Times Square generates more Instagram content than anywhere else on the planet. With 250,000 daily posts, this neon-soaked intersection has become the ultimate backdrop for social media content.
But here’s what most tourists miss. They snap the same generic shots from the same crowded corners, fighting for space with thousands of other visitors.
The real Instagram gold lies in knowing exactly where to stand, when to shoot, and which angles capture Times Square’s electric energy without the chaos.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect selfie spot, group photo location, or content for your Instagram story, this guide covers every angle from beginner-friendly corners to hidden gems that even locals don’t know about. These instagrammable places times square offer everything from classic shots to unique perspectives that will make your content stand out.
The Ultimate Times Square Instagram Experience
Before we dive into the hidden spots, let’s address the elephant in the room. While most locations on this list are free, there’s one experience that transforms your Times Square visit from ordinary to legendary.
Your own Times Square billboard.
For just $150, you can display your photo or message on an actual Times Square billboard for 24 hours. Your content appears for 15 seconds every hour, giving you the ultimate Instagram flex that 99% of tourists don’t even know exists.
Think about it. The cost of a nice dinner gets you content that could potentially reach millions of people walking through the world’s most photographed intersection.
25 Instagram-Worthy Spots in Times Square
1. TKTS Red Steps – The Classic Shot
Stand on the red TKTS stairs below 47th Street and face south toward One Times Square. This elevated position gives you the iconic view of Times Square nestled between towering billboards on all sides.
Pro tip: Arrive around 8:00 AM for fewer crowds and cleaner shots.
Suggested hashtags: #TKTSSteps #TimesSquareViews #NYCInstagram #RedSteps
Wheelchair accessible: No
2. 7th Avenue and 42nd Street Corner
Position yourself on the northeast corner for the perfect blend of yellow cabs, pedestrian energy, and neon signs. The traffic flow here creates natural leading lines in your composition.
Best time: Blue hour (30 minutes after sunset) when the neon pops against the twilight sky. This is one of the best Instagram spots Times Square offers for capturing the classic intersection energy.
3. Times Square Museum Entrance Area
The entrance area of the Times Square Museum offers an elevated perspective without the TKTS crowds. The wide steps and elevated position provide unique viewing angles of the surrounding billboards.
Instagram angle: Capture the geometric patterns of the street grid with billboards as colorful rectangles.
4. 1540 Broadway Entrance
The glass facade here creates stunning reflections of the surrounding billboards. Stand directly in front during golden hour for mirror-like effects that double your neon content.
Technical note: Use your phone’s portrait mode to blur the background and make the reflections pop.
5. Duffy Square Northern Triangle
Most people photograph from the southern end, but the northern triangle offers cleaner backgrounds and better billboard visibility. Face south from this position.
Composition tip: Use the statue as a foreground element to add depth to your billboard shots.
Suggested hashtags: #DuffySquare #TimesSquareNorth #NYCStatue #BillboardViews
Crowding level: Medium
6. 42nd Street Subway Entrance
The subway entrance stairs create natural framing for Times Square’s energy above. Shoot from halfway down the stairs looking up.
What makes it Instagram-worthy: The natural framing effect creates depth and draws viewers into your shot.
Safety note: Stay aware of foot traffic and don’t block commuter flow.
7. M&M’s World Corner (1600 Broadway)
The curved corner building creates a natural amphitheater effect with billboards wrapping around you. Stand at the base and shoot upward for an immersive neon experience.
What makes it Instagram-worthy: The amphitheater effect creates an immersive 360-degree neon experience.
Instagram story tip: Use the wide-angle feature to capture the full 360-degree billboard experience.
Suggested hashtags: #MMsWorld #TimesSquareNeon #ColorfulNYC #ImmersiveViews
8. 46th Street and 7th Avenue Crosswalk
Time your shot when you’re in the middle of the crosswalk during a pedestrian signal. The white stripes create leading lines toward the billboard walls.
What makes it Instagram-worthy: The crosswalk stripes create perfect leading lines toward towering billboards.
Timing is everything: You have about 30 seconds per light cycle, so have your phone ready.
9. Hershey’s Chocolate World Entrance
The entrance area offers a unique vantage point with less foot traffic than the main square. The chocolate-themed signage adds warm tones to contrast the cool neon blues.
What makes it Instagram-worthy: The warm chocolate colors create perfect contrast against cool neon blues.
Color theory: The warm browns and golds here complement the electric blues and reds of surrounding billboards.
10. Broadway and 44th Street Southeast Corner
This corner provides clean sight lines to multiple major billboards without street vendor obstacles. The positioning gives you both depth and width in your shots.
Equipment tip: Use a wide-angle lens or your phone’s ultra-wide feature to capture more billboard real estate.
Suggested hashtags: #BroadwayCorner #TimesSquareBillboards #NYCStreets #NeonLights
Best for beginners: Yes
11. 2 Times Square Building Base
Stand directly against the building’s base and shoot upward. The curved architecture creates a unique perspective that makes billboards appear to wrap around you.
Best for: Dramatic upward shots and architectural framing.
