6 Iconic New York Bagels Tourists Turned Into Instagram Food

Every year, visitors to New York State flock to iconic bagel shops, hoping to snap a photo that captures the flavor and spirit of the city. Over time, a handful of these bagels have become more than a quick breakfast: they’re must-see, must-taste, and must-photograph landmarks.

Each shop brings something different to the table, whether it’s a rainbow swirl or a classic lox combo, but they all share roots in New York’s deep bagel tradition.

In this article, I’ll share six bagels that have become food-photo royalty, loved by tourists and locals alike. If you’re planning your own bagel pilgrimage across New York State, these are the spots to put on your map.

1. Ess-A-Bagel (multiple Manhattan locations)

Standing in line at Ess-A-Bagel, I always notice how people’s eyes drift to the trays piled high with oversized bagels. The sense of anticipation is almost as thick as the creamy schmears waiting behind the counter. There’s an unspoken camaraderie among first-timers and regulars alike, united by the promise of a warm, traditional New York bagel.

The shop’s bagels are huge, chewy, and unmistakably glossy, their crusts dotted with poppy, sesame, or simply shined to a golden finish. I believe the best part is the balance, chewiness without being tough, a hint of sweetness, and enough heft to hold even the heaviest classic toppings. Tourists love to pose their “everything” bagels topped with lox or plain bagels slathered in scallion cream cheese against the shop’s sunlit windows.

Mornings here feel electric. The rush of the city outside seeps through the glass, but inside, the focus is all on the experience: crackly crust, a cloud of steam, the first bite. I recommend coming early or after the lunchtime swirl, since lines often snake out the door. Ess-A stands as a reminder that in New York State, breakfast can be both iconic and communal. Don’t forget to snap your bagel before taking that well-deserved first bite, the morning light, paired with the bagel’s sheen, makes for a photo that practically buzzes with city energy.

2. Liberty Bagels (Midtown & other locations)

Bright, swirling colors draw me straight to Liberty Bagels, where the rainbow bagel became something of a game-changer for food photography in New York State. It’s not just the look, it’s the whole experience. Wide-eyed visitors file in, phones at the ready, angling for that perfect shot of a bagel that looks more like a carnival treat than a classic breakfast.

These bagels come stacked high against the glass, each one hand-rolled and boiled the old-fashioned way. The rainbow variation, paired with a playful schmear of funfetti or birthday cake cream cheese, turns an ordinary bagel into a celebration. Tourists and locals alike snap photos, then pause, almost reluctant to take the first bite and disturb the colorful swirls.

Every visit feels like a mini event. I catch conversations in a dozen languages, each person marveling at how something so simple can inspire so much joy. Liberty Bagels isn’t just about looks, they bake solid, chewy bagels in the true New York style, ensuring the flavors live up to the hype. If you want your timeline to pop with a flash of color only New York State can deliver, Liberty is a must. Bring your appetite, a sense of fun, and maybe an extra napkin, these bagels might not last long, but their photos will.

3. PopUp Bagels (Multiple NYC neighborhoods)

At PopUp Bagels, I learned that sometimes less is more, especially when it comes to capturing the essence of a New York State bagel on camera. The shop’s three-bagel-and-schmear rule gives every visit a ritualistic vibe. Instead of the usual bagel sandwich, you tear, dip, and savor, all while the bagel is still warm from the oven.

The visuals are irresistible: bagels just out of the oven, their crusts crackling, with a dollop of brightly colored schmear ready for dipping. Friends gather around the counter, trading bites and debating favorites, scallion, beet, or classic plain. The shop’s interiors are clean and unfussy, so the bagels become the star of every photo.

I’ve seen people plan their whole route in New York City just to fit in a PopUp experience. There’s a sense of discovery in each visit, as if you’ve stumbled onto something locals have loved for ages. PopUp Bagels is young, but it’s already found its place in the state’s food scene. If you want a shot that stands out and feels authentic, this is the bagel to chase. Don’t be afraid to get a little messy, half the fun is in the tearing and dipping.

4. Tompkins Square Bagels (East Village)

Tompkins Square Bagels has a warmth that pulls me in, even before the scent of fresh-baked bread hits the air. The East Village shop feels like a true neighborhood spot, with mismatched chairs, chalkboard menus, and the steady hum of regulars catching up over coffee. The real draw, though, is the French toast bagel, a mashup that’s become an Instagram darling all across New York State.

The bagel itself is golden, dusted in cinnamon and sugar, and just a little crisp on the edges. When paired with a thick layer of sweet cream cheese, it’s almost dessert for breakfast. Photos of this combo, taken against the shop’s cozy interior or out on the stoop, have started their own trend: sweet meets savory, classic meets creative.

Every bite takes me back to lazy weekend mornings, yet the energy here is unmistakably urban. Staff are quick with recommendations, and the range of cream cheeses, seasonal, savory, or outright decadent, means no two visits have to look (or taste) the same. I can’t help but feel Tompkins Square Bagels is a little slice of New York State comfort with a distinctly downtown attitude.

5. Apollo Bagels (Lower East Side)

Apollo Bagels caught my attention with its dedication to simplicity, yet there’s nothing plain about the experience. Their focus on sourdough techniques means these bagels arrive with a golden crackle and the kind of chewy, open crumb that practically begs for a close-up. I always spot food lovers angling their cameras to catch the interplay of crust and airy interior.

Their menu stays minimal, think plain, everything, or sesame, which only heightens the appeal. Without heavy toppings to distract, the bagel itself takes center stage in every photo. The Lower East Side setting adds an extra layer, blending old-school New York State character with a fresh, contemporary mood.

Mornings at Apollo are laid-back, with regulars chatting over hot coffee and the occasional tourist plotting their next photo. The shop prides itself on its craft, never overcomplicating things, which makes each bagel feel like a small work of art. If you’re looking for a shot that highlights texture and detail, Apollo delivers in a way that feels both current and timeless.

6. Black Seed Bagels (Multiple NYC locations)

Black Seed brought a new twist to New York’s bagel scene by blending New York and Montreal styles. The bagels are hand-rolled, honey-boiled, and wood-fired, giving them a smaller, denser, slightly glossy look that food photographers adore. They’ve expanded across the city, but each shop has the same minimalist vibe that lets the bagels shine.

Tourists love snapping shots of Black Seed’s open-faced sandwiches, think avocado, beet-cured salmon, or seasonal cream cheeses spread edge to edge. Every bagel looks polished, like it’s ready for its close-up. The neon signs and rustic wooden counters at their shops give photos a distinctly modern New York feel.

I’ve noticed Black Seed’s popularity has only grown, partly thanks to its strong Instagram presence. It’s the kind of place where even a simple sesame bagel with butter looks like a work of art. If you want something that bridges tradition and trend, Black Seed is one to add to your bagel crawl.