Picture Perfect: 11 Most Instagrammable Places in Europe

Visiting Europe shouldn’t be something you only do for the ’gram, but we’d be lying if we said we didn’t want you to take any photos. After all, the continent is filled with picture-perfect destinations, from Santorini and Paris to the Isle of Skye.

So, practice your “candid” poses, grab your ring lights and say cheese! We’ve rounded up the most Instagrammable places in Europe for you to check out on your next trip across the pond.

• Remember that you won’t be the only one trying capture a particular image… especially if you’re around a famous landmark. Expect lineups and patiently wait your turn, or try to beat the crowds by going in the early morning.
• Find a unique vantage point or angle instead of trying to replicate something you’ve seen online.
• Consider bringing a tripod so that you can more easily frame your shot. Just keep in mind that these may be bulky and heavy to pack.
• And most importantly: don’t let the act of taking a photo distract you from experiencing the moment! 

• Santorini, Greece
• Paris, France
• Berlin, Germany
• Lake Como, Italy
• The Algarve, Portugal
• Isle of Skye, Scotland
• Venice, Italy
• Dublin, Ireland
• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Istanbul, Turkey
• London, England

Before jetting off to Santorini, make sure there’s plenty of available storage space on your phone — you’re going to need it! This Greek island’s white-washed buildings, blue-domed churches, charming streets, dramatic cliffs, black-sand beaches and fiery sunsets are begging to be shared on your Instagram feed.

In fact, it’s so gorgeous here that you don’t even have to try that hard to get a good pic. Just point and shoot — and then scroll endlessly through the memories later.

Paris is a photographer’s dream! No matter where you are in the city, you’re guaranteed to come across something worth documenting — from iconic landmarks and gorgeous gardens to quiet cobbled streets and one-of-a-kind cafés.

The Eiffel Tower, Pink Mamma restaurant, Duperré basketball court, and banks of the River Seine are overflowing with photo ops, but we also encourage you to be on the lookout for interesting doorways, markets, shop windows and views from hotel balconies.

Sure, there are a ton of historical buildings and monuments in Berlin — but that’s not the main thing to photograph here. It’s become one of the most Instagrammable spots in Europe thanks to its abundance of graffiti, murals and street art.

While the East Side Gallery at the Berlin Wall is certainly worth photographing, it can get ridiculously busy. Try wandering around Holzmarkt 25, Dead Chicken Alley, Teufelsberg and Kreuzberg instead.

Whether you stay in Bellagio, Varenna, Como or Menaggio, your camera lens is in for a treat in Lake Como. Here, stunning lake views, palatial villas and bougainvillea-draped terraces abound.

Our advice? After spending a few days exploring the town, rent a boat or join a guided tour so that you can snap pictures of this destination from the water. You’re guaranteed to get at least one photograph that’s worth being immortalized both on and off the grid. Go ahead… get it printed and framed!

Where do turquoise waters, sandy shores and seaside caves collide? The Algarve coast, of course! Portugal’s southernmost region is one of the most Instagrammable spots in Europe — especially for those with an eye for beach photography.

While Praia de Marinha, Praia do Pintadinho, Praia do Camilo and Ponta da Piedade have more than enough rock formations to keep you busy, your trip wouldn’t be complete without capturing the Algarve’s picturesque towns, many of which feature historic squares, white-washed buildings, medieval castles and towering lighthouses.

If you love taking photos of beautiful landscapes, you’ve got to put the Isle of Skye on your must-shoot list. Located on the northwest coast of Scotland (about 365km from Edinburgh), this island is characterized by rolling hills, rugged cliffs and misty lochs. There’s a stunning view and a perfect Instagram shot everywhere you look!

A road trip is the best way to explore this area. Drive around without a plan to find hidden gems, or map out a route to ensure you don’t miss Neist Point, Fairy Glen, the Old Man of Storr or the Quiraing. Oh, and don’t forget the highland cows!

Looking for one spot to get the perfect shot in Venice? You’re not going to find it… because there are many, many, many amazing places to capture photos here. From St. Mark’s Square and Ponte dei Sospiri to Libreria Acqua Alta, there’s so much to discover while wandering along the canals.

Just keep in mind that the city gets busy — especially if you visit during the summer months. It’s likely that you’ll have to wait in line or wake up early to tick certain photos off your list.

Do you love photographing cool buildings and artsy street scenes? If so, Dublin is the spot for you! It’s not only home to captivating castles and cathedrals, but also boasts the pub-lined neighbourhood of Temple Bar, two bridges designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, exquisite glasshouses and the colourful Anne’s Lane (aka “Umbrella Street").

This is also where you’ll find one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. The ornate interior of the Trinity College library contains over 200,000 ancient books and gives off some strong Hogwarts vibes that will look truly magical in your Instagram feed.

It should come as no surprise that Amsterdam is among the most Instagrammable spots in Europe. It’s famous canals, narrow houses, cool museums and floating flower market are all you need to turn your Instagram into a professional travel photography account.

This is also the perfect place to snap some delicious foodie photos. Take a bite and a pic of the Korean sandwiches from Chun, the apple pie from Café Winkel, the stroopwafels from Van Wonderen and the parmesan-covered fries from Fable Friet.

Istanbul is technically one of the best photo spots in Europe and in Asia…but let’s not get caught up on that. Regardless of which side you’re on, your camera roll (and your Instagram followers!) will thank you.

Some of our favourite scenes include the Blue Mosque at sunset, the vibrant Balat neighbourhood, the rooftop restaurant at the Seven Hills Hotel in the old town and the ornate Topkapi Palace.

Don’t let London’s iconic landmarks distract you. While they’re certainly worth seeing, there’s so much more than royal palaces and medieval architecture to capture. So, do yourself a favour and look beyond the top tourist attractions.

Keep your eyes peeled for one-of-a-kind pubs, quaint mews houses, colourful courtyards and outdoor markets as you explore the city — and pop inside a museum or department store every once in a while. There are great photo ops inside, too!

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