NYC’s Most Iconic Signs

Photos by Matthew Penrod 10/26/2018Updated 4/12/2020

New York City is inextricably associated with its illuminated signage in the imaginations of people all around the world, with a huge assist from popular song: “They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway” (The Drifters); “Linger on the sidewalk where the neon signs are pretty” (Petula Clark); “Big lights will inspire you” (Jay-Z and Alicia Keys). The signs in this gallery help define some of the five boroughs’ most exciting neighborhoods and point you to places that should be a part of any New York trip. Check them out, then sign off and see them in person.

Nathans, coney island, Brooklyn, NYC, Matthew Penrod

Juniors-Downtown-Brooklyn-NYC-Photo-Matthew-Penrod

42-St-Subway-Times-Square-Manhattan-NYC-photo-Matthew-Penrod

Lemon-Ice-King-of-Corona-Queens-NYC-Photo-Matthew-Penrod

a large building with a sign that says state island ferry.

russ and daughters, nyc, Lower East Side, LES, Manhattan, Matthew Penrod, signage

New-Yorker-Hotel-Midtown-Manhattan-NYC-photo-Matthew-Penrod

Pepsi-Cola-Long-Island-City-Queens-NYC-photo-Matthew-Penrod

Katz-Deli-Lower-East-Side-Manhattan-NYC-Matthew-Penrod

Apollo-Harlem-Manhattan-NYC-photo-Matthew-Penrod

Wonder-Wheel-coney-island-brooklyn-nyc-Matthew-Penrod

Little-Italy-Manhattan-NYC-Matthew-Penrod

Times-Square-Midtown-Manhattan-NYC-photo-Matthew-Penrod

CO-Bigelow-West-Village-Manhattan-nyc-photo-Willie-Davis

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