16 Places in NYC Where You Can Take Instaworthy Pics of Your Dog (guaranteed lots of likes!)

Central Park

Let’s start with the obvious here. When it comes to taking stunning pictures, you just can’t fail with this 843-acre park in the heart of Manhattan. Just about every inch of Central Park is worthy of a photo op but there are some really special spots you shouldn’t miss out on including Bow Bridge (plan to get there early), Belvedere Castle, Sheep Meadow, the Mall, On the Rocks, Bethesda Fountain, and Gapstow Bride. Cherry blossom season lasts from April to early May and it is the perfect time to get magical pictures of your doggo.

Please note, not all areas of Central Park are dog friendly, you can check the list here for the rules and regulations. 

Statue of Balto

How would you like to take a picture of your dog with a certified canine hero? Located near the Tisch Children’s Zoo in Central Park is a bronzed hero by the name of Balto. He was a Siberian Husky who became famous for leading a team of sled dogs back in 1925 in Alaska. Apparently, the team of mushers and dogs traveled more than 674 miles and battled a blinding blizzard to deliver medicine in the middle of a diphtheria outbreak. What a star! And he’s so handsome too! Great Disney movie too, check out the trailer here.

Bethesda Fountain

Another spectacular spot in Central Park that looks amazing in pictures is the Bethesda Fountain. The fountain is essentially the focal point of the Bethesda Terrace and is one of the largest fountains in NYC. The sculpture is called the “Angel of the Waters” and it overlooks a scenic lake. The best thing about this place is that the pictures turn out awesome no matter what time or season it is!

The Stairs of The Met

Any Gossip Girl fan will recognize this spot as the one where Blair and Serena often ate lunch and hung out. Now, your dog can channel their inner Blair Waldorf by posing on the same Instagrammable stairs of the Met. Just be sure to get there early so your perfect shot isn’t ruined by too many people in the background. XOXO!

Brooklyn Bridge

How could I leave this oldie but goodie out? The Brooklyn Bridge is a modern engineering marvel that always looks breathtaking whether in person or in pictures. Add to that your adorable floof and you have the perfect shot of all time! The best time to head there is at sunrise so you can get it all to yourself…well almost. Just remember to stay out of the bike lane unless you want to get yelled at by commuters.

Washington Street in DUMBO

This little block in DUMBO is easily the most photographed street in all of Brooklyn. With quaint cobblestone streets and an iconic view of the Manhattan Bridge framed by old school red brick buildings, it’s not surprising that people flock here every single day trying to get the perfect Instagram shot. The exact spot is at the intersection of Water Street and Washington Street. Again, an early morning on a weekday is your best bet if you don’t want to run into too many people.

Reclining Liberty

Here’s a fun photo op idea that doesn’t include the usual touristy NYC spots. Head to Morningside Park in Upper Manhattan where you can see a reclining Statue of Liberty sculpture. This whimsical 25-foot-long masterpiece was created by artist Zaq Landsberg and will remain there until April 2022, so hurry up! 

Times Square

Okay, it can be quite a challenge to get your doggo to sit still here with all those neon lights, sounds, and bustling crowds but if you can pull it off, you will have the ultimate New York city picture. They don’t call it the “Crossroads of the World” for nothing.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Christmas is a magical time in NYC. Perhaps the most iconic symbol of this time of the year in the city is the Christmas Tree at the Rockefeller Center. People come from all over the world to marvel at this holiday beacon and even after eight decades, this is an experience like no other. Who better to share this epic NYC holiday tradition with than your beloved furbaby?

Grand Central Station

Does it get more quintessentially New York than the spectacular Grand Central Station? Featured in just about every NYC based movie, this phenomenal building is one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. The blue ceiling full of constellations and its Beau-Arts-inspired lighting fixtures and clocks will leave you spellbound. Once you’re done clicking a couple of shots, don’t forget to get a couple of coconut creme donuts from Doughnut Plant.

Washington Square Park

Arches always make for regal pictures. Head to Washington Square Park to get a shot of your pooch with the marble Washington Arch in the background. It was built between 1890-1892 to commemorate the centennial of George Washington’s inauguration. Plus, the whole vibe of the park is very New York City with tons of performers, artists, and other members of the creative community. There’s also a chess plaza, a fountain, and a Christmas tree during the Holidays.

The Arch at NoMo SoHo

Speaking of arches, another stunning spot for photographs in NYC is the entryway at NoMo SoHo’s main restaurant, NoMo Kitchen. The garden-inspired decor combined with the colorful graffiti, dreamy archway, and twinkly lights make it every Instagrammer’s dream. I love the urban jungle vibe and so will your doggo!

The Vessel at Hudson Yards

The Vessel is a relatively new addition to the Manhattan landscape. The structure opened on March 15, 2019, and it’s essentially an elaborate honeycomb-like building with 154 flights of stairs and 80 viewing platforms. While the views from the inside are amazing, the structure itself is pretty impressive too. In fact, it’s like nothing we’ve ever seen before.

Industry City

Another great spot in the city where there are tons of Instaworthy spots is Industry City in Brooklyn. With plenty of restaurants, bars, hip cafes, and quirky art installations, you just can’t go wrong here. Seriously, plan to spend an entire day here and I guarantee you’re going to end up with some awesome shots of your dog.

Pietro Nolita

All pink everything – that’s Pietro Nolita for you. Since its opening in 2016, this cute downtown Italian eatery has become one of the most Instagrammable cafes in NYC thanks to its all-pink decor. The owner, Pietro, loves dogs. So yes, you can take your pooch inside for a couple of pictures but do remember to contribute to his charity fund for the Susan G. foundation while you’re in there. You can even pick up some cheeky “Pink as F**k” merchandise.

Anywhere With Graffiti

One thing that will always look cool in pictures no matter where you are is graffiti and that’s something New York has plenty of!  The High Line in Chelsea, the Grafitti Hall of Fame in East Harlem, First Street Green Art Park in the East Village, The Bushwick Collective, Williamsburg, and the Bowery Graffiti Wall are some of the many options that will blow your mind!

For more great spots with graffiti, check out @thegraffitidog!