Where to take one of New York’s most famous photos?
It's one of New York's most iconic shots: the Manhattan Bridge with the Empire State Building framed perfectly through one of the bridge's pillars. Here's exactly where to find it.
Want to recreate the iconic photo from Sergio Leone’s classic film Once Upon a Time in America? The shot shows the Manhattan Bridge with the Empire State Building framed perfectly in the background. Head to Dumbo, at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge on the Brooklyn side.
The street you’re looking for is Washington Street. For the best composition, position yourself on the upper part of the street, between Water Street and Front Street. This spot is known on Google Maps as “Bridge view”. Keep in mind that Washington Street is open to traffic, so stay alert. 🙂
A view worth the trip even if you’re not taking photos
Visit around 11 am for sunlight on the Manhattan Bridge and Empire State Building. Sunset is another great time, when the bridge glows orange.
Even if you’re not a photographer or film buff, this view is genuinely worth seeing. What strikes me every time is how the Empire State Building frames perfectly through the opening created by the bridge’s support column—as if the architects planned it that way. It’s one of those details that reminds you why New York feels magical. 🙂
