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5 Instagram-Worthy Structures in Midtown Manhattan

Those who take the time to photograph their travel adventures have it right: photos serve as timeless souvenirs to unforgettable travel moments. Long after you leave NYC, your photos from your trip there will preserve the memory of the experience. Plus, any photos you take, you can share with your friends, family, and other followers on Instagram. 

Midtown Manhattan is the perfect place to start chronicling your New York trip via photography. Consider checking in somewhere like the Westgate Hotel New York: Midtown Manhattan Hotel for comfy accommodation, delicious meals, and great close-ups of the Midtown area. A stay at the hotel puts you in proximity to other top destination points for eye-catching NYC travel photography, such as:

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a go-to spot in Midtown for picture taking. Its neo-Gothic appearance, rendered in Tuckahoe marble, will look magnificent from any point of view. Inside, you’ll be able to see its jewel-toned stained-glass windows made by artists from all over the world. What will probably catch your attention, however, is the iconic rose window done by Gothic revivalist Charles Connick. Capture what’s sacred and dear to NY’s large Catholic population by snapping a photo in the proximity of St. Patrick’s Cathedral!

The Flatiron Building

The Flatiron Building, on 5th Avenue, is a 285-foot triangular steel marvel. Built by architect Daniel Burnham in 1902, it’s considered one of the original Manhattan skyscrapers. For a time, it was one of the tallest NY buildings of its kind. There’s no doubt that the Flatiron Building’s metallic façade, with its Renaissance-inspired craftsmanship, will make for some eye-popping photography. 

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, or the Guggenheim for short, is one of New York’s most well-known art museums. Built in 1937, it’s since been populated with an extensive collection of works from the Impressionist to the contemporary era. The museum hit its one-million-visitor mark in 2013, but there’s still plenty of room to move around and peruse the artworks. Moreover, it’ll be a joy to take Insta-worthy photos from the Guggenheim’s front or from its expansive atrium. 

The New York Public Library

The New York Public Library, which is between the 40th and 42nd Streets, has been around since 1911. It’s officially the second largest library in the country and the third largest overall in the world. There are 53 million items here, and all of them are available to the public! Do snap a photo in the library’s gorgeous and airy General Research Room. Or, try to get a photo op in when a prominent writer visits the New York Public Library for a special event. 

The United Nations Building 

If you’re in the Midtown Manhattan area on a weekday, consider going on a tour of the United Nations Building. Tours are conducted in English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian, or the 6 official languages of the UN. Go where world leaders meet to resolve pressing public issues, and better yet, take photos in areas where it’s permitted by the UN Building administration. That should add a touch of prestige and cultural significance to your collection of NYC photos!

Tips on Getting Great Travel Photos in Midtown Manhattan

Getting the best out of your travel photos isn’t just a matter of location. It’s also a matter of patience, creativity, and willingness to try different things out. It’s a good idea to look up the places you’ll visit and learn what its points of interest are, but you could very well walk into Midtown without a plan and just go wherever your camera takes you!

Don’t expect to take the perfect shot on the first try. Take several from different angles, and choose the best one before you upload to Instagram. And for safety, don’t just upload your favorite photo to Instagram—back up all the rest on your memory card or on the cloud. Finally, prepare your comfiest shoes and backup batteries because you won’t run out of places and structures to appreciate and take photos of in NYC.

Categories: New York