Both a blessing and a curse, New York City Instagram accounts can have you longing for Big Apple or scratch the insatiable itch of wanting to come back.
Some of the best photographers in the world flock to NYC and the city is the gift that just keeps giving. Serving as both home and a muse, New York City has a charming allure that’s just begging you to click the shutter button.
So whether you’re a local, a visitor or simply a fan here are the best New York City Instagram accounts that will bring you to the concrete jungle.
Best New York City Instagram Accounts to Follow
First, the best NYC Instagram accounts for inspirational photos of the city
Pretty City New York (@prettycitiesnewyork)
If your idea of the best Instagram accounts to follow for New York City photos includes dreamy landscapes, interesting street scenes and swoon-worth street corners, you’re in luck.
Pretty City New York is one of our personal favorite NYC Instagram accounts to follow because they do a great job giving the city a romantic feel, seeing their photos pop up on our screen is a joy!
Worth mention — Pretty City New York recently released a (phenomenal) photo book. I keep one in my home at all times and have lost count of the number of copies I purchased to give out as gifts. Highly recommend!
Joe Thomas (@joethommas)
Joe Thomas, professional architect photographer by trade, is one of the most talented New Yorkers. His ability to capture the various city landscapes and street scenes is unparalleled, which is why he lands on our list of best New York City Instagram accounts to follow.
Besides the top-notch photos, Joe often shares photography tips with his followers. I’ve gleaned many helpful tidbits over the past few years and love that he changes/evolves his style often.
This is an easy NYC Instagram account to binge, it’s stunning. But don’t just take my word for it, Joe’s work has been featured in world renowned publications (oftentimes as cover photos)!
Best NYC Instagram Accounts to Follow: @joethommas
New York Simply (@newyork.simply)
Shameless plug? You better believe it! Admittedly we’re complete noobs when it comes to mastering the platform (algorithms, I tell ya), but that doesn’t stop us from having a good time.
Follow along for helpful NYC tips and pretty photos. Exploring the Big Apple is our favorite pastime and we have thousands of photos on our camera roll to prove it!
Don’t let the small follower count fool ya, this is a passion project and we do our best to translate our love for the city onto your feed. For this reason, we feel we’re a NYC Instagram page you should follow for inspo.
Best New York City Instagram Accounts to Follow: @newyork.simply
Jacob Santiago (@jacobsantiago)
Native New Yorker Jacob Santiago has a background in design, but started his photography journey snapping photos on his cellphone. Like many of us, his love for New York and its people is so grand he wanted to share it.
Jacob’s ability to capture the essence of the Big Apple in simple, everyday moments makes his one of the best New York City Instagram accounts to follow.
His photos are like quick glimpses into the day to day lives of New Yorkers. Kids playing, folks walking their dogs, basically dreamy scenes that make you wish you were there.
Best NYC Instagram Accounts to Follow: @jacobsantiago
Davina (@heydavina)
Hey Davina has had me both inspired and stunned more times than I’d like to admit. Her New York City Instagram account is dreamy and warm and welcoming, she’s someone I admire!
If you were to look up the definition of the word “picturesque” the Webster Dictionary would have a link to her page. The editing style helps the images look oh so dreamy.
And not only is Hey Davina one of the best New York City Instagram pages to follow, she also posts content from her travels. Fair warning though: if you’re anything like me her photos will have you looking at plane tickets stat.
Most inspiring NYC Instagram accounts: @heydavina
Matthew Ritchie (@matt.ritchie)
For all that the pandemic took, it also gave us a few gems. One of which is Matt Ritchie’s dreamy New York City Instagram account.
A born New Zealander who’s set roots in New York City, this architect turned to photography during the pandemic and has made the world a better place since.
His pictures could be paintings, the use of light is simply masterful. The sunset/sunrise photos will have you longing for summer even if you’re in mid-July. Oh, and the wintery photos aren’t anything to scoff at either. 😉
New York City Instagram accounts to follow: @matt.ritchie
Walk Up No Laundry (@walkupnolaundry)
Any long time New Yorker understands the name of this account, which is an ode to Betty’s first apartment. The fifth floor apartment had no elevator or laundry, but it’s a small price to pay to live in the best city in the world.
This is one of my favorite New York City Instagram accounts to follow thanks to the masterful use of light. Most pictures are taken at a time where the building’s lights are on, giving the image a warm and cozy feel.
My only complaint is that Walk Up No Laundry doesn’t post more often! Usually you’ll have to wait about a month between posts, but regardless, it’s one of the best Instagram accounts for NYC lovers.
Most charming New York City Instagram accounts: @walkupnolaundry
New York City (@newyorkcity)
Liz Eswein is the definition of a girl boss. She’s worked with numerous high-influence companies and even runs a few herself, including one of the best New York City Instagram accounts aptly named, @newyorkcity.
Boasting a staggering 1.5 million followers the account feels much like that of a friend who moved to the Big Apple. There’s pictures of her pup, Charlie, simple cityscapes and cultural celebrations.
The page is also appropriately peppered with plugs for Eswein’s other venture, a clothing brand called New York or Nowehere. As you’d imagine, that page is also one of the best New York City Instagram accounts to follow.
Inspiring New York City Instagram accounts: @newyorkcity
Iconic Instagram accounts for New York City content that never fails to entertain
Not all New York City Instagram accounts provide charming cityscapes and romanticized lifestyles, some provide the down and dirty deets that resonate with the locals.
