The power of a stunning visual can’t be overstated, especially in the world of Instagram where each snapshot tells a story. If your passions include both travel and photography, you’re in the right place. This guide spotlights 20 extraordinary Instagram photo spots worldwide – from the reflective wonders of Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia to the awe-striking sunsets of Santorini, from the bustling vibes of New York City to the timeless elegance of Petra. Ready your camera, fill your travel bag, and set out to fill your Instagram with photos that leave a lasting impact.
1. Santorini, Greece: Capturing Oia’s Essence
The Ideal Instagram Spot: Windmill Steps in Oia Village
Santorini is synonymous with romance, sunsets, and photogenic spots. Oia Village, renowned for its pastel-hued structures and cobalt-blue domes, is the place to be. The steps near Oia’s windmills provide a viewpoint where the sea, sunset, and architectural charm collide. The setting sun adds a vibrant splash of color, making your Instagram post a surefire hit.
2. Machu Picchu, Peru: High Above the Clouds
The Go-To Place: Sun Gate Overlook
Machu Picchu’s allure isn’t just the ruins, but the cloud-wreathed setting they’re in. Make the trek to the Sun Gate in the morning mist to get a magnificent elevated perspective of this Incan marvel. The effort to get there is an adventure in itself, making the final shot even more rewarding.
3. Banff National Park, Canada: Lake of Dreams
Where to Be: Moraine Lake’s Shore
Banff’s Moraine Lake, encircled by the grandeur of the Ten Peaks, is truly surreal. Visit early to witness the water’s surface perfectly reflecting the sky and mountains. This natural spectacle offers a serene setting that’ll make your Instagram post an instant classic.
4. Dubai, UAE: Skyscrapers and Sunsets
The Vantage Point: ‘At the Top’ at Burj Khalifa
The vertical grandeur of Dubai is best captured from Burj Khalifa’s observation platform, ‘At the Top.’ As the sun dips below the horizon, the city comes alive with twinkling lights, creating a stunning juxtaposition against the fading daylight.
5. Kyoto, Japan: A Journey Through Torii Gates
The Place to Capture: Fushimi Inari Shrine’s Paths
Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto offers an otherworldly maze of vermillion torii gates. Capture the gates when the crowds have thinned—either early morning or late afternoon—for an awe-inspiring shot that encapsulates both culture and natural beauty.
6. Antelope Canyon, USA: An Artist’s Palette
The Ideal Section: Upper Antelope Canyon
This Arizona slot canyon is a photogenic marvel where light dances with rock. Specialized photography tours allow you to capture the optimal light beams, which shower down into the narrow passageways and light up the curving rock formations.
7. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia: The World’s Largest Mirror
Unmissable Scene: Reflections after Rainfall
Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia is more than just a salt flat; it’s a natural wonder that doubles as an optical illusion. During Bolivia’s wet season, a layer of water covers the flats, turning it into the world’s largest natural mirror. The shallow reflective surface perfectly mirrors the sky, creating a seamless blend between heaven and earth.
For the best Instagram shot, visit shortly after a rainfall when the water is still and the sky is clear. This landscape is ideal for surreal photography, where the horizon vanishes, and it’s difficult to distinguish between the sky and the ground. Whether capturing wide shots to get a sense of the vastness or zooming in to focus on intricate salt patterns, Salar de Uyuni is a photographer’s dream and a surefire way to amass Instagram likes.
8. Paris, France: An Eiffel for Your Eye
The Best Angle: Trocadéro Gardens at Dawn
If the Eiffel Tower is an Instagram staple, then capturing it from Trocadéro Gardens takes it up a notch. Early morning hours offer a serene atmosphere and golden light, perfect for a standout shot of this iconic structure.
9. Agra, India: A New Perspective on Taj Mahal
Where to Click: Mehtab Bagh during Sunset
Mehtab Bagh offers a less conventional but just as magnificent view of the Taj Mahal. The garden, located across the Yamuna River, is an ideal location for capturing the Taj in the soft, warm hues of sunset.
