With the rise of social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, travel destinations have seen exponential growth over the past years due to the increased exposure on those platforms.
In fact, according to a podcast by Facebook, 70% of travel enthusiasts share their travel plans on Instagram, while 67% of them use Instagram to find inspiration for where to go next.
Considering Instagram has over 2 billion monthly active users, you can imagine the exposure a travel destination can get!
This is why we set out to find the most Instagrammable landmarks in Europe, to discover the continent’s most popular places on the platform, similarly to the study on the most TikTok-friendly places in London that we did recently.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
Note: All data is valid as of May 2024
Landmark #1: Eiffel Tower, Paris
Unsurprisingly, the Eiffel Tower is Europe’s most popular landmark on Instagram, with over 8.7 million posts!
Standing 324 meters tall, it offers panoramic views of Paris from its observation decks. Its unique design and the romantic ambiance of Paris make it a favorite backdrop for Instagram photos, especially when lit up at night.
The tower’s distinctive silhouette and the surrounding Champ de Mars park provide numerous angles for stunning shots, making it a must-visit for photographers and tourists alike.
After all, Paris is the most visited city in the world with over 44 million annual tourists, so it’s no wonder why the Eiffel Tower is so popular on social media channels like Instagram!
Landmark #2: Santorini, Greece
If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram or Facebook, then you’ve definitely come across the white-washed picturesque houses with the blue domes.
Although not a landmark per se, we’re obviously talking about the island of Santorini in Greece, with its renowned sunsets and breathtaking views.
The unique architecture, vibrant colors, and crystal-clear waters create perfect photo opportunities. Instagrammers flock to capture the beauty of the sunsets, the iconic blue-domed churches, and the narrow, winding streets lined with bougainvillea.
To give you an idea of how popular it is, it has 15.000 permanent residents and over 2 million annual visitors!
Hence why it’s the 2nd most Instagrammable place in Europe, with about 8 million posts on the platform.
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Landmark #3: Big Ben, London
Next up on our list we have the famous Big Ben, in the heart of London.
Situated at the north end of the Palace of Westminster, the clock tower is one of London’s most recognizable landmarks, standing at 96 meters tall.
The tower’s intricate details, combined with the historical significance of the surrounding area, provide countless opportunities for striking photographs.
Instagram users love capturing the tower alongside the Houses of Parliament and the River Thames, hence its virality on Instagram with over 3.5 million posts of it!
Landmark #4: Sagrada Família, Barcelona
The Sagrada Família, a basilica in Barcelona designed by Antoni Gaudí, is a masterpiece of modernist architecture.
Its unique combination of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles makes it visually stunning.
The Sagrada Família’s blend of artistic brilliance and spiritual ambiance makes it a favorite subject for photography, which is why Instagram users are captivated by its towering spires, detailed facades, and the colorful interior illuminated by stained glass windows.
It’s no surprise that there are almost 3 million posts about the landmark on the platform of Instagram alone!
Landmark #5: Versailles, France
The Palace of Versailles, located just outside of Paris, is one of the most opulent and historically significant royal residences in Europe.
Versailles is renowned for its classical French architecture, extravagant interiors, and beautifully landscaped gardens, making it a hotspot for Instagrammers to capture breathtaking photos of the palace and its gardens.
To be precise, there are currently more than 2.6 million Instagram posts about the landmark, with many more pieces of content about it on other platforms like TikTok and Facebook.
Landmark #6: Colosseum, Rome
The Colosseum’s grand arches and the elliptical structure make it an architectural marvel and Rome’s most significant landmark.
The contrast between the ancient ruins and the bustling city of Rome offers unique photographic opportunities for Instagrammers, as they capture the essence of Rome’s rich history and culture.
The landmark has more than 2 million Instagram posts about it, showcasing its beauty and contributing to the millions of tourists that visit it annually!
Landmark #7: The Acropolis, Athens
The Acropolis of Athens needs no special introduction.
Dating back to the 5th century BC, it’s a symbol of ancient Greek civilization and its contributions to the world’s art and philosophy.
Instagram users love capturing the grandeur of the Parthenon, the views from the hill, and the intricate details of the other temples. The historical significance and the breathtaking panoramic views of Athens make it an essential Instagram spot for visitors to the city!
To be precise, there are more than 1.6 million Instagram posts about the famous landmark, so it couldn’t be missing from our list!
Landmark #8: Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock, dominates the skyline of Edinburgh, Scotland.
The castle offers panoramic views of the city and is home to the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.
Instagrammers are drawn to its imposing structure, the picturesque setting, and the historic charm.
Actually, photos of the castle illuminated at night or shrouded in mist are particularly popular.
With approximately 950,000 Instagram posts, Edinburgh Castle is a favorite subject for those capturing the essence of Scotland’s capital!
In a Nutshell
Europe has a plethora of beautiful and historic landmarks that mark them as “Instagrammable”, so our list only includes some of the most popular ones.
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