When I first started traveling, I was deeply resistant to the idea of visiting the same place more than once. My childhood was filled with modest camping trips and the occasional visit to Poland to see family. We never traveled just to explore. As an adult, I was determined to see as many new places as possible, thinking that returning to a destination was a missed opportunity to discover somewhere new.
My husband Eli had a different perspective. He enjoyed repeat trips, believing it allowed him to experience a place more deeply. His outlook proved to be especially helpful during 2018, a year marked by familiar destinations. We visited Japan twice, California three times, and New York City twice, all places we had been to before.
This shift in perspective helped me appreciate the value of revisiting places. Instead of rushing through the highlights and following the typical tourist checklist, we allowed ourselves to slow down. We explored local neighborhoods, wandered into cafes we found by chance, and spent more time observing rather than consuming. During a week-long fall stay in New York City, I felt a new appreciation for the city that had previously left me lukewarm.
In the past, my NYC experiences were rushed. I had seen the top tourist attractions like Central Park, the Empire State Building, Times Square, and the Statue of Liberty. They felt obligatory and exhausting. But this slower trip allowed me to see another side of the city. I began to believe that places I hadn’t previously enjoyed might be worth a second look. Sometimes, a trip just doesn’t land the right way.
If you find yourself with time in New York City and are looking for places to photograph, here are some recommendations based on my explorations.
Tourist Destinations to Photograph
Tourist attractions can be overwhelming and over-photographed, yet a few still hold their charm. Some spots are worth skipping, but others I find myself returning to, especially when seen at a quieter time or from a new angle.
Oculus
Twelve years ago, Eli traveled to Spain and brought back photos of the Calatrava-designed museums in Valencia. That’s when I became fascinated with Santiago Calatrava’s architecture. The Oculus in New York City is one of his most stunning designs. Every time I’m in the city, I try to stop by this extraordinary structure. Its sweeping, light-filled interior is a dream for photographers.
Empire State Building
I used to think I disliked New York City, but it turns out I just disliked the crowds and chaos of its most famous landmarks. Times Square feels like a sensory overload. The Statue of Liberty is fascinating but not particularly enjoyable when you’re being shouted at by security. However, the Empire State Building stands out as a place I genuinely appreciate. The view is spectacular, especially if you go later in the day when the crowds thin out. It’s peaceful and offers one of the best perspectives on the city’s iconic skyline.
Great Vantage Points
New York City offers countless opportunities for stunning overhead or expansive views. Some locations may be cliché, but remain worthwhile for their unique perspective on the city’s vast landscape.
Manhattan Bridge
Among the city’s many bridges, the Manhattan Bridge provides one of the most captivating views. Though frequently photographed, it still offers opportunities to challenge yourself creatively. I enjoy seeing what new angle or framing I can find each time I visit. The walk across the bridge is long enough to feel rewarding but accessible enough to be a part of any day’s itinerary.
Top of the Rock
The observation deck at Rockefeller Center is my personal favorite. It has multiple levels, making it easier to find your own space to shoot. The panoramic views of Central Park and Midtown Manhattan are unbeatable. Visit right at opening time or on a cold day, and you may have the place mostly to yourself, which transforms the entire experience into something quiet and magical.
Tudor City Place
Tudor City Place offers one of those classic city perspectives that people share again and again. Surprisingly, it took me a lot of time to find out exactly where it was. It’s simply an elevated street that provides a symmetrical view down a cross street, framed perfectly by buildings and traffic. For those who love structured urban scenes, this is a must-visit location.
Beautiful Facades of New York City
The facades of New York offer a quiet richness. While you could easily spend a month wandering the boroughs photographing storefronts and building fronts, here are a few that stood out during my recent visit.
Russ & Daughters
This historic shop on Houston Street has a facade that’s worth photographing, even if you’re not planning to eat there. That said, you should go in. The smoked fish is fantastic, and the chocolate babka is a treat. The signage and design speak to the city’s layered history.
Cupcake Market
Though I haven’t yet been inside Cupcake Market, its storefront has a distinctive charm. Every time I pass by, I pause to admire and photograph it. The shopfront draws you in and feels like a small slice of whimsy in the city. It’s still on my list for a future visit, but even just passing by it adds something sweet to a photo walk.
