Social media has exploded in the last decade. It’s hard to remember a time when we weren’t consumed by our Facebook friends, Instagram likes, and re-Tweets. Instagram, in particular, has become one of the most important apps for self expression. Whether it’s through music, art, photography, or travel, Instagram is the place to show off. It’s also become a place to let the world see where you’ve been (who would believe you climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge if you didn’t take a picture of it?).
On The Go Tours sifted through all of the hashtags on Instagram and came up with a list of the top ten most Instagrammed places in the world. From Paris to San Francisco, the locations on this list should definitely be on your travel bucket list. The CN Tower in Toronto, Machu Picchu in Peru, and the Burj Al Arab in Dubai just missed the cut for the top ten. But, many notable landmarks made it. See how many you’ve visited in this visual tour.
10.) Coliseum, Rome
It’s no surprise that the extremely photogenic Roman amphitheater made the list. No trip to Rome is complete with a trip to the Flavian Amphitheater (as it is also called). Built in 70-80 AD, the structure is older than most known religions, including Christianity.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVz-UpcFs09/?tagged=coliseum
9.) Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
Sagrada Familia is a giant, looming Roman Catholic church in Barcelona, Spain. On top of being breathtaking, this massive building has been in construction since the 1800s and isn’t even expected to be completed until 2026. That will be exactly one-hundred years after the death of its architect, Antoni Gaudi.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BV0C1V4AhRi/?tagged=sagradafamilia
https://www.instagram.com/p/BV0B1yzh97j/?tagged=sagradafamilia
8.) Statue of Liberty, New York City
https://www.instagram.com/p/BV0DR0rg7La/?tagged=statueofliberty
Pretty much everyone who visits New York City stops in to check out ‘Lady Liberty’ while they’re there. It would be pretty difficult to miss her, since the green beauty is 305 feet tall. That like having 45 Shaquille O’Neals stacked on top of each other.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BV0BKOiBFs4/?tagged=statueofliberty
7.) Tower Bridge, London
Often confused with the London Bridge, London’s Tower Bridge was built in the late 1800s as a way to travel over the Thames from the South bank to the North. It’s known for its two towers and the walkways that connect them. Sadly, due to pickpockets and other crime, the upper walkways were closed to the public in the early 1900s.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVxXY5sBAw1/?tagged=towerbridge
6.) Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
One of the most iconic bridges in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge is arguably the most photographed bridge in the world. Opened in 1937, this bright red beacon greets visitors to the Bay Area while helping them traverse the Golden Gate Strait.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BV0BHyUAPxT/?tagged=goldengatebridge
5.) Empire State Building, New York City
No, King Kong didn’t really climb this building. But, if he wasn’t a fictional ape, he probably would have. The 102 floor building has loomed over New York City since 1931 and has continued to be one of the most photographed buildings in the world ever since.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BV0Ca8UFW3Q/?tagged=empirestatebuilding
https://www.instagram.com/p/BV0AwoJluJZ/?tagged=empirestatebuilding
4.) London Eye, London
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVzZci-l0e5/?tagged=londoneye
The London Eye is easily the newest landmark on this list. At 443 foot, it’s the tallest Ferris wheel in all of Europe. People from all over the world flock the South Bank of the river Thames to take pictures of it (as well as ride it for some amazing views of the city).
3.) Grand Canyon, Arizona
The only non-man made landmark on this list, the Grand Canyon is the kind of place that can’t really be experienced through pictures. But, that doesn’t stop this giant canyon from being the most Instagrammed natural landmark in the world.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BV0E39sBWuk/?tagged=grandcanyon
https://www.instagram.com/p/BV0EfLhhjBK/?tagged=grandcanyon
2.) Big Ben, London
https://www.instagram.com/p/BV0FmiQHveS/?tagged=bigben
Big Ben is the name of the clock located in the clock tower of the Palace of Westminster in London. Many people believe the clock tower itself is called Big Ben, but technical the tower is called Elizabeth Tower. None of these facts stop people from all over the world from taking countless pictures of the ornately designed building.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BV0EJHujAVb/?tagged=bigben
1.) Eiffel Tower, Paris
https://www.instagram.com/p/BV0F2U8nX2b/?tagged=eiffeltower
If you were to ask random people throughout the world what landmark was the most photographed, the Eiffel Tower would likely win. This wrought iron lattice tower was designed to be the entrance to the 1889 World’s Fair. It’s still there and it still mesmerizes travelers who visit the French capital every day.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BV0E_Vng-Qq/?tagged=eiffeltower