Perspective play: This angle makes viewers feel like they’re inside a neon canyon.
12. 47th Street Pedestrian Plaza
The widened sidewalk here gives you room to step back and capture fuller billboard compositions without being pushed by crowds.
Best for: Group photos and wider compositions.
Group shots: This location works well for larger groups since you have more space to position everyone.
Suggested hashtags: #TimesSquarePlaza #GroupPhotos #NYCFriends #SpaceToShoot
13. Times Square Tower Base (4 Times Square)
The building’s setback creates a natural photo pocket with reduced foot traffic. You get clear shots of the northern billboard wall from here.
Best for: Portrait photography with billboard backgrounds.
Professional tip: This spot works excellently for portrait photography with Times Square as the backdrop.
14. 1 Times Square Viewing Area
Get close to the famous ball drop building for shots that emphasize the historic architecture against modern digital displays.
Best for: Historic architecture contrasted with modern billboards.
Historical contrast: This angle captures both old and new Times Square in a single frame.
15. 43rd Street and Broadway Corner
This corner offers unique angles on the Nasdaq billboard and surrounding displays. The intersection creates natural leading lines in multiple directions.
Dynamic shots: Capture the energy of multiple traffic flows converging.
Suggested hashtags: #NasdaqBillboard #BroadwayIntersection #TimesSquareEnergy #NYCTraffic
Wheelchair accessible: Yes
16. Condé Nast Building Entrance (4 Times Square)
The entrance area provides a sophisticated backdrop that contrasts beautifully with Times Square’s controlled chaos. The glass and steel architecture adds modern elegance.
Difficulty level: Easy
Style tip: This location works particularly well for fashion-focused Instagram content.
17. 45th Street Pedestrian Area
Less crowded than the main square, this area still offers excellent billboard visibility with more room for creative positioning.
Difficulty level: Easy
Creative freedom: More space means you can experiment with different poses and group arrangements.
18. Reuters Building Corner (3 Times Square)
The curved corner creates interesting architectural framing for billboard content. Stand at the curve’s apex for the most dramatic effect.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Architectural interest: The building’s design adds geometric elements to your composition.
Suggested hashtags: #ArchitecturalFraming #ReutersBuilding #GeometricNYC #TimesSquareAngles
19. 1501 Broadway Entrance
This location provides excellent views of the eastern billboard wall with less tourist congestion than central areas.
Difficulty level: Easy
Crowd management: Easier to get clean shots without photobombers.
20. 48th Street and 7th Avenue
The northern edge of Times Square proper, offering a different perspective on the billboard landscape with Broadway theater marquees adding cultural context.
Cultural depth: Include theater signage for content that captures Times Square’s entertainment heritage.
Suggested hashtags: #BroadwayTheater #TimesSquareNorth #TheaterDistrict #NYCCulture
Crowding level: Low
21. Father Duffy Square Eastern Edge
Position yourself on the eastern boundary for shots that include both the square’s energy and the surrounding urban canyon effect.
Urban context: This angle shows Times Square as part of the larger Manhattan landscape.
Best for: Urban landscape shots showing Times Square context
22. 1540 Broadway Corner Pocket
A small recessed area that provides shelter from crowds while maintaining excellent billboard visibility.
Hidden gem: Most tourists walk past this spot, making it perfect for unique content.
Difficulty level: Easy
23. 42nd Street and 7th Avenue Northwest Corner
This corner offers excellent southern exposure of the main billboard displays with natural lighting advantages during morning hours.
Lighting advantage: Morning sun illuminates this corner naturally, reducing harsh shadows.
Best for: Morning photography with natural lighting
24. Broadway and 47th Street Intersection
Stand in the pedestrian area during red lights for shots that capture the full intersection energy with minimal vehicle obstruction.
Traffic timing: Learn the light patterns to maximize your shooting windows.
Difficulty level: Moderate
25. Your Custom Billboard Display
Here’s where the magic happens. Instead of just photographing Times Square, you become part of it. When your content appears on an actual Times Square billboard, you’re not just taking a photo – you’re creating a moment that becomes part of Times Square’s visual landscape.
The ultimate flex: Content creators who book billboard displays often see their follower counts spike from the unique, shareable content they create. Booking takes 5 minutes online, content goes live within 24-48 hours, and creates content that influencers pay thousands for.
Suggested hashtags: #TimesSquareBillboard #BillboardTakeover #NYCBillboard #UltimateInstagram
Best for beginners: Yes
Technical Photography Tips for Times Square
Times Square’s lighting conditions present unique challenges that separate amateur shots from professional-looking content.
Mixed lighting tips: Times Square combines daylight, neon, LED displays, and street lighting. Set your phone to manual mode if available, or use your phone’s HDR mode to balance these different light sources.
Dealing with Motion Blur: The constant movement requires faster shutter speeds. Use your phone’s sports mode or increase ISO to maintain sharp images of people and vehicles.
Color Balance Tips: The mix of warm and cool lights can create color casts. Shoot in RAW format if your phone supports it, allowing more flexibility in post-processing color correction.
