Reading · Get Lost with Lonely Planet

*The Coney Island Boardwalk. Zayira Ray for Lonely Planet*

In the spring, when it was cold and grey, the Lonely Planet photo team looked ahead to the incredible summer New York had in store – a fresh perspective in the city, the World Cup, and man, we didn’t even KNOW about Knicks in 5 and the ticker tape parade yet. We just knew that those first, magical, early summer days in the city – when everyone’s in a tank top, and your shirt is sticking to your skin and music is blaring – are unmatched and make slogging through days-old snow worth it in the end (see? You don’t even remember that now).

We worked with five local photographers, with the assignment to hit the city the minute the weather turned warm to bottle that feeling in photos. DeSean McClinton Holland, Chioma Nwana, Christian Rodriguez, Nadine Zhan and Zayira Ray criss-crossed the boroughs on an open-ended assignment. Pick the days where the city is pouring out into the streets and that feeling is undeniable – then photograph it.

As photo director at LP, one of the most fun parts of my job is working with photographers based around the world. It was fun to think closer to home for this project, and look at photographers local to New York. I love working with DeSean and Christian Rodriguez, and have been so impressed by the recent portfolios of Nadine and Zayira, whom I met through a photo workshop and a book photoshoot. Chioma had been on my list forever to work with since she was a student, and this seemed like a great opportunity. We asked each of them to describe a little bit about the experience of photographing New York, Summer 2026.

*From left: graffiti on a tour of work by the Bushwick Collective; and a pizza at OPS. DeSean McClinton Holland for Lonely Planet (2).*

Instagram: @dsmch

“The amount of detail and care the artisans of Bushwick put into their work is astounding. Slowing down to focus on the details really made it obvious how much they care for their craft. Truly an inspiring place to visit.

Dinner at

OPS was memorable. Amazing pizza and cocktails served by a friendly staff in a cozy environment, a slice of heaven.”

Clockwise from top: Cheersing outside Land to Sea Café in East Willamsburg; perusing the stacks at Books Are Magic in Cobble Hill/Carroll Gardens, and the Greenwood Cemetery. Nadine Zhan for Lonely Planet (3)

Instagram: @nadinezhan

“My most memorable moment was in Books Are Magic in Carroll Gardens when I was talking to the people working in the store. Most of the girls grew up going to that bookstore and are now working there as they come home from college. That was beautiful to me, some real symbiosis. They also helped me pick out some new reads, so I left inspired.

New York City has a lot of incredible places for a casual walk or a chill day. Sunset Park is small but absolutely mighty; its iconic hill allows you to see across the water into New Jersey, coupled with the Manhattan skyline. As the name suggests, it’s got a breathtaking view when the sun sets. Not too far up 5th avenue is Green-Wood Cemetery, where some New York legends lay rest – Jean-Michel Basquiat and Pop Smoke.”

*Left, a group of friends picnicking in Central Park. Right, a snowcone and helado stand. Zayira Ray for Lonely Planet (2)*

Instagram: @zay.ira

“There is nothing quite like a NYC summer – the vibrant energy, the spirit of hope and joy, the curiosity to explore, play, thrive. Photographing the city felt like coming home. To meander, observe, and explore both old and new stomping grounds felt nostalgic and novel at the same time, with both curiosity and familiarity at every turn.”

*Left, Doyers Street at night in Chinatown. Right, dinner at Dim Sum Palace. Christian Rodriguez for Lonely Planet (2)*

Instagram: @ichristianrodriguez

“I’d send friends visiting next week to ride the Tram into Roosevelt Island. It’s a quirky feeling crossing the East River in this manner. The view from above and the historical island you land on is well worth the 3 bucks.

Chinatown at sunset, during blue hour, is one of New York City’s most beautiful walks!

One of the most memorable moments was the swift, swaggy energy of the staff at Dim Sum Palace. Their Louis V belts, shiny knives, and quick professional service.”

*Clockwise from left, the Bronx Zoo, fans at the Yankees Game, and the subway with a view of Yankee Stadium. Chioma Nwana for Lonely Planet (3)*

Instagram: @whereschichi

“I’d argue there’s no singular way to describe New York City, even within the context of the handful of areas I photographed. To me, that is the city’s energy and maybe even the coolest thing it has to offer; it comprises so many neighborhoods and communities with their own subcultures that all it takes is a few stops on a train to be in an entirely different world.

I photographed from the bottom of Manhattan all the way up to the Bronx and absolutely loved observing the changes, from people to languages to food to design to landmarks. I bounce around the city all the time and normally take this for granted, but as I worked on this assignment, which specifically asked me to take stock of what makes each part of the city so unique, it was impossible to ignore.

When folks visit the city, they go to Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and even Staten Island. But for some reason, they’ll overlook the Bronx. The borough has so much to offer, and one of my favorite things about it is the New York Botanical Garden. When you’re there, a sense of calm unlike any other washes over you. I’m a nature person, so it’s really special to spend time surrounded by lush gardens, massive trees, tall grass, glistening water, colorful flowers and rocks of all shapes and sizes. If you’re similar and are looking for some respite from the constant movement of the city or for a quiet moment to clear your head, consider stealing away to the New York Botanical Garden.”

See you next summer,
Pia Peterson
Photo Director at Lonely Planet

We sent 5 photographers to capture NYC in summer