Social Media’s Favourite Tourist Attractions

Creating the perfect itinerary is something most travellers look forward to before jetting off on a big adventure. Whether you’re visiting the Burj Khalifa in Dubai or Central Park in New York, there are countless iconic landmarks worth adding to your bucket list.

But with so many to choose from, which are the most photogenic of them all? 

To help you decide which attractions deserve a spot on your social media feed, we’ve identified the most photogenic tourist attractions around the world by analysing social media data, including the number of TikTok posts and Instagram hashtags. Our research also highlights the most popular tourist attractions in the world and in Europe by analysing social media data and Google search volume. 

The Most Photogenic Tourist Attractions Around the World

 1. Burj Khalifa, Dubai

The Burj Khalifa, located in Dubai, is crowned the most photogenic tourist attraction in the world. Spanning over 828 metres, it is the tallest structure and building in the world, which comes as no surprise that it has captured the attention of millions, with over 7.9M Instagram posts and 1.4M TikTok posts tagged with #burjkhalifa.

The building’s stunning architecture, coupled with breathtaking views from its observation decks, makes it a must-visit for anyone wanting to capture a slice of the extraordinary on their social media feeds.

2. Eiffel Tower, Paris 

Next on our list is the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Located in the heart of the Parisian city centre, the Eiffel Tower is a symbol of romance and has captured the hearts of many with over 7.7M Instagram posts and 340K TikTok posts tagged with #eiffeltower.

Whether it’s a selfie from the Champ de Mars or a nighttime view when the tower lights up the city with sparkles, the Eiffel Tower offers countless opportunities for a perfect photo. 

3. Central Park, New York 

Third on our list of photogenic tourist attractions is Central Park. Nestled in the heart of New York, Central Park is an urban oasis that has captivated the hearts of both locals and tourists as it boasts 8.2M Instagram posts and 220K TikTok posts tagged with #centralpark. 

Whether it’s the serene Bow Bridge or the bustling Bethesda Terrace, Central Park offers photographers, travellers, and influencers a variety of backdrops throughout the year.

The Most Popular Tourist Attractions 

After our research revealed the most photogenic tourist attractions, we also analysed metrics like social media posts and Google search vomes, to reveal the top 10 most popular tourist attractions around the globe.  

It comes as no surprise that our top three remain consistent favourites. 

Taking the crown once again is the Burj Khalifa. Not only is the iconic skyscraper the most photogenic tourist attraction in the world, but it is also the most popular around the globe with 2.2M monthly searches, 7.9M Instagram posts and 1.4M TikTok posts. 

English is widely spoken in Dubai, but if you’re feeling adventurous you could take some Arabic lessons to help you immerse yourself during your trip to the Middle East.  

The Eiffel Tower secures the second once more, and this time it is the most popular tourist attraction in the world. With 2.24 million monthly searches, 7.72 million Instagram posts, and 338,400 TikTok posts, it is clear that the timeless landmark is a focal point for many travellers around the world. 

And If you do decide to visit the second most popular attraction in the world, why not try learning some French before you go? Explore our range of language tutors for French to help you get started.

Back to secure the third position in our ranking is Central Park. The beloved landmark is a clear favourite with 1.83 million monthly searches, 8.31 million Instagram posts, and 220,800 TikTok posts.

The Most Popular Tourist Attractions in Europe

For those travellers keen to explore Europe and all it has to offer, we have also uncovered the most popular tourist attractions across the continent. 

Topping our list as the most popular tourist attraction in Europe is Barcelona, Spain. The popular basilica designed by an acclaimed architect has garnered 2.2M monthly Google searches, 2.9M Instagram posts, and 87K TikTok posts, all tagged with #sagradafamilia.

The Sagrada Familia is a visual and historic masterpiece, drawing millions of visitors each year, and solidifying its status as one of Europe’s most popular tourist attractions. 

Big Ben, located in the heart of London, secures the second spot as the most popular tourist attraction in Europe. With 1.5M monthly Google searches, 3.5M Instagram posts and 108K TikTok posts, the clock tower is a true enduring symbol of British culture and history.

World-famous for its majestic Gothic architecture and iconic chimes, this building draws visitors from all over the world.

Big Ben, another landmark in London, claims the third spot. This giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames has garnered 1M monthly Google searches, 3.5M Instagram posts and 126K TikTok posts.

The London Eye offers unparalleled views of the city’s skyline, making it a top location for capturing stunning photos and a full view of what London has to offer. 

Tips For Making the Most Out of Your Travels While Visiting the World’s Most Popular Attractions

Exploring the world’s most popular attractions can be an exciting and enriching experience. Here are our top tips to make the most of your travels:

1. Learn Basic Phrases

Before you travel, take some time to learn a few key phrases in the local language. Simple greetings, thank you, please, and directions can go a long way in connecting with locals and showing respect for their culture.

There are plenty of online resources designed to make language learning engaging and easy, Consider enrolling in online language classes before you embark on your trip. 

2. Engage with Locals

Whether you’re at the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or Central Park in New York, try to engage with local residents. Ask them about their favourite spots, hidden gems, or cultural practices. This interaction can provide unique insights and enhance your travel experience.

3. Participate in Cultural Activities

Look for opportunities to participate in local cultural activities. Whether it is a cooking class, a traditional dance performance or a simple local market tour, these experiences can help offer a deeper understanding of the local way of life.

4. Visit Historical Sites

Take some time to visit historical and cultural landmarks. Understanding the history and significance of places can deepen your appreciation for the culture and people who built them.

5. Respect Local Customs

Every place has its own set of customs and traditions. Ensure you are learning about these and respecting them during your visit. This could be anything from dress codes and dining etiquette to general behaviour in public spaces.

5. Explore Beyond the Tourist Spots

While it’s important to visit those popular bucket list attractions, try to explore neighbourhoods and areas that are off the beaten path. This often leads to discovering lesser-known cultural treasures and a more authentic travel experience.

By following these tips, you can not only enjoy the world’s most popular attractions but also gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse cultures and languages that make each destination unique.

Methodology 

To reveal social media’s favourite attractions, we created an index analysing around 100 global tourist attractions around the globe on the following metrics: 

• The number of Instagram hashtags for the attraction
• The number of TikTok posts for the attraction

Additionally, to reveal the most popular social media attractions we used the same seed list and produced an index analysing the following metrics: 

• The monthly Google search volume for the attraction
• The number of Instagram hashtags for the attraction
• The number of TikTok posts for the attraction

All data was collected in June 2024.