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Sharing the beauty around us is every photographer’s dream — the idea of capturing a location’s natural surroundings, historical architecture, and culture all within a single image can be immensely satisfying.
With such a selection of gorgeous countries and landmarks worth seeing, you may want to know which spots are the most photographed places in the world in 2024.
In this article, we’ll cover a wide range of popular and obscure places that have made magazine covers and even news headlines for their beauty.
(You’ll also enjoy our article on who is the most photographed person in the world.)
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Most Photographed Places in the World
Central Park
Michald Ziekonski
Boasting an expansive 843 acres of lush outdoor space, it’s no wonder the Big Apple’s own Central Park tops many wish lists for photographers.
Originally created in the middle of the 1800s to accommodate the rising recreational interests of New York City’s rapidly growing population, Central Park was intended to bring a rustic, outdoorsy element to the city’s hustle and bustle.
In fact, it was actually one of the first public parks in history to be designed with the techniques of landscape architecture.
Today, ambitious photographers and out-of-town visitors can appreciate and get the perfect picture of gorgeous natural scenery from the bench, horse and carriage or while strolling along any of the walking paths.
And there’s no shortage of interesting features to photograph — whether you want to highlight any of the 50 sculptures, the cityscape, the passers-by, or what many refer to as the pulse of the park: the Bethesda Terrace.
The Eiffel Tower
Denys Nevozhai
Featuring meticulously crafted latticing and a durable wrought-iron design, it’s not surprising how well the Eiffel Tower has stood the test of time. Miraculously completed in just over two years, this French landmark was designed with aesthetic appeal and wind resistance in mind.
Today, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most popular attractions for general tourism and photography.
Its truly stunning appearance is maintained by a fresh coat of paint every seven years to prevent rust, allowing you to capture its beauty from behind the lens for years to come.
Photographers and visitors can explore various levels of the Eiffel Tower, including the Esplanade, first floor, second floor and top floor. On each floor, you can appreciate the overall beauty of the Eiffel Tower from almost any angle while also capturing other guests doing the same.
You’ll also be able to grab breathtaking shots of nearby landmarks such as the Louvre, Notre Dame and Montmartre, or savor an impeccable meal from a Michelin-star restaurant or do some shopping.
- Related: How do I find places to take pictures near me?
Buckingham Palace
Ferdinand Sthr
Full of history that dates back to the 1760s, Buckingham Palace’s rich historical and architectural appeal has led to it becoming one of the most photographed places on earth.
Here, visitors can take great pride in experiencing a closer look at the King’s residence and the place that’s home to various royal celebrations while appreciating the tremendous labor that goes into this working palace.
While photography is prohibited within the State Rooms, you can take photos of the Palace Garden until your heart’s content.
Those with an artistic eye can snag captivating views of the King’s Guard at work in their signature red and black uniforms, as well as gorgeous sights of the impressive Buckingham Palace Garden. T
The garden covers nearly 40 acres and is the perfect spot to capture England’s natural beauty or enjoy some bird-watching.
- More: 10 ways to take photos of famous sites – without the yawn factor
Sugarloaf Mountain
Claudio Mota
Located in the heart of Rio De Janeiro, Sugarloaf Mountain’s geological complexity and beauty is a photographer’s dream.
Standing nearly 400 meters high, this stunning natural sight can bring an amazing story to your photos at night and day — though locals will encourage you to photograph the unparalleled sunset here so you can appreciate the warm magnificence it bestows upon the city.
Whether you want to explore and take photos from a cable car or walk around the base to admire this visual masterpiece, it’s easy to see why Sugarloaf Mountain is one of the most photographed places imaginable.
- Who is the most famous nature photographer?
The Pyramids of Giza
Joshua Michaels
Dating back to the fourth century A.D., the three Pyramids of Giza symbolize ancient Egypt’s most opulent and powerful era.
Included in the seven wonders of the world, the pyramids are easily one of the most photographed places on the planet. Located in the Giza complex, these spectacular pyramids give onlookers and visitors a glimpse into the place where pharaohs once roamed.
Since they’re manmade, seeing the pyramids in person and capturing their impressive stature in photos brings a truly profound feeling of admiration and respect.
So whether you want to capture them while riding on a camel or exploring by foot, the Pyramids of Giza deliver the magical landscape every photographer hopes for.
Amboseli National Park
Sergey Pesterev
Moving on to East Africa, and more specifically Kenya, we have to pay homage to the Amboseli National Park.
One of Kenya’s most iconic destinations, visitors can swing by any time of year and enjoy a true wilderness experience in the presence of elephants, leopards, cheetahs, lions, zebras, crocodiles and more.