Little Prince
Located in the West Village, Little Prince is one of those restaurants where the exterior pulls you in. But honestly, almost every corner in this neighborhood is photogenic. The West Village is endlessly charming with cobblestone streets, ivy-covered walls, and a romantic air. You could walk around aimlessly and end up with a memory card full of beautiful shots.
Restaurants Worth Visiting for Photography
Despite restaurant photography being a major part of my professional work, I’ve done very little of it in New York City. Something is refreshing about having a city where dining out is simply about the experience itself. Even so, some places are so visually stunning that I still find myself reaching for my camera.
La Mercerie
La Mercerie is a beautifully designed space that feels almost too perfect. The restaurant doubles as a home goods store, which makes it particularly appealing. Every detail, from the table settings to the lighting, seems curated to be photographed. It’s the type of place where you want to linger over your coffee and capture every corner.
Maison Premiere
Maison Premiere doesn’t feel like a New York City bar. Its interior and overall mood are more reminiscent of New Orleans. That’s part of its charm. It reminds me a bit of Cane & Table, with a moody, atmospheric setting that’s perfect for low-light photography. The details here are rich—antique mirrors, candlelit tables, and a carefully maintained aesthetic that makes it feel like stepping into another time. It’s a place worth visiting, even just for a drink and a few quiet photos.
Excellent Walks for Photography
When I travel, I almost always have a list of places to photograph. That list gives structure to my time, but can also start to feel restrictive. To bring spontaneity back into the process, I often plan long walks without any specific images in mind. These walks let me explore neighborhoods freely, chasing light and scenes as they appear.
Broadway South of Houston
The stretch of Broadway south of Houston Street offers one of the best unscripted walking experiences in the city. I walked this route several times during our last visit and always found something new to photograph. The architecture changes gradually, and the storefronts are a mix of high-end design and quirky personality. You can veer off onto side streets or hop on the train if the walk gets long. It’s flexible and full of surprises.
Central Park
Despite its reputation as a tourist magnet, Central Park remains a favorite. It’s large enough that you can always find a quiet path, even on a busy day. I’ve seen a lot of overdone photos from Central Park, but it’s also a place that rewards patience and close observation. Whether it’s a single person reading on a bench or the way sunlight filters through the trees, the park offers endless opportunities for thoughtful images.
Williamsburg
The Williamsburg neighborhood in Brooklyn is often associated with trendy cafes and street art, but the part that interests me most is the Hasidic area. It’s visually different from the rest of the city and feels like a step into another world. But the real reason I keep coming back is the chocolate babka. Bakeries line the streets, and nearly every one of them offers this dense, rich dessert. I’ve tried making babka at home, but nothing compares to the real thing here. Oneg Bakery, in particular, is worth seeking out. While you’re there, you’ll find plenty of understated beauty in the signage, streets, and quiet everyday moments.
Neighborhoods to Explore
There are a few neighborhoods in New York City that I return to on every visit. These areas offer more than just single photo opportunities—they present an atmosphere, a mood, and a sense of place that unfolds as you explore.
Soho
Soho might be known for its high-end shops and photo shoots, but what makes it special is the way the light moves through the streets. The buildings are painted in soft reds and creams that reflect the sun beautifully during golden hour. I often find myself staying in Soho just so I can walk out in the evenings with my camera. You’ll see more fashion shoots here in one evening than you would in Chicago in an entire month.
East Village
On this most recent trip, we stayed with a friend in the East Village. I’ve stayed in a lot of different neighborhoods—Midtown, Brooklyn, Chelsea, and Soho—and they’ve all had their charm. But this time, we were genuinely sad to leave. The East Village still feels like a neighborhood. It’s not polished in the way that other parts of the city have become, and that’s exactly what I love about it. There’s a mix of people and places that makes it feel lived-in and real.
West Village
The West Village feels more like a European city than an American one. Of all the neighborhoods in New York, this one reminds me most of London. The architecture has an old-world charm, with narrow streets, charming facades, and buildings that feel carefully preserved. For someone like me who once lived in Chicago, the contrast is striking. I used to get homesick in cities like Portland and Los Angeles because the architecture didn’t resonate with me. But the West Village has a quiet elegance that feels both familiar and unique.