From the craziest subway experiences to the best places for a bite, some of the best NYC Instagram accounts remind us that New York is made up by it’s people, not just its infrastructure.
Nicolas Heller (@newyorknico)
Dubbed the unofficial talent scout of New York, Nicolas “Nico” Heller is responsible for bringing to light some of New York City’s brightest and most unique characters.
He’s all over the place, often sharing clips on his Instagram Stories of some event or person that he’s covering in the city. He has a cast of characters he often collaborates with, but fair warning I wouldn’t say they’re PG rated.
And if you follow his New York City Instagram account for one reason and one reason only let it be for his weekly Nico’s Sunday Dump where he puts together the most interesting clip of the week.
Best New York City Instagram accounts: @newyorknico
Subway Creatures (@subwaycreatures)
One of the best Instagram pages from New York City is Subway Creatures, which helps you see the underground mayhem from your phone screen.
Folks send in a variety of clips that show the craziest subway experiences. Truth be told if my mom followed this page she’d want me to move back home but mom, if you’re reading this, I’m okay.
Whether it’s a burst pipe pouring gallons of water onto the track or a mini-pony taking the subway to work, this is one of the most amusing (and slightly terrifying) New York City Instagram pages.
Most entertaining New York City Instagram accounts to follow: @subwaycreatures
Overheard New York (@overheardnewyork)
If there’s one thing about New Yorkers, they’ll talk about anything in public. Overheard New York helps put these eavesdropped gems on the stage they need to shine.
Locals send in things they overheard on the city streets and believe me, there’s some doozies. Some are inside jokes that will resonate best with New Yorkers, but some are just plain-funny no matter where you’re from.
Funny Instagram accounts from New York City: @overheardnewyork
New York City Explore (@newyorkcity.explore)
Ran by a hotel booking company, New York City Explore gives folks a little but of everything a New York City Instagram account can offer.
There’s updates on upcoming events, a few news-worthy headlines and charming cityscape photos. There’s even food recommendations and interviews with famous New Yorkers and influencers.
Simply put, New York City Explore is one of the best NYC Instagram pages to follow because it’ll keep you up to date.
Most informative NYC Instagram accounts: @newyorkcity.explore
New Fork City (@new_fork_city)
New Fork City is one of the best NYC food instagram accounts.
Featuring daily photos of tantalizing dishes served at various restaurants in the Big Apple, this New York City Instagram account will keep you hungry (and in the know!) while exploring the city.
It’s a great New York City Instagram account to follow whether you live here or planning a trip soon. On one hand you get to experience new gems and on the other you’ll have a laundry list of restaurants to try when visitng.
Best New York City food Instagram accounts: @new_fork_city
Bodega Cats (@bodegacatsofinstagram)
Back in the day folks used to have cats in their barns, present day New Yorkers have them in their neighborhood bodegas.
Bodega Cats is a New York City Instagram page that caters to our furry four-legged friends. In fact, this is one of the best NYC Instagram accounts for your mental health, since looking at pictures of cats has shown to increase dopamine levels.
And the page doesn’t only show off the felines, they help them too. Currently the page is helping fund-raise for the non-profit spay/neuter clinic in Brooklyn called Flatbush Cats.
Best Instagram accounts from New York City for cat lovers: @bodegacatsofinstagram
Love Letter to NYC (lovelettertonewyorkcity)
Hopeless romantics will swoon over Love Letter to NYC, a New York City Instagram page that’s a constant reminder of the beauty the city holds.
The page is brought to us by way of Nastasia Yakoub, a bright businesswoman who’s also responsible for @dametraveler. In her photos Nastasia makes New York City living as dreamy as a fairy-tale.
I should also mention that if you like the photography Nastasia also offers private photo-shoots. You’ll have to request her services via @nastasiayakoub and as you can tell, her quality is first-class.
Most romantic New York City Instagram accounts: @lovelettertonewyorkcity
What New York Eats (@whatnyeats)
If you’ve personally been victimized by the prices in New York City, please raise your hand.
Luckily What New York Eats is here to keep us well fed and with enough left in our bank accounts to pay rent. The page showcases a variety of mouthwatering meals at bargain basement prices.
It’s one of the best New York City Instagram accounts to follow for foodies. What New York Eats covers all five boroughs and spotlights cheap eats and hidden-gems you probably wouldn’t have heard of otherwise.
Best NYC Instagram accounts for foodies: @whatnyeats
Best Instagram Accounts to Follow for New York City (Post Roundup)
- Pretty City New York (@prettycitiesnewyork)
- Joe Thomas (@joethommas)
- New York Simply (@newyorksimply)
- Jacob Santiago (@jacobsantiago)
- Davina (@heydavina)
- Matthew Ritchie (@matt.ritchie)
- Walk Up No Laundry (@walkupnolaundry)
- New York City (@newyorkcity)
- Nicolas Heller (@newyorknico)
- Subway Creatures (@subwaycreatures)
- Overheard New York (@overheardnewyork)
- New York City Explore (@newyorkcity.explore)
- New Fork City (@new_fork_city)
- Bodega Cats (@bodegacatsofinstagram)
- Love Letter to NYC (lovelettertonewyorkcity)
- What New York Eats (@whatnyeats)
And there you have it, folks. I hope you enjoyed my roundup of the best New York City Instagram accounts in New York City. Until next time, cheers1
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