The world is in love with Instagram, or at least 800 million of us are. Though I admit to growing tired of thinking up new and interesting #hashtags, I do love all the beautiful and inspiring photos. Instagram has shown me that there are even more amazing places around the world then I could ever have dreamed of and some of them are in my own back yard. Others are so obscure or remote they may as well be on the moon…
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The Most Instgrammed Places in the World
I’ve been fortunate enough to have visited half of the cities and all but one of the locations on the 2017 list of the most-Instagrammed cities and locations in the world, though some of the visits took place prior to my joining social media. Have you been to all the cities on this list? If not, how many have you been to?
Been There…
Most-Instagrammed cities of 2017:
New York, New York (1)
One of the absolute best cities in the world! Every time I start thinking that maybe I’m tired of it or that it’s lost its charm I go back for another visit and fall in love all over again! In fact I’m overdue for another visit…
You might be interested in: New York! Shopping!
London, United Kingdom (3)
I LOVE London, absolutely love it, and while it’s hard to choose a #1 favorite city, I think it has to be the ONE! No matter how many days we allow for London, it’s never enough. Fish and chips, mushy peas, clotted cream, a millennia of fascinating history, those charming accents, shopping, royalty, English breakfast tea, Hunter boots, English taxi cabs, the tube, theater and I could go on and on…
You might be interested in: 25 Things to do in London
Paris, France (5)
Sometimes referred to as The City of Love, Paris is definitely moving up on my Favorite Cities list, but it wasn’t love at first sight. In fact, It wasn’t until my third visit, that I really came to realize what, many other people already feel: I love Paris!
You might also be interested in: Paris: The City of Love A Photo Tour
Los Angeles, California (6)
While some might complain that it’s too big, too smoggy, or too congested, I do LOVE LA, and there’s a reason 47 + million people found a reason to visit last year. With mild weather and endless possibilities it’s no wonder that Los Angeles is the heart of Southern California.
You might also be interested in:
What do you say LA? Messages from the Street (Art That Is)
Los Angeles, How I ❤️ Thee…
Barcelona, Spain (10)
When I asked my boys what they like most about our time spent traveling in Europe their answer was, “Living the Barcelona lifestyle!” they love the late nights, later mornings and naps or rest time in the middle of the day. Geez, who wouldn’t?!
You might also be interested in: Barcelona
The other five cities in the top 10 were: Moscow, Russia (2), Sao Paulo, Brazil (4), Saint Petersburg, Russia (7), Jakarta, Indonesia (8), Istanbul, Turkey (9)
Most-Instagrammed locations of 2017:
Disneyland, Anaheim, USA (1)
They don’t have call it the Happiest Place on Earth for nothing! Yes, it’s crowded, yes, it’s expensive, and yes, despite those things I absolutely love the Magic Kingdom. Checkout my tips and tricks for a successful visit to Disneyland.
You might also be interested in: Keep Calm & Disneyland!
Times Square, New York City, USA (2)
You might be interested in: New York Times Square & The Broadway Theater District
Central Park, New York City, USA (3)
(view of Central Park from the Temple of Dendur at the Metropolitan Museum of Art)
Located inside the Egyptian exhibition is the Temple of Dendur gallery, which has floor to ceiling windows overlooking Central Park. Did you know you can go fishing in Central Park?
You might also be interested in: New York Museums
Tour Eiffel, Paris, France (4)
It was out last night in Paris, and not knowing when I might return to the City of Light, I had a sudden desire to see the Eiffel Tower lit up one last time. Having no car, we decided to hire a taxi and asked the driver to take us somewhere we would have a great view. I guess he decided the best view was just under the Tower itself!
You might also be interested in: Much Ado about Paris!
Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Orlando, USA (6)
(okay I admit this isn’t Disney World, it’s Disneyland Paris, but I don’t have any digital photos of our visit, which took place over a decade ago.)
Our visit to Walt Disney World took place in 2008, so its high time for a return visit…
You might also be interested in: Disneyland Paris
Musée du Louvre, Paris, France (7)
The Louvre from our 2013 visit
While we didn’t go inside the Louvre on our most recent Paris visit, we did find time to wander the gardens nearby. There’s just something about Paris that makes me know I’ll be back.
You might also be interested in: Les Jardins de Paris
Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn, USA (8)
Down under the Brooklyn Bridge is a fabulous place to see fireworks on the Fourth of July. We’ve done it twice, but believe it or not I’ve still never walked across.
You might also be interested in: New York! An Overview…
Disney California Adventure Park, Anaheim, USA (9)
We always start our Disney day out at California Adventure, which is located just across the Plaza from Disneyland. Its home to all our favorite Marvel heroes, Pixar friends, and our favorite lunch spot!
You might also be interested in: You Can Fly, You Can Fly, You Can Fly… RunDisney
Las Vegas Strip, Las Vegas, USA (10)
The photographer in me was looking for night shots of the famous Las Vegas Strip, but our visit to the Eiffel Tower Experience, at the Paris Hotel and Casino, was a win for the entire family! Once you arrive on top, you’ll be 460 feet up, which means sweeping views of not only the Strip, but also the entire city!
You might also be interested in: 8 Things to do in Las Vegas… with Kids
The location I haven’t been to is: Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo, Japan (5), but it’s on my list!
…But Now I Want To Do That!
I’ve never visited a city based purely on an Instagram post, but give me time because I have a feeling it might happen, and hopefully sooner than later. Especially now that I have the trusted advice of some of my fellow travel bloggers to go along with all those gorgeous photos.
What I have done, on more than one occasion, is visit a location after seeing it posted. I’ve rarely been disappointed, but I do keep my expectations in check. Have you ever visited a place after seeing it on Instagram? Did the reality meet your expectations?
