You’re in Boston and Want the Best Selfie Locations? We Have a Plan
The best pics in Beantown are taken in these 10 spots
Professional photographers and Instagrammers alike can discover the joy of snapping shots all around the City of Boston. With so many distinct neighborhoods, architectural styles, and green spaces, it’s no surprise this city is so photogenic! Grab your camera or your phone, hop aboard the T and set out on your own photography dream with these photo spots around the city.
City Hall Plaza
The photogenic factor of City Hall Plaza varies with the seasons, so double-check what’s happening there before you plan your photo trip. That being said, in the summer the area is home to an outdoor beer garden with a highly Instagrammable “Boston” wall, and in the winter in the past, it’s been home to ice sculptures and a rink, along with Christmas lights. Even without the seasonal decor, the area offers a sweeping view of Faneuil Hall, and is a nice place to capture some shots especially as the sun goes down.
Top of the Hub
Dine at Top of the Hub, one of the most exclusive dinner trips in the city, and you’ll be greeted with a view of Boston from atop the Prudential Center. Dinner works best for photos, so you can shoot the city in the dark when it’s all lit up, but brunch is also delicious (and more affordable) and daytime shots can be just as interesting. If you take the trip to grab some photos, don’t forget to grab some food pics. Entrees here are plated beautifully and photographing them can help you work on your skills or simply show off to your Instagram followers.
Harvard University
One of the most beautiful spots in the city regardless of the season is the Harvard University campus in Cambridge. The people watching (and documentary-style photo sessions) in the summer are worth it alone, but the area truly shines with the fall foliage. Don’t skip it during a winter visit though– the historic buildings and green spaces on Harvard Yard are just as magical with a layer of snow.
Lawn on D
If Instagram is your jam, the Lawn on D in the Seaport is the place to be in the summer and fall months. The Lawn hosts numerous events throughout the season with local breweries, movie nights and more. For photo purposes, however, it’s summer nights on the light upswings that you’re going to want to capture. Some call it basic, but it’s sure to light up your Instagram feed and add a little bit of personality to your trip to Boston.
Acorn Street
One of the most photographed locations in Boston is Acorn Street located on Beacon Hill. The cobblestone street runs between gorgeous brick buildings, and no matter what area you should from the photos will be classic-Boston and totally stunning. Like most outdoor locales in New England, Acorn Street shines the most with the fall foliage, but your photos are sure to come out great regardless of the season. When visiting Acorn Street, remember that those photogenic buildings are home to Boston residents, so be respectful while shooting outside their homes.
Boston Public Gardens
Stroll through Boston Common to the Boston Public Gardens in the spring when all of the flowers are in full bloom and you’ll go home with some incredible shots. It’s always fascinating to see beautifully crafted photos of the gardens that come out so immersive you can’t even tell they were taken in the middle of a city. Bonus points if you get one of the swan boats in a couple of shots!
Arnold Arboretum
Set off to Jamaica Plain and Roslindale for one of the best-hidden gems in Boston, the Arnold Arboretum. This nature reserve is a photographer’s dream! With breathtaking foliage and even a small bonsai garden, it provides the opportunity for shots you won’t find anywhere else in the city. Spring and summer is the best time to visit, so hop on the Orange Line and plan a stop during your seasonal visit.
Fenway Park
Fenway Park and the surrounding streets offer a wide variety of backdrops for photographers whether you have time to spend watching a game or not. The stadium was built in 1912, and while it’s been renovated over the years much of the original structure (including older chairs and ticket booths) remain. If you’re looking to get inside the stadium without attending a game, check the availability for a walking tour inside, and while you’re there don’t forget to check out the statues that take up residence by some of the entrances.
Bunker Hill Monument
Walk the Freedom Trail and you’ll end your trek at the Bunker Hill Monument across the bridge in Charlestown. The monument, which commemorates the Revolutionary Battle at nearby Breeds (not Bunker) Hill offers so many variations for capturing the best photos here. Climb the 221-foot tall monument to capture photos of the city from the top (and to see the cannons housed inside) or check out the exhibits, statues, and columns on the ground level. While at Bunker Hill, be sure to stop in the museum run by the National Park Service to learn about this area’s role in the American Revolution and give more context to your photos.
Zakim Bridge
One of the most iconic sites in Boston is the Zakim Bridge, which lights up beautifully at night. If you take I-93 in or out of the city, chances are you’ll be driving on this bridge, but that’s not the time to get the best photos. Instead, stop at one of the nearby parks (Paul Revere Park is typically the easiest) to photograph the entire bridge from a safe distance. If you can get to an upper level of one of the nearby buildings you’ll likely find some nice vantage points there, and if you’re all about those angles, you may get some surprisingly good photos while walking on the pedestrian side of the bridge.
