New York City's Most Unique Places to Photograph

Photo of Jinny Kim
Jinny Kim
9 October 2016

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 | © Emmanuel Rosario/Flickr

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

Snug Harbor | © Melissa/Flickr

Snug Harbor

Botanical Garden, Building
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The Snug Harbor Cultural Center was originally built as a home for retired sailors
The Snug Harbor Cultural Center was originally built as a home for retired sailors | © Stefan K / Alamy Stock Photo
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.
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1000 Richmond Terrace, Randall Manor, Staten Island, New York, New York, 10301, USA
+17184253504
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The High Line

Park
Map View
The High Line park is built on a former elevated railway
© Andrea Zangrilli / Alamy Stock Photo
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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.
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Manhattan New York, New York, 10011, USA
+12125006035
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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

© AI/Flickr
Fort Tryon © AI/Flickr

Rooftop on the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Museum, Park, Shop, Church, Building, Theater, Art Gallery
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Metropolitan Museum Of Art, New York City.
The Metropolitan Museum Of Art is the largest art museum in the United States | © Horizon Images/Motion / Alamy Stock Photo
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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.
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1000 5th Avenue, Manhattan New York, New York, 10028, USA
+12125357710
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