Getting clean shots in crowds: Use simple positioning to create order in Times Square’s visual chaos. Place key elements like billboards or architectural features along the grid lines.
Night Photography Techniques: After sunset, Times Square transforms. The neon becomes more prominent, but you’ll need steady hands or a small tripod for sharp images.
Optimal Timing for Times Square Photography
Golden Hour Magic (one hour before sunset): The warm natural light complements Times Square’s neon, creating a perfect balance between ambient and artificial lighting.
Blue Hour Brilliance (30 minutes after sunset): The deep blue sky provides an ideal backdrop that makes neon signs pop without the harsh contrast of full darkness.
Early Morning Advantage (7-9 AM): Fewer crowds, cleaner shots, and softer lighting. The billboards are still active, but you’ll have more space to work with compositions.
Weekday vs Weekend: Weekdays offer slightly less congestion, especially Tuesday through Thursday mornings.
Weather Considerations: Light rain creates reflective surfaces that double your neon content. Snow adds a magical contrast to the electric energy.
Platform-Specific Content Strategies
Instagram Feed Posts: Focus on high-contrast, colorful compositions that stand out in the feed. Times Square Instagram content works perfectly for Instagram’s visual-first platform.
Instagram Stories: Use the location sticker and relevant hashtags. The ephemeral nature of stories is perfect for capturing Times Square’s constant change and energy.
TikTok Content: Times Square’s movement and energy translate perfectly to video. Capture the sensory overload through quick cuts and dynamic angles.
Reels Strategy: Times Square’s visual drama provides perfect content for this format.
Professional Instagram Content: Even business professionals can leverage Times Square Instagram content by focusing on the business district aspects and professional development angles.
Safety and Etiquette Guidelines
Crowd Awareness: Times Square’s pedestrian density requires constant spatial awareness. Don’t stop suddenly or block foot traffic for photos.
Equipment Security: Keep phones and cameras secure. The crowds provide cover for pickpockets, so maintain awareness of your belongings.
Respect Personal Space: Other tourists are also trying to capture memories. Be courteous about sharing prime photo spots.
Traffic Safety: Never enter vehicle traffic areas for photos. The designated pedestrian plazas provide plenty of opportunities without safety risks.
Local Business Respect: Don’t block store entrances or restaurant seating areas while photographing.
Budget-Conscious Instagram Strategies
Free Opportunities: Most locations on this list cost nothing beyond transportation to Times Square. The key is knowing where to position yourself for maximum impact.
Timing Investments: The best shots often require time rather than money. Arriving early or staying late can dramatically improve your content quality.
Strategic Spending: While most spots are free, consider investing in experiences that create unique content. A $150 billboard display generates content that could drive significant engagement and follower growth.
Equipment Considerations: Your smartphone is sufficient for excellent Times Square photography. The location’s natural drama does most of the work.
Value Perspective: Compare the cost of premium experiences to their potential social media impact. Unique content often generates more engagement than expensive equipment.
Times Square offers unlimited Instagram opportunities for those who know where to look. The difference between tourist snapshots and viral content lies in positioning, timing, and understanding what makes this intersection truly special.
Frequently Asked Questions About Instagram in Times Square
What are the most Instagrammable spots in Times Square?
The top 5 most Instagrammable spots are: 1) TKTS Red Steps for classic billboard views, 2) Duffy Square Northern Triangle for cleaner backgrounds, 3) Broadway and 44th Street corner for multiple billboard angles, 4) Times Square Museum entrance for elevated shots, and 5) custom billboard displays for ultimate unique content.
When is the best time to take Instagram photos in Times Square?
Blue hour (30 minutes after sunset) provides the perfect balance of neon visibility and sky contrast. Early morning (7-9 AM) offers fewer crowds but equally stunning billboard displays.
What should I wear for Instagram photos in Times Square?
Solid colors work best against the busy billboard backgrounds. Avoid patterns that compete with the neon signs, and consider bringing layers since you’ll likely be shooting for extended periods.
How do I avoid crowds in my Times Square Instagram photos?
Arrive early morning, use elevated positions like the TKTS steps, or find corner pockets like the 1540 Broadway area. Weekdays typically have lighter foot traffic than weekends.
What hashtags should I use for Times Square Instagram posts?
Mix location-specific tags (#TimesSquare #NYC #Broadway) with descriptive ones (#NeonLights #BillboardViews #NYCInstagram). Include spot-specific hashtags like #TKTSSteps or #DuffySquare for better discoverability.
Are there any free Instagram-worthy spots in Times Square?
Most locations in this guide are completely free, including the TKTS steps, street corners, and pedestrian plazas. The only paid option is the custom billboard display, which offers unique content unavailable anywhere else.
These best Instagram spots Times Square has to offer provide endless opportunities for creating viral content that stands out from typical tourist photos.
Ready to make your Times Square moment unforgettable? Display your photo or message on a real Times Square billboard! Your content appears for 15 seconds every hour for 24 hours, starting at just $150. Business advertising also available from $250 per day. Make your mark in the heart of New York City – visit timessquarebillboard.com to get started!