In addition to photography, other highly encouraged park activities include bird-watching, camping, hiking and taking in the next-level scenery.
So if you’ve ever fantasized about working for Nat Geo, try taking some incredible photos of the wildlife and five unique habitats that make up Amboseli National Park.
Antarctica
Dylan Shaw
While we’ll cover many specific spots that make up the most photographed places on earth, we’ll also offer up some broader suggestions, like Antarctica.
With climate change producing a serious sense of urgency, people are more interested in visiting Antarctica than ever before.
While marine biologists and ecologists have visited Antarctica for a long time, it’s only become a more popular place for non-scientists to visit safely in recent times — with tourism rising rapidly between 2010 and 2020.
Here, photography enthusiasts can showcase penguins, orcas, leopard seals and flying seabirds in all their wintery glory.
In addition, you’ll have heard of the Northern Lights in Iceland, but did you know Antarctica has Auroras too?
Auroras in Antarctica are no different than auroras in the Arctic but are less well-known and less observed by humans.
Experts recommend visiting the coldest and driest place on the planet during the Antarctic summer, which lasts from November to March.
- Guide to Iceland landscape photography
- How to photograph the Northern Lights
Liberty Island
Michelle Oude Maatman
If you want to squeeze in a workout while visiting America’s biggest landmark, look no further than Liberty Island’s Statue of Liberty.
Featuring 377 steps from the lobby to the crown, the Statue of Liberty is undoubtedly one of the most photographed things, in one of the most photographed cities, in the world.
Symbolizing American liberty and a new chapter for immigrants from all over the globe, this gift from France is over 300 feet tall, truly making it a sight to behold.
Whether you want to highlight the details of the statue’s face, the 11-point crown, or capture Liberty City and the New York Harbor, it’s not hard to see why Liberty Island is one of the most photographed locations in the world.
- Who are the most famous portait photographers?
Taj Mahal
Jovyn Chamb
One of the world’s most architecturally impressive and history-rich places in the world is India’s mausoleum, the Taj Mahal. For this reason, it’s also one of the most photographed locations in the world.
Exemplifying an ideal balance of beauty and function, this majestic wonderland dates back to the 1600s and was intended to commemorate one of the emperor’s wives.
Today, visitors can take in all its beauty by taking a stroll around the little walkaway surrounding the reflective pool, which allows photographers to capture the magnificence of the mausoleum from afar while also showcasing its gorgeous mirror image in the pool.
Guests can also roam the halls of the interior while appreciating the luxury of the high ceilings and more than 35,000 square feet of excellence.
Just note that some parts of the site have strict no-photography rules.
- What are the world’s most famous photos?
Uluru
Meg Jerrard
Advertised as the best place to immerse yourself in the living, breathing cultural landscape of Australia, Uluru is another one of the most photographed places in the world.
Home to several captivating rock formations and gaze-worthy vistas, visitors can immortalize memories of their trip by taking photos of the breathtaking views from the walking tracks while taking time to reflect and appreciate nature’s beauty.
Guests can also witness the incredible color-changing transformations of the rock formations, made possible by each sunset and sunrise, which is undoubtedly one of the most legendary sights at Uluru.
And take advantage of one of the most photographed landmarks here that’s specifically dedicated to catching the best view of the sunset over a picnic with loved ones — Kata Tjuta.
The Louvre Museum
Michael Fousert
France is undoubtedly home to some of the most beautiful places in the world. In addition to the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum is another contender for one of the most photographed places in the world.
Easily one of the most visited museums on the planet, this iconic location not only shelters some of the best artwork in the world within its interior but also serves as an immaculate exterior display of pure architectural wonder, including Gothic, French Renaissance and Modernist styles among others.
Guests can enjoy museum highlights that include seeing the Mona Lisa in person while reveling in the residence of former French royalty.
Whether you take in its beauty from afar, hop on the walking trails or take a break in the restful gardens, you can easily expand your photography portfolio while enjoying the trip of a lifetime.
For tips on where to capture unique photos at the Louvre, check out this post.
- Who are the world’s most famous photographers?
Shibuya Crossing
Credit: Benh LIEU SONG (Flickr), CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Shibuya Crossing, often referred to as “The Scramble”, is not only one of Tokyo’s iconic landmarks but also ranks among the most photographed places in the world.
Located in the heart of the bustling Shibuya district, this pedestrian crossing is a spectacle of organized chaos.
As traffic lights turn red at the same time in every direction, a flood of people surges forward from all sides, intertwining yet never colliding, embodying the harmony amidst the hustle of urban life.