10. Queenstown, New Zealand: On Top of the World
The Summit: Roy’s Peak during Golden Hour
The trek up Roy’s Peak is not for the faint of heart, but the view from the top is awe-inspiring. Capture the sunrise or sunset over Lake Wanaka, with the sky bursting into colors that reflect upon the lake and surrounding mountain ranges.
11. Reykjavik, Iceland: Harpa Concert Hall at Dusk
The Frame: Glass Facade Reflecting the Sunset
In Reykjavik, the Harpa Concert Hall offers a modern, architectural contrast to Iceland’s natural wonders. The building’s glass panels are particularly photogenic at dusk, reflecting the soft colors of the sunset. This makes for a stunning, almost surreal Instagram post.
12. Pamukkale, Turkey: Cotton Castle Terraces
The Moment: Thermal Pools at Sunrise
Known for its thermal pools, Pamukkale in Turkey resembles a cotton castle, especially when the first light of the day strikes its milky terraces. Taking a photo here at sunrise not only avoids the crowds but captures the thermal waters in their most ethereal state.
13. Ravello, Italy: Elevated Views of the Mediterranean
The Viewpoint: Villa Rufolo’s Gardens
Ravello offers a less-crowded Italian experience compared to its Amalfi Coast neighbor, Positano. The gardens of Villa Rufolo provide a panoramic view of the Mediterranean that is perfect for a captivating Instagram shot.
14. Wadi Rum, Jordan: Desert Wilderness
The Scene: Sandstone Archways at Midday
Wadi Rum in Jordan offers a Mars-like landscape right here on Earth. Capture the natural sandstone arches in your lens, preferably around midday when the sun illuminates the red and orange hues, to give your Instagram a sci-fi edge.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand: Where Stars Meet Snow Peaks
Ideal Frame: Milky Way Arching Over Mountains
New Zealand’s Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park offers an otherworldly backdrop that makes for an Instagram hit. As the tallest mountain in New Zealand, Mount Cook is an already iconic photo subject. But it’s when the sun sets that the real magic happens.
For an Instagram shot that stands out, aim to go on a night when the sky is clear of clouds. The park is recognized as an International Dark Sky Reserve, making it an excellent Instagram spot for capturing the Milky Way. As the night sky lights up with stars, you’ll see them perfectly framed by the towering, snow-covered peaks below. This celestial spectacle offers a rare photo opportunity that can set your Instagram feed apart.
16. Hakone, Japan: Lake Ashi’s Reflections
The Position: Moto-Hakone Port during Cherry Blossom Season
Hakone offers a unique, peaceful view of Mount Fuji, especially from Moto-Hakone Port. When cherry blossoms are in bloom, the lake reflects these iconic Japanese elements for an Instagram post that’s pure visual poetry.
17. Oahu, Hawaii: Diamond Head Crater Summit
Instagram Spot: Overlooking Waikiki Beach
Oahu’s famous Diamond Head Crater offers a panoramic view of Waikiki Beach and Honolulu. Reaching the summit requires a hike, but the Instagram reward—a bird’s-eye view of the turquoise Pacific Ocean—is worth the sweat.
18. Brooklyn, New York, USA: DUMBO Streets
The Location: Washington Street, Looking at Manhattan Bridge
Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, or DUMBO, offers a unique view of the Manhattan Bridge framed by historic Brooklyn architecture. Visit during early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer people, making your Instagram post really pop.
19. Atlas Mountains, Morocco: Berber Villages
The Frame: Traditional Mud Houses from a High Vantage Point
For a different Moroccan experience, the Atlas Mountains offer breathtaking views of traditional Berber villages. Capture the earth-tone mud houses from a high point to get a sweeping shot of the village set against the rugged mountain backdrop.
20. Whitsundays, Australia: Sailing in the Coral Sea
The Ideal Time: Midday Sun on Whitehaven Beach
Unlike the deep-sea diving experience in the Great Barrier Reef, Whitsundays offers the ideal sailing backdrop. Take your shot from your sailboat during the midday sun to capture Whitehaven Beach’s silica sands meeting the Coral Sea’s azure waters.
You may also like our guide to TOP 12 Things To Do in Faroe Islands