Most Photographed Historic Sites in New York

The Statue of Liberty, a gift from France to the United States, has welcomed visitors and immigrants to New York Harbor since 1886. This iconic symbol of freedom stands 305 feet tall and remains one of the most photographed landmarks in the world.

Completed in 1931, the Empire State Building stood as the world's tallest building for nearly 40 years. This Art Deco masterpiece offers panoramic views from its 86th and 102nd-floor observatories and has appeared in over 250 films, making it one of the most recognizable structures in American architecture.

When completed in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge was a marvel of engineering as the world's first steel-wire suspension bridge. Its distinctive Gothic-inspired stone towers and web of cables make it a favorite subject for photographers at sunrise, sunset, and after dark when the bridge is illuminated against the Manhattan skyline.

More than just a transportation hub, Grand Central Terminal is an architectural gem dating back to 1913. Its celestial ceiling mural, iconic four-faced clock, and grand staircases draw architecture enthusiasts and photographers seeking to capture its Beaux-Arts splendor and the famous light beams that stream through its massive windows.

Between 1892 and 1954, Ellis Island processed over 12 million immigrant arrivals—nearly 40% of all Americans can trace at least one ancestor who passed through its halls. The beautifully restored main building now serves as a museum, preserving the stories of those who sought a new life in America, with haunting galleries of portraits and personal belongings.