If you’re planning a big trip to traverse Europe, well, you’re obviously living your best life. But you’re probably also trying to compile a list of must-see spots to hit during your visit — for the memorable experiences they’ll provide, of course. But also so you can parlay those experiences into some seriously swoonworthy snaps for your Instagram feed.
It should come as no surprise that Europe is bursting at the seams with IG-worthy vignettes and vistas. From the always-enduring Eiffel Tower to lesser-known gems like the Benagil caves in Portugal, photo ops abound.
And while we could devote days upon days of our lives to detailing the European places that will woo you, we managed to rein it in to bring you 21 Insta-ready locales you won’t regret sojourning to in order to get that once-in-a-lifetime shot.
Vatican City, Rome, Italy
Rich in history and steeped in holiness, Vatican City boasts some of the most iconic (and, yes, Instagrammable) spots in the world. From the architectural wonder that is St. Peter’s Basilica to the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel, you’ll find no shortage of scenery to enrich your IG feed.
The windmills of Rotterdam, Netherlands
Now listed as a World Heritage Site, the windmills of Kinderdijk are an enduring example of both man’s ingenuity and the classic and quirky beauty that defines Holland.
The Swiss Alps, Switzerland
It’s no wonder the Swiss Alps are a symbol of Switzerland — this mountain range covers over 65 percent of the country’s surface area. Any pictures with them for a backdrop is going to be an Insta-hit, but you’ll get truly breathtaking vistas if you’re adventurous enough to actually hike-slash-scale.
The Bridge of Sighs, Venice, Italy
Viewable only from the Canonica Bridge and Ponte della Paglia, the Bridge of Sighs is one of the most sought-after photo locales in Venice, Italy. Bonus? Legend says that if a couple passes beneath the Bridge of Sighs, their love will last forever.
Symi, Greece
Love color? Look no further than the tiny harbor town of Symi, Greece. A storied locale referenced in Greek mythology and Homer’s Iliad, Symi bursts with bright hues and charming hospitality.
Santorini, Greece
Crisp white buildings and Greece’s trademark blue make for a dynamic contrast in this seaside city. The homes tucked into the cliffside aren’t too shabby to look at either. Just make sure you get an early start so your stunning snapshots aren’t filled with fellow tourists.
Benagil Cave, Algarve, Portugal
If you want to feel the scope of your place in the universe, the Benagil caves in Algarve, Portugal, are a pretty great place to start. Not only do you have one of the most beautiful beaches in the world as a backdrop, but these natural grottos make for some seriously interesting photos.
Alhambra de Granada, Spain
A palace and fortress complex in the Andalusia region of Spain, Alhambra de Granada boasts the kind of intricate architectural details devout Instagrammers dream about. The arabesques alone deserve their own IG feed.
The Louvre, Paris, France
Sure, the Eiffel Tower typically gets all of the Insta-accolades in Paris, France, but don’t overlook the Louvre. The largest museum and historic monument in the City of Light, it’s hard to miss thanks to its sheer scale and iconic glass pyramid. And even more photo opportunities await inside the museum’s hallowed halls.
Big Ben, London
This clock tower at the Palace of Westminster in London may be cliché, but can you really imagine visiting London without getting a shot of it? It’s a cultural icon. Besides, let’s be real… it makes for a really pretty picture.
The Colosseum, Rome, Italy
Despite the fact that two-thirds of the original Colosseum has been destroyed since it was commissioned around A.D. 70 to 72, this gigantic amphitheater remains one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. There are plenty of angles from which to secure a memorable photo in this place that was once home to gladiatorial battles.
Bruges, Belgium
Let’s lead with this: Bruges is home to some of the finest chocolate on the face of the planet. If that alone isn’t reason enough to go, consider that this charming medieval city literally looks like something that would pop out of the pages of a storybook.
Helsinki, Finland
Finland may be the least populated country in the EU, but don’t let that fool you — it’s filled with Insta-worthy photo ops, and Helsinki is a wellspring of them. Add must-see spots like Kaivari park and the unmistakable Helsinki Cathedral to your IG feed for a real wow factor.
Andorra, Andorra
The sixth smallest country in Europe, Andorra generally gets overlooked for the two countries it is tucked between: France and Spain. But jaw-dropping mountain vistas, powdery ski hills, the Tristaina Lakes and more merit an extended visit filled with lots o’ pictures.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Is Edinburgh, Scotland, chock-full of the kind of beauty that begs to be immortalized in an IG feed? Yes, absolutely. Is it even more Instagrammable because it boasts a ton of important locales that inspired Harry Potter? You betcha. A prime example is Victoria Street, the real-life inspiration for Diagon Alley.
Giethoorn, Holland
It’s downright impossible to visit Holland and not get carried away taking pictures. It’s possibly one of the most charming places ever, right? Giethoorn in particular, which is best viewed by water, will make your Instagram immensely more picturesque.
Ordesa National Park, Spain
You’ll have to tear yourself away from hiking, rock climbing or just taking in the mountain views at Spain’s Ordesa National Park to snap photos. The truth is, it’s easy to get lost (mentally, not physically!) in the overwhelming natural beauty of Ordesa and its varied ecosystems — each just as awe-inspiring as the one before it.
The Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
We couldn’t very well have a list of the most Instagrammable spots in Europe without including the Eiffel Tower, could we? It is arguably the most iconic photo op in all of Europe, after all. Grab a latte at a local café and then pick a good vantage point (like the Palais de Chaillot) from which to capture the tower in its romantic glory.
Pin it!
Don’t forget to pin this to your wanderlust board!
Leave a Comment