Looking for the most Instagram-worthy spots in Europe? A recent study by Heepsy, an influencer marketing platform, analyzed 43 European capitals to determine which cities reign supreme on social media. The research considered several factors, including Instagram hashtag counts, annual visitor numbers, and even the amount of sunshine each city receives annually.
Let’s explore the top 10 capitals and their most captivating photo locations:
1. London, United Kingdom (167M hashtags)
- Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament — especially stunning during sunset.
- Tower Bridge with its iconic Victorian architecture.
- Notting Hill’s colorful houses and vintage charm.
- Buckingham Palace during the Changing of the Guard.
- The London Eye with city panoramas.
2. Paris, France (145M hashtags)
- Eiffel Tower, particularly from Trocadéro at sunrise.
- Montmartre’s charming cobblestone streets.
- Luxembourg Gardens in spring bloom.
- Arc de Triomphe from Champs-Élysées.
- The Louvre’s glass pyramid.
3. Moscow, Russia (56M hashtags)
- Red Square with Saint Basil’s Cathedral.
- GUM Department Store’s elaborate interior.
- Moscow Metro’s ornate stations.
- Zaryadye Park’s floating bridge.
- Moscow State University’s imposing architecture.
4. Berlin, Germany (54M hashtags)
- Brandenburg Gate at golden hour.
- East Side Gallery (Berlin Wall).
- Museum Island’s classical architecture.
- Oberbaum Bridge spanning the Spree.
- The geometric patterns of Sony Center.
5. Madrid, Spain (51M hashtags)
- Royal Palace and its manicured gardens.
- Plaza Mayor’s historic square.
- Retiro Park’s Crystal Palace.
- Gran Via’s art deco buildings.
- Almudena Cathedral at sunset.
6. Amsterdam, Netherlands (37M hashtags)
- Canal bridges with classic Dutch houses.
- Rijksmuseum’s grand facade.
- Jordaan neighborhood’s flower-lined streets.
- Dam Square with the Royal Palace.
- Vondelpark’s scenic paths.
7. Bern, Switzerland (31M hashtags)
- Medieval Clock Tower (Zytglogge).
- The Parliament Building.
- Rose Garden viewpoint.
- Bear Park along the Aare River.
- UNESCO-listed Old Town streets.
8. Rome, Italy (30M hashtags)
- The Colosseum at dawn.
- Trevi Fountain without crowds.
- St. Peter’s Basilica dome view.
- Spanish Steps in full bloom.
- Pantheon’s oculus.
9. Prague, Czech Republic (19M hashtags)
- Charles Bridge at sunrise.
- Prague Castle complex.
- Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square.
- John Lennon Wall’s street art.
- Vltava River viewpoints.
10. Vienna, Austria (17M hashtags)
- Schönbrunn Palace gardens.
- Belvedere Palace reflection pool.
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral rooftop.
- Hundertwasserhaus’s unique architecture.
- Museum Quarter’s cultural complex.
Pro tip: While these cities boast impressive sunshine hours (Madrid leads with 2,769 hours annually), timing is everything for the perfect shot. Consider visiting popular spots during the early morning or golden hour to avoid crowds and capture the best light.
As a spokesperson from Heepsy notes, “When exploring the most Instagrammable spots, it’s important to think about not just the iconic landmarks but also the lesser-known corners that capture the true spirit of a city. The study shows that the number of sunny hours can make a big difference in getting that perfect shot, so plan your visit around these sunny days for the best lighting.”
They added a piece of wisdom that every photographer should keep in mind: “Remember, popularity isn’t everything — sometimes, the most stunning photos come from those hidden gems that aren’t as widely tagged or visited.”
Whether you’re a professional photographer or just looking to enhance your social media feed, these European capitals offer endless opportunities for capturing memorable moments. The key is to balance visiting the iconic landmarks with discovering your own secret spots that tell a unique story of your journey.
