. Dead Horse Bay

Natural Feature

Like most of New York City, Dead Horse Bay has a long history of transformations. At Dead Horse Bay, remnants of the past, including many, many bottles, are on full display.

6. Gantry State Park

Building, Park, Bridge

Located by the East River, this place may be a lesser-known park, but it offers stunning views of Midtown. This 12-acre riverside park boasts a breathtaking skyline view, including the United Nations and Empire State Buildings.

7. Staten Island Boat Graveyard

Cemetery

Staten Island Boat Graveyard

Probably one of the spookiest places in town, the Staten Island Boat Graveyard is the final resting place for dozens for scrapped and decayed ships. Located on the western coast of Staten Island, you can capture some oddly beautiful and unique views of the historical ruination and the decomposing and abandoned boats. The public path to the water is no longer open, but you can still see the boats.

Boat Graveyard, Staten Island, NY

8. Fort Tryon Park

Museum, Park

As one of the city’s most beautiful yet lesser-known manmade parks, the overwhelming natural beauty might make you forget that you are still in New York City. You can enjoy a good walk at Fort Tryon Park and capture some amazing nature shots.

9. Rooftop on the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Museum, Park, Shop, Church, Building, Theater, Art Gallery

Metropolitan Museum Of Art, New York City.

This is one of the coolest places to get a glass of champagne and take some beautiful pictures of the Manhattan skyline and the rooftop itself. If living in this highly populated and congested city has gotten to you, taking in the view from this exciting rooftop will make you fall in love with NYC all over again.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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