Explore NYC: Top 10 Landmarks You Can’t Miss

• Central Park is the most Instagram-worthy landmark in New York City, boasting over 8.76 million posts
• This iconic location has appeared in more than 230 movies, including the popular film 13 Going on 30
• Times Square ranks as the second most popular spot, with over 5.39 million posts, while the Empire State Building follows closely in third place, accumulating over 5.31 million posts

New data has uncovered the most Instagrammable landmarks in New York City, with Central Park taking the top spot. Westgate New York Grand Central Hotel analyzed Instagram posts tagged at various popular NYC landmarks to determine the top ten most photogenic locations and attractions.

Central Park takes the top spot, with over 8.76 million posts. This icon of New York City is one of the most filmed locations in the world, having featured in over 230 movies such as Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) and 13 Going on 30 (2004). Due to its cultural and historical significance, Central Park has been a National Historic Landmark since 1962 and a New York City designated scenic landmark since 1974. 

The second most picturesque landmark is Times Square, with over 5.39 million posts. One of the busiest and most diverse landmarks worldwide, with approximately 330,000 pedestrians passing through it daily, Times Square is a major commercial center, tourist attraction, and entertainment hub. Although It takes up only 0.1% of the city’s land area, it produces 15% of NYC’s economic output. 

Third on the list is the Empire State Building, with 5.31 million posts. The Art Deco skyscraper is the city’s largest building and attracts millions of visitors every year thanks to its architecture, height, and observation decks. A symbol of NYC, the building has been named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers. 

Taking the fourth spot is the Brooklyn Bridge, with 3.94 million posts. One of the world’s most recognizable bridges was opened in 1883 to connect Manhattan and Brooklyn. There are now many experiences and tours that take in the sights that the bridge provides, such as helicopter tours, cruises and walking tours.

Rank	Landmark	Number of posts (million)
1	Central Park	8.76
2	Times Square	5.39
3	Empire State Building	5.31
4	Brooklyn Bridge	3.94
5	Chrysler Building	2.68
6	Statue of Liberty	2.46
7	Top of the Rock	1.69
8	Bryant Park	1.43
9	Rockefeller Center	1.16
10	Madison Square Garden	1.01

The Chrysler Building is the fifth most Instagrammable landmark, with 2.68 million posts. Situated in the Midtown East side of Manhattan, the skyscraper was revealed to be New York architects’ favorite building in a 1996 survey and in 2005, The New York Times referred to it as “the most significant symbol of architectural imagery on the New York skyline.” 

In sixth place is the Statue of Liberty, with 2.46 million posts. The statue is Libertas, the Roman goddess of liberty, and over the years she has become a symbol of America and freedom, as she commemorates the abolition of slavery.  

Top of the Rock is in seventh place, with over 1.69 million posts. The Top of the Rock observation deck at 30 Rockefeller Plaza was under construction when the iconic photo, ‘Lunch atop a Skyscraper,’ was taken. 

Eighth place goes to Bryant Park, with over 1.43 million posts. Bryant Park is the largest park in the Midtown East neighborhood and offers attractive walks with seasonal gardens, eateries, bars, and NYC’s only free admission ice skating rink.  

In ninth place is the Rockefeller Center, with over 1.16 million posts. Commissioned by the Rockefeller family in the early 1900s, most of the complex was built by 1939 and is currently composed of 19 commercial buildings. The complex is now arguably most famous for its annual Christmas tree display and ice rink. 

Concluding the ranking is Madison Square Garden, with over 1.01 million posts. Situated in the East Midtown area of the city, the Garden hosts events such as professional ice hockey, boxing, basketball matches, as well as entertainment such as music concerts and ice shows. 

A spokesperson for Westgate New York Grand Central Hotel commented on the findings:  

“The hustle and bustle of the city that never sleeps can often leave many feeling stressed and tired. However, Midtown East offers a perfect retreat from the throngs of tourists while being home to many iconic landmarks, as highlighted by the results of this study. 

“Landmarks such as the Chrysler Building, Empire State Building, and Rockefeller Center are all located in or within walking distance of Midtown East. Visitors can also indulge in attractions like The Museum of Modern Art or the New York Public Library. For those seeking a drink or a rooftop bar, the St. Cloud Rooftop provides the ultimate experience of lounging above the city and watching the excitement of Times Square below, without the stress of the bustle. 

“Midtown East is also home to the architectural icon that is Grand Central Terminal. Being so close to the station means you can easily access the subway and visit many of the city’s landmarks without the need for lots of walking and blisters. The station itself provides a great day of exploration, with lots of nooks and crannies to discover.” 

Thanks to Westgate Resorts for this story.