12 Cool Secret Spots in NYC
- Date: November 21, 2022
- Topic: Photography
- Contributors: Written by Brooke Helton
Source: Peerspace
The Big Apple is home to tons of Instagrammable spots — from the Brooklyn Bridge to the One World Observatory. But if you’re tired of posting pics from the same old spots over and over, it might be time for a change of scenery. Don’t worry — we got you. Here are 12 super secret spots in NYC just waiting for your artistic eye. You can find some by wandering around the city and others with a little help from Peerspace. Let’s dive into the options!
1. A royal velvet space
Want to feel like a roaring 20s movie star in your next photos? Check out this amazing Gatsby-inspired space in Washington Heights. The studio has four distinct rooms dripping with colorful velvet and luxe, sophisticated design sense.
It’s the perfect backdrop for glamorous or vintage-inspired Insta shots. And since you can book it exclusively on Peerspace, this is one NYC photo spot that can help your pics stand apart from the crowd.
2. Chinese scholar’s garden
Did you know that New York is home to one of the only authentic classical Chinese gardens in the United States? Because it is. And it’s breathtaking.
You’ll find the Chinese Scholar’s Garden tucked away in the Snug Harbor Botanical garden. You could easily spend all afternoon strolling the trails and snapping pics of the pavilions, bamboo forest paths, and waterfalls. And of course, there’s a Koi pond! If you want to celebrate Asian culture on your Instagram feed and showcase one of New York’s most beautiful outdoor hidden gems, definitely stop by the garden.
3. A 5th Avenue loft with rooftop views
NYC is full of gorgeous views. But if you want a view that not everyone on Insta will have, check out this spectacular 5th Avenue loft. This loft embodies the 5th Avenue aesthetic in all its glory, with a disco ball, luxe chandeliers, and plenty of lush decor.
It’s an amazing place to take photos full of NYC glam — and if you step out onto the rooftop, you can grab unique shots of the city skyline that will give your followers a whole new perspective of the city.
These are our favorite studio photoshoot ideas in NYC. Check them out!
4. A bright and sunny French-inspired studio
With this hidden spot in NYC, you can get a taste of France in the Big Apple. Located on 7th avenue, this magnifique photo studio features a clean white color scheme and plenty of natural light.
The French-style molding brings that certain je ne sais quoi and will make you feel like a Parisian without even having to hop on a plane.
5. The Met Cloisters museum
You’ve probably heard of a little museum called the Metropolitan Museum of Art. But have you ever visited the Met’s second New York location? Which also happens to be a medieval castle?
Visiting the Met Clositers is like travleing back in time. The museum houses a vast collection of artwork from the middle ages, and the medieval style architecture makes sure you feel totally immersed in history. Plus, how cool would it be to take pics with an actual castle as your backdrop?
Definitely stop by this spot in New York City if you’re a history buff or an art lover. Or just into ren fairs, whatever works.
6. A Japandi-inspired studio with tropical foliage
At this hidden spot in NYC, you can get a taste of the tropics in the middle of the Manhattan winter. The space features a bright and airy vibe, with plenty of lush tropical plants hanging from the walls and draping from the exposed beams. It’s like having a private slice of paradise in the heart of the city.
“[This] space was INCREDIBLE,” said Andrew S. “Super fun vibe… I feel as if this space is good for every sort of thing, video shoots, photo shoots, live recordings. Definitely recommend.”
7. A sunny restored Brownstone
Few things scream “NYC” more than a classic brownstone. You can put a fun spin on the usual aesthetic by snapping pics at this renovated space on the best block.
This newly refurbished brownstone sits at the end of a quiet, tree-lined block — hidden away from the city’s hustle and bustle. You can kick back and snap picks beside the gorgeous woodwork indoors or channel a more urban vibe by snapping photos on the street. Whatever works!
8. The Morgan Library and Museum
You’ll find the Morgan Library and Museum on Madison Avenue. The library boasts a vintage decor style that’s both cozy and stunning — perfect for matching the Dark Academia aesthetic. Plus, the museum is home to an ever-rotating display of artists from around the globe. It’s an awesome hidden spot in New York to inject some scholarly vibes into your photos.
9. An all-pink mini photo studio
Want to take picks with a little pink? Or maybe a lot of pink? You can’t miss this totally unique pink Peerspace in Brooklynn. You’ll have to scale a few stairs to make it to the “pink dungeon,” but once you enter this cotton-candy-colored lair, you’re in for a real treat in this hidden NYC gem.
“I loved this room, the ambiance, the pink chairs & pictures to compliment it,” said Yana M., who booked a photoshoot here. “Literally one of the few studios in NYC that has this type of pink preppy look. I enjoyed every minute of it.”
Check out more Instagram picture ideas in New York City here!
10. A gothic artist’s parlor
Is pink not really your deal? No problem — NYC is also full of gothic and mysterious photo locations, like this Williamsburg artist’s parlor.
The parlor features “carefully chosen vintage decor and curious details, hinting of veiled secrets, unsolved mysteries and forbidden romance.” Sounds like an art kid’s paradise to us! Learn how you can snap pics in this hidden NYC gem on Peerspace.
11. A secret rooftop deck
We’re headed upstairs for our next hidden spot. This Midtown Peerspace photo studio features tons of bright daylight and a cyc wall for photographers to play with. But if you want to snap pics you can only take in NYC, you’ve got to head out to the terrace or the rooftop.
There’s a ton of open and trendy space just waiting for you to explore – and it looks awesome on camera.
“[I] loved the rooftop beautiful scenery with the city in the background,” said musical artist P.R. “Highly recommended this space to any creators!!”
12. Charlotte Beach in Williamsburg
Just off the East River in Williamsburg, you’ll find a tiny secret beach called Charlotte’s Beach. This tourist-free beach is the former site of the Brooklyn Ferry Company’s Williamsburg Branch. Now, it’s a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of the city — and it still boasts awesome views of the skyline and the Williamsburg Bridge.
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