Nowadays we can almost travel the entire world without ever having to leave our mobile phones thanks to social media. Thousands of pictures of iconic vistas and famous landmarks are posted online every day and new hashtags are created constantly, but which places are actually the most popular on Instagram?
Based on the results of an online search of the most Instagrammed places in the world, we ranked the top ten destinations according to their total number of hashtags. How many do you already have in your own Instagram feed?
10. Notre Dame – Paris, France
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bbf–aWFvRo/ Number of hashtags: 1.5 million Not only is Notre Dame one of the best examples of French Gothic architecture, it’s also the heart and soul of Paris. Masses are still held every day even though thousands of tourists pop by for a glimpse of Notre Dame’s stained glass windows, historical ruins in the church’s crypt and the picturesque views from the Square Jean XXIII.
9. Mardi Gras – New Orleans, LA, US
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQBSbABD201/ Number of hashtags: 1.7 million New Orleans’ biggest party happens every year around Easter. The city’s chaotic French Quarter is littered in an explosion of purple, green and gold beads and shimmering confetti. Masked strangers dance and drink in the streets while marching bands walk alongside decorated parade floats – it’s a celebration not to be missed!
8. Empire State Building – New York City, NY, US
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bby7SDUhchK/ Number of hashtags: 1.8 million No trip to New York City is complete without a trip to the Empire State Building. The art deco skyscraper is located on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan and offers some of the best views of NYC’s skyline. There’s also a Sustainability Exhibit on the second floor just before the elevators, as well as the Dare to Dream Exhibit up on the 80th floor where you can learn about the history and early construction process of the building.
7. Niagara Falls – US and Canada
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbysPJHjyyM/ Number of hashtags: 1.9 million It’s hard to say which side is better, but both the US and Canadian parts of Niagara Falls are equally impressive. A collection of three waterfalls, they sit on the border of New York state and the province of Ontario. One of the main reasons to visit is to of course see the giant cascading falls, which can also be viewed up-close from a boat tour, but there are plenty of restaurants and attractions nearby to keep you entertained for hours.
6. Burj Khalifa – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba9I7uRl4oL/ Number of hashtags: 1.9 million The title of ‘tallest building in the world’ belongs to the legendary Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Opened in 2010, the piercing silver skyscraper has an observation deck at the top with an outdoor terrace for 360 degree sweeping views over the surroundings. You can book a ticket to the top or opt for an on-the-ground viewing platform of the Burj’s water fountains, some of the largest performing fountains in the world.
5. Big Ben – London, UK
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYjOfuSh4CV/ Number of hashtags: 2.7 million Plastered on every T-shirt and souvenir mug in London, Big Ben is one of the UK’s most iconic landmarks. The tower is located at the north end of the Palace of Westminster and is probably the most famous clock in the world, but the name “Big Ben” actually refers to the name of the bell inside the clock, which can be heard ringing at every hour.
4. Las Vegas Strip – Las Vegas, NV, US
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVxLwAFj2dZ/ Number of hashtags: 3.8 million Sin City’s flashing neon lights and go-big-or-go-home attitude draw in crowds curious to experience a nightlife scene like nowhere else in the world. There’s something for everyone, from the thematic shows and concerts to the noisy casinos and high-end clubs. Not to mention the abundance of accommodation, from the luxurious Mandalay Bay and the Venetian to the family-friendly New York-New York and Excalibur.
3. Eiffel Tower – Paris, France
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb1G8TzHkx7/ Number of hashtags: 4 million Paris’s Eiffel Tower is easily one of the most recognisable structures in the world. If you feel like braving the daily long queues, you can buy a ticket to the top of the tower for some impressive sight-seeing, or alternatively you can opt to walk to the second floor, which has a restaurant and souvenir shop. At night, the tower lights up, illuminating the City of Lights with a romantic glow.
2. Central Park – New York City, NY, US
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbzIA0hBnH6/ Number of hashtags: 5.2 million With its spacious green areas and plenty of tree-covered pathways, New York City’s Central Park is the place to take a leisurely stroll, exercise and maybe even spot some celebrities. Both Sheep Meadow and Belvedere Castle boast panoramic vistas of the city, but of course there are also plenty of lakes, ponds and monuments to admire, as well as a zoo worth exploring for a few hours.
1. South Beach – Miami, FL, US
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbnU7b0hRz_/ Number of hashtags: 5.4 million In the number one spot is Miami’s infamous South Beach neighbourhood. Frequented by the young, rich and famous, Miami’s party capital is no longer just a place for beach lovers and club-goers. Tourists and locals alike come for the dynamic food scene and historic art deco district, and stay for the year-round warm temperatures and exuberant nightlife.