Upper West Side
This past year, I spent Halloween walking through Central Park and up into the Upper West Side. The weather was crisp, the costumes were charming, and there was a peaceful rhythm to the day. If I could spend every Halloween like that, I would. The Upper West Side has a calm, residential feel and is perfect for candid street photography, especially during the fall.
Revisiting Familiar Places with a New Lens
One of the most surprising lessons I’ve learned from repeat travel is how much more I notice the second or third time around. The first visit to any major city often feels like a checklist: visit the landmark, snap the photo, try the iconic food. But by the second or third visit, the pressure lifts. You don’t feel compelled to do it all, and that freedom allows for a more immersive experience.
This trip to New York City was filled with smaller moments. I paused longer at crosswalks, looked up at buildings I might have ignored before, and lingered over meals. Without the need to rush from place to place, I was able to engage with the city more thoughtfully. That also meant my photography changed. I shot fewer images but walked away with more than I was proud of.
Walking Without a Plan
I’ve come to value walks that don’t have a defined purpose. Of course, there are days when I head out with specific photo goals, but other times I simply pick a direction and start walking. This approach often leads to more personal and unique images.
In New York, this kind of photography walk is especially rewarding. You never know what you’ll come across—a quiet stoop with a cat lounging in the sun, a hand-painted sign in a window, or light reflecting just right off a fire escape. These small, unplanned moments often become my favorite parts of a trip.
One morning, I left our place in the East Village without a plan and wandered into a small park where kids were practicing tai chi with an instructor. It was peaceful and beautiful. I didn’t take any photos—I just watched. Later that same walk, I found a bookstore with an unusually artistic window display, and a few streets over, a man selling books from a cart. These were the scenes that stuck with me, far more than the standard postcard images.
Exploring the Edges
The further you get from the center of the city, the more varied the environment becomes. In places like the Bronx or Queens, the pace slows a bit. There’s less foot traffic, more open space, and a different kind of architectural detail. I haven’t explored these areas as much as I would like, but every time I venture out, I’m glad I did.
Even in Manhattan, exploring the fringes of neighborhoods offers new perspectives. Walk along the waterfronts or find your way into industrial zones that are slowly being converted into new developments. There’s a blend of old and new that’s fascinating to observe and photograph.
Light and Weather
New York’s weather is often unpredictable, but that can be a benefit for photographers. Overcast days soften shadows and make colors appear more saturated. Rain brings reflections, glistening pavement, and fewer people on the streets. And when the sun does shine, the city lights up in ways that feel cinematic.
Sunset in Soho casts a warm glow that bounces between the narrow buildings. In Central Park, the afternoon light filters through the trees, especially in fall, making the whole park glow. Early mornings offer the most solitude, especially in busy spots like Times Square or the Brooklyn Bridge. These quiet windows of time are when the city feels most open and available.
It’s also worth paying attention to how the light changes between neighborhoods. The skyscrapers of Midtown cast long shadows even at noon, while in the West Village or Lower East Side, the low-rise buildings allow the sunlight to reach the sidewalks for most of the day.
Photographing People
I don’t often do street portraits or direct people-focused photography, but in New York City, it’s impossible not to notice how much people contribute to the character of a place. From musicians in the subway to artists sketching in parks, the city is full of interesting individuals who shape the visual landscape.
Most of my people-focused shots are candid, often taken from a distance to preserve the authenticity of the moment. A woman reading on a bench. A man balancing groceries while walking a dog. Two teenagers are leaning on a stoop with headphones in. These images, while quiet, tell stories that skyscrapers can’t.
One thing I try to remember is to be respectful. New York can feel like a giant stage, but not everyone wants to be part of your frame. When in doubt, I take a beat, lower the camera, and move on. And on the rare occasion someone makes eye contact and smiles or waves, it feels like a small shared moment.
