Sony Mobile has compiled a ranking of the world’s most photographed historic landmarks. Topping the list is the Eiffel Tower, followed by London’s Big Ben. St. Peter’s Basilica takes seventh place, while the Colosseum ranks tenth.
Photos for Instagram
The top 30 list of the world’s most photographed historic sites was drawn up by analyzing Instagram data, revealing an unsurprising outcome: over a third of all shots are identical.
- Leading photographers worldwide have captured a series of inspiring shots with Xperia XZ to show how historic landmarks can appear totally different when photographed in unique lighting or with creative color techniques;
- 85% of photos taken at Machu Picchu come from the same spot – that’s nearly half a million identical images on Instagram; similarly, 74% for the Trevi Fountain.
- The #XperiaNewPerspectives research shows that more than half the photos of the top 30 most photographed historic sites are all shot from the same three vantage points;
- It’s no surprise the Eiffel Tower tops the list, but the fact that 35% of historic landmark photos are always snapped from just three angles is striking. Some spots are even more photographed in cliché ways: Rio’s Christ the Redeemer hits 71% of all photos taken from the same three locations, rising to 74% for the Trevi Fountain, 77% for Mount Fuji, and 85% for Machu Picchu;
- There’s a strong desire for fresh, original images: 47% of those surveyed said they’re bored by the usual photos, and 52% are more likely to “like” a shot they’ve never seen before;
- A full 55% say their travel itineraries are shaped by photo opportunities at each location, and 47% admit they’re tired of seeing the same three shots while on holiday.
- 52% are more likely to share a photo of a landmark if it’s original or from a new angle; 45% say Instagram inspires them on what to visit and photograph.
Ranking: The 30 Most Photographed Places in the World
| Rank | Historic Place | Country | No. of Instagram Images | % of Photos from Same Angles |
| 1 | Eiffel Tower | France | 4,654,699 | 35% |
| 2 | Big Ben | UK | 2,435,223 | 50% |
| 3 | Louvre | France | 1,740,908 | 43% |
| 4 | Empire State Building | USA | 1,570,167 | 45% |
| 5 | Burj Khalifa | UAE | 1,446,682 | 43% |
| 6 | Cathédrale Notre-Dame | France | 1,330,688 | 53% |
| 7 | St. Peter’s Basilica | Vatican City | 1,131,705 | 30% |
| 8 | Time Square | USA | 1,100,344 | 54% |
| 9 | Sagrada Familia | Spain | 936,216 | 55% |
| 10 | Colosseum | Italy | 860,248 | 66% |
| 11 | Statue of Liberty | USA | 813,930 | 74% |
| 12 | Machu Picchu | Peru | 745,815 | 85% |
| 13 | Alhambra | Spain | 745,716 | 35% |
| 14 | Borobudur | Indonesia | 667,086 | 50% |
| 15 | Red Square | Russia | 591,430 | 52% |
| 16 | Christ the Redeemer | Brazil | 581,523 | 71% |
| 17 | Taj Mahal | India | 571,070 | 38% |
| 18 | Burj Al Arab | UAE | 534,562 | 56% |
| 19 | Mount Fuji | Japan | 533,696 | 77% |
| 20 | Buckingham Palace | UK | 498,280 | 58% |
| 21 | Tokyo Tower | Japan | 485,744 | 44% |
| 22 | Ha Long Bay | Thailand | 475,390 | 57% |
| 23 | Arc de Triomphe | France | 449,856 | 49% |
| 24 | Berlin Wall | Germany | 434,869 | 21% |
| 25 | Trevi Fountain | Italy | 427,708 | 74% |
| 26 | Great Wall of China | China | 412,603 | 72% |
| 27 | Sydney Opera House | Australia | 408,919 | 44% |
| 28 | Table Mountain | South Africa | 386,723 | 61% |
| 29 | Park Güell | Spain | 383,853 | 32% |
| 30 | Sacré-Cœur Basilica | France | 376,730 | 59% |
Professional Photographers
For this project, Sony Mobile worked with three of the world’s top photographers, equipping them with a Sony Xperia XZ to capture some of the most iconic historic landmarks from fresh angles: from the Colosseum enveloped in soft, evocative light, to sharp images of crowds admiring the Eiffel Tower, all made possible by the Xperia XZ’s advanced camera features.
“This project has shown us just how essential photography is while we travel and how deeply intertwined the two are,” says Stelios Charalampakis, Sales Manager MU SEM Sony Mobile. “Photos are a vital part of every journey, whether it’s a city view, an adventure, or simply a beach scene. Thanks to the Xperia XZ’s impressive photo quality, travelers can rely on crisp shots, true colors, and great performance even in low light. We hope to inspire a new generation of travelers and photographers to view their journeys through a new lens.”
How Photography Has Changed Over the Last Decade
Scott Gray, CEO of the World Photography Organization, comments: “The world of photography has changed dramatically in the past decade, especially with easier access to high-quality cameras. Smartphone technology has made it possible for everyone not just to improve their skills but also to work with much higher resolutions. The ability to capture the unexpected can now really disrupt the traditional rules of creativity, giving users the chance to create unique, iconic images. It’s fantastic that photographers experiment with new techniques and filters, but images shot this creatively—while they may need editing—will require much less retouching for a more natural look.”
Travel photographer Lluís Salvadó’s tips for new perspectives
- Play with colors and light: It’s amazing how a scene can change using clever tricks;
- If you want an original shot, use reflective surfaces – even a bit of water can transform a famous landmark;
- Look for beauty in the surroundings and architecture, not just the iconic building itself – intricate details often reveal real artistry;
- Experiment with different perspectives, such as shooting from above or below, and don’t be afraid to try new angles;
- Use people in your frame to give a sense of scale and context, and try forced perspectives for creative results.