The sight of hundreds of people crossing simultaneously, set against the backdrop of neon signs and giant screens, makes it a favorite subject for photographers and filmmakers, capturing the essence of Tokyo’s urban pulse.
- Where are the best photo spots in Tokyo?
Other Popular Locations to Photograph Around the World
Greg Rakozy
While we covered an array of the most photographed places in the world, we’ve barely scratched the surface!
There are hundreds of other countries and places to explore that will awaken all your senses, so we’ll name a few more spots perfect for travel photography below.
What Countries are the Most Photographed Places in the World?
- Chile
- Greece
- Iceland
- Indonesia
- Ireland
What is the most photographed place in the United States?
- New York City — home to modern and contemporary art, as well as Niagara Falls, the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State building, it’s no wonder why it tops the list.
- Walt Disney World — this kid-friendly resort draws visitors from all around the globe and is another contender for the most photographed place in the U.S.
- Washington, D.C. — Home to the nation’s capital and several neoclassic monuments, Washington, D.C. is understandably another frequently photographed city in the U.S.
What is the most photographed place in Australia?
Uluru — Boasting a series of equally complex and beautiful rock formations, it’s no secret why we included it on our list!
Great Barrier Reef —it’s hard to think of Australia and not immediately think of the Great Barrier Reef. This fascinating coral reef system is home to more than 400 types of coral and 1,500 kinds of fish all worth capturing and framing.
Cape Byron Lighthouse — Dating back to 1899, this charming lighthouse represents an important part of Aboriginal Australian history. Here, visitors can learn about the extensive Aboriginal history while also getting educated on shipwrecks and experiencing an unrivaled view of Byron Bay.
What is the most photographed building in the world?
The Eiffel Tower — The Eiffel Tower is indubitably one of the most photographed buildings on earth, and ranks as number one among a variety of sources, which is why we also included it in our list.
Big Ben — Colloquially referred to as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament’s notable clock tower has clock faces that illuminate at night, making them a magical sight every photographer yearns to capture.
The Louvre Museum — The Louvre Museum is another must-see for photographers with its harmonious blend of architectural styles outside and world-class art inside.
What is the most photographed city in the world?
New York City — no surprises here! NYC is always included among the most photographed cities in the world because it’s home to Central Park and the Empire State Building.
Istanbul — Housing a history that spans various cultures, Turkey’s Istanbul is another one of the most photographed cities on the planet.
Rome — Home to the historic Coliseum, Rome is another hotspot for photographers and a popular tourist destination. It’s perhaps the most photographed city ever.
What are the most photographed natural places in the world?
Lofoten Islands — Arguably one of the most beautiful places in the world, the Norwegian archipelago known as the Lofoten Islands is one of the best places to get a first-class seat to the Northern Lights.
Patagonia — At the intersection of Chile and Argentina is Patagonia. Full of unbelievable mountain peaks, icefields, and glaciers, this landscape is what all photographers dream of.
Antarctica — The coldest place on earth, Antarctica houses some of the most beautiful landscapes and wildlife around, making it another frequently photographed spot.
What is the most photographed hotel in the world?
Château Frontenac — Canada is home to this world-famous building, considered to be the most photographed hotel on earth. And with elements of Italian and Victorian architecture, it’s a remarkable part of Quebec’s cityscape.
Plaza Hotel — More than 100 years old, New York’s own Plaza Hotel is another one of the most photographed hotels on the planet. Guests will appreciate the splendor of the design as well as being just minutes from high-end department stores like Barney’s.
Titanic Deluxe Golf Belek —Located just beside the Beşgöz River, The Titanic Deluxe Golf Belek’s waterfront views and structural beauty make it a photographer’s paradise.
What is the most photographed house in the world?
Monticello — Home to former U.S. President Thomas Jefferson, Monticello’s neoclassical style and impressive background makes it the ideal place for historians and photographers alike.
Crooked House of Poland — This fairy-tale-like home was built in 2004 and features a warped, children’s-book-inspired design that tops many photographers’ bucket lists.
Stahl House — Built in the late 1950s, this modern structure’s oceanfront setting and location in the Hollywood Hills make it an iconic, frequently photographed destination.
Final Words
There’s no denying the number of dazzling destinations all over the globe.
Whether you’re looking to highlight a unique architectural style or simply hope to catch the natural beauty of the area, this article on the most photographed places in the world will make it easy to start planning your next vacation and photography project.
What is your city’s most photographed landmark? Or is there a most photographed site in your town? Let us know in the comments.
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