The 12 Most Instagrammable Places On Earth

Stunning Pictures of the Most Instagram-Worthy Places On Earth

We believe in the therapeutic benefits of travel. Everything from satisfying your own wanderlust and curiosity about the world, experiencing a different culture, getting out of your comfort zone, seeing incredible places and eating foods you’ve never heard of. Yes, travel certainly enriches the mind and the soul. That plus a healthy dose of rays are usually what prompts most of us to ‘get away from it all.’

However, in recent years Instagram has taken the world by storm, and with it created another desire to travel, if only for the ‘gram. Yes, in a recent survey a whopping 40 percent of people under age 33 admit that they prioritise “Instagramability” when choosing their next vacation spot, and 40 percent of millennial international travellers saying they wish they could be more like the person they portray on social media, compared to only 22 percent of Gen Xer’s and 14 percent of Baby Boomers.

The obvious instagrammable destinations are perhaps New York, London or Paris, so we picked a list a little more varied for you. From dramatic glacier to sunny seaside town, here is our rundown of the most Instagram-worthy places on the planet, for any Instagrammer or avid photographer amongst you….

Positano, Italy

Positano, Italy

A trip to the Amalfi Coast feels like stepping into a movie with that magical mix of old Hollywood glamour and modern day Italian style. The sun shines in a bright blue sky over craggy peaks with cascades of vertiginous houses tumbling down to the sea in frothy shades of sunbleached pinks, peaches and pistachio. Plump lemons hang in verdant trees over winding coastal roads, flanked by grand wisteria draped hotels, designer boutiques and chic terraced restaurants full of Italy’s jet set.

Positano is absolutely stunning and ridiculously romantic, though it’s good to bear in mind that like Venise, it’s a tourist spot which gets really crowded in the summer so you might want to avoid high season and wake up early for a good picture. Anyway once you’re here, the view is totally worth it.

The best places to take stunning photos are: The Marina, Franco’s Bar from where you can admire a perfect postcard view of Positano from above, Hotel Poseidon outdoor’s garden, the main beach named Positano Spiaggia, Fornillo beach and the small alleys down to the Positano Smaller Beach where you’ll find plenty of beautiful photo spots. These are our favourite spots but really, anywhere in Positano looks straight out of a postcard and you’ll find plenty of great instagrammable spots.

Arches National Park, Moab

Arches National Park, Moab

One of the main reasons people travel to Moab is to visit one of the most beautiful park in the United States – Arches National Park. Setting foot on the stunning red rock landscape of the Arches National Park makes you feel like you’ve just stepped onto Mars, or maybe a Clint Eastwood movie?

This unique landscape has become a haven for adrenaline junkies who travel from all over for the excellent hiking, biking and exploring, and of course for Instagram posts! You’ll find here hundreds of great photos to take, and they’ll look spectacular at sunset or sunrise.

The Delicate Arch, is arguably one of the best photo spots in Moab. The hike to get here isn’t easy and well exposed so make sure to protect yourself from the sun and bring a lot of water. Also, it’s best to hike early or late, as tourists flock here and crowds make capturing a beautiful photo of the landscape difficult. But hey, if you wait until the evening, the sky will turn pink and your photo will be even more stunning.

Whilst in Moab, you should also check the spectacular Utah state road for a scenic view, Moab downtown, best photographed at sunrise and fascinating Hunter Canyon.

Vinicunca Mountain, Peru

Vinicunca Mountain, Peru

Instagrammers the world over are going somewhere over the rainbow… Rainbow Mountain to be precise. This 16,000-foot multicoloured majestic marvel may be a long hard climb but you’ll be rewarded at the top.

Vinicunca Mountain also called Monta’a de Siete Colores, Monta’a de Colores or Rainbow Mountain, is located in the Andes of Peru with an altitude of 5,200 meters above sea level. Its colours are formed by the striations of mineral deposits within the sandstone rock, previously hidden under a thick layer of ice. You need to be seriously prepared to hike Vinicunca mountain, as this level of altitude is certainly not like anything you’re used to and you can lack of oxygen at the top, which is the reason you’re only allowed to stay at the summit for 10-20 minutes.

It’s recommended to hike with a guide and spend a few days in Cusco (4 hours drive away and known as the ‘gateway to Machu Picchu’ – another ideal place for the ‘gram) first to acclimatise to the altitude. Vinicunca Mountain is the second most visited attraction in the Peru after Machu Picchu so you’ll have to go to photos spots at the right time if you don’t want a large group of tourists in your shot.

Taj Mahal, India

Taj Mahal, India

The Taj Mahal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for being “the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage”. Its romantic story and stunning design has made it an iconic spot for Instragrammers across the world.

