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In terms of the best places to get photos in New York City, Central Park is likely high on your list. But with 843 acres and so many beautiful places, how do you know where to start? This post breaks down 9 of the best Instagram photo spots in Central Park, so the only thing you have to worry about is what you’re going to wear.
- Pro Tip: Although it’s ideal to have a professional photographer, you can also take your own photos using this tripod!
When I was planning this photoshoot, I not only researched the best photo spots in Central Park, but I also mapped them out in the order that I would hit them to save me time. Yes, Central Park is HUGE, but all the attractions I went to were relatively close to each other!
I wrote this post in the order of which I went to each Central Park landmark, and I have also included a map below. (Note: I did NOT get any photos in front of Belvedere Castle, but it’s a popular attraction that’s close to everything else I mention, so I included it as your starting point.)
In addition to the main landmarks that I mention, I also point out a few other good photo ops along the way. The opportunities are truly endless, and I hope you have as much fun as I had during your Central Park photoshoot! If you take any photos that you absolutely love, leave a comment and your Instagram link at the bottom of this post and I will check them out!
- Pro Tip: Central Park is obviously very popular and very busy – make sure to get there early if you want minimal people in your photoshoot! I would shoot for 7:00 am arrival.
Planning My Central Park Photoshoot
When planning my Central Park photoshoot, I mapped out the following areas and saw (most of) them in this order:
Belvedere Castle –> Bow Bridge –> Bethesda Fountain/Terrace + Bethesda Arcade –> The Mall –> Gapstow Bridge
Source: inRoute app
You may be thinking…but wait…you said there were 9 places in the title of this blog post? You’re right, I did. The other places I mention in this post that aren’t on the above list are ones I kind of stumbled upon along the way. Who doesn’t love surprises?
In addition to the attractions listed above, you’ll find flower beds, scenic rock formations, and more that you can turn into perfect photo ops!
If you enter Central Park near Belvedere Castle, it should take you roughly 25-30 minutes to walk to Gapstow Bridge without stopping. (But of course, you’ll be stopping!)
- Related Post: 5 Tips for Taking the Best Photos on the Brooklyn Bridge
9 of the Best Instagram Photo Spots in Central Park
1. Belvedere Castle
Wait…a castle in the middle of New York City?! You’ve got to be kidding me…
But I’m not! In the city that has literally everything, are you surprised they have a castle? It’s only fitting!
Photo by Eugen Kucheruk on Unsplash
To get here, you can enter the park near the American Museum of Natural History (refer to the map I showed you above).
Belvedere Castle is built upon Vista Rock and overlooks a field in Central Park. IMO, the best photo op here is with the castle in the background. Its name means “beautiful view” in Italian, and are we even surprised? In fact, the only thing going to be more stunning in this photo than the castle is you, obviously 💁🏼♀️.
Like I previously mentioned, I was not able to get any photos in front of Belvedere Castle, but I wanted to include it because it’s a quick 7 minute walk from the Bow Bridge, which I talk about next.
2. Bow Bridge
The Bow Bridge is one of the most photographed places in Central Park. It’s a popular place to watch row boats pass by or to gaze at the 5th Avenue skyline. There are normally a decent amount of people on this bridge – I just happened to get really lucky in the photos I took below!
The bridge itself has elements of Gothic, Neo-Classical, and Renaissance architecture. Use the intricate designs on each side of the bridge to your advantage for a unique, artsy shot!
3. Bethesda Terrace – Specifically, the Bethesda Fountain
The Bethesda Terrace is a beautiful area of Central Park flanked by 2 grand staircases. The centerpiece of the terrace is the Bethesda Fountain, nicknamed “Angel of the Waters” due to the angel sculpture on the top. Similar to The Mall (which I talk about later!), this area is also attracts performers, musicians, and vendors.
4. The Bethesda Arcade
No, not an actual arcade…
Remember how I said the Bethesda Terrace was flanked by 2 grand staircases? Underneath them lies the Bethesda Arcade, an interior open walkway with a ceiling made out of gorgeous Minton tiles. This arcade is where you’ll find a lot of musicians that come to share their talents with Central Park.
IMO, the best place to get photos inside Bethesda Arcade is going to be near the entryway towards the fountain. The artwork on the walls almost reminds you of Egyptian or Roman drawings. Plus, the ceilings are high enough that it lets juuuust enough light in.
Photography Pro Tip
Play Around with Lighting
In most cases, when taking photos, you want the lighting in front of you for best results. However, there are some instances where having the light behind you can result in some really cool shots!
The lighting towards the entrance of the Bethesda Arcade is perfect to capture silhouette shots like this one!
5. The Mall
No, not an actual mall, either (who comes up with these names, anyway?…).
The Mall in Central Park is actually a walkway lined with massive elm trees that puts you in that movie-scene, romanticizing frame of mind. It’s such a lively yet serene part of the city. Although there isn’t any Spanish moss, it reminds you of a street you would see in Savannah, Georgia.
When you walk through here, you will likely encounter street performers, musicians, vendors, and more. Although there’s a slim chance that you would have this walkway all to yourself (unless you get there early!), IMO, the people in the background are what makes it a real and authentic shot of NYC.
6. Gapstow Bridge
Gapstow Bridge is the other famous bridge in Central Park. Where the sides of Bow Bridge look like something you’d see in a Catholic Church, Gapstow Bridge gives more of a Hansel-and-Gretel fairytale feel.
Photo by Juan Di Nella on Unsplash
You can get photos with the bridge in the background, or photos on the actual bridge itself. I opted for the latter because the bridge struck me as a good place for a “serene, contemplating shot.”
Gapstow Bridge
The following 3 photo spots are places I stumbled upon along the way while walking from Belvedere Castle to Gapstow Bridge.
7. Manhattan on the Rocks
No, NOT the drink…just me being witty 💁🏼♀️
As you make your way through Central Park, you will stumble upon quite a few rock formations that can make for great photo opportunities. I loved this one in particular because of the sweeping views of Manhattan in the background.
8. Stop and Smell the Roses (or, All the Flowers, Really…)
If you are going to Central Park in late spring or summer, you will be able to take advantage of all the floral blooms in this part of the city. Knowing this is largely why I chose to wear a more neutral outfit for this part of the shoot. I came to New York City in May, fully expecting Mother Nature to pop off. As evidenced by the photo below, I was not disappointed!
Central Park, NYC
Photo Pro Tip: Bring Your Own Flowers As a Prop
If you’re going in early spring and unsure whether the flowers will be in bloom, you can bring your own fake flowers to use as a prop! Before this trip to NYC, I had never been to Central Park, so I didn’t know what to expect in terms of floral aesthetics. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised, but I still put my prop to good use!
9. Capture the Views of El Dorado
Are we in Europe with that architecture? No, it’s just New York doing what she does best…being the most structurally, aesthetically diverse city in the nation.
El Dorado is an Art Deco-style building that is part of the Central Park West Historic District. It’s an incredible backdrop for photos because it’s so unique looking. Throw in the lush green lawn and pond in front and you’re practically in a Game of Thrones scene…except, this was taken in May, so, winter is not coming…
I don’t know where this spot is exactly, but I remember seeing this green field with this impressive building in the background and saying, “oh…now THAT could be a good photo background!”
