The world's most photographed places

Capturing photos and videos of the places you visit is one of the best ways to preserve your favourite travel memories. You might have photos of you and a loved one standing beneath iconic landmarks, close-up shots of intricate details on centuries-old architecture, selfies that show you wandering through vibrant neighbourhoods, or collections of spectacular skylines. From romantic city breaks to once-in-a-lifetime adventures, there are countless opportunities to fill your camera roll when you’re travelling. Here, we explore some of the world's most photographed cities in the world and the famous landmarks visitors love to capture. 

Each year, millions of people from around the world flock to Paris, many drawn by the famous landmarks that define the French capital. From couples posing beneath the soaring Eiffel Tower and friends snapping selfies as they stroll along the tree-lined Champs-Élysées towards the Arc de Triomphe, to visitors capturing the Louvre Museum’s striking glass pyramid framed by its grand historic buildings, these are some of the city’s most photographed locations. Known as the City of Love, Paris is also one of the world’s most popular places to propose. From surprise engagements beneath the Eiffel Tower to romantic moments along the banks of the River Seine, some couples choose to have milestones captured against the city’s unforgettable backdrop. Many also recreate the popular perspective shots that make it look as though they’re touching the tip of the pyramid or holding the Eiffel Tower in the palm of their hand. Beyond these world-famous sights, the Gothic architecture of Notre-Dame Cathedral and the hilltop setting of the majestic Sacré-Cœur Basilica provide even more reasons to keep your camera close by. 

Consistently ranking as one of the most visited cities in the world, it’s no surprise that London is one of the most photographed cities. Thanks to its fascinating mix of history, culture and architecture, England’s capital offers plenty to capture, from the world-renowned Buckingham Palace and the striking St Paul’s Cathedral to the Houses of Parliament. Tourists wander cobbled streets lined with centuries-old buildings with their cameras and smartphones at the ready before turning their lenses towards modern skyscrapers such as The Gherkin, The Cheesegrater and The Walkie Talkie, then venturing up The Shard, the tallest building in the UK, to capture sweeping views across the capital from its Observation Deck. Beyond the city’s famous landmarks, neighbourhoods such as Notting Hill, known for its colourful houses and annual Carnival, Soho, with its vibrant nightlife, and Covent Garden, renowned for its shops, street performers and theatres, all provide plenty of photographic opportunities. Bustling locations including Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus are just as popular, while markets such as Camden, Borough and Portobello add even more character to travel albums. Of course, no visit to London would be complete without a photograph of one of its iconic red telephone boxes, classic black cabs or iconic double-decker buses, all instantly recognisable symbols of the capital.

Famous for its glittering Manhattan skyline, the towering Statue of Liberty, and the vast green spaces of Central Park, New York City is filled with sights that have found their way into millions of photographs. The Brooklyn Bridge is a favourite among photographers, particularly at sunrise and sunset when warm golden light illuminates the skyline beyond. Others make their way to the bright lights of Times Square, where digital billboards and the constant flow of yellow taxis create one of the city’s most recognisable backdrops. For sweeping views across the skyscrapers, observation decks at the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock and Edge provide unforgettable panoramas, while neighbourhoods such as Greenwich Village and DUMBO reveal a quieter side of the city through tree-lined streets, historic brownstones and picture-perfect views. 

Boasting innovative architecture, year-round sunshine and golden desert landscapes, Dubai is a city of striking contrasts that continues to attract first-time visitors and inspire many to return. Dominating the skyline, the Burj Khalifa is an unmissable sight, with visitors eagerly capturing a shot of the world’s tallest building before making their way to observation decks for spectacular panoramic views across the city. The sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, the palm-tree design of Palm Jumeirah and the gleaming waterfront of Dubai Marina are equally iconic, particularly at sunset when the city’s skyscrapers are reflected across the water. Beyond these famous spots, Dubai’s luxurious hotels, impressive superyachts and dazzling skyline after dark create even more opportunities for unforgettable photos. 

Steeped in more than 2,000 years of history, Rome is a city where remarkable architecture and ancient sites appear around almost every corner. Visitors often enjoy pausing to admire the mighty Colosseum before making their way through the city’s charming streets to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and capture its intricate Baroque sculptures. Wandering between the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps and the lively Piazza Navona is also a popular pastime. Here, elegant fountains, bustling cafés and talented street artists create memorable scenes that many simply cannot resist catching on camera. Across the River Tiber, Vatican City draws photographs eager to capture the grandeur of St Peter’s Square before climbing to the top of St Peter’s Basilica for views across the Eternal City. 

Blending historic traditions with cutting-edge technology, Tokyo offers an endless variety of photographic opportunities. Crowds gather at Shibuya Crossing to capture one of the world’s busiest pedestrian crossings before turning their attention to the illuminated streets surrounding the Shinjuku Kabukicho Gate after dark. The striking red-and-white Tokyo Tower and the soaring Tokyo Skytree provide spectacular viewpoints across the sprawling city, while the peaceful surroundings of Sensō-ji Temple and Meiji Shrine offer a quieter contrast. 

Set around one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbours, Sydney is a city where iconic landmarks and stunning coastal scenery go hand in hand. Visitors often gather along Circular Quay to capture the instantly recognisable sails of the Sydney Opera House framed by the impressive Sydney Harbour Bridge, while many opt for a guided climb of the bridge itself for unforgettable panoramic views. Beyond the harbour, Bondi Beach attracts surfers, swimmers and photographers hoping to capture its golden sands and rolling waves, while the Royal Botanic Garden offers peaceful walking paths and picture-perfect views back towards the city’s famous skyline. 

Home to one of the world's most celebrated landmarks, Agra attracts visitors from across the globe eager to see the magnificent Taj Mahal in person. Many arrive early in the morning to watch the white marble mausoleum glow in the soft light of sunrise before photographing its famous reflection in the surrounding pools. Beyond the Taj Mahal, the imposing Agra Fort, the beautifully detailed Itmad-ud-Daula and the impressive Tomb of Akbar showcase the city's rich Mughal heritage through ornate carvings, grand gateways and elegant gardens. Together, they provide countless opportunities to capture some of India's most remarkable architecture.

Bursting with colour, history and atmosphere, Marrakech is a city that delights photographers at every turn. Visitors stroll through the vibrant Medina souks, capturing displays of handcrafted lanterns, colourful spices, woven rugs and traditional ceramics before emerging into the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa, where musicians, storytellers and street performers create an ever-changing spectacle. Elsewhere, the striking blue tones of Jardin Majorelle, the elegant courtyards of Bahia Palace and the intricate architecture of Ben Youssef Madrasa provide beautiful backdrops, while the towering Koutoubia Mosque remains one of the city's most recognisable landmarks. 

Combining remarkable architecture with Mediterranean charm, Barcelona is one of Europe's most visually distinctive cities. Visitors marvel at Antoni Gaudí's extraordinary Sagrada Família before exploring the colourful mosaics, winding pathways and panoramic viewpoints of Park Güell. The Gothic architecture of Barcelona Cathedral provides a striking contrast to the city's more modern landmarks, while Parc de la Ciutadella offers peaceful lakes, elegant fountains and leafy walkways popular with both locals and tourists. From intricate architectural details to lively plazas and palm-lined streets, Barcelona offers countless opportunities to capture the city's unmistakable character on camera.