If you’re not familiar with the story, here is some context as it makes the place even more romantic. The beloved emperor’s wife Mumtaz Mahal, died giving birth and the emperor, Shah Jahan, promised her that he would never remarry and will build the richest mausoleum over her grave. He undertook the task of erecting the world’s most beautiful monument in the memory of his wife which took 22 years and the labor of 22,000 workers. When Shah Jahan died in 1666, his body was placed in a tomb next to his wife.

For one of the most scenic journeys in the world, begin your trip in Jaipur in Rajasthan, home of ornate colonnaded rose pink palaces rising out of the sands surrounded by princely garden courtyards and dancing fountains, then make your way through verdant jungle, home to Rajasthan’s famous tigers and then finish in Agra to witness the architectural marvel that is the Taj Mahal.

Gamla Stan, Stockholm

Gamla Stan, Stockholm

Gamla Stan, or Stockholm Old Town, is one of the largest and best preserved medieval city centers in Europe, and one of the main attraction in the city. Visiting Gamla Stan is like stepping into a medieval fairytale.

Explore the highly-photogenic narrow, winding cobblestone streets, relax – whilst posting your story on Instagram – in one of many local cafes for an afternoon coffee and pastry; and snap pics of the storybook coloured buildings that look to be straight out of a Disney film. There are also several beautiful churches and museums in Gamla Stan, where you can certainly shot a few good photos. Don’t miss Stockholm Cathedral, the Nobel Prize Museum and the gigantic Royal Palace, one of the largest palaces in the world with over 600 rooms.

Our Instagram tips: the view from Monteliusv’gen is one of the best photo spots in Stockholm and one of the most iconic view of the city. You can also go to Katarina Hissen and take the elevator up to the top floor, to the bar of Eriks Gondolen, where you can walk out on the platform to get great shots of Stockholm.

The Bund, Shanghai

The Bund, Shanghai

The Bund or Waitan is a waterfront area and a protected historical district in central Shanghai. For over a century, the Bund has been one of the most recognisable symbols of Shanghai. The impressive architecture along the Bund melds the colonial history of the 1800s with modern day futuristic skyscrapers.

The Bund comprises dozens of historical buildings, lining the Huangpu River, that once housed numerous banks and trading houses from countries all over the world. This makes its architecture unique and totally outstanding, featuring styles from Neoclassical to Beaux-Arts, Gothic and Baroque. This is a highly instagrammable spot you need in your ‘Instagram bucket list’.

For great photos, take a walk around the Bund where you’ll be able to admire the impressive buildings. After a walk along the Bund, take a Huangpu River cruise from where you’ll see the historical architecture on the Bund, as well as the modern skyscrapers opposite the Huangpu River, showing the stunning contrast between modern and classic architecture. The river is honestly a great place to take amazing photos. Ideal other locations for panoramic views of the Bund are Pudong Binjiang Avenue and some of the skyscrapers in Pudong: Shanghai World Financial Center, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai Tower.

Spencer Glacier, Alaska

Spencer Glacier, Alaska

The inspiring Spencer Glacier rises 3,500 feet in a stunning, natural ramp from a lake of royal-blue icebergs, that just so happen to be very Insta-worthy. This ice age setting is wild, rugged and primeval with towering peaks, magnificent waterfalls and long winding rivers.

The stunning glacier is surrounded by unspoiled nature, and a gorgeous lake where you can kayak and admire icebergs, so it’s no wonder this has become one of the most Instagrammed locations on Earth. Though, bear in mind glaciers can be a dangerous place, they calve, shift and collapse, so if you’re not an experienced hiker, make sure to book the trip with an experienced guide who will be able to show you awe melt-water caves and mysterious crevasses.

To get here, you can take the train from Anchorage and take a day trip to the Spencer glacier but if you don’t want the adventure to stop here, some guided tours feature the night on the glacier in a well-appointed camp complete with an Alaskan salmon dinner and mountaineering tents. In the morning, you can take a helicopter ride and admire the dramatic and cold landscape below.

Also Read: 20 Magical Winter Destinations That You Need To See

Giethoorn, Netherlands

Giethoorn, Netherlands

‘Where we are going there are no roads!’ Welcome to Giethoorn, the ‘Venice of Holland’ where there are no roads, only waterways, conjuring up a vision of days gone by this peaceful haven has become one of the most photographed places in the Netherlands.

