There’s no way to know what place in the world has been photographed the most times, but it isn’t hard to tell which ones get a whole lot of camera lenses pointed their way. Most of them are iconic natural or human-made landmarks, and they have the added benefit of being accessible enough that millions of people can visit them each year.
These iconic spots snag a spot on our list for their stunning views and deep cultural significance, drawing shutterbugs from around the globe. Whether it’s towering man-made marvels or awe-inspiring natural wonders, each location has a story to tell and a picture worth taking. Here’s a collection of 20 such places. How many have you been to?
1. Manhattan
There’s so much to see in this New York borough that we could make a whole article about it. Some of the iconic places to photograph include the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Central Park, and Times Square.
2. Paris
The City of Lights is one of the world’s most popular and storied cities. Favorite subjects for photographers include the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
3. London
Big Ben, the Tower Bridge, and Buckingham Palace are among the many attractions that draw tourists to the capital of Great Britain. Even if you’ve never been there, you’ve probably seen pictures of those landmarks countless times.
4. Buenos Aires
There’s so much to see and do in this city, the capital of Argentina. Don’t miss Camanito when you’re there. This vibrant street isn’t very long, but it’s the most photographed landmark in South America.
5. Barcelona
Spain is one of the world’s tourism hot spots, and for good reason. Barcelona alone can keep you busy for an entire trip. While there, check out the Sagrada Familia, which is a famous church, and Park Guell, a beautiful outdoor museum constructed from natural materials.
6. Rome
Italy actually has three sites on this list, a testament to the history and architecture of the country. The Colosseum is an obvious huge attraction in both size and crowds, but there are many other ruins to see and photograph. Because of the city’s close ties to Roman Catholicism, you’ll also find many beautiful and historic churches to admire, foremost among them the St. Peter’s Basilica.
7. Venice
If any world city is more synonymous with romance than Paris is, it’s Venice, also in Italy. The city is most famous for its colorful canals and gondolas, but take time to explore more of it, especially some of the basilicas.
8. The Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest tower. During a visit to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, it’s not only a must-see but also something you pretty much can’t miss. This part of the world is incredibly hot for much of the year, so do your homework and pick one of the cooler months to go.
9. Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is another of those places you’ve probably seen pictures of more times than you could count. As amazing as it looks in photos, it’s way more so in person. This centuries-old fortress in the mountains of Peru is on many a bucket list.
10. Alhambra
Even without Alhambra, Granada in Spain will generate many clicks on the shutter button. Alhambra, though, is the top attraction. It’s a palace and fortress built atop mountain peaks.
11. Christ the Redeemer
Since all but one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World no longer exist, there was a movement to create a new list. Christ the Redeemer is on that list, as are four other sites mentioned here– the Colosseum, Maccu Picchu, the Taj Mahal, and the Great Pyramid of Giza. It’s the huge statue you see on a clifftop overlooking Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
12. The Taj Mahal
India’s Taj Mahal may be photographed more often than any other single location in the country. Many people think it’s a palace, but it’s actually an elaborate tomb for an emperor’s wife.
13. The Gardens by the Bay
This is an amazingly landscaped nature park of almost 250 acres, and there are more than a million plant species here. You’ll find it in Singapore.
14. The Florence Duomo
A duomo is an Italian church built with the features of a cathedral. The Duomo in Florence might be the most famous in Italy. It dominates the city’s skyline and includes the world’s third-largest dome.
15. The Great Pyramid of Giza
This Egyptian landmark is the only remaining of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. The other pyramids at Giza, as well as the nearby Sphinx, are among the world’s most photographed sites.
16. Uluru
Uluru is the massive rock formation you see in pictures rising from the Australian desert and looking almost too red to be real. The best times to be there are sunrise and sunset when the coloring is exceptionally intense.
17. The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon in Arizona isn’t the largest canyon in the world– that’s in China– but no canyon is more famous, and it truly is a grand sight to behold. It’s also one of the 7 Wonders of the Natural World, and the only one from that list in this article, as the others require too much effort or expense to get to, with the exception of the harbor at Rio, which you can see when you go to see Christ the Redeemer.
18. Niagara Falls
Some people throw shade at this New York location for its crowds and touristy development, but that doesn’t change the falls themselves. Up close, they make for one of the most impressive sights you’ll ever see.
19. Banff National Park
Alberta, Canada, is where you’ll find this amazing mountain park in the Canadian Rockies. The scenery is spectacular just from the town of Lake Louise itself, but you’ll marvel even more as you travel along the Icefields Parkway, where you’ll see huge glaciers draped along the sides of rugged mountains.
20. Mount Fuji
This classic cone-shaped volcano is one of Japan’s most famous sights, natural or human-made. Because of its shape and size, it’s impressive from all directions, so you have virtually limitless opportunities for great pictures.
15 Fascinating Facts About Famous Landmarks Hardly Anyone Knows
There are countless iconic landmarks that dot the globe, each with its own unique story and significance. However, even the most famous of these landmarks harbor secrets and fascinating facts that are often overlooked. These 15 fascinating facts remind us that there’s always more to discover about the world’s most famous landmarks, no matter how well-known they may seem.
The World’s Most Beautiful Mountain Ranges
For as long as humans have existed, mountains have inspired and daunted us. They’re the basis for countless legends, and although they can be deadly, have an irresistible pull on us, drawing millions of sightseers, hikers, climbers, skiers, and other outdoor enthusiasts every year. Making a definitive list of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world is subjective, but the ones here are certainly strong contenders.
Featured Image Credit: puhhha/Shutterstock
Robert Sihler is an educator, freelance writer, and rock climbing guide and instructor living with his family in Driftwood, Texas. In his spare time, he enjoys reading fiction, streaming films, completing crossword puzzles, and rock climbing. When he goes on vacation, he likes to visit the mountains of the West and climb remote, obscure peaks that have seen few or no prior ascents.