Building a Visual Narrative
By the end of a trip like this, I often find that I’ve built a loose visual narrative. It’s not necessarily a story with a beginning, middle, and end, but a collection of images that convey a feeling. When I look back at my photos from this most recent visit, they show a quieter New York. A city of light and shadow, texture and movement, pauses and rushes.
I didn’t try to capture everything. Instead, I focused on what caught my eye and moved me to press the shutter. And in doing that, I came away with something that felt honest and personal.
This approach won’t be for everyone, especially if it’s your first time in New York and you’re excited to see everything. But if you’ve been before—or if you’re planning a longer trip—I highly recommend carving out time for walks without a plan, visits without an agenda, and photos that feel like sketches rather than statements.
Reframing Familiarity
There’s something powerful about seeing a place again through a changed lens. Revisiting New York this time around didn’t just shift how I felt about the city—it shifted how I take photos. Instead of looking for big, impressive frames, I found myself drawn to the quiet moments. Things that might have felt ordinary on a first visit now felt full of texture, personality, and story.
The pressure to document everything faded, replaced by curiosity and a slower pace. Familiar corners became places to linger. I didn’t need to chase the light so much as wait for it. The experience felt more like collaborating with the city than capturing it.
This mindset has followed me home. Even in Chicago, where I’ve lived for years, I now find myself taking different routes, revisiting places I thought I knew, and noticing details I never bothered to see before. I think repeat visits to any place, whether across the country or around the block, offer an opportunity for depth, both creatively and emotionally.
Why Photographing New York Still Matters
Despite being one of the most photographed cities in the world, New York remains worth shooting. Not because it’s new or unexplored, but because it’s layered. It’s always changing. You could photograph the same street every day for a year and still walk away with something different each time.
The city’s energy, diversity, and design provide endless material. But what makes it compelling is how much of yourself you can pour into photographing it. The photos become a mirror—not just of the city, but of your perspective, your attention, your values, your pace.
No two trips feel the same. No two photo sets look the same. The people change. The seasons change. Your mood, your gear, your goals—everything shifts. New York gives you a canvas big enough for all of it.
Letting Go of the Checklist
I’ve started to move away from rigid trip planning, especially when it comes to photography. I still do research, make maps, jot down possible locations—but I hold all of it lightly. It’s more about setting the stage for discovery than about hitting targets.
Some of my favorite photo days in New York came from detours. A street fair I stumbled into. A closed road that forced me to take a new path. A conversation with a barista that led to a nearby garden I didn’t know existed.
Those unplanned, unscripted moments are often the ones that carry the most life. They give the photos a sense of truth that a perfectly composed postcard shot rarely does.
What I Take Away
New York is an exhausting, beautiful, overwhelming, deeply inspiring city. It can be hard to connect with at first. It can feel too fast, too crowded, too big. But when you give it time—and when you let yourself explore without expectation—it starts to open up.
I now look back at my earlier trips and realize how much I missed by rushing. The architecture, the people, the quiet alleys, the loud intersections—they all have something to offer. If you’re patient and open, the city will show you things you didn’t think to look for.
That’s why I keep coming back. Not because I haven’t seen it, but because I haven’t seen this version of it. The one that exists right now, in this light, with this weather, from this point of view. Photography helps me hold onto those fleeting versions and reminds me that even the most familiar places still have something new to offer.
Conclusion
Returning to New York City with a camera in hand and a more open mindset transformed the way I experienced the city. What once felt like a chaotic maze of overdone landmarks became a layered, dynamic space filled with nuance and surprise. The key wasn’t finding new places—it was seeing familiar ones differently.
This trip reminded me that meaningful photography doesn’t always come from rare destinations or dramatic moments. It often comes from patience, presence, and a willingness to look again. Whether you’re walking across a bridge you’ve crossed before or sipping coffee in a neighborhood you’ve already explored, there’s always something new to notice if you’re paying attention.
New York rewards the curious. It doesn’t ask you to conquer it in one trip. It asks you to return, to slow down, and to see more clearly each time. As I continue to revisit places—both far away and close to home—I carry that lesson with me. Photography isn’t about collecting locations. It’s about building a relationship with them.
If you find yourself in New York, I hope you take the time to wander, to pause, and to look closely. The best photos are often the ones you never set out to take.