These 17 Vintage Photos Capture the Grit and Glamour of 1960s NYC

Written by Rachel Schneider on May 30, 2025

A busy 1960s Times Square street scene with cars, taxis, and people walking. Billboards and shop signs are visible, including Hotel Astor and ads for appliances. An American flag hangs on a building.

There’s something magnetic about New York City in the 1960s — a mix of grit, style, and restless energy that defined the era and left its mark on every sidewalk and street corner. It was a time of sweeping change, yet everyday life marched on: Kids played in the streets, couples strolled arm in arm, and food vendors called out over the noise of passing traffic. These vintage photos depict the Big Apple during the swinging Sixties and all of its bustling glory.

1. Relaxing in the Park (1967)

A young woman in a pink dress sits on the grass holding flowers, while a man in dark clothing lounges next to her with eyes closed. Both appear relaxed in a park, with trees and a yellow tent in the background. — MyDogGoldi

2. Halloween in Harlem (1969)

Two children wearing masks and costumes, one in a dress and the other in a Mickey Mouse sweater with a skull mask, stand on a city street, holding hands and waving. The background shows buildings and a mostly empty sidewalk. — Str33twise84

3. Commuters in New York After Kennedy’s Assassination (1963)

Black and white photo of passengers on a train reading newspapers with bold headlines announcing President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. Most papers display phrases like "PRESIDENT SHOT DEAD" or Kennedy’s image. — GaGator43

4. The Lower East Side (1967)

A busy city street scene from the past with crowds walking by stores. Large signs advertise underwear, woolens, and menswear above storefronts packed with goods. The overall feel is lively and bustling. — pubwithnobeer

5. Escaping the Hustle and Bustle (1963)

An older man in a suit, hat, and trench coat stands on a city sidewalk, looking left. Across the street, four people, dressed formally and casually, talk and lean against a building. — sussoutthemoon

6. Best Buddies (1966)

Two young boys, one Black and one white, smile and walk arm-in-arm on a city sidewalk near parked cars and apartment buildings, evoking friendship and joy in an urban setting. — sussoutthemoon

7. Hot Dogs, Get Your Hot Dogs! (1963)

A man in a white apron stands in front of a street food stall decorated with colorful pennant flags, with boxes of Pepsi stacked nearby. Two people sit behind him. City buildings and a street are visible in the background. — sussoutthemoon

8. A Young Kareem Abdul Jabarr (1963)

A tall basketball player in a vintage uniform with the number 33 stands on an outdoor court, holding a basketball, with city buildings blurred in the background. — holyfruits

9. Fashion in New York (1969)

A woman in a light pink blouse, black vest dress, and white heels stands and smiles at a man wearing a leopard print suit and matching hat on a city sidewalk. Both appear to be having a friendly conversation. — Copperlaces20

10. Queensbridge Park in the 1960s

A man in a red shirt and hat poses with a bicycle on a grassy field, with the large metal structure of a bridge and a city skyline visible in the misty background. — earthmoonsun

11. Skateboarding in the City (1965)

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12. New York Zoo’s Thought-Provoking Exhibit (1963)

A man stands in front of a glass display labeled “The Most Dangerous Animal in the World,” which reflects his own image, suggesting that humans are the dangerous animal mentioned. — woodeenho

13. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s First Time Seeing NYC (1968)

A man wearing a sweater and collared shirt looks upward and smiles while holding a vintage camera in both hands. The photo is black and white and set outdoors in an urban environment. — KapitanKurt

14. Strolling the Sidewalk (1969)

Three boys play on a city sidewalk. Two boys, arm in arm and smiling, walk in the foreground while a third boy examines a decorated bike with small American flags in the background. Cars and buildings line the street. — UserDeleted

15. Mafia Men Dining at a Restaurant (1966)

Seven men in suits sit around a dinner table, eating, drinking, and talking. The table is set with plates, glasses, bottles, and food. The atmosphere appears formal and lively, suggesting a business or social gathering. — Remarkable_Put_7952

16. Natalie Wood in NYC During the 1960s

A woman in a sleeveless black dress stands on a balcony overlooking a busy city street lined with buildings; skyscrapers and traffic stretch into the distance under a cloudy sky. The scene appears to be from a past era. — Reporter_at_large

17. First Date on 7th Avenue (Circa 1963-1964)

A young woman in a checkered dress and a young man in a suit stand talking outside a diner with large windows and vintage menu signs, while other people walk by on the sidewalk. — AxlCobainVedder

Want more ’60s content?

Make sure to read These 37 Vintage Photos Will Send You Straight Back to the 1960s and 15 Classic 1960s Cars That Are Still Incredibly Cool. You might also like 24 Photos That Capture the True Spirit of 1965.