Here are just a few of the amazing destinations I’ve discovered via some of my favorite bloggers/Instagrammers. Take a look maybe you’ll discover somewhere new…
I’d never heard of Matera, Italy before reading about it on Suitcases and Sandcastles Instagram feed, but now that I have I’m completely rethinking my next overseas destination. It sounds so magical. I’d be surprised if you don’t add it to your list after reading more about it on Clare’s blog.
Norway was never even on my list, until I saw these summertime pics taken by Erin at Oregon Girl Around the World. As soon as I saw those striking red buildings I was smitten and after reading further about her northern adventures I hope to make it to this part of the world sooner than later. Check out Erin’s blog for more amazing photos and information about this northern wonderland.
Slovenia is another place that wasn’t really on my travel radar until I entered the world of blogging, but now that I’ve been reading more about it I would love to find my way there someday… Read more about this lovely spot on Untold Morsel’s blog or check out her Instagram page for even more photo inspiration.
Maybe it’s because I live by the beach, but I grew up in the forest, and we always want what we don’t have. Beyond an afternoon in Philadelphia I’ve spent little time in Pennsylvania. Thanks to Corey at Fifi & Hop I’ve been reminded that there is still so much of the USA that I have yet to explore. You can read more about Skytop here.
Slovenia again! A castle in the middle of a lake surrounded by beauty on all sides… A visit here would feel like something straight out of a fairytale! Read more about this magical place on Lorelei’s blog California Globetrotter, or check out her Instagram page.
Reading about Daisy The Bus and her family’s adventures to off the beaten path locations is always a treat, and you’re guaranteed to learn about somewhere new! Read more about them here.
And finally, in my own backyard… I love to see LA from different points of view and one of my favorites is Travel Hobbyist. She’s shown me that no matter how much I explore, or I think I know about my own city there is always more to see and discover.
Speaking of more to discover… have you checked out hilarystyle’s Instagram page? Come visit to see some of my favorite photos, and learn more about our many LA Adventures.
Pin for later:
Are We Adults Yet
Lovely shots!
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http://www.areweadultsyet.com
Hilary
Thank you!
youngandundecided
Some beautiful shots! New York got a fair few mentions there, and for good reason ha. I love it there! I’m definately guilty of taking the cliche, overdone shots when I travel. #FarawayFiles
Hilary
What’s not to love about New York?! I’m with you taking all those shots, but if it makes you happy…why not?
oregongirlaroundtheworld
Reine in Lofoten may be the most instagrammed place in Northern Norway for sure! You should go there. Oh. Swoon. Wish it was on our list for this summer as well. Thanks for including my pic, happy surprise. Great list, you definitely get around! Ha! The world I mean. 😉 #FarawayFiles
Hilary
Would love to go there. You’re welcome! I love your photos and I really hope to make it there someday… in the meantime, Oregon!
oregongirlaroundtheworld
Yes! Would love to welcome you there as well – but will probably get homesick as heck watching your road trip! Enjoy!
SeasonedTravelr, aka Jessica
I’ve been to the same cities as you on this list! And none of the other cities you showed photos from haha. I haven’t heard of some of them, so I will definitely have to look into them now! Thanks for sharing 🙂 #FarawayFiles
Hilary
It’s amazing what’s out there just waiting to be explored!
Lisa Marie
That#s a really cool post! Been to all of the places you’ve been to too – so sad London lost a bit of it’s instagrammability this year due to the Big Ben being under construction! #FarawayFiles
Hilary
Still, number 3 isn’t too shabby!
California Globetrotter
Omgosh what a fun post! Thank you so much for the shout out! I hope one day you do make it to Lake Bled as it’s incredibly amazing! You will LOVE it! #FarawayFiles
Hilary
You’re so welcome! I hope so too! I hope to spend a year abroad when my kids are a bit older…
California Globetrotter
Careful, that year may turn into never returning home! 😉
Clare Thomson
This is such an inspiring post, Hilary! I’m a little in love with Instagram too now and I’ve definitely started browsing it for travel inspiration. You’ve made me realise I must go back to LA sooner rather than later and I’m also desperate to go to the Lofoten Islands after seeing all Erin’s amazing pix. Thank you so much for including me Xx #FarawayFiles
Hilary
You’re travels are a constant source of discussion in our house, as we’d love to follow in your travel footsteps. You’ve been to so many unique places. We’d love you to come visit and see what you think about our city!
Janis
Some great shots – It’s funny what you said about Paris, that you only started to fall in love with it on your third visit. I hear that so often. I think it’s such beautiful city, I’d return time and time again.
Looking at these shots, there’s so much more I need to tick off my list. #farawayfiles
Hilary
I would definitely return to Paris! Now that I’m in the I love Paris club! 😘
Tanja
interesting list, been to London and Paris..nice shots!#farawayfiles
Hilary
Thanks! It was fun putting it together and realizing how fortunate I’ve been to see so many amazing places!
insiderfamilies
Love seeing these shots from all over the world. Hoping to make it back to a few of these myself soon! #FarawayFiles
Katherine
Far out, you’ve been everywhere! I’ve been to a few of those places, but not as many as you. But, like you, I LOOOOOOVE London. If it weren’t for the relentlessly-crappy weather in winter, I’d still be living there. If any city is instagram-friendly, it’s London by a long shot! #FarawayFiles
Hilary
I grew up in Seattle so London weather doesn’t bug me too much, but my husband hates it. Still, I’d love to live there for a year or two someday. Maybe when the kids are out of the house! 😂
Daniel J Conerd
Great captures by all! Great post! I might have to do one of my own of these posts! #farawayfiles
Hilary
Thank you! It was very fun putting it together!!