Strap yourself in for our guide to the most Insta-worthy spots across some of our favourite European destinations. Prepare to capture incredible architecture, impressive portraits by the water and panoramic views of the city.
Take note of these picture-perfect places for your next holiday and your social media pages will never have looked as inspiring!
Paris, France
First up is the City of Light. Full of romantic hotspots, cultural attractions and landmark-lined boulevards, Paris is a photographer’s haven. Why not fill a picnic basket and head to watch the sunset by the Eiffel Tower?
Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole
Visiting a restaurant or café like Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole unlocks lots of content opportunities! Sit outside and take some selfies against the wisteria. On a colder day, the vintage décor and cosy fireplace pictures beautifully.
Jardin du Luxembourg
These gardens feature a large pond, rose garden and historical monuments. What more need we say? Entry is free, bonus! It’s especially great for some family pictures.
The Eiffel Tower from the Arc de Triomphe
The observation desk from the Arc de Triomphe is great for panoramic views of the city and seeing an alternative view of the Eiffel Tower. Pictures or reels of this beauty deserve pride of place on your feed.
Top tip: We recommend playing around with vintage filters to tap into Paris’ gilded historic arrondissements.
Venice, Italy
Naturally, the city built on water makes its way on our list. The maze of wonderful canals and bridges make for a magnificent photography trip.
Top tip: Visit Venice's Christmas markets or during the carnival for extra special pictures!
St Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco)
This 11th-century square is a true Venice hotspot, and if you’re looking for some intimate photos, get up early to beat the rush! It starts getting busy from 8am. Doge’s Palace and Basilica Di San Marco are great backdrops.
Bridge of Sighs and Rialto Bridge
There are so many bridges around Venice waiting to be captured. It’s up to you whether it’ll be Rialto Bridge or a smaller one arcing over a narrow canal like the Bridge of Sighs. Bellissimo!
Gondola ride
It almost goes without saying that a gondola ride is a must. Perfect for solo, couples or water shots, these rides embody the beauty of Venice.
Santorini, Greece
Pack some flowing dresses or colourful shirts for your Santorini photoshoots. What about picking something blue or white to match the island’s famous domes?
Anastaseos Church, Imerovigli
There are plenty of blue domes on the island, but this is one of the most popular ones. You can even hire a professional photographer to capture the famous flying dress picture if you’re wanting to pull out all the stops.
Go for a wander around these three historic houses – you’ll find them next to the old Castle of Oia. It’s a great area to stay but shouldn’t be overlooked as a great place for some sunset shots either.
There are plenty of rocks overlooking this tranquil port perfect for capturing its idyllic essence. It’s worth noting, there are plenty of steps to get to the bottom if you’re wanting to swim, but a taxi is a great alternative to trekking back up.
Barcelona, Spain
Update your profile with some of Barcelona’s most photogenic pinpoints. Meander through parks while doing so and admire the city’s colours and cosmopolitan flair.
You’ve probably seen these vibrant mosaics before even if you’ve never been to Barcelona. An adult’s ticket is well worth the 10 euros to experience Gaudi’s magnificent work.
Casa Padua
If you’re one for wandering beautiful streets at your own pace and pressing the shutter as you please, Casa Padua is a stone’s throw away from Parc Guell. This colourful house is great for posing in front of.
The Carmel Bunkers
Looking to try the panning feature? With 360 degrees of city and mountain views, here’s your chance. It may get a little busy so being patient is a must. Seeing the city’s lights after dark is magical too. And all for free...
Sagrada Familia at Placa de Gaudi
This park sits across from the basilica and is a quiet, peaceful place. Looking through the trees at the exquisite church is other-worldly and is a must-visit when in Barcelona.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest might just become one of your favourite cities with its dreamy architecture and rich history. You should try and tick as many places off as possible!
You’ll have views of the river Danube, the dazzling castle and some sweet courtyards. There’s so much to do and see here, you’ll be snapping your camera everywhere you turn.
Entrance to the balconies is free and you can pay a fee for the turrets, but whether it’s day or night, the views are phenomenal. Budapest or a fairytale?
Central Market Hall
If you have Budapest booked during the festive period – great choice! The market hall is three floors of Christmas crafts, charming cuisine and merry gifts.
Top tip: Visit late morning or early afternoon to get the best out of your visit.
This historical monument is sure to impress your followers. Whether you’re picturing the statues or you’re the one being captured in the middle, it’s a photographer’s dream.
Satisfy your hungry wanderlust, have a fantastic time tapping into your creative camera skills and tag us in your Instagram posts at @jet2pics!
Posted: 18th Sept 2023. Updated: 29th Feb 2024.