Most Picturesque Destinations
Whether you’re sunbathing on a beach in Barbados or dancing your way around Ibiza, there’s something irresistible about capturing the moment. A quick upload keeps you connected with friends, builds your online aesthetic and lets you relive the trip long after it’s over. With social feeds becoming more visual than ever, many travellers now choose destinations that look just as good on camera as they do in real life. So it got us wondering — where are the world’s most picturesque destinations?
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What Makes a Destination “Beautiful”?
To find the most picturesque locations on the planet, we analysed recommendations from top travel publications including TripAdvisor, Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveller. We then scored each destination across 11 factors, including:
- TikTok video views
- Instagram search volume
- Pinterest search volume
- Percentage of sunny days per year
- Internet speed
- Positive social mentions per 100,000 visitors
Each factor was scored out of 100 and weighted to create a final ranking. The higher the score, the more photo-friendly the destination.
The World’s Most Picturesque Destination
Taking the top spot is New York City. From the iconic skyline to atmospheric streets and world-famous landmarks, it’s no surprise NYC is a photographer’s dream. With:
- 57.2 billion TikTok views
- 1.1 million monthly Pinterest searches
- 9.6 million monthly Instagram searches
New York is the world’s most searched and most shared destination. Snapshots at Central Park, Times Square, the High Line, City Hall Station or the famous DUMBO bridge view guarantee photo gold.
The Rest of the Top Five
Madrid – 2nd Place
The sun-soaked Spanish capital offers warm colours, lively plazas and golden light — perfect for travel shots. Madrid racks up 34.4 billion TikTok views and enjoys sunshine nearly half the year (47.1%). Add in historical UNESCO sites like El Escorial and you’ve got a destination that looks unreal on camera.
London – 3rd Place
London shines thanks to its mix of historical architecture and modern city life. From Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey to pastel streets and leafy parks, the city is packed with scenic spots. With 72.2 billion TikTok videos and high positive tourist sentiment, it's a clear favourite among travellers.
Paris – 4th Place
The City of Light never disappoints. Paris scored:
- 7.8 million monthly Instagram searches
- 67.5 billion TikTok views
- Over 81 positive mentions per 100,000 visitors
From the Eiffel Tower and The Louvre to hidden gems like Rue de l’Université, Paris delivers guaranteed “wow” moments at every turn.
Lisbon – 5th Place
Lisbon rounds out the top five. Its colourful streets, vintage trams and tiled buildings make it a visual treat. The city enjoys 36.2% sunny days per year and over 1.2 billion TikTok views. Head to viewpoints like Miradouro da Senhora do Monte or Miradouro das Portas do Sol for unbeatable skyline photos.
Where Are the Sunniest Photo Spots?
Sunshine can dramatically transform a photo — boosting colour, adding contrast and creating beautiful shadows. So which destinations offer the most sunshine?
- Dubai takes first place with 72.6% sunny days, perfect for capturing the Burj Khalifa and its dazzling skyline.
- Jaipur, India’s vibrant Pink City, follows with 57.3%.
- Beijing comes third with 48% sunny days, ideal for scenic cityscapes.
What’s the World’s Best City to Visit?
If we’re talking social buzz, London currently leads the pack with 171.11 positive mentions per 100,000 tourists. Its mix of culture, cuisine and iconic landmarks makes it a clear favourite for travellers wanting to be part of the action.
New York follows closely with 111.03 positive mentions, while Vancouver takes third thanks to its lush forests, mountain backdrops and stunning coastline.
Whether you’re into urban skylines, beach escapes or historical city breaks, every destination in the rankings offers incredible photo potential — especially with a great smartphone camera. If you’re looking to upgrade before your next adventure, the refurbished mobile phone range has plenty of high-end models at budget-friendly prices.