If you like taking photos or just want a stunning Instagram post, Giethoorn is one of the most beautiful town in the Netherland and absolutely worth a visit. The picturesque village looks perfect and is best viewed from the water, so your trip must include a boat tour. 55 miles of idyllic waterways make up this region; book a relaxing canal cruise, or rent your own boat, to take in the fairytale beauty of the place, including chocolate box cottages, bucolic farmland, restaurants with terraces up to the water, ducks and swans.

One day in Giethoorn is enough, so it might be a good idea to combine with a trip to Amsterdam as the village is located 121 kilometres away from there. There are a few ways to reach Giethoorn from Amsterdam, but it’s best to take the train, which will take around 90 minutes for a one-way journey.

Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar

Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar

Avid photographers and travelers alike flock to the dirt road linking Morondava and Belo Tsiribihina in Madagascar which is framed by dozens of rare and ancient baobab trees, some more than 800 years old with trunks that are more than 150 feet, together they stand seemingly in their infinite wisdom watching over the passers by below.

So iconic have these time worn trees become that the avenue they form may become the country’s first official natural monument. What’s so special about these trees? The baobab tree is known as the tree of life, with good reason. It can provide shelter, clothing, food, and water for the animals and humans of the African savannah regions.

The beauty of the baobabs change dramatically with the seasons and most people travel to Madagascar during the dry season (April to October), to avoid the rains. That’s why most of the shots feature the trees with minimal foliage.

The magical avenue of the baobabs in Madagascar can be found 40 minutes Northeast of Morondova. You can easily find a taxi in Morondova for a ’15 journey. Alternatively you can rent a car if you plan to drive around the island.

Lake Macdonnell, Australia

Lake Macdonnell, Australia

Australia is full of Salt Lakes and especially spectacular bubble gum pink lakes. But the most extraordinary of all is perhaps Lake MacDonnell. Lake MacDonnell is also called the pink & blue lake or the Watermelon Avenue Cactus Beach Australia. The lake is located near the town of Penong, about 860 kilometres from Adelaide so you’ll have to travel a fair bit to take an astonishing picture. The best travel route is via plane from Adelaide airport to Ceduna and then a short 45 minute drive.

Lake MacDonnell has recently become one of the top tourist spots in South Australia. If the lake is pink, it’s because of its high salinity levels, combined with the presence of salt-loving algae and pink bacteria known as halobacteria. This combo turns the salt bright pink.

Want your own picture? Spring is a good time to visit Australia as it won’t be too hot. Also, the time of the year you’ll visit matters as if, there isn’t much water in the lake, you will not be able to enjoy a bright pink lagoon. However the landscape here is amazing and the lake shows absolutely stunning shades all year so it’s really worth a visit anytime.

Maldives

Maldives

Let’s face it, you could go anywhere in the Maldives and not be stumped to find Instagram worthy photo opportunities at every turn, but Rangali Island takes it one step beyond. We kid you not there is a dedicated Instagram butler who will make it his mission to take you to the best locations for your photos and teach you how to capture the perfect shot at exactly the right time. We predict Instagram butlers may take the world by storm….now imagine being able to have one with you wherever you travel?

But really Maldives are a photographer haven. The pristine white-sand beaches fringed by palm trees, turquoise-clear water and most luxurious resorts in the world make this destination the most instagrammable destination on earth.

The best resort to photograph is perhaps Soneva Jani, with its over-water villas featuring a slide leading right into the sea, and its stunning giant outdoor cinema where you can take a selfie sipping a delicious cocktail. Anantara is also a great spot as you can take photo in the resort’s majestuous underwater restaurant ‘SEA’. You can also get married at Anantara’s wedding chapel for a highly instagrammable wedding!

Also Read: Our Travel Guide to the Maldives

Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia, a seemingly otherworldly landscape of honeycombed hills and towering turrets carved by the elements and fantastical grotto homes carved into the soft stone. This fairytale beauty is only added to by the apparent abundance of hot air balloons and magical golden sunsets. An Instagrammer’s dream.

You can easily spend a week in Cappadocia, exploring and hiking the various valleys. The most stunning one is perhaps the Red Valley. For a great shot, go to the sunset view point (at sunset). You will not be disappointed. The Sharp sandstone colour will turn to a vibrant red as the sun goes down. A magical moment you will never forget. Another memorable thing to do is an-hour air balloon ride, so you can have a high view of the majestuous valley, and we guarantee you’ll have a stunning photo to share on Instagram.

The Red Valley is one of the most instagrammable spots in Cappadoccia and what we see all over the internet. However, there is more to this magical destinations and other great places for photos. Make sure to visit Uchisar Castle, another excellent viewpoint, and spend the sunrise at Lover’s Hill, where you can take a very good shot of the air balloons along with an epic view of the region.

Also Read: 20 Best City Breaks in the World