Why do we take pictures of the places we visit? Is it to commemorate our trip and remind ourselves of the things we encountered or share our adventures with loved ones back home? Maybe photographs are the closest we can get to capturing the raw, natural beauty of the world’s most iconic places and keeping a piece of them for ourselves.
Whatever your reason for visiting, these are some of the most photographed places in the world and tips for capturing your perfect shot.
Table of Contents
- The Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
- Victoria Peak, Hong Kong, China
- Las Coloradas, Yucatán, Mexico
- Central Park, New York City, N.Y.
- Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
- The Isle of Skye, Scotland, United Kingdom
- Old Town Square, Prague, the Czech Republic
- Antelope Canyon, Ariz.
- The City of Copenhagen, Denmark
- The Fjords, Norway
- The Colosseum, Rome, Italy
- Oia Village, Santorini, Greece
- Big Ben, London, United Kingdom
- Taj Mahal, Agra, India
- Grand Canal, Venice, Italy
- The Faroe Islands, Denmark
- See the World With Windstar Cruises
The Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
More than 6 million people have visited Paris’ famed Eiffel Tower annually since its completion in 1889. The tower has come to represent Parisian life and the country of France as a whole, enticing artists from all over the world to capture its shape on film or canvas.
The Esplanade is the ground area around the tower, which gives you a traveler’s view of the architecture from a close vantage point. Once you enter the tower, the first and second floors have observation decks, gift shops and dining options. The summit at the top gives you a one-of-a-kind view of the Paris skyline. The nearby River Seine provides some of the best angles if your goal is snapping the perfect photo from a distance.
Purchase tickets online to save time and see the structure without delay. See more of Paris on a Windstar cruise of Northern Europe.
Victoria Peak, Hong Kong, China
Ascend more than 1,800 feet in the air on Hong Kong’s Victoria Peak for a breathtaking view of the city below. Weekends and holidays are the busiest times, and crowds flock when evening nears, hoping to catch a glimpse of the sunset from the Peak’s southwestern side. One of the most popular photography spots is at Sky Terrace 428, which perfectly frames Hong Kong’s beautiful buildings and harbor.
Hike your way up or catch a ride on the Peak Tram, and see why it’s one of the most photographed places in the city. Explore more of Asia with Windstar Cruises.
Las Coloradas, Yucatán, Mexico
With its bold pink waters and serene surroundings, is it any wonder that Las Coloradas in Yucatán has become one of the most photographed natural places in the world? The lake waters get their unique hue from the red algae, shrimp and plankton that live beneath the surface. While visitors can’t swim in the lake, it’s still become one of the most frequented areas in the village for its one-of-a-kind appearance.
Las Coloradas has grown more popular in recent years, and restrictions have tightened due to social media exposure and viral images of the flamingo-pink water, so you might need to beat the crowds if you want the best vantage point. You can see the lake from the road or pay an entrance fee for a brief guided tour and up-close look.
Central Park, New York City, N.Y.
New York City’s Central Park is a beloved landmark for a reason — it offers a relaxing escape from the city’s hustle and bustle while providing some of the area’s prettiest views. Some of the most commonly photographed sites around the park include the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, Belvedere Castle and any grassy spot or pond where local wildlife gather. Local fall foliage and spring flower blooming guides will help you schedule your trip for the best photogenic views.
Use the numbered lampposts to help you stay on course — the first two digits represent the nearest street, and the last two are either odd or even numbers, indicating a west or east position.
Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
As a national park, the Kenai Peninsula features nearly 40 massive glaciers surrounded by flowers, waters and forests. The park is open all year long, but the summer months are the most popular because there is less snow and ice to contend with as you travel.
Perhaps the most famous of the park’s glaciers is Exit Glacier, the only area accessible by road. Exit Glacier is a large portion that stems from the Harding Icefield, with jutting rocks and barren land that demonstrate what glacial movements do to the environment around them. You might need to apply for a photography permit, depending on the type of pictures you’re taking and if you intend to use them commercially.
Explore all the Last Frontier’s wonders with a Windstar Cruise to Alaska.
The Isle of Skye, Scotland, United Kingdom
The Isle of Skye is a large island off Scotland’s coast known for its quaint villages, rugged cliffs and luscious rolling greenery, all overlooking the lapping sea. Popular photography spots include the sparkling Fairy Pools near Glenbrittle, the mountainous Quiraing, Neist Point and any of the island’s numerous lochs, or lakes. Skip the crowds and explore the isle to find hidden gems.
Reserve your place on a Windstar cruise of Northern Europe, complete with stops near the famed isle and its surrounding country.
Old Town Square, Prague, the Czech Republic
Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic, but travelers and photographers likely recognize it from its iconic Old Town Square, a historic center with Gothic architecture, city marketplaces, street vendors, the Astronomical Clock and several other eye-catching venues. Don’t leave without snapping a photo of the famous Charles Bridge, a dark stone fixture connecting Old Town with Mala Strana that’s especially photogenic when lit up at night or emerging from the morning fog.
One of the best parts about visiting Old Town Square is how walkable it is — in a single trip, you can hit all of the travelers’ and locals’ favorite photography spots with time left for shopping, touring, dining and enjoying a Czech beer. Rental cars and public transportation are also available.
Antelope Canyon, Ariz.
Inside the caverns and rivers of northern Arizona lies Antelope Canyon, instantly recognizable for its tall, curved walls and sandstone appearance. The slot canyon formed over millions of years of erosion, leaving what are now 120-foot walls towering over streams of water. The only way to see the inside is through a guided tour with an authorized operator.
If you want to capture the light beaming down to the canyon floor like a spotlight — a popular shot among visitors — you’ll want to visit between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. sometime between May and October.
The City of Copenhagen, Denmark
With its bright buildings and cobbled streets, Copenhagen is a traveler’s and photographer’s dream come true. Frequently photographed areas here include the streets and waters near Christianshavn, the view from The Tower and along the colorful Nyhavn Canal. Take pictures at beautiful places like Grundtvig’s Church or Vestre Kirkegård, a large cemetery designed for peaceful walks.
Once you’ve gotten your fill of photos, hop on public transportation and sip the day away at a local outdoor cafe or tour a nearby castle for more candid shots and memorable experiences.
The Fjords, Norway
Norway’s more than 1,700 majestic fjords earned a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The fjords feature steep mountains, picturesque farmland and charming villages surrounded by deep blue water.
The best time of year to visit the Norweigan fjords depends on what you want out of your experience, like the golden light of the summer’s midnight sun or aurora borealis in fall or winter. Some of the best photo spots require a hike to reach but are well worth the time invested. A Windstar Cruise to Northern Europe lets you experience fjords and other natural wonders.
The Colosseum, Rome, Italy
Rome has no shortage of sightseeing opportunities, but few frequent travelers’ bucket lists as often as the Colosseum. With its stone and concrete barrel vaults, the amphitheater once served as a gathering place for Roman spectators to watch gladiator combats, mock battle scenes, executions and dramatic performances. Different tickets permit access to various vantage points around the structure, like the gladiators’ arena, the underground area or Palatine Hill, for a full view of everything.
A trip to the Colosseum also brings you close to other Italian sights, like beaches, port cities and coastal towns. Get an authentic look at Italy — including places like Sicily and Venice — on a Windstar Cruise.
Oia Village, Santorini, Greece
When you think of a picture-perfect Grecian photo, you probably imagine whitewashed buildings with bold blue roofs or colorful homes nestled against a rocky coastline. Oia Village, a settlement in north Santorini, is the place to go for postcard-worthy Greek shots, complete with sparkling blue ocean and rich, vivid sunsets.
Whether you’re capturing the blue domes or snapping an evening picture of the lit-up village, you’ll find no shortage of photo ops as you explore the narrow streets. A Windstar cruise through Greece lets you see Oia and other villages from the water before moving on to port cities like Nafplio and Mykonos.
Big Ben, London, United Kingdom
London’s Big Ben isn’t only one of the most photographed places in England — it’s also one of the most photographed places in Europe. Technically speaking, Big Ben isn’t the name of the tower, but the bell housed inside it. The clock tower — which has 312 pieces of glass in each dial and built-in lights illuminating the face at night — is called Elizabeth Tower.
The tower stands at 105 yards tall, making it a challenge to capture in its entirety. Westminster Bridge lets you photograph Big Ben against London’s beautiful architecture and businesses, while Parliament Square gives you a closer look — get ready to wade through crowds to find your shot.
A Windstar Cruise to Northern Europe is one of the most immersive ways to experience all Europe’s highlights, like Big Ben and the Tower of London.
Taj Mahal, Agra, India
Commissioned in 1632 by Emperor Shah Jahan as the mausoleum for his departed wife, the Taj Mahal is one of the most photographed places in India for its symbolism alone. The testament to Indian history and the power of human emotion stuns visitors with its towering marblework and architectural influences.
The earlier you get there, the better chance you have at capturing a crowd-free photo — but prepare to contend with some dense fog if you’re visiting during winter. You cannot take photographs indoors, and you should dress modestly and wear shoe covers, provided at the entrance.
Grand Canal, Venice, Italy
The Grand Canal is Venice’s main waterway, connecting San Marco Basilica to Santa Chiara Church and forming a natural divide in the city. The S-shaped canal spans just over two miles, lined by shops, museums, churches and architectural marvels on either side. Guided boat or gondola rides are the best way to tour the canal, since tour leaders will explain each site and its significance along the way. Two places for a perfect view of the Grand Canal are from the Accademia and Rialto Bridges.
Explore more of Venice and surrounding cities on a Windstar Cruise to Italy.
The Faroe Islands, Denmark
The Faroe Islands, also called “Sheep Islands,” are 18 separate locations scattered across the Atlantic in Denmark. Each island promises a breathtaking view of the wild sea surrounding it, complete with rugged, green-faced mountains and fjords. Visit as many of the Faroe Islands as you can and see for yourself what sets each apart from the rest, whether it’s the quiet solitude, dramatic coastlines or steep waterfalls. In addition to the area’s vast geological photo ops, you’ll also have no trouble spotting wildlife like puffins and loons.
The Faroe Islands are only one place you might see on a Windstar cruise of Northern Europe.
See the World With Windstar Cruises
From busy city streets to roaring oceans beneath craggy cliffs, the world is full of places you have to see to believe — and Windstar Cruises wants to help you get there. Each elegant ship is small enough for an intimate cruise, housing no more than 342 people per journey but spacious enough to ensure you’re always comfortable.
Say goodbye to the clichés of overcrowded cruise ships and see the world with a craft cocktail in hand. Our ships are small enough to reach many unique ports and areas that other ships are too big to approach, providing a one-of-a-kind itinerary. Our personalized approach means you’ll also have the opportunity to participate in custom-crafted land excursions.
Contact us to learn more about current offers and what you can expect from your all-inclusive journey, and take the first step toward the global adventure you’ve always wanted.
