Central Park is one of the most beautiful spots in New York City to take Instagram photos and it’s also one of the most breathtaking parks in the world.

If you travel to the Big Apple, you cannot miss out on visiting Central Park in Uptown Manhattan.

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I come from the New York City area.

I have been all over New York and also compiled a list of 101 things to do in New York City. Even though I have been all over the city, I will admit that it took me 28 years to fully explore Central Park.

In November 2019, my cousin Carlo of Expansive Media and I wandered through Central Park and found the most photogenic, Instagram spots for all.

Now, there is so much to this park that I know I will most likely miss out on a few places. If you think I missed an iconic Instagram photo spot in Central Park, please comment below!

Overall, I think Central Park in NYC is absolutely great for those looking for a peaceful and quiet place located within the hustle and bustle of Manhattan; solo travelers looking to see the beauty of New York City’s grandest park; couples looking for a romantic escape (Central Park is even special for a proposal or wedding); families looking to have a fun-filled and adventurous day and friend groups looking to enjoy a picnic.

In addition to everything Central Park offers, it is also super photogenic! Also, not only is Central Park beautiful during autumn, it is also amazing during the winter, spring and summer.

In this blog post, discover the best Instagram spots in Central Park.

**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like.

Pin the Below Image to Keep Handy

Getting to the Park:

Starting from Midtown Manhattan, Central Park begins at 59^th Street and goes all the way Uptown to 110^th Street.

There are so many ways you could get to the park from all throughout the city, but my number one recommendation is to learn the New York City Subway, it will make your life so easy and convenient!

If it’s a beautiful day in New York City, I recommend walking to Central Park, but if you take the subway, the best trains to take are the N, R, Q with stops at 57^th Street and 7^th Avenue.

The other trains are the 2 and 3 that stop at 59^th Street, Columbus Circle along with Broadway, 72^nd, 96^th and 110^th Streets; B and C trains at 72^nd, 81^st, 86^th, 96^th, 103^rd and 110^th Streets as well as trains A, B, C, D and 1 that goes to Broadway, 66^th, 72^nd, 86^th, 96^th, 103^rd and 110^th Streets.

Even though I rarely take the bus in New York City, the buses that you could take to get to Central Park are the M10 that runs north and south along Central Park West; M1, M2, M3 and M4 on the east side that run along 5^th Avenue and north along Madison Avenue; M57, M66, M72, M79, M86, M96, M106 and M116 that run West to East and vice versa along 57^th, 66^th, 72^nd, 79^th, 86^th, 96^th, 106^th and 110^th Streets; M20 from Penn Station that goes from West 34^th Street station towards Lincoln Center and lastly, you could take the Q32 from Grand Central Station that goes from Madison Avenue and East 42^nd Street station heading towards Jackson Heights, Queens to 5^th Avenue and Central Park South.

What to do in Central Park:

There is so much to do in Central Park.  Yes, even though this blog post is about the top Instagram spots in the Central Park, I think it is also important to go over everything else you could do during your time there. Overall, visiting Central Park and strolling around is one of the top 10 things to do in New York City for free!

Below is a list of fun things you could do in the park:

• Take a Horse & Carriage Tour
• Rent a Bike
• Enjoy a Picnic in the Park (Central Park could also deliver a gourmet picnic box to you)
• Visit the Central Park Zoo
• Ride a Boat on the Lake
• Enjoy the beauty at Belvedere Castle’s Henry Luce Nature Observatory
• Bring your Child to the Kids’ Adventure Theater, one of the many playgrounds, Central Park Carousel and Alice and Wonderland Statue
• Go Ice Skating at Wollman and Lasker Rinks during the Winter
• Swim at Lasker Pool during the Summer
• Fish at the Meer through Dana Discovery Center
• Watch your Favorite Fairytale Show at The Marionette Theater located at the Swedish Cottage
• Catch a Pop-Up Concert
• Attend the Global Citizen Festival
• Sunbathe on the Great Lawn
• Take a Stroll or Go on a Hike
• Enjoy a Fancy Meal at Tavern on the Green or the Loeb Boathouse
• Walk through the Hallett Nature Sanctuary
• Become Amazed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
• Admire the Talent at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
• Watch a “Shakespeare in the Park” Production at the Outdoor Delacorte Theater
• See the Cherry Blossom Trees in the Spring and Fall Foliage during Autumn
• Get an Education at the American Museum of Natural History
• See the Frederick Douglass Statue
• Spot Modern Art at the Guggenheim Museum
• Play Sports at One of the Many Ball Fields
• Attend a Carnival at the Victorian Gardens
• Wander through the Wisteria Pergola
• Admire the Nature all Around (Central Park has walking trails, waterfalls, lakes, ponds, gardens, wildlife and more.)

Click here to discover more activities to do in New York City. Also, click here to see the city’s sightseeing passes you could get in New York.

Instagram Spots in Central Park:

Bethesda Terrace Arcade (Geo Coordinates: 40.774048, -73.970333):

One of the most beautiful spots in Central Park and also a gem within New York City is Bethesda Terrace Arcade. It is an arched, interior walkway in the middle of Central Park that links The Mall to Bethesda Fountain and the Central Park Lake.

This timeless arcade features stunning tiled ceilings that were originally used on the floors of European cathedrals. The beauty of Bethesda Arcade makes for a great Instagram spot. Plus, you could also find spots without other people getting in your way.

Bethesda Fountain (Geo Coordinates: 40.774600, -73.970650):

Known as one of the largest fountains in New York City, the Bethesda Fountain features a gorgeous 96-foot wide fountain with a neoclassical sculpture known as the Angel of Waters, which is an 8-foot bronze angel that represents health, purity, temperance and peace.

Overall, the fountain commemorates the 1842 opening of the Croton Aqueduct, which supplied New York City with fresh water. The Bethesda Fountain is absolutely gorgeous and you can’t miss out on a photo opportunity here.

Bow Bridge (Geo Coordinates: 40.776208, -73.971663):

The most romantic bridge in New York City is the Bow Bridge in Central Park. This beautiful Victorian bridge goes over Central Park’s Lake.

Bow Bridge has been a magnificent setting in films such as Manhattan, The Way We Were and Keeping the Faith. The beautiful bridge makes for one of the most perfect Instagram photo spots in Central Park since it features cast iron and designed with Classical Greek refinement. It spans 60 feet and has a South American hardwood walkway.

Wagner Cove (Geo Coordinates: 40.775005, -73.973329):

A hidden treasure to Central Park is Wagner Cove. It is a picturesque location on the edge of the lake with a rustic shelter that is both peaceful and romantic. (It is also the perfect proposal spot in Central Park!)

The reason why Wagner Cove makes for one of the greatest Instagram spots in Central Park is because the lighting is perfect, it is surrounded by trees as well as water and flowers.

Strawberry Fields (Geo Coordinates: 40.775837, -73.974709):

Another lesser-known spot in Central Park are the Strawberry Fields that has hidden gems like this woodland walkway and it also pays tribute to the late Beatles‘ singer, songwriter, musician and peace activist – John Lennon. It is absolutely beautiful and obviously is a great place to get that shot in.

(Click here to read about another John Lennon tribute landmark in Prague.)

Wood Chip Vantage Point (Geo Coordinates: 40.776121, -73.971339):

After you walk across the Bow Bridge, you will find a scenic spot along Central Park’s Lake called Wood Chip Vantage Point.

It is absolutely stunning and captures gorgeous views of Manhattan’s skyscrapers. It is a perfect photo opportunity!

The Lake Viewing Area (Geo Coordinates: 40.776653, -73.971929):

Also located past the Bow Bridge and heading towards The Ramble area of the park is the Lake Viewing Area and walking trails.

It is the perfect area to get more nature shots as well as photos walking through the woods.

The Ramble (Geo Coordinates: 40.777804, -73.969458):

If you are looking to get your nature shot in Central Park, definitely head to The Ramble. Here, you could find waterfalls, streams, woodland paths, a maze and more.

Shakespeare Garden (Geo Coordinates: 40.779965, -73.970016):

Another one of the loveliest spots to not miss out on when you are taking Instagram photos in Central Park is the Shakespeare Garden. It is a less-frequented attraction in Central Park and it allows for a relaxing afternoon where you could admire seasonal flora, gardens and more.

The Shakespeare Garden covers four acres of plants that change every season. Included among the plants are rosemary and pansies that are alluded by Ophelia in Hamlet.

Belvedere Castle (Geo Coordinates: 40.779673, -73.969147):

Meaning “beautiful view” in Italian, Central Park’s Belvedere Castle offers park goers with panoramic views that include iconic landmarks.

The castle was intended to be a Victorian Folly, a fantasy structure that provides a great backdrop and views, but without a real intended purpose. It is enchanting and definitely photo worthy!

The Mall (Geo Coordinates: 40.772669, -73.971612):

Spanning from 66^th to 72^nd Street in Central Park, The Mall is a walkway that leads to the beautiful Bethesda Terrace.

The Mall was specially designed to accommodate the width of carriages passing through. Around the turn of the century, these carriages would drop off their wealthy inhabitants at The Mall’s starting point, where they could enjoy the beautiful nature of the park and mingle with those of a lesser status.

Nowadays, The Mall is a gathering place for tourists, locals, street performers, skateboarders, artists and more. It may be tough to get this place to yourself, but it is definitely worth it to get a shot here.

I hope you all enjoyed finding the most stunning Instagram spots in Central Park of Manhattan, New York.

If you have any questions, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.

Click here book a cooking class during your time in New York.

Make sure to pin this post if you find it useful!

Basic Facts of the United States:

Currency: United States Dollar, Capital: Washington D.C., NY State Capital: Albany, Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time

Click here to join my private blog sharing Facebook group.

*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more. Click here to get insured for your next trip.

Shop My